The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled defenseman Brian Strait from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Strait, 23, made his NHL debut Feb. 21 against Washington, logging 13:02 minutes of ice time.
Strait is in his second full season with WBS. The defensive defenseman has a plus-16 rating this season to go with his eight points (2G-6A) in 55 games. Last year, Strait recorded a plus-22 rating while chipping in 14 points (2G-12A) in 78 games for WBS.
Team release. Paul Martin is out for tonight, and Brooks Orpik, you'll remember, is on the shelf for a while now.
about 1 year ago
Hooks Orpik
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Similar, but they shoot different sides. I expect Lovejoy to play more and play better tonight, since he’s got a lot more NHL time under his belt.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 25, 2011 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
What Hooks said. I wasn’t impressed with Strait in his one game up, but I have been reminding myself repeatedly that I should give the guy a break and see how he adjusts to the NHL.
My feet are wet.
To be fair to him — which it sounds like you’re trying to be — D-men like him that rely primarily on smart positioning and reading of the play tend to take a while to develop… think Rob Scuderi. He was nothing special at first, but with experience he developed into a solid D-only defenseman.
Sure it takes all defensemen time to improve in this regard, but guys with great physical gifts or offensive talent can make a positive impression a lot sooner. While Strait is said to be a good skater, he certainly lacks the attributes that would jump out at you in a short period of time (eg, size, puck skills, blazing speed, etc).
Also to be fair to him. Apparently, due to the storm the day he played, he arrive about an hour before the game after a pretty miserable trip in.
to be fair to everyone, you should never judge a player after 1 game or even 10 games for that matter… sample size counts, but i know you know that.
unfortunately, now is not the time of year to give someone 10 games to find their niche.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Strait has a future with the Pens, Lovejoy doesn’t. Ben will be with a different organization next year.
Life is about one simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying
Look at it this way, the WBS guys are getting a ton of frequent flier miles this year. It’s a nightmare, every day, you look up somebody is not playing, or somebody you expected to return is not returning to the lineup. Sid continues to be a bad situation, not only for the Pens, but for the league. He is the only player that single handedly can increase attendance, and TV ratings. Of course need I remind everybody, that neither of both hits to his head where punished. That’s why Mario had it right in his letter to the league.
The Hockey Dr.
this is comedically humerous, on Kovy
* He sees his fit within coach Dan Bylsma’s system as a natural one. “We haven’t discussed my role too much, but I know they need some help scoring some goals,” he said. “We’ll try that and go from there.”
-Rossi
It might not be as crazy as you think.
Kovalev obviously isn’t going to go into corners and “bang bodies”, but the name of the game is puck control, making positive decisions in the offensive zone and getting the puck on (and in) the net.
Kovalev can excel at those aspects. I’m a little worried he’s with Neal and Staal tonight, I’d hope when Kunitz is back he plays on Kovalev’s line to balance things out. Neal can hit and forecheck, but he’s still very green to how the Pens play too.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 25, 2011 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
Hopefully his puck control will be there, not his other notorious ability giveaways. I also don’t see him as a Blysma type of player in terms of hustle and motivation. But I’m keeping and open mind, and hoping that under DB he (Kovy) becomes more responsible with his job on the ice, and his motivation improves. His talent is still there, so will see if he can put it together again.
The Hockey Dr.
I hope he takes extra practice sessions for his accuracy. With the grit, speed and mostly the motivation of our young players and their opportunity to consciously show their (assisting) abilities, will give Kovalev many opportunities. They won’t be handed to him on a plate, but with his good positioning and open-ice awareness I’m expecting Kovalev to get at least 5 shots on a goal in a game. I see these 2 elements crucial for his success (+the extra shooting practices). Of course the defence would pay more attention to him when he is dangerous, but that should leave more free room to other players.
No, it's redundant
Isn’t comedic and humorous the same? Just asking. I know the Pensburgh police will be cutting and pasting links, to dictionaries, thesaurus’, encyclopedias and foreign language translations on this one! lol
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
You’re new around these parts so I’ll let it slide this time.
