Thursday, April 26, 2007
Report Card Time!
Below is a list of the player grades that I have given to the Penguins current roster. I’ve tried to grade players on my previous expectations for them this coming season and if they acceded, regular season play, and finally post season play. Taking these 3 into account, I’ve averaged the scorers based on (F = 0, A+ =12) scale and an expectation scale was based on the following: 0- utter failure, 6- met expectations and 12-well beyond.
Centers: Erik Christensen: 7/8/3 => overall: C+
I never felt EC would get a chance to succeed here but he showed enough patience and was able to succeed in the regular season. Frankly, I felt he should have been up last season as well. The playoffs saw Erik cast as a 4th line center which is just poor misuse by Therrien. His play in the playoffs drew memories of a certain RSL league scoring leader complete with soft perimeter play and failure to make his presence felt outside of being a frequent checking dummy for Ottawa defenders.
Sidney Crosby: 12/12/10 => Overall: A
Amazing player and a season to remember. While most 2nd year players fall into the dreaded sophomore slump, Crosby led the league in scoring. While his last month was off pace from previous months, Crosby proved to absolute warrior and a player that should stay on this team for as long as he is able to play hockey. A joy and a pleasure to watch.
Evgeni Malkin: 9/10/5 => Overall: B
Supreme talent but obviously with this being the first year in the NHL, and the whole English language barrier saw Malkin have struggles. Regular season saw a potential superstar who cooled off as the season progressed. In the post season after a lack luster couple of games, Malkin picked up the pace playing with Crosby and showed at least to me that he a sense of urgency which will bode well for him this future. Needs to get stronger and improve those defensive skills we saw in the international competition though you can’t take out the Calder and general impact he had this season with the Ovechkin hype.
Jordan Staal: 12/11/11 => Overall: A
When we first drafted Jordan, I was a little disappointed. I felt the hype he got was more of a direct result of this generation’s version of the Sutters. Amazingly Staal set rookie record for SHG and showed up not as a timid rookie but as a vet. The reach and hockey sense will prove him well as he gets stronger, faster and more experience. One of the few Penguins to actually show some sort of an impact play in the postseason. It will be a sad day when we have to trade this man/kid.
Max Talbot: 10/9/8 => Overall: B+
Loved his game and the way he played. Proved he belongs in the league this season. Gritty and solid player with some clutch scoring and a never give up attitude. Checking line center with some scoring upside in the future.
Chris Thorburn: 8/6/INC>. => Overall: B-
Solid gritty play in the corners, speed youth and potential bottom line guy in the future. A very shrewd pickup and hopefully a chance to become more of a contributor next season.
Right Wings:
Colby Armstrong: 5/7/9 => Overall: B-
Got bitten by the sophomore slump and had trouble being Sidney’s right hand man so to speak early. Slowly battled his way out of it before finally hitting his stride midsize. The comparisons to a poor man’s Adam Deadmarsh were dead on and hopefully Colby continues to keep it up. Was a factor during the post season when a lot others were not and that boost him up a point.
Michel Ouellet: 4/3/4 => Overall: D+
Had a horrid stretch were he showed absolutely nothing before finding himself as a decent complement to Staal and Malkin. Overall improvement during the season with noticeable difference in speed and board play. Sadly he is still too slow to be an effective top 6 winger in the NHL and has no place on the top two lines outside of healthy scratch extra skater. The game these days is based on speed and Ouellet still showed a lack of an ability to make plays skating. When he was allowed to be stationary he showed an ability to pass the puck and shoot effectively but in motion still a weakness with horrid miss shots, missed chances and blown odd man rushes. For much too often, he was invisible despite playing with skilled players. Moreover, he probably leads the Penguins in secondary assists. He took the body more but he wasn’t “physical” as some would have you believe. One or two hits (bumping into people) doesn’t count. I do appreciate his apparent effort but there are too many limitations in his game right now. Ouellet also doesn’t really add anything to this team also when he isn’t producing points. He needs to skate this entire off season before he is dare mentioned as a top 6 forward on a cup contender which we ARE right now.
