Staal is big time!
by cyroose on Jul 16, 2010 8:40 PM EDT
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Us fans at Pensburgh and the Post Gazette have all been talking about Jordan Staal moving to Line Two with Evgeni Malkin to form a "Staalkin" line. There seems to be two camps of the conversation, the pro-Staalkin and the anti-Staalkin line. The pro-Staalkin group is arguing that Staal is too good for the third line, the Pens can't afford another Top 6 winger, and Malkin needs some help with his linemates. The anti-Staalkin group is arguing that moving Staal or Malkin to wing would take away our strength down the middle, and we would lose the mismatches that having Staal on the third line creates.
Here is one thing that I think is being lost in this debate: What does Staal want? Think about it. If you were him,would you want to play on the third line for your whole career, or light up the lamp with one of this generation's best players in Evgeni Malkin?
via christophergates.files.wordpress.com
If we don't make Staal our second line center, he will leave the Penguins when his contract is up, and some other team will snatch him up. Malkin needs a spark to help him rebound from his bad year, Staal needs some more talent around him, and the third line will manage. (at least it will still have Matt Cooke!) Staal also put up tremendous numbers (29 G, 13 A) in his ROOKIE year playing with Geno. What's to lose? Oh, and if you google Jordan Staal, the first hit is pictures of him, but if you google Crosby you have to scroll down to see the pictures. Just sayin............
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What does Staal want?
Excellent question. It has been a small part of the ongoing debate surrounding Staal’s move to the 2nd line. I know Diomedes has brought up the notion that Jordan and Geno would probably both be pretty happy about playing together. This point about Staal wanting more than a spot on the 3rd line should not go overlooked. I know we like to think that he is one of the ultimate team guys who will do whatever is best for the team and whatever gives them the best chance of winning, but he is still a professional athlete who no doubt has tremendous pride and wants to push and challenge himself to be the best that he can be, and how better to do that than, as you mentioned, playing with one of the best players of this generation?
I’ve probably told this story before, so I apologize if you’ve seen it already. At the Pens-Caps game this past February 7th, the Caps fans around the bench were all over Jordan even before the game started. I mean they were giving it to him almost as bad as they were giving it to Sid. Their comments weren’t all that intelligent – mostly along the lines of “you’re not even the best player in your family”, that kind of thing. But it was definitely getting to him, at least to the point that he was yapping back to them. When he went out and got those 2 goals in 90 seconds in the 2nd period, he was throwing it right back at them, really rubbing it in.
.
When I got home and watched the replay of the game, I took this picture off my tv:
From Misc
.
That was the happiest I’d seen him other than when they won the Cup, being able to show those fools the real Jordan Staal. My point is, he’ll play whatever role GMRS and HCDB want him to play, but I’m starting to agree with those who say he is too good to be stuck on the 3rd line, even if ours is not a typical 3rd line. I’m looking forward to seeing what he and Geno can do.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jul 17, 2010 12:25 AM EDT reply actions 8 recs
great story PAYD… Love it.
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
What does Malkin want?
A few weeks ago, Dave Molinari wrote an article on the possibility of Staal and Malkin playing on the same line. When he asked GMRS about it, Shero said, “Good players like to play together.”
After a season of playing with wings that for whatever reason (injury, off-year, lack of chemistry, etc.) didn’t quite click, you have to think Malkin would would “like to play together” with Staal.
guys… rec it up… I wanna turn that story green how good it is…
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
happy staal is my favorite staal.
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 17, 2010 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m firmly in the wait and see camp… But he and Geno have a genuine rapport and are very versatile & talented… If anyone can make it work, they will
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
I think this is an excellent question. I’m sure he’d love playing with Geno. Then again, he knows how valuable his third line role is on the team, but, in the end, I’m sure he just wants what’s best for the team. Right now, that’s no doubt centering Geno.
