Welcome to the Party James Neal: Pens Beat Sabres 3-1
by FrankD on Mar 8, 2011 10:06 PM EST
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Sabres Blog: Die By the Blade
It may have taken a little while but James Neal notched his first goal in the black and gold tonight and added another assist to help lead the Pens to a 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
Ryan Miller doesn't do all that well against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Never really has, actually. According to HockeyReference.com, Miller had a career record of 4-8-3 against the Pens heading into tonight's game (now 4-9-3), and has a career-worst .884 save percentage. What's more, he allowed 50 goals in 16 starts, or a GAA of 3.26 - another career-worst against any single opponent. Again, these numbers are what he brought into tonight's game, although having given up three goals won't change those stats much.
Marc-Andre Fleury on the other hand held a 9-3-2 career record against the Sabres heading into tonight's game. (For the record, his carer-high is 19 wins against...the Flyers). Tuesday MAF was once again on his game, stopping 29 of 30 shots faced to improve the Pens' record to 39-21-8.
But don't let all of this goaltender talk overshadow the fact that James Neal, in his seventh game as a Penguin, finally lit the lamp to tie the game at one. He later added an assist on Zbynek Mi...wait, Zbynek Michalek scored a goal? As Hooks pointed out on Twitter during the game, Z's second period notch keeps him out of an elite class of former Penguins. Congrats to Z on his first. He'd also pick up an assist before all was said and done, threading the helper to Mark Letestu in the third period to put the Pens ahead 3-1.
It was a night of firsts for those two guys, but also for the Pens, as the team registered its first regulation win since Feb. 4 against - the Sabres. Either way, kudos to Neal and Michalek for getting theirs.
Good to see Chris Kunitz back out there although his ice time may have been a bit on the lower end of the list. That will likely pick up as he starts to get back into game shape.
And now...we wait. The Pens have off until Saturday when they take on the Canadiens at 2 ET. That should provide ample time for the group to heal up a bit and get their feet back under them for what will hopefully be a strong home stand that closes out Sunday against the Oilers.
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Definitely nice to see Kunitz back out there
and that means we have a new Klinger.
.
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And I hope that Pouliot fellow from the Habs is okay.
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Follow me on twitter, Picasa or at Pens Through My Lens. Or don't. Whatever.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 8, 2011 10:10 PM EST reply actions
Awesome…
I think it was Pacioretty and I hope he’s ok too, what a gross looking hit…
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
Oops, that’s right. Should have just said “Habs player whose name starts with ‘P’”.
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Follow me on twitter, Picasa or at Pens Through My Lens. Or don't. Whatever.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 9, 2011 7:45 AM EST up reply actions
From what I caught of the game it looked like a good one. Neal certainly has a spark and how great was it to see Z get his first? Would’ve been awesome to see Fleury get his first also but I’m just glad he stuck to what he does best. It sure is a long wait for Saturday’s game but it should be worth it. Woo Pens!
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
I’m just glad he stuck to what he does best
Which is making fans soil themselves when he leaves the net? J/K. I got no problem with Fleury trying to get that elusive goal.
So glad for Michalek. His reaction to the goal told the whole story there.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 8, 2011 10:12 PM EST reply actions
It's surprising that the Pens are now pressuring the Flyers
for the division lead. If they could pick their scoring up a notch!?!?!?!
s.zielinski
We’ll need some really solid performances and a little bit of luck but it might happen. Two games against them at the end of the month. If they keep comparable records in the meantime, the stage will be set for two epic matches.
One can only dream… The Pens beating the Flyers on home ice to jump into the #1 spot…
BTW, no need to worry about Saturday’s game. Pens are a perfect 6 – 0 – 0 when I’m there. Not a coincidence. Remember that when the next game 7 rolls around people ;-)
At least these Pens won
I was at WBS game and all I can say is wow. I try not to harp on refs too much but tonight’s game was horrible. By my count 5 (not kidding) 5 on 3 powerplays awarded tonight. Look at the scoresheet from the game for all these penalties. 2 ref system in NHL works but not in the AHL.