Ronald Petrovicky: 4/6/7 => Overall: C
I thought he’d be a very solid player when we picked him up but struggled mightily during the season and ultimately getting injured. Showed to work extremely well with fellow pest Jaarko Ruutu. Often times, petro was awarded with his solid play with little to no extra ice time! I’d like to see Petro back but with Stone coming up I doubt it.
Mark Recchi: 8/8/3 => Overall: C+
Solid first half of the season combined with an atrocious second half. Grew tired as the season wore on before eventually dissipating. Showed a more physical side when scoring was down but sadly should not have been a first or 2nd liner for us and towards the end of the season. Thanks for the work Rex but you need to hang em up. Overall great career and hopeful hall of fame selection.
Left Wings:
Ryan Malone: 3/6/5 => Overall: C-
An enigma often times one of the more dominant players on the ice with players of lesser caliber but more often than not, far too invisible. Very solid pker and showed a greater tendency to bang bodies around but in general a disappointment. Malone showed more pursuit of Pens patrol members than the puck. More fittingly: a lackadaisical disappointment despite living the dream many of us wish we could pursue.
Nils Ekman: 2/2/5 => Overall: D+
Overall disappointment struggled with Crosby outside of a period. Got hurt and was a healthy scratch all season outside of a handful of games. Likely will not be resigned.
Georges Laraque: 6/5/4 => Overall: C
Provided toughness and big hits during the season but lack of speed really hampered playoffs against speedy Ottawa team. I’d like to see him return. The Pens should not give up on him because once he isn’t in the lineup again, teams will continue to take runs at our superstars. Laraque needs to be there to stop that.
Gary Roberts: 12/10/12 => Overall: A
Complete warrior that provided everything asked of him and than some. At this point, he is a sure fire must sign this off-season with a possible 2 year deal. Will do wonders for the young wingers. His physical nature hasn’t been seen in quite some time and the man despite being 40 years old can still crash the net and bang home any garbage like the best of them.
Jarkko Ruutu: 4/7/7 => Overall: C+
Much hyped pest thought to bring that to the ice but was turned into 4th liner with 5 minutes of ice time a game. He’d try to compensate by going out of his way to make an impact in the game but would often result in penalties. I’d like to see him return.
Defensemen:
Eric Cairns: INC
Hurt the entire season. No need for him next season.
Mark Eaton: 10/8/6 => B
Played well beyond expectations until injured and fought back to get back into the rhythm. Sadly, the 2nd half of the season is more of the Eaton we will see but regardless a solid player.
Sergei Gonchar: 8/10/2 => C+
As opposed to last year, Gonchar started out decently and hit his stride during the big winning streak. Only problem was the real playoff season started in April and our friend Sergei was MIA. Sadly he showed some defensive awareness during the season and solid positioning. In the playoffs though was a different matter. Horrid defensive play in the playoffs and that cannon of a shot Gonchar had on the powerplay was either blocked or missed the net. Let this be a lesson to Coach Therrien that he should not be considered a shutdown defenseman nor should he be played against opposing teams best players. Brutal playoffs put another very solid season to shame. Looked uninspired / winded also. Gonchar should not be on the ice for the full 2 minutes on powerplays either.
Joel Kwiatkowski: Inc.
A waste of a 4th round pick if he couldn’t find some playing time in this sea of filth.
Josef Melichar: 0/0/2 => F
An absolutely abysmal year. The weakest link on the blueline filled with weaklinks. Melichar’s best days this season was seen when he was out with an injury. Poor positioning and defensive zone play. In an attempt to mitigate his injuries, Melichar decided to play less physical and try to become more positional sound except he is HORRENDOUS positionally. Too slow and not agile enough to keep with wingers, Melicharred was burnt more often than the sniffed out play. Some will point out that he blocks shots. Uh..blocking one shot a game doesn’t make this scrub valuable when defensive breakdowns are because of him. Would often forget to even cover his man in front of the net. Oops. Moreover, Melichar is completely useless in the offensive zone with zero ability to get a puck on net without it going 10 mph which we saw far far far too often. He can’t handle the puck nor can he make quick passes when pressured against quick teams. I pray to God that Melichar is done in this uniform. The new NHL has exposed you Josef Melichar or better yet goes to another team in the east.