But this:
AB-SO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY!is mine.
And it’s done this way: Abso-@#$%^&*-lutely! ;)
OOOOOOOH!
Thanks for the pass, but as they say in the movies, “There’s a new sheriff in town.” hehe You have yours, and I’ve got mine. Now let’s shake.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah but even Sheriffs have to report to somebody.
Good to have around Pensburgh. Don’t forget the GDT tonight.
From what I’ve seen so far, this is a pretty lawless town.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
All the right moves....
There was a discussuion last eve on this blog about Kovey coming in and taking Adam’s #27. My input was that he’ll realize he’s here for the short term and does not want to get off on the wrong foot with his new teamates. I also feel his move here came after a talk with Mario..he was not about to come in with any demands especially taking an established players #. I suggested #72 would be more suited. From what i see, he will wearing #72. Does anyone know whether any of the injured players are cleared to play tonight or tomorrow?
Looks like Jeffrey will be back tonight…
Team is still hoping that Letestu, Kunitz and Martin could be back tomorrow, so we’ll see if any/all of them are ready.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 25, 2011 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
And yet Talbot is centering the 2nd line…
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 25, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Didn’t he mention on his interview he is wanting to be with the Pens til the end, obviously it’s not up to him, it’s up to the cap. But he appears to want to retire here.
by JasonGoPens on Feb 25, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know, Jason, Kovalev has been saying for a decade that he wouldn’t mind finishing his career in Pittsburgh.
If he is above average down the stretch, maybe some team offers him Ray Whitney money (2 years, $3 million, NTC), I don’t think the Pens would go that high for him. Then, I would imagine, Kovalev would not be finishing his career in Pittsburgh, he’d be following the money.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 25, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Bingo. If you run the numbers for next season, about the only way Kovalev stays is if he takes the same $2M/yr deal that Guerin had. With Neal on the payroll now, this makes it more difficult to keep Dupuis and Talbot. I’m almost certain that Talbot’s gone unless he takes a pay cut. Dupuis as well—there’s a GM out there willing to toss him $2M based on his 18 goals last year and probable 12-14 this year, thinking he’s a 2nd liner.
I’m willing to guess that Kovalev takes $3M/yr from someone else before he settles for $2M just to play in Pittsburgh. And I wouldn’t blame him for making a few extra bucks in what could be his last year or two.
When you win 13 titles, you can wear the title belt. Until then, Aaron Rodgers will continue to do so.
GOAL!
As I said yesterday, they wouldn’t have gotten him if Ray AND Mario didn’t know that he was going to come her and bust his @ss. I truly believe it was a great move!
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 12:36 PM EST reply actions
i think that’s a fair expectation, we’ll see what kind of professional he is by his actions. For the record, I do think he’ll try hard….if only to cash in on his last contract in the offseason. Money is a good motivator, especially for the enigmatic types.
I truly expect 8-10 goals out of him down the stretch, starting tonight. Teams will have to account for him, and that just opens up better opportunities for whoever else is on the line.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
Memo to Eric S.
If you could not injure your brother tonight, that would be swell.
by AronV on Feb 25, 2011 1:47 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Lol. Does anyone think that our Staal might take a run at theirs in revenge for their brother?
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.
ARE YOU F#$%ING KIDDING ME!!!! ADAMS!!! JESUS TAPDANCING CHRIST YOU HAD 24 SQUARE FEET AND YOU MISSED IT ALL!! - OlenWhitaker
Went away to Leafland for a day. It was nice, even though they lost. And I became a Certified Grabbo Lover.
Probably make for one heck of a thanksgiving dinner at the Staal house!
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
naaah
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
I guess, though you’d be hard-pressed to convince Brandon Prust of that…
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.