They call the “ticky tac” slashes and hooks and a guy gets a breakaway and is literally tackled with no penalty called. Mind boggling.
WBS didn’t lose b/c of refs though, they just played poorly. After 20 shots in first period the pens got 11 in final 40 minutes.
SOrry for the long rant I’m just really frustrated and apparently I’m being attacked on Twitter by an ECHL beat writer.
Season Goal: 57% complete: I'm halfway there - Follow me on Twitter
I'm currently writing articles about the NFL and NCAA for www.draftnasty.com and some AHL and NHL type stories here at PensBurgh.
All that and forgot the link. here it is. Take a look for a good laugh. Jamie Koharski is pathetic,
Season Goal: 57% complete: I'm halfway there - Follow me on Twitter
I'm currently writing articles about the NFL and NCAA for www.draftnasty.com and some AHL and NHL type stories here at PensBurgh.
And Kris Newbury….best known for getting KO’d by Ron Petrovicky
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-Roberto
by blackjackfishtaco on Mar 8, 2011 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
He was a Leaf once upon a time!
The Marlies game I went to was against the Whale, they weren’t playing so great :P
Certified Crosbovski 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
Yeah, Petro KO’d Newbury while he was on the Leafs. I believe it was during a HNIC.
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-Roberto
by blackjackfishtaco on Mar 10, 2011 2:05 AM EST up reply actions
Of course..
Nealers would score when I couldn’t watch tonight since I had to work but I am happy for him!
Neal and Z
Nice to see them get the monkeys off of their backs by both scoring their first goals as Penguins. Letestu’s deflection was sweet. Really good to see Kunitz back in there.
Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.
by Black&GoldTrain on Mar 9, 2011 12:21 AM EST reply actions
I was pretty impressed with Niskanen. He did not have any points, but he did play 24 minutes, which was third most on the team behind Letang and Staal.
Also, I will be kind of sad when Orpik comes back, because it will break up the nice defense uniform number string. 4 (Z), 5(Engelland), 6(Lovejoy) ,7(Martin). Oh the weird things I notice. Oh yeah, Niskanen is number 2.
Two Things
One: I said, ways back, if/when Zbynek Michalek scores a goal I’ll order up a custom jersey of him. Partially because all I own are Malkin jerseys, but mostly because the guy is becoming a favorite player of mine. Either way, I’ll be ordering that up tomorrow afternoon. Way to hold me to my word Z! (Hopefully that’ll get here in time for the Playoffs)
Two: Now I feel as though I need to change my signature. The guy has three points in two games! Look at world, Z is on fire! /happy sarcasm
PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 Minutes for saying, "Woo! Offense," every time Zbynek Michalek touches the puck.
Regulation win!
I wasn’t able to see the game since it’s in the middle of the week. Still, nice to see Z and Neal get their first goals. And we managed to win this one without the extra time. Definitely makes my day a lot easier to endure. Hopefully I can come back in time to see the highlights. So happy we won.
Go Pens!
I am a smart cookie.
Get Well Soon, Penguins!
Good game...
and great for Neal and Michalek… I love the photo in the recap – Z was so happy turning to the heavens with a big monkey of his back. It’s really amazing to see the spirit on the bench and all positive vibes … a tight-knit team there!
You have to see it for yourself...
D-Pairings
It seems like Niskanen and Letang have developed a good chemistry in a short amount of time. It makes me wonder how the d-pairings will go once Orpik returns. For most of the season, Orpik and Letang have been the top pairing and have been a force, but Letang and Niskanen have been a solid pairing as well.
Fleury
As most of you know I threw the flower under the bus many times but he has bounced back and is playing perhaps the best hockey of his career IMO.
I got no problem with Fleury trying to get that elusive goal.