Alain Nasreddine: 7/5/inc => C+
Winning Streak Alain was the money. Physical, played sound defensive hockey and was a breathe of fresh air. Lost his job for his child’s birth and never regained his spot because of the spectacular play of Josef Melichar. In spot duty the rest of the season, Alain struggled mightily and sadly was the still better than others that played over him. I hope he can stick around next season so I get one more look at him but he needs to be the 7th dman / healthy scratch. He played well beyond my expectations of course, but I’d rather have seen Welch up here instead improving his craft.
Brooks Orpik: 7/7/5 => C+
Brooks is way too inconsistent for my liking but I would like to see him back. Provides a need physical element and can sometimes look so smooth skating and effectively playing a 2 way game. Other times, Orpik is man too confused on the rink, constantly running around and putting himself out of position. This has been his overall best season and I look to see further improvement. He also was able to form a good defensive pairing with Ryan Whitney.
Rob Scuderi: 1/1/2 => D
Oy. Yet another disaster. Scuderi is better positionally than Melichar but that’s like winning 2nd place in the ugliest contest. Scuderi was in such great position that he would often screen our goaltending. When the goalies made the saves, scuderi felt that kicking in goals or batting them in would serve the team better. Like Melichar, Scuderi is completely worthless in the offensive zone. I’m sorry but dumping the puck around the boards EVERY time doesn’t help. A few shots on goal of the 20 mph variety were also blasted out of the Scuderi cannon. The playoffs actually saw improvement from Scuderi. However, it is far from enough to have a roster spot. I will also pray that this is his last game for the Pens. We can only hope some other team decides to pick him up so perhaps he can kick in some of our shots. Scuderi is often said to play his best when you don’t notice him. This season he did everything in his power to make sure he was noticed.
Ryan Whitney: 9/7/5 => B-
Whitney blossomed into a dynamic offensive player who has the ability to lead dmen in scoring for 10 years to come. I would like to see him change up his routine more as opposed to just one timing the cross ice Crosby feed. Regardless, Whitney has the speed and size to become dominant. However, we did not see that this year. Terrible positioning with atrocious play in his own zone was seen for much of the season. Played timid at times as well. The playoffs saw Whitney exposed with his defensive zone play but sadly he was still the most effective defensemen during the playoffs overall. Ryan will hopefully take over the role of PP QB once Gonchar leaves.
Goalies:
Marc-Andre Fleury: 9/8/7 => B
A breakthrough season for MA. I wondered if the man was physically tough enough to handle the NHL and the horrid bounces that sometimes occur. Fleury shocked and awed with 40 wins despite playing with the worst core of defenders in the league. Fleury stole games but had his share of bad ones. Would make the difficult saves look easy but make the easy saves look adventurous. Still he is the most athletically gifted goalie in the league. The playoffs showed that MA does have the toughness to succeed. He has the will and despite horrid and back breaking goals he kept his cool. His consistency will improve with further instruction and his rebound control should also see a boost.He still gives up far too many rebounds on easy shots that he should be able to vacuum in, and he looked shaky when handling the puck.
TBO: 7/7/inc => B-
A return to form for Thibault. Doesn’t have the skills of Fleury but he doesn’t need to shoulder the load. A decent backup that was able to steal some games for the club during the season. If he can be signed for cheap, I would hope he will return next season.
-op
Monday, April 23, 2007
Season End Thoughts
Well the season ending in a way we didn’t hope (as it will for 29 other teams), but after all that happened I have to say the ending to this season was by far the least disappointing of any, especially with a first round playoff exit.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m as upset as the next that the Pens lost in five games, but seeing as how even the optimists thought we could get 8th seed at best, I think things went pretty damn well this year. Everyone from the fans, players and front office seem to be very proud of what the team accomplished this year. Hats off to these guys for doing so well.
Let’s just take a look back at some things that made us happy, made us mad and the feats this team accomplished.
The Good
Sidney Crosby wins the Art Ross
Crosby became the first teenager ever to win a scoring title in the NHL, and he did it with having teammates who couldn’t keep up with him most of the year. Crosby silenced most the critiques, only the idiotic Crosby haters who will refuse to give him credit for anything or the people who still think he is a whiner and diver (yet they don’t think this of the likes of Forsberg and Alfredsson). He toned down his emotions and picked up his game even further, becoming all but immovable off of the puck. He was truly the most fun player to watch this year in the NHL.