If we don’t make Staal our second line center, he will leave the Penguins when his contract is up, and some other team will snatch him up
I’m sort of on the fence about this two line thing (good for now, bad for later), but if Staal is going to leave the Pens because he’s pissed he’s third on the depth chart behind two of the best centers in the world, I don’t want him on the Pens and I don’t think the Pens would want him on the Pens.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
but if Staal is going to leave the Pens because he’s pissed he’s third on the depth chart behind two of the best centers in the world, I don’t want him on the Pens and I don’t think the Pens would want him on the Pens.
I’m sorry but that is rediculous. We all know what he can do if given the chance to be an offensive type player. Just look at his numbers from his rookie year. He knows it too. He’s become an elite defensive center because he’s been on that 3rd line.
I’d be pissed if I were Jordan and I spent my entire career on a ‘gritty’ line where I wasn’t able to maximize my talents.
Copy and paste:
If I had the chance to play behind arguably two of the best centers in the world, play twenty minutes a night, and have a chance to win the Cup every year, then yes, I would totally want that.
If Staal’s so upset about playing on the third line, would he have signed a 4 year contract last year? The guy wants what’s best for the team, and I’m sure he’s happy with his new role with Geno, but I’m also more than sure he’d be just as happy on the third line. Either way, he knows he makes a huge difference to the team.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
Jesus Christ.
I know that. Are you seriously telling me that you would want Staal on the team if he was unhappy with his role (whether that’s on the 2nd line or 3rd line, that doesn’t really matter for the point I’m trying to make) and refused to to sign it?
You would seriously want a guy on the Pens even if he didn’t want to be on the Pens?
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
we’re disputing the idea that Staalsy would ever be unhappy here in this team. The fact that he inked a 4 year deal early on proves that he wants to be on this team. Plus it’s doesn’t seem to be in his character to be a locker room cancer.
As proven with Jags, a player who wants out should be allowed to leave but Jagr was volatile and slightly temperamental, none of these qualities we see in Jordan here.
As much of a Staal fan I am, I’d be the first to kick him out of the Consol if he starts to become a cancer when he’s unhappy.
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
Agreed.
That’s the only point I was trying to prove.
I know that cyroose meant well in writing that, but he’s not going to leave the Pens if he gets put on the third line.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
but if Staal is going to leave the Pens because he’s pissed he’s third on the depth chart behind two of the best centers in the world, I don’t want him on the Pens and I don’t think the Pens would want him on the Pens.
Would you want to spend 82 games centering a line with Cooke and Kennedy that doesn’t see important minutes, while also having a boatload of talent?
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
If I had the chance to play behind arguably two of the best centers in the world, play twenty minutes a night, and have a chance to win the Cup every year, then yes, I would totally want that.
If Staal’s so upset about playing on the third line, would he have signed a 4 year contract last year? The guy wants what’s best for the team, and I’m sure he’s happy with his new role with Geno, but I’m also more than sure he’d be just as happy on the third line. Either way, he knows he makes a huge difference to the team.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
Maybe I didn’t explain the last part as well as I could’ve.
The likelihood of the Staal-Geno line lasting isn’t all the good. Sure, it’s possible that they could have this unbelievable chemistry that makes the team never want to part them. The reality is, at the end of the day, the team is still concerned with match up issues and Staal is the third on the depth chart (I realize that Geno could switch to wing, but as of now, he’s still a winger). More than likely, they’ll will go back to rolling three lines with Sid, Geno, and Staal at some point. The reason for this is for great 3 line depth (as you all know).
Either way(2nd line or 3rd line), I’m sure Staal just wants what’s best for the team. If he doesn’t want to be a team player, is going to be pissed about his role on the third line, and refuse to sign a contract with the Pens because of it, then I don’t think I’d want him on the team and I think the team would feel the same way.