However trying to score a goal is absurd, he almost gave thme a goal which would have made the lead 1 goal, admittedly time was running out, but as we saw in Boston its not over till the horn sounds. That was a bad selfish play that could have cost us.
"It ain't bragging if you can do it" - Dizzy Dean
The best thing about Fleury is that when we are winning by 2 and there is an empty net down ice he WILL try to score a goal each and every time.
I thought that was kinda fun. He had space & Tanger behind him for cover. A 2 goal cushion with less than 40 on the clock, why wouldn’t he take that shot?
If Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too.
by Alighieri on Mar 9, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
because it's not over...
…until it’s over. Two goals in 40 seconds is not hard to fathom, and I don’t care if Tanger AND Orpik were in front of the goal. In a more secure position (3 goal lead or no need for those points), I would be on board.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
I still think it was a great shot to take… He had tons of space. Let’s just agree to disagree shall we?
If Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too.
I like the Flower, but that was not a good decision...
Like you guys have said, there was too much time on the clock. BUT, on top of that, the shooting lane was not there. A Sabre was right there, maybe 10 feet away and right between Fleury and the net. Not a good decision right there by the Flower.
With that being said, when the opportunity presents itself and there IS a shooting lane, I wouldn’t mind him taking that chance, IF the boys are up by two. Why not?
by LightningCoach on Mar 9, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
You gotta admit that you love the personality in this team that the goalie would take a tongue in cheek shot like that? I mean they’re probably yukking it up in the locker room that Mickey & Real scored their firsts & Flower missed his…
How many goalies would have the huevos & the cheek to play like that? It’s part of this team’s charm…
If Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too.
by Alighieri on Mar 9, 2011 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You're absolutely right...
For the amount of adversity they have faced this season with injuries and the recent winning in regulation struggle, I love their swagger. That shot Fleury took last night took serious confidence. Love that and they need that.
by LightningCoach on Mar 9, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I get why the goalie shot is an unpopular move. Goals have been scored quicker.
And to be honest, his shooting lane did close up pretty fast.
But I don’t care. I’m just that type of fan. When I watch sports there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a player decide its time to go big or go home. I spend all day at work making only the safest and most rational decisions. I want to see a fake punt every once in a while, ya know?
by illbottleya on Mar 9, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
True that...
There’s calculated risk in just about everything you do. Sometimes, you just have to take a shot…I agree with ya. Why the heck not!
by LightningCoach on Mar 9, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
It definitely shows the team is oozing confidence right now…
And Tanger was probably the mastermind, those two are devilish :)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
It's amazing isn't it?
Wins haven’t exactly come easy lately and they’re still confident! That’s a darn good sign.
by LightningCoach on Mar 9, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Fleury would have done it if there was a different vibe to the game but it was pretty clear the Pens had it all going on last night. They have found their mojo…
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
My turn to agree with you :)
I have no problem with the play in principle. i remember when Hextall invented the move. They weren’t going to lose that game. But they sure as hell needed the extra point AND they didn’t need another overtime game.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
:)
I think Fleury would have skipped the chance if he felt threatened, he reads the team very well and I’m sure they were all behind him! It was risky but truly shows their confidence.
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 12:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
There are certain things in sports that I am yet to see. I’ve never seen a guy hit for the cycle, or seen a suicide squeeze in baseball. Rarely do we get to see a successful fake punt or onside kick in American Football. The Goalie score is just one of those things. I wanna see it. And, frankly I’ll take a loss if that’s what it takes.
Put on your dancin' shoes.
by PensFan024 on Mar 9, 2011 10:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great statement. I agree.
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-Roberto
by blackjackfishtaco on Mar 9, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
Especially if Flower is the one who does it. I think he’ll get one one of these days :)
~Silver
by SilverFlame11 on Mar 9, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
That would have been an amazing hat trick -
Neal, Michalek and Fleury all getting their first goals in the same game.
by MadMaxHattrick on Mar 9, 2011 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Happy Happy Happy
So nice to see Neal finally get a goal!————a huge burden off his chest for sure.