Ray Shero is named GM
Shero was a welcomed addition to the Pens, even for avid Craig Patrick supporters such as myself. He immediately revamped the way things were run in the front office and brought it into the modern age. He quickly revamped the lower lines adding actual depth and not just whatever random scrub or prospect would fit there. He reshaped the personal and got rid of the scouting staff that had failed on so many of their evaluations. Oh, and he drafted that Jordan Staal guy. I look forward to seeing what else he can do.
Fleury silences his critics
I’ve never understood the people who criticize such a young player, especially when their position takes longer to develop than any other in the sport. Fleury had gotten flak since a fluke goal in the World Juniors and many immediately dropped his stock significantly. He continued to get flak for not performing in playoffs in Juniors and the AHL. But because he was the first over all pick, these feats should have been easy for him before he took his first legal drink (in the US that is). Fleury ended the year with forty wins and was the best player in the playoffs for an otherwise discombobulated team. The critics have gone very silent this year indeed.
Malkin finishes 17 in scoring in the NHL, first among rookies
When you saw Malkin break through two Devils players and stretch to beat Brodeur you knew we had one hell of a player on our hands. Malkin finished the season with 85 points giving the Pens another rookie sensation for the second year in a row. He is still adapting to the North American game and culture, but we all look forward to what he can do.
The Bad
Therrien’s favoritism
I like Therrien as a coach. And I don’t believe the people who would say he only accomplished anything this year because of the talent he had. But other coaches have had talent and not succeeded. Therrien succeeded and did it with young talent. But the one thing that got me was that Therrien played favorites. There are a few players (who will be mentioned later) who he refused to punish in any way for poor play, and these were the three worst players on the team game in and game out. He put his own personal feelings ahead of the well being of the team and that does not make for a Jack Adams winner. Therrien has matured since his Montreal days, but still has some ways to go.
The entity known as Scudichar
Scudichar was the defensive pairing of Melichar and Scuderi, the two worst defensemen on the team. Melichar was terrible all year, never watching a man in front of the net and remaining useless on odd man breaks. There was a reason the long win streak occurred when he was injured and it ended when he came back. Scuderi racked up about five goals and ten assists this year, unfortunately all of these were for the other team. He deflected the puck into his net or to an opposing player way to often this year. He also proved to be utterly frightened to have the puck, immediately batting it away and not taking his time, which also cost the Pens a few games this year. With luck, neither shall be back.
Michel Ouellet is made out of Kryptonite
That’s the only reason he could continues to suck the life out of the offense. His incredibly slow foot speed, lack of stick skills and often brainless moves continue to bring down whatever line he is on. He’s a little kid trying to catch up with the big boys and keeps trailing behind. And you’re going to have to pardon me if one or two weak hits a game doesn’t make me count him as physical. You want physical, look at Gary Roberts. Ouellet is an RFA and the best thing Shero could do is let him walk, because Therrien showed more favoritism to this man than anyone else despite his constant detriment to the team.
The Surprising
Malkin defects from Mettalurg
Everyone thought there would be a legal battle on who Malkin would play for, but no one expected him to defect from his team. After signing a new deal under duress, Malkin had enough and crept away from his team while they visited Finland. He spent two weeks in hiding before resurfacing in LA after which he joined the Penguins. He went through a lot this year on and off the ice, and it shows his devotion to playing the game.
Staal makes the team and surprising everyone
You didn’t think I would leave him out did you? Most were surprised when Staal made the team out of camp, but none expected he would do so good. 29 goals, leading the league in short handed tallies and a strong defensive game nearly unheard for any player his age (especially the youngest in the league). Staal was a most pleasant surprise and leaves people like me who wanted Shero to take Johnson for the pick feel foolish.