ARE YOU F#$%ING KIDDING ME!!!! ADAMS!!! JESUS TAPDANCING CHRIST YOU HAD 24 SQUARE FEET AND YOU MISSED IT ALL!! - OlenWhitaker
Went away to Leafland for a day. It was nice, even though they lost. And I became a Certified Grabbo Lover.
Sure, but it’s not like Jordan hit him by accident or something. He certainly meant to clock him, whether Prust flopped or not.
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.
ARE YOU F#$%ING KIDDING ME!!!! ADAMS!!! JESUS TAPDANCING CHRIST YOU HAD 24 SQUARE FEET AND YOU MISSED IT ALL!! - OlenWhitaker
Went away to Leafland for a day. It was nice, even though they lost. And I became a Certified Grabbo Lover.
was that the “gloved punch” guy?
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
Yep.
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.
ARE YOU F#$%ING KIDDING ME!!!! ADAMS!!! JESUS TAPDANCING CHRIST YOU HAD 24 SQUARE FEET AND YOU MISSED IT ALL!! - OlenWhitaker
Went away to Leafland for a day. It was nice, even though they lost. And I became a Certified Grabbo Lover.
Prost should be accepting an Oscar this Sunday IMO
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Feb 25, 2011 4:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
*Prust
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Feb 25, 2011 4:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The price may be high.....
but I really am liking Hockey Prospectus’s suggestion that Tim Connolly would be a good fit for the Penguins
I’d like Connolly, but I don’t like the price it would likely take to get him. Even if Crosby couldn’t come back, a potential top 9 of:
Kunitz-Staal-Kovalev
Neal-Connolly-Kennedy
Cooke-Letestu-Dupuis
while throwing in the healthy defense and a hot Fleury, that’s just as good as a lineup in the East, on paper, outside of Philly or maybe Boston.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
2nd liner and a 3rd/4th round pick?
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
He’s definitely a low 2nd liner, but he is a good special teams player and he will stick his glove in anybody’s face. Who can’t use that?
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
useful and valuable are two very different things. Also Dupuis and a 3rd/4th doesn’t exactly qualify as a high price to pay.
no, but a 3rd rounder has some good value
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Group discount. I’m only thinking of the season ticket holders.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 2:49 PM EST reply actions
Hear that?
Sooo much quieter here today than yesterday! As a one fingered typer, just easier to keep up. I know, wait til gametime!
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 2:52 PM EST reply actions
i for one, can’t keep up with GDT. Not my style, plus as an out of towner i’m already using the laptop to watch the game…makes it impossible for me to do both. Hope you enjoy it though.
Also, how bout 10-66-68 as the line of the century?
I KNOW!!!!!
I cannot keep up with the GDT either…my tv and computer are in 2 separate rooms. Sometimes I try to comment but by the time I read all the comments the game is back on, plus everyone has said about all there is to say!! Honestly, even if they were in the same room I’d have a hard time because I am intensely watching the game…
good luck 18… :)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
haha, your welcome! I’ll be reading during intermission and expect to be rather entertained :)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
Entertainment is one thing that is never lacking her, fo sho!
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
quite the lot of characters, I love it!
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
Ca-razy
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Feb 25, 2011 4:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
yeah, that should be interesting. What site do u watch the game? I’ve been catching them on vodkasports.com, but sometimes the stream blows.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:08 PM EST reply actions
not gonna even try to argue that one
but i wasn’t the one who coined MacDonald-Apps-Pronovost as the "line of the century’.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:11 PM EST reply actions
startin early today, huh?
just trying to make u work a little harder at work. Now that’s a good one. you must be an air traffic controller! lmao
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Feb 25, 2011 3:21 PM EST reply actions
help
I accidentally clicked on the Hockeybuzz website when reading the SI article…how do I clean my browser with soap?
87!
Certified Grabbo lover. GET WELL SOON, SID
The universe moves depending on where Sidney Crosby is on the ice - IHeartPenguins
"I'm glad we've got the best fans in the league." - Tomas Kaberle on Leaf fans
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