And to see Michalek score too—wow!—what a laser that was. I still cannot believe that
went in.
These Pens are now the “Can-Do Pens” are now 2 points away from the Flyers
Bet the Flyers are shaking in their boots!!!
We just got Kuni back, no Sid No Malkin and no Orpik and look what this team has
done. Most other teams especially the Hawks would have crumbled to pieces
without their stars and starters. These Pens FIND A WAY.
GET
IT
DONE.
Nice.
Cheers for the Pens! Cheers for the Canucks!
Crosby for Hart.......Letang for Norris.........Keslord for Selke
I'm just addicted to hockey and wouldn't have it any other way.
Follow me on Twitter as PensFanInDenver
The pieces of the puzzle are slowly coming back together!
As the boys come back to the lineup, how can you not start to get a bit excited about the post season? It’s all going to be about defense and physicality and this team has both of those…and in a big way! If they can get their PP working again at a steady pace and chip in an extra goal or two here and there, they’re going to have to be reckon with FOR SURE!
Just missing one big, BIG piece. I don’t need to say who, but you get the idea.
by LightningCoach on Mar 9, 2011 9:59 AM EST reply actions
that's a couple big IF's
If they can get their PP working again at a steady pace and chip in an extra goal or two here and there
when did the PP work? 07-08?
Last three playoffs?
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Follow me on twitter, Picasa or at Pens Through My Lens. Or don't. Whatever.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 9, 2011 9:13 PM EST up reply actions
Nice win Fellas!
Great to see Z and especially Neal break the scoring seal. Letetsu kicks in and MAF has another solid outing! Well done. See if they can maintain the intensity vs. the Habs. 2 straight solid wins, great to get a win by more than a goal and NOT in OT!
Jordan Staal
You were a horse. 27:05, on the ice for 28 of the 64 faceoffs. I’d say HCDB was riding you tonight and you sir, delivered.
Also, Kovalev a +3. Sometimes +/- shouldn’t be trusted. This is one of those cases.
shocking that I disagree with you
the man commands attention when he’s on the ice, therefore opening up opportunities for others. Plain and simple.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'd have to disagree as well
Kovalev’s passing is phenomenal. He hit Neal on the break at the offensive blue line, put the puck right on his stick.
by MadMaxHattrick on Mar 9, 2011 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Staal put in a lot of minutes, but his scoring has been down. Letang made some bad passes, that resulted in giveaways. Don’t misunderstand me, it was a good victory. I’m looking towards the playoffs, and teams are going to focus on Letang. He has to make the simple play, bottom line, don’t force a shot, don’t try to do everything by himself.
The Hockey Dr.
agree on Letang, but I bet that’s something he gets told everyday in practice by HCDB. He just needs to start doing it.
I’ve been pretty hard on Staal around here lately, so I wanted to give him props. He seems to be scoring at the rate he always has. I think maybe your expectations are higher since he’s getting much more “premium” minutes…. like over 8 minutes of PP time last night.
08-09 = .60 pts/gm
09-10 = .60 pts/gm
10-11 = .62 pts/gm
by AronV on Mar 9, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, but if we are going to make it far on the playoffs , he needs to take advantage of his size and reach. Specially on the passes that are sent his way in front of the net and in the power play. In the past he has shown he can do it. I believe he is feeling the pressure, and like the saying goes in hockey “grabbing the stick too hard”.
The Hockey Dr.
agreed. I’m really starting to miss Malkin….the old Malkin where you knew a pass was going to be inch-perfect. I miss him winding up on the PP with the powerful slapshot. I really think he has to be the 2nd line Center next year. Keep Jordan at the 3C where he’s been dominant. I miss that other Center too!
Yes
I do think we were a bit spoiled, maybe everyone will appreciate him better when he returns and stop raggin’ on him all the time.