Pens take the 5th seed in the East, have fourth largest points increase in NHL history
Who saw any of this coming? We all knew they would be better, but not 47 points better. What this team accomplished this year was nothing short of amazing. Last year teams said “Oh look, the Pens! Easy win!” and this year said “Oh shit! We have to play the Pens!” That’s a hell of an accomplishment for one year. It was truly a season to behold and everyone loved going along for the ride.
Pens get new arena
I’m a save the best for last kind of guy, and what is better than after ten years of wondering if your team will still be your’s knowing they are going to be sticking around for at least thirty more? Jubilation was rampant, especially among the young people of the city that the Pens were able to work out a new arena deal to stay in the city. The fans did their part showing up to the games and letting the politicians know there would be repercussions in the form of voting for the other guy and leaving town. Mario saved the franchise for the third time in his life, an amazing feat that will be as hard to duplicate as his five goals five ways. Pens fans felt like Atlas with the weight of the world on their shoulders, and it was lifted at 11:00 PM one night as KDKA broke news a deal was reached. You could almost hear the sigh of relief across the city.
Well, I think that about sums things up in a nutshell (if I forgot anything let me know). It was one hell of a year and I am glad I was around for it. Truly enjoyable and ground breaking. Can’t wait for next October to have another go around!
-Jordan
Don’t get me wrong, I’m as upset as the next that the Pens lost in five games, but seeing as how even the optimists thought we could get 8th seed at best, I think things went pretty damn well this year. Everyone from the fans, players and front office seem to be very proud of what the team accomplished this year. Hats off to these guys for doing so well.
Let’s just take a look back at some things that made us happy, made us mad and the feats this team accomplished.
The Good
Sidney Crosby wins the Art Ross
Crosby became the first teenager ever to win a scoring title in the NHL, and he did it with having teammates who couldn’t keep up with him most of the year. Crosby silenced most the critiques, only the idiotic Crosby haters who will refuse to give him credit for anything or the people who still think he is a whiner and diver (yet they don’t think this of the likes of Forsberg and Alfredsson). He toned down his emotions and picked up his game even further, becoming all but immovable off of the puck. He was truly the most fun player to watch this year in the NHL.
Ray Shero is named GM
Shero was a welcomed addition to the Pens, even for avid Craig Patrick supporters such as myself. He immediately revamped the way things were run in the front office and brought it into the modern age. He quickly revamped the lower lines adding actual depth and not just whatever random scrub or prospect would fit there. He reshaped the personal and got rid of the scouting staff that had failed on so many of their evaluations. Oh, and he drafted that Jordan Staal guy. I look forward to seeing what else he can do.
Fleury silences his critics
I’ve never understood the people who criticize such a young player, especially when their position takes longer to develop than any other in the sport. Fleury had gotten flak since a fluke goal in the World Juniors and many immediately dropped his stock significantly. He continued to get flak for not performing in playoffs in Juniors and the AHL. But because he was the first over all pick, these feats should have been easy for him before he took his first legal drink (in the US that is). Fleury ended the year with forty wins and was the best player in the playoffs for an otherwise discombobulated team. The critics have gone very silent this year indeed.
Malkin finishes 17 in scoring in the NHL, first among rookies
When you saw Malkin break through two Devils players and stretch to beat Brodeur you knew we had one hell of a player on our hands. Malkin finished the season with 85 points giving the Pens another rookie sensation for the second year in a row. He is still adapting to the North American game and culture, but we all look forward to what he can do.
The Bad
Therrien’s favoritism
I like Therrien as a coach. And I don’t believe the people who would say he only accomplished anything this year because of the talent he had. But other coaches have had talent and not succeeded. Therrien succeeded and did it with young talent. But the one thing that got me was that Therrien played favorites. There are a few players (who will be mentioned later) who he refused to punish in any way for poor play, and these were the three worst players on the team game in and game out. He put his own personal feelings ahead of the well being of the team and that does not make for a Jack Adams winner. Therrien has matured since his Montreal days, but still has some ways to go.
The entity known as Scudichar
Scudichar was the defensive pairing of Melichar and Scuderi, the two worst defensemen on the team. Melichar was terrible all year, never watching a man in front of the net and remaining useless on odd man breaks. There was a reason the long win streak occurred when he was injured and it ended when he came back. Scuderi racked up about five goals and ten assists this year, unfortunately all of these were for the other team. He deflected the puck into his net or to an opposing player way to often this year. He also proved to be utterly frightened to have the puck, immediately batting it away and not taking his time, which also cost the Pens a few games this year. With luck, neither shall be back.