I wasn’t saying he wasn’t good enough to play on the second line, I was simply responding to what was written. I happen to feel that the statement is a little outlandish and accuses Staal of not wanting what’s best for the team, which I’m certain is what he wants.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
If he doesn’t want to be a team player, is going to be pissed about his role on the third line, and refuse to sign a contract with the Pens because of it, then I don’t think I’d want him on the team and I think the team would feel the same way.
this is based on what?
cite?
source?
What are you talking about?
I think your misunderstanding what I’m talking about. I was responding to this statement:
If we don’t make Staal our second line center, he will leave the Penguins when his contract is up, and some other team will snatch him up.
I’m trying to make a point that Staal is happy about his role, whether that’s on the 3rd or 2nd line, or he wouldn’t of signed a 4 year contract. He obviously wants what’s best for the team.
Ray Shero has said that he doesn’t want players who don’t want to be here. I think that’s a pretty obvious idea for most teams.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
I’m glad this post has sparked such a lively debate! The point I was trying to make when I said this
If we don’t make Staal our second line center, he will leave the Penguins when his contract is up, and some other team will snatch him upwas this: Staal definitely has the talent to be a solid #2 center. Suppose we continue to use him as our defensive #3 center playing with our third liners, and playing in a mostly defensive role. Then, if he decides to test the free agency market when his contract expires, he will get offers from other teams to play with their goal scorers and scoring wingers, and they may be able to offer him more money than the Pens. Staal would at least be tempted to leave.
Now suppose the Pens put him on Line 2 with Geno. Even if another team can pay him more money, why would he leave the Pens? He would be playing with one of the top 3 players of this generation in Evgeni Malkin.
"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra
The point that I was making was that the statement:
If we don’t make Staal our second line center, he will leave the Penguins when his contract is up, and some other team will snatch him up
makes Staal sound like a brat who’s not a team player. I know, and I think we all know, that Staal wants what’s best for the team. If DB/Shero decide that he needs to play on the third line for the team to play their best, he’ll do that (obviously, right now, we need him with Geno but that’s not the point.) BUT if he somehow is unhappy with that, and refuses to sign a contract with us because of it, I don’t want him on my team and I doubt the Pens would either.
Besides, whether or not he’s playing with Sid/Geno, he’s already on a team with two of the best players in the world….If he doesn’t like that, then I’m sure we’ll have no trouble attracting other FAs over.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
I think we’re forgetting about Talbot. Assuming he is back to balance and feeling better about skating and everything, he could center that third line too. He’s no Jordan Staal, but he does have some defensive ability, and we all know the kind of energy he can bring. All would not be lost if Staal plays with Geno.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
What does Staal want?
This is a very, VERY good point. Fact of the matter is that does weigh into a coach’s decision. Slightly! Also, you don’t want Staal to never consider signing in Pittsburgh because he ended up getting frustrated with the way he was being used. On that note, with his family, he doesn’t seem to be the type of kid that would b**ch and moan about the way he is being used. Either way, we can debate all we want about what we want to see, fact remains, it’s Danny B’s decision. He’ll do what is best for his vision and gameplan. Either way, whether it’s a Staalkin line or Staal continues to drive that third line, this is still going to be a GREAT team and darn it, I personally cannot wait until September!!! (camp). I mean come on, is it here yet?
by Wags24 on Jul 17, 2010 1:33 PM EDT reply actions
Also, you don’t want Staal to never consider signing in Pittsburgh because he ended up getting frustrated with the way he was being used.
Yes, totally agree. I think he’s happy one the third line, although, maybe that’s not the right way to put it. I think he’s happy with his role on the team.
fact remains, it’s Danny B’s decision.
Yep. Who knows maybe we see Sid and Staal or Sid and Geno or even the 3 lines to start the season…Either way, this is going to be interesting.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
On a similar note, I’ve heard rumors about Marc Staal possibly going to Carolina. That’s three Staal’s on one team people. Unfair.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
yes… He should come here and play for us…
after all it’s been scientifically proven that your chances for a Stanley Cup rises directly proportionate to the number of Staals you have on your team
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
I’m serious. Check out Cap Geek’s salary calculator and play with it. If we offered Goligoski in a trade and got Marc Staal, and offered him 2 million, which I think Jordan could talk him into doing, especially if you’re playing for a contender, we still have 2 million left in space.