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 1:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
JStaal is exceeding expectations
great #s, thanks, AronV
with no Crosby and no Malkin to divert all the best defensive resources of opposing teams, the fact that Staal has maintained the same scoring pace (esp. after coming off 2 significant injuries and needed a good % of his GP so far this year just to “shake off the rust”) is impressive. he’s even improved his scoring a bit.
Staal is a Top 6 forward.
No way he should go back to 3C.
The Pens, when healthy, will be ridiculously loaded down the middle:
1. Crosby
2. Staal
3. Letestu
4. Jeffrey
5. Malkin – who may be a little delayed getting back into the lineup
6. possibly Adams or Talbot, too
Best to play Staal and Malkin together on the same line — as we discussed at length prior to this season and all the injuries. The emergence of Letestu and Jeffrey only makes those arguments stronger.
I don’t think the emergence of Letestu and Jeffrey mean that Jordan Staal should be the second line center. I don’t buy that Staal makes Malkin better, Malkin was at his best playing center with a guy like Sykora on his wing. I’m having a hard time finding another Sykora type that will be available in the summer.
I’m having a really hard time reconciling Staal being the #2 center. Is moving Letestu to 3rd line center the best option? It seems to me Letestu is more offensive than a defensive center. I’d almost rather have Letestu as the #2 center and Staal stay in the shutdown #3 spot. What a great problem to have, once they’re all healthy.
Staal is one of Top 3 forwards on the team — he’s outgrown that Bottom 6 role.
Look around the league. See if you can find a 3C making $4M/year.
The closest I know of off the top of my head is Manny Malhotra.
I was hoping the Penguins would sign him.
The Canucks gave him $2.5M per on a 3-year deal.
He’s been fantastic for them.
Probably the best 3C in the league. At $2.5.
were a little different
what team has their 1C making 8.7, their 2C making 8.7? Clearly we’re built different and I like it.
As far as 3C’s making near $4M/year…. Boston, Calgary, Los Angeles and Nashville. Those are all playoff teams. What we’re doing or what I’m suggesting we keep doing is really not that uncommon. Strength down the middle is the way to go IMO.
As far as 3C’s making near $4M/year…. Boston, Calgary, Los Angeles and Nashville.
Boston – Chris Kelly – 2.1M.
Calgary – Mikael Backlund – 1.3M
LA – Michael Handzus – he does make $4M, although its a bad contract and he won’t be re-signed at that level.
Nashville – Jarred Smithson – 800k
Moreover, NONE of these guys are Top 3 forwards on their respective teams.
In fact, none of them are Top 6 — which is why they’re on a checking line
There is no other team that has a player who both:
a) makes $4M (or more) and
b) is a Top 3 forward on their team.
i thought we were ignoring injuries
Boston= 1 of Savard, Krejci, or Bergeron.
Calgary = jokinen, langkow, stajan
LA = bad contract or not, it’s there
Nsh = 1 of Legwand or Fisher
There is no other team that has a player who both:
a) makes $4M (or more) and
b) is a Top 3 forward on their team
you can’t mean that the way it’s written because i can find a ton of those examples.
I think he meant no 3C fitting those criteria.
.
Follow me on twitter, Picasa or at Pens Through My Lens. Or don't. Whatever.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 9, 2011 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
Let’s face it, Staal’s talents are not necessarily in the scoring area and recovering from the hand injury hasn’t helped. I’m glad he’s off the 1st line so he can focus on doing his thing elsewhere. He is a huge presence out there and still throws in a clutch goal here and there, props to Jordan for sure.
Letang is certainly feeling more pressure out there and does make a few bad choices but should be fine once he adjusts to the extra attention. Not to mention he doesn’t have his usual partner for leadership AND he’s being moved around positionally so mistakes are bound to happen. You are right though, he should simplify atleast until Orpik is back.
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 1:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
exactly!!!
Damn, we’re good girl. That’s why I said that Letestu was a much better fit on the first line. As big, strong, and a huge reach as Staal has, he’s not a 1st line center. Much better on those “harder working” lines where digging in the corners present those kinds of opportunities.