Michel Ouellet is made out of Kryptonite
That’s the only reason he could continues to suck the life out of the offense. His incredibly slow foot speed, lack of stick skills and often brainless moves continue to bring down whatever line he is on. He’s a little kid trying to catch up with the big boys and keeps trailing behind. And you’re going to have to pardon me if one or two weak hits a game doesn’t make me count him as physical. You want physical, look at Gary Roberts. Ouellet is an RFA and the best thing Shero could do is let him walk, because Therrien showed more favoritism to this man than anyone else despite his constant detriment to the team.
The Surprising
Malkin defects from Mettalurg
Everyone thought there would be a legal battle on who Malkin would play for, but no one expected him to defect from his team. After signing a new deal under duress, Malkin had enough and crept away from his team while they visited Finland. He spent two weeks in hiding before resurfacing in LA after which he joined the Penguins. He went through a lot this year on and off the ice, and it shows his devotion to playing the game.
Staal makes the team and surprising everyone
You didn’t think I would leave him out did you? Most were surprised when Staal made the team out of camp, but none expected he would do so good. 29 goals, leading the league in short handed tallies and a strong defensive game nearly unheard for any player his age (especially the youngest in the league). Staal was a most pleasant surprise and leaves people like me who wanted Shero to take Johnson for the pick feel foolish.
Pens take the 5th seed in the East, have fourth largest points increase in NHL history
Who saw any of this coming? We all knew they would be better, but not 47 points better. What this team accomplished this year was nothing short of amazing. Last year teams said “Oh look, the Pens! Easy win!” and this year said “Oh shit! We have to play the Pens!” That’s a hell of an accomplishment for one year. It was truly a season to behold and everyone loved going along for the ride.
Pens get new arena
I’m a save the best for last kind of guy, and what is better than after ten years of wondering if your team will still be your’s knowing they are going to be sticking around for at least thirty more? Jubilation was rampant, especially among the young people of the city that the Pens were able to work out a new arena deal to stay in the city. The fans did their part showing up to the games and letting the politicians know there would be repercussions in the form of voting for the other guy and leaving town. Mario saved the franchise for the third time in his life, an amazing feat that will be as hard to duplicate as his five goals five ways. Pens fans felt like Atlas with the weight of the world on their shoulders, and it was lifted at 11:00 PM one night as KDKA broke news a deal was reached. You could almost hear the sigh of relief across the city.
Well, I think that about sums things up in a nutshell (if I forgot anything let me know). It was one hell of a year and I am glad I was around for it. Truly enjoyable and ground breaking. Can’t wait for next October to have another go around!
-Jordan
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Pens fall, down 3-1
It sucks being down 3-1 and pretty much knowing the end is near. But you know what? I don't mind. Well, I do, but with the way the season has gone how can you not be happy with the team?
The game started off bad with some questionable calls on the Pens and no calls on the Sens. This let them go up 1-0 after a bad call on Ruutu. The first period was a bit lackluster, but the remaining 40 minutes the Pens controlled the game, taking the body and getting the better offensive chances. Alas it was not meant to be as no bounces would go the Pens way. No matter how hard they tried, how good the opportunity, the puck would not go in.
If nothing else the game was entertaining. The Pens played their hearts out and the fans lent theirs to them. Even when the game ended, you didnt really see the sighs and quietness common for a loss, especially in the playoffs.
Most players had a solid game, with teh lower lines dominating at time. Both Roberts and Petrovicky crushed people at every chance. However, the terrible trio of Ouellet, Melicrap and Suckderi continued to run around like headless chickens and gave, and I do mean give, the puck to Ottawa players on numerous oocaisons. The loss isnt their fault, but this team would definitely be better without them.
All in all a good game, but it wa a must win and I will be happy if the Pens take just one more.