Disclaimer: I know a lot of people think that GoGo still has to “mature,” but his edges were really rough this past season, and I don’t like him. For me to appreciate him, he’s going to have to score 30 goals, break Ovechkin’s leg, get me a starting job that pay between 20-30 K a year, and, never give up a lazy defensive play again.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
Only one problem, Marc Staal’s a Restricted Free Agent.
I probably shouldn’t say this considering they signed Boogard, but I don’t think they’re dumb enough to let M. Staal go.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
I know this is the big problem, but I think the one thing that we, and pretty much every other team has going for them, is that they still haven’t reached a deal yet. I just read an article today that talks about how this was the same situation they had last year with Dubinsky, which I’m sure the Rangers want to try and avoid again.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
if m-staal leaves the rangers, it’ll put quite a wrench into my “accidentally bump into marc staal in nyc” plan.
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 17, 2010 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
But if other teams start shooting offers at him, I’m sure that’ll light a fire under the Ranger’s asses.
Plus, I don’t think there’s any way we let go of Gogo. The organization thinks too highly of him, ans I have to agree with them.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
but if it’s between Gogo & M. Staal, I think more than a few would still pull the trigger considering Marc’s a proven blue-liner & has a debatably higher upside than Gogo.
I like Gogo & I like his contract for us. The fact that his contract allows us to be more competitive because we can invest more $ on other places like our wings.
That said, I hope we’re the first to pounce if Marc becomes available. I can so imagine the Staal family dinners if Marc becomes a UFA… hehehe
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
i’ve said it once, i’ll say it again, we get marc staal, i am going to send shero and his family an edible arrangement once a month, every month, for the rest of my life.
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 17, 2010 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
20-30 grand a year?
Crap, you can get that anywhere…
In my honest opinion, Gogo is a work in progress…HOWEVER, with that being said and very much understood, with the amount the Pens are paying, there needs to be more. Either as a solid D-man or a quality point-producing D-man…either way works, just needs to do it now.
by Wags24 on Jul 17, 2010 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Staals on the Hurricanes...
Ok, I am a Penguins fan first and foremost. Secondly, I live in Raleigh so I would LOVE to see a third Staal here. That would be sweet. Where do you see these rumors? Details, please!
by Wags24 on Jul 17, 2010 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I knew someone was going to ask for details! I saw he still wasn’t signed and negotiations were “ongoing,” so I Googled it up a bit and started reading a bunch of different articles, and one of them was the “rumor,” or I should say idea, about him possibly going to the Canes for a Koivu trade or something along those lines.
http://www.fromtherink.com/2010/6/30/1544148/could-marc-staal-join-brother-eric
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
DePaoli article today
wrote that Malkin is preparing for move to wing
the team views him as their best pure goal-scorer, still
sees 45+ on Staal’s line
says that Tangradi may spend time in WBS OR he may be ready right out of camp
long-term envisioning him on Crosby’s line
but near-term on Staal’s line
Do you have a link to this? I’d love to read it.
Awesome! Hopefully, Geno’s ready.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
Link didn't post......
Here it is again: Malkin preparing to move to wing
"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra
Another thing, and I realize that everyone had a short summer last year, but at the beginning of last season Geno told Alyonka in an interview that he hadn’t been working out much in the summer and was only at the rink twice.
I wondered all year if he just wasn’t ready for the season to start. Now that I hear he’s preparing for a change in position, it gives me a lot more confidence in him.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
Guys tell girls things for lots of reasons. Maybe that was Geno’s way of letting her know that by not working out, he had plenty of energy for other pursuits.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jul 19, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
tangradi-staal-malkin?
oh my lord, i am going to start jumping up and down.