Also, while Letang and Nisky have worked well together, Tanger is definitely the #1 in that pairing, where with Orpik, he is freer to do the things he does best and not have to worry about whose behind him.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
Too funny!
I can’t say I’m 100% sold on Letestu on that first line but he’s definitely better suited than Staalsy. I’m just missing Sid in that spot, nothing against Letestu.
You worded the Letang bit much better so thank you Sir!! :)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 1:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Sid would be the #1 center on any team now, maybe ever.
You’re welcome……………wait………Sir!?? How old do you think I am? lol
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
lol, I was just being appreciative!! Age is only a number right… ;)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 1:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And…no offense but d’uh about Sid, no one in the world would argue that statement. :)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 1:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I was told a long time ago....
….you’re only as old as…………(nope, not as you feel)………as the girls you date!
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
Charlie Sheen lurks among us! I kid, I kid :)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 2:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ummm
not so much, smarty!! hehe
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
:) chuckle, chuckle
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 3:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
all about the W's
/in regulation time is nice, too.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
You maybe right, Orpik usually takes care of any mishaps, and maybe he feels more comfortable passing back to him, knowing his position. That’s a very good point.
The Hockey Dr.
Why thank you :)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 1:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
No news on Sid this week?
I’m beginning to think that in this case no news, is bad news. I hope I’m wrong. I still hold to the idea that he may come back for the playoffs.
The Hockey Dr.
Sorry, I have to disagree, I think no news is good news this time. Did you see the video from the make-a-wish luncheon? He looks good and sounds good. We are all clinging to the hope that he will be back for the playoffs. I dunno, obviously I don’t have any facts but I just cannot think negatively about this subject.
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 3:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yes, he did look good. But if there’s no report that he is taking light work outs, it means that he still has symptoms. I’m with you, I hope he comes back for the playoffs as I said.
The Hockey Dr.
The truth hurts sometimes and that was painful. I want to believe that he is doing great, that they are keeping the attention off him and on the team (where it belongs) and you can’t make me believe otherwise, no way, I won’t do it, you can’t make me :(
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 5:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We don’t know anything at all, of course, but he clearly looks better every time they interview him; as infrequent as those moments are. Who knows how well he is doing, though. However, I will point out that we had no reports of Asham’s activities until he suddenly appeared on the ice skating. He isn’t Sid, of course, and doesn’t have anywhere near the same degree of attention, but I don’t mind them treating Sid like any other player in this situation. Better that there be no pressure to return to play; only the expectation of paying attention to health before moving forward.
I don’t ts going to be any pressure. The Pens have always been thinking longterm. Obviously his health is the most important thing here. THE ONLY THING !
The Hockey Dr.
I agree that there is no pressure from the Pens. I meant pressure he puts on himself to return or the pressure the fans put on him…he can handle it, but I’m sure it’s easier to heal without facing it every day
I’m sure Sid is saying everyday now that he’s fine and ready to go, but he is also smart enough to realize what the bigger picture looks like.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 7:59 PM EST up reply actions
I was watching the video and started to think: “damn you Sid – if I felt just as half as good as you look, I’d be doing figure eights around the whole league”. Now before all of Pensburgh gets up in a roar, I know that you have to be real cautious with concussions.
The only thing that I’m clinging to is the Pens feel good about their playoff chances and are just being extra extra cautious with him. maybe keep him out until the last 5-10 games (to get him in shape) and them try and make a playoff run, Sid
I am "The STIG"!
Yes, extra cautious, that’s it…
Please, oh please hope that is the case.
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 5:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That’s exactly what I’m thinking. I wasn’t neem megative but you have to be realistic.
The Hockey Dr.
I know, I’m just being difficult :)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 6:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
we agree on that, too. lmao
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
Ah geez, I walked right into that one ;)
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 8:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I saw him today in the vid and it made me pretty happy :D
Certified Crosbovski 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
Me too!