The game started off bad with some questionable calls on the Pens and no calls on the Sens. This let them go up 1-0 after a bad call on Ruutu. The first period was a bit lackluster, but the remaining 40 minutes the Pens controlled the game, taking the body and getting the better offensive chances. Alas it was not meant to be as no bounces would go the Pens way. No matter how hard they tried, how good the opportunity, the puck would not go in.
If nothing else the game was entertaining. The Pens played their hearts out and the fans lent theirs to them. Even when the game ended, you didnt really see the sighs and quietness common for a loss, especially in the playoffs.
Most players had a solid game, with teh lower lines dominating at time. Both Roberts and Petrovicky crushed people at every chance. However, the terrible trio of Ouellet, Melicrap and Suckderi continued to run around like headless chickens and gave, and I do mean give, the puck to Ottawa players on numerous oocaisons. The loss isnt their fault, but this team would definitely be better without them.
All in all a good game, but it wa a must win and I will be happy if the Pens take just one more.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Back to the Drawing Board
After recovering from a terrible game 1, the Pens once again fell down the ladder, losing game three 4-2. They started the game off right scoring less than a minute into the game, but after that there was little to cheer about. They fell apart ins pectacular fashion, both the offense and defense proving to be utterly ineffective. Again Fleury was the only reason it wasnt a route. Funny that he was the one most were worried about in high pressure situations, yet he has been the most reliable of them all.
Some thoughts:
-I hate to say this, but the best thing Melichar and Scuderi could do for this team is to get hurt. Therrien is obviously too blind to see that these two hurt the team everytime they're on the ice so he wont bench them. I am starting to think Melichar is actually trying to help the Sens. For next game they may as well just come out wearing the red, black and white of their rivals because they've done far more good for them than us.
-If you've evern been to a park, or done this yourself as a kid, remember when your older brother/sister was playing with their friends, and you being a few years younger desperately tried to keep up with them but couldnt? Well, that is exactly what I see when ouellet is on the ice. He is always racing to catch up to everyone else.
-Recchi: retirement is an option.
-If Petro and Ruutu are to be visible, ice time would help. They havent gotten enough to even make themselves known unless they take a penalty. Of course part of that is due to the huge amount of stupid penalties the Pens are taking.
-Fleury: thank god you're there otherwise it'd be 3-0 and most probably wouldnt bother watching a 4th embaressing loss in a row.
-Therrien: time to get your head out of your ass. Stop playing favorites with Ouellet, melichar and Scuderi and replace them with people who may do things. Ekman, Nazzy and even Kwiatkoswki deserve a shot because honestly they cant do any worse. We're headed for an early exit and you cant get past how much you like guys. Jack Adams my ass.
-For the love of god hit someone! The Sens are cowards and once you hit them they turn tail and run. Neil is great when your back is turned or the ref blew a whistle, but challenge him to a fight he refuses. Coward. you can't spell "Spezza" without "spaz"(hint hint: use Ruutu). And I dont even want to talk about how much I utterly loathe Alfredsson.
Three Stars:
Hell, why not give it to every player on the Sens since they show up and play every game?
Some thoughts:
-I hate to say this, but the best thing Melichar and Scuderi could do for this team is to get hurt. Therrien is obviously too blind to see that these two hurt the team everytime they're on the ice so he wont bench them. I am starting to think Melichar is actually trying to help the Sens. For next game they may as well just come out wearing the red, black and white of their rivals because they've done far more good for them than us.
-If you've evern been to a park, or done this yourself as a kid, remember when your older brother/sister was playing with their friends, and you being a few years younger desperately tried to keep up with them but couldnt? Well, that is exactly what I see when ouellet is on the ice. He is always racing to catch up to everyone else.
-Recchi: retirement is an option.
-If Petro and Ruutu are to be visible, ice time would help. They havent gotten enough to even make themselves known unless they take a penalty. Of course part of that is due to the huge amount of stupid penalties the Pens are taking.
-Fleury: thank god you're there otherwise it'd be 3-0 and most probably wouldnt bother watching a 4th embaressing loss in a row.
-Therrien: time to get your head out of your ass. Stop playing favorites with Ouellet, melichar and Scuderi and replace them with people who may do things. Ekman, Nazzy and even Kwiatkoswki deserve a shot because honestly they cant do any worse. We're headed for an early exit and you cant get past how much you like guys. Jack Adams my ass.