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 17, 2010 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I still think that’s the best case scenario…
allows Gradi to play on his natural left side. Maybe when he overtakes Kuni, he can play on line 1 while Kuni comes down.
& forget jumping up & down, I highly doubt I’d be able to sit at all during games… lol
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
i’ve read the nickname & i approve.
:)
my Staalkin name has been one-upped..
:(
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
No frowns
I should’ve given you credit for the Staalkin portion. Who knows if Tangradi will even provide the “grad”.
it’s a slightly disappointed that i never made up the “grad” part myself…
But Gradi’s gonna make it… Even if it was a placebo effect of being next to the awesomeness that is Staalkin…
Is it October yet?
Just so I never have to answer this again. I'm from Singapore so whenever you see me online, I'm either sleep deprived or just waking up.
Journalists...
You can put about as much weight into what a journalist says as the rumors we put up in here because that’s just it, he knows about as much as we do. Out of all the Journalist rumors and rants prior to the free agent period, how many of the BIG rumors happend? From the ones I was tracking as big-time….absolutely ZERO! They want people to read their stuff so that’s what they do, make **** up as they go!
by Wags24 on Jul 17, 2010 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions
3C
DePaoli also said the Pens could consider signing a 3C in free agency
but that they do not currently have an interest in Halpern or Moore
but rather in another 3C that was unnamed
any thoughts on the mystery 3C?
Madden?
Modano?
Belanger?
MM
Ahhhhhh, someone else mentioned Mike Modano—he would be perfect.
Great guy, has had a great career: it would be nice to seem play with a very good and talented team, one who could win another Cup. And a sweetheart of a person, too; he’d fit right in.
I think Staal does belong on our second line, but I am torn. I like him on either the 3d or 2nd. It would be what would be best for the team and making another good player happy. No issue there. This is a very tough one to call.
Someone wrote into the Post-Gazette Friday and asked Molinari: “If it is time to move Malkin up to Crosby’s line………” That was an interesting concept.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 17, 2010 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
"If it is time to move Malkin up to Crosby’s line………" That was an interesting concept.
Personally, I don’t see it happening.
BUT, it would give us a clear-cut (as clear as clear can be) 1st line and it certainly would be interesting.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
by PensFan8725 on Jul 17, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
It was a very interesting write up and response, though.
I would love to see those two play on the same line, just for the hell of it. I know it doesn’t make sense to to it permanently but it would be a thrill to watch.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 18, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
you see it at some point(s) every game: on the PP, after a PK at the end of a period, late in games when the Pens are trailing, in OT, etc.
I know but it is too short a time that they play together and seems the HCDB throws them together when the Pens are losing, being reactive not proactive.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 18, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I know this probably won't happen, but
Has anyone really thought that the team might actually be contemplating putting Sid and Geno together? I realize that, on paper, it makes more sense to put Geno with Staal, but I think the team might actually consider putting him with 87 (no matter how briefly).
It could look like this:
Geno-Sid-Dupuis (yes, I know about Kuni, but we have to spread the love)
Cooke-Staal-Kunitz (Remeber how well Kuni worked with Staal?)
Rupp-Talbot-TK (Rupp, just for size)
Godard-Adams-Tangradi (can’t see Eric starting in the top 6)
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
My Thoughts...
Yes! Yes! Yes!
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 19, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't go after Modano
He’s too old, he’ll be 41 next season. Madden would be good, but I don’t know if we can get him.
"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra
I think Modano still has some good play left.
I know—he is 40 now but he also brings alot of leadership: i.e., like Guerin did with Sid.
I just thought he could fill in avoid and Sid is like a sponge, absorb and learn.
But whatever benefits the team—if Madden would I’d say yes.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 19, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d be thrilled if the Pens signed Modano to play 3C. He couldn’t even play 4C for Dallas last season, he had to move to 4W.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 19, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Heh … I sense that you don’t have the Pens’ best interest in mind!