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 8:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’d rather he stay out entirely. Even if it means we lose him for the playoffs. The likelihood for you to get a second concussion increases for every one you survive. We’ve seen guys like Savard get knocked on his ass multiple times by the damned C. I’d rather we get him back next season completely clean & happy than have him risk his career. No season is ever worth the risk of losing a talent like Sid Crosby for good.
If Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too.
I highly doubt...
…that they’re going to take any chances with his career. I agree with L1, and also said about a week ago that I think they ARE being extra cautious with him and are not brinnging him back until the last week or two so he can get his legs and some chemistry. Hell, the guy oozes chemistry no matter who’s on the ice with him.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
If that is what he needs then yes, definitely. By the looks of this team they can give anyone a run for the Cup, even without Sid so I absolutely want what is best for Sid. But, I have a feeling that he is doing better and will be back for playoffs, could be wishful thinking but hey! What a story it would be if the boys won the Cup without Sid and Geno plus all the injuries they faced this year. Wow.
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 9, 2011 6:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
better story
if he leads them to the hoisting of Lord Stanley!
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 9, 2011 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
If we won the cup w/o Sid, people are going to give Sid heck for never winning the Conn Smythe…
If Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too.
They already do that.
.
Follow me on twitter, Picasa or at Pens Through My Lens. Or don't. Whatever.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 9, 2011 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
He certainly was a strong contender.
.
Follow me on twitter, Picasa or at Pens Through My Lens. Or don't. Whatever.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 10, 2011 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
Geno’s a deserving Conn Smythe winner and all but I always thought the vote was skewed slightly because he did most of his damage in the series against the Wings. That series became so much larger than life that every point he scored there practically counted twice.
Between him & Sid, the difference in points wasn’t really that big. If maybe Sid had scored in game 7, I think the award would have went to Sid in the end.
If Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there too.
Agree, Alighieri. Not only did he not score, he didn’t finish the game.
Still, for those of us who watched every second of every game, it seemed clear that Crosby carried the team on his back for the first 2 series: Philadelphia and Washington.
After that, opponents shifted ALL of their defensive focus onto Crosby.
Crosby still produced, but that REALLY opened things for up Malkin. And Malkin racked up most of his points vs. a depleted Carolina team in a series that was never in doubt. Nothing against Malkin. He was great. But Crosby was better—Crosby was the most valuable player to the Penguins.
I’m so glad I’m anal and save stuff that I look up.
2009 playoff points by series:
Sid: 8-13-7-3
Geno: 9-10-9-8
Both awesome, but let’s drop the notion that Geno won simply based on his performance against the Canes.
.
Follow me on twitter, Picasa or at Pens Through My Lens. Or don't. Whatever.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 10, 2011 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
my take: Crosby scored the clutch goals. Malkin scored, for the most part, when games were already going well, and he did so largely b/c teams threw the all their best D at Crosby’s line allowing Malkin to score vs. weaker opponents. not a knock on Malkin. he did what the team needed him to do, too. just thought Crosby was better.
1 goal is worth a million dollars.
What a price we paid for Neal and Kovalev’. A million dollars for Neal’s only goal and two million dollars for Kovalev’s two goals. If only I could play for the Penguins.
WHAT????????
Since I’ve never seen this name before, I’ll take it with a grain of salt, alright, a truckload. But since I’m bored with no game until tomorrow, I’m pretty sure the season isn’t over yet, the playoffs haven’t started, and while Kovalev is definitely in the twilight of his career, I’m thinking Neal is a solid, developing winger with many years left to produce, hopefully for the Pens. From what I’ve seen so far of him (and Niskanen), I like what I’m seeing. My fandom of Kovy is well documented all over this site, and the man can do things with the puck most NHL’ers only dream of.
P.S. Obviously, you can’t.
by 18-19-21 lineofthecentury on Mar 11, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
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