-For the love of god hit someone! The Sens are cowards and once you hit them they turn tail and run. Neil is great when your back is turned or the ref blew a whistle, but challenge him to a fight he refuses. Coward. you can't spell "Spezza" without "spaz"(hint hint: use Ruutu). And I dont even want to talk about how much I utterly loathe Alfredsson.
Three Stars:
Hell, why not give it to every player on the Sens since they show up and play every game?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Much Better
The Pens overcame deficits twice to beat the Senators 4-3. Both Sidney Crosby and Gary Roberts had a goal and an assist, playing extremely well. Roberts did exactly what he was brought to the Pens to do" lead by example. He hit everything he could and created scoring chances.
Malkin also added two assists despite not playing that great, with Gonchar, Recchi and Ouellet also adding helpers. I have got to give credit to Ouellet for the third goal. His semi-hit on Redden behind the net stunned the defenseman long enough for Gary Roberts to crush him. Ouellet then grabbed the puck and threw it in front to Staal who made an easy goal. While Ouellet struggled most the game to keep up with pretty much everyone, that goal was all him.
Fleury also had a very good game, making key save after key save within the last ten minutes of the game. He really did save them in the third, despite Melichar and Scuderi's best attempts to let the Sens score. Those two were by far the worst players on the Pens and I seriously have to question Therrien not only for his decision to continue to play Melichar, but to pair him with the second worse defenseman on the team. Play Nazzy already because at some point Melichar will cost the Pens a game single handily.
I was very pleased with the effort the Pens put forth. They used their two days off well, and my hope of them now knowing what to expect and rebounding happened. Despite having two or three heart attacks in the third period (think Sanford and Son) the Pens showed they wouldn't be pushovers in the series and held on to the lead. The third period was exactly the kind of game NBC was hoping for as it was nothing but scoring chances.
Three Stars:
1) Gary Roberts
2) Daniel Alfredsson
3) Sidney Crosby
Malkin also added two assists despite not playing that great, with Gonchar, Recchi and Ouellet also adding helpers. I have got to give credit to Ouellet for the third goal. His semi-hit on Redden behind the net stunned the defenseman long enough for Gary Roberts to crush him. Ouellet then grabbed the puck and threw it in front to Staal who made an easy goal. While Ouellet struggled most the game to keep up with pretty much everyone, that goal was all him.
Fleury also had a very good game, making key save after key save within the last ten minutes of the game. He really did save them in the third, despite Melichar and Scuderi's best attempts to let the Sens score. Those two were by far the worst players on the Pens and I seriously have to question Therrien not only for his decision to continue to play Melichar, but to pair him with the second worse defenseman on the team. Play Nazzy already because at some point Melichar will cost the Pens a game single handily.
I was very pleased with the effort the Pens put forth. They used their two days off well, and my hope of them now knowing what to expect and rebounding happened. Despite having two or three heart attacks in the third period (think Sanford and Son) the Pens showed they wouldn't be pushovers in the series and held on to the lead. The third period was exactly the kind of game NBC was hoping for as it was nothing but scoring chances.
Three Stars:
1) Gary Roberts
2) Daniel Alfredsson
3) Sidney Crosby
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Grace Period is Over
After a 6-3 dredging on Wednesday the Penguins showed how inexperienced they were for the playoffs. The only problem is their grace period is up. They cannot afford to come out as flat as they did in game 1, playing at half the speed and intensity that the Senators did.
If on Saturday the Pens come out as lackadaisical as before then they might as well concede the series to the Senators. In no way can they w in a playoff game with such half assed play.
What bugged me the most on Wednesday was that the Senators took the body to the Pens, and they just sat there and absorbed it. They let the Senators have their way with them. The Senators are a bunch of cowards. As soon as you start to hit them they tuck their tails between their legs and run away. Yellow is a much more fitting color than any for that team. Even Chris Neil is this way. But when you let them hit you and don’t respond they start thinking their tough and hit more.
So even though the game was lost by the second period, the Pens did nothing. If all hopes are gone, which was apparent by the third, just hit the other team. Make them hurt for