Shero gets an A. Burkie gets a checkmark.
Since I cheer for the Caps, that’s a fair assumption ;-)
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 19, 2010 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
We Know His true Intentions Now...
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 20, 2010 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I am obviously in favor of the aforementioned “Staalkin” line and with tangradi, that could be deadly, and it’s sounding like E-Tanger is doing great in camp. He is a big physical body like kunitz which can only help Staal and Malkin. Now once we sign Crosby a winger, instead of a 3c, I honestly think we are going to be a serious contender for top team in the east and the cup!
Now once we sign Crosby a winger, instead of a 3c
Its possible.
If Shero can pull a miracle signing (like Selanne or Frolov), they’ll be able to put Dupuis’s defensive prowess on the 3rd line to partially compensate for Staal moving to 2C
Kunitz – Crosby – Selanne/Frolov
Tangradi – Staal – Malkin
Cooke – Talbot – Dupuis —>> (all PK-ers)
Eklund (i know!) said there is some talk that if Frolov doesn’t get the big contract he wants this year he could “pull a Hossa” and sign a 1-year deal w/ the team he feels has the best shot at a Cup + increasing his market value. Its hard to argue that playing Crosby’s wing wouldn’t increase his market value next season…
i’ve heard rumors that frolov’s kind of an ass though. confirm/deny?
we're not trading jordan staal.
by katielynn906 on Jul 17, 2010 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
he’s erratic. one of them thar “enigmatic Russians” perhaps.
but he’s got good size, plays D, and is excellent re: puck possession.
there was talk that he wanted a multi-year deal at like $5M/year
and no one is going to give that kind of money to someone who is “erratic” or “enigmatic”
esp. when they aren’t sure he’s really a 30-goal man
his goal output, like everything else, is inconsistent, erratic, enigmatic, etc.
but i haven’t heard of him being an ass!
I honestly think we are going to be a serious contender for top team in the east and the cup!
Not to rein on your parade or anything (seriously), but I think that we became a contender for the Cup about 2 and a half weeks ago.
Sid will be fine with Dupes and Kuni for a while…you just know Shero is going shopping at the trade deadline.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
by PensFan8725 on Jul 17, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah i was actually referring to that too, we used to be the team that was “can’t beat us if you can’t outscore us” but now we don’t have to be, with this new D-core, I can’t see us losing to many teams in a 7 game series.
Defense wins championships…something that the Caps don’t understand.
Which Caps D man said that they could play “average defense” against the Habs and still beat them…I can’t remember?
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
Just before the playoffs this year some talking head said something along the lines of “The Caps are out to prove that you don’t necessarily need defense to win the Cup.” It didn’t work out for them this year, but I wouldn’t count them out just yet. If they can really hit their stride in April/May instead of February/March, their offense has the potential to obliterate other teams’ defence.
Of course, if the Pens get their offensive groove back on and play with the defense we’re expecting of them … well … then the Caps will be in trouble. And I’m okay with that!
Shero gets an A. Burkie gets a checkmark.
Plus, I don’t have all the numbers in front of me, but I think it would be difficult to argue that the Caps lost this year due to poor defense.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jul 18, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, you’re right. They lost because they ran into a great defense.
But the arrogance that came before the series, along with the pretty shocking result is nothing but comedy for me.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Remember, don’t tell the Caps that….
but even if we did they still wouldn’t get it
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 18, 2010 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know why Boudreau didn’t play Theodore. Plus, they figured that with 30+ shots on goal a game, some were bound to go in so they didn’t adapt. They were pretty arrogant through the series too.
Plus, they figured that with 30+ shots on goal a game, some were bound to go in so they didn’t adapt.
That sounds uncomfortably familiar.
Agreed.
Hubris.
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 18, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
you just know Shero is going shopping at the trade deadline
i’m not so sure
it depends who he signs (modano, madden, moore, selanne, frolov, etc?) and how much that costs
there may not be enough cap space for midseason moves AND another deadline acquisition
keep in mind, the Pens have traded away a LOT of prospects and draft picks over the past several seasons
so he may end up sitting this one out
(a lot of the comments that were critical of Shero specifically were concerned about this)
I think he will, even if it’s a minor adjustment. I just can’t see him being satisfied to make a Cup run and not to at least shop around see what’s out there.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
I want Modano
I am sure that Shero will take my suggestions to heart, don’t ya think??
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 18, 2010 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Brenden Morrison is a name floating around with the Pens right now, and I really hope its not true. I would rather see a defensive minded center ( acutally I’d prefer that no center be signed) than a mediocre offensive center, that plays downy soft…
by genomachine-O on Jul 20, 2010 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Jordan should be moved to the second line with Malkin. He’s too good to be on the third line, and I agree that he could decide to leave if he’s stuck on the third line.
Coming from a primarily ‘Canes fan, I think Jordan is the best Staal. Eric’s somewhat inconsistent and doesn’t play anywhere as good defensively as Jordan does.
Totally agree here. Plus Jordan has the best ice vision and hockey IQ I think.
But if all of the rumors are true, they say Jared is the best out of all of them, he’s just lazy, which is scary. But now that he’s in Carolina with Eric that should really help him get focused.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
Staal signed his current contract knowing that he was going to be the third line center. Sorry guys but pecking order on the Pens goes Sid, Geno, then Staal….its more about what better for Geno than what Staal wants.
by genomachine-O on Jul 20, 2010 7:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree. Although, I think it’s more about what’s best of the team. Because Shero went out and got two (pretty high-priced) defensive beasts, we almost have to have Staal centering Geno.
But…you may be right, this past season, at times, DB put Staal with Geno because 71 was really struggling defensively.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
by PensFan8725 on Jul 20, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d just like to point out that NOBODY in the Pens organization has said this is definetly going to happen. RS expressed that to Rossi that it is by no means a sure thing at this point. With the way Bylsma shuffles lines, it doesnt really matter what we think the lines will be in July. Malkin has played a lot of wing every year since he came to the Pens. I think some people are making way to big of a deal out of this like Geno will never play center again. And that Staal will never center the third line again. I do understand that there isnt much going on in the NHL at this point, but still its silly to speculate anything permanent at this point.
I agree with this as well. I think Geno and Staal will be together to start the season, but who knows, DB could put them on separate lines by the 2nd period of the season opener. Personally, I don’t think it’ll last past the trade deadline, but I do think it’ll happen (even if it is brief).
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
by PensFan8725 on Jul 20, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
The year the Pens won the Cup, if you remember, Staal started the season playing wing with Geno.. That didnt last long at all (a couple weeks maybe), and it ended up being Staal’s worst offensive year of his career. I just think some people already have this set in stone, when it is far from a sure bet at this point. In the Pens mind that is their last resort, not neccesarily something they want to do.
by genomachine-O on Jul 21, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
In the Pens mind that is their last resort, not neccesarily something they want to do.
I’ve been saying this all along! Three line depth first.
Although, I think this “last resort” has become necessary; to the point where I’d be surprised if Staal and Geno weren’t together to start the season.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
by PensFan8725 on Jul 21, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Sounds great!
As before, three-line depth….just counting down the days til October….
One Who Lives And Breathes All Things Penguins
by PensFanInDenver on Jul 21, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
as long as
they make staal the center and malkin a wing so defensive responsibilities of malkin loosing up a bit i think its a great move
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Malkin-Staal-Kennedy
Cooke-Talbot-Letestu/Jefferey
Rupp-Adams-Godard
Nick johnson and the loser of letestu and jeffery as backups
also if they think tangradi is ready then bring him in where kennedy is and drop kennedy to the third line wing where the letestu jeffery spot is
during the regular season i want lots of rupp and godard so noone takes liberties on our stars especially the young ones and if tangradi makes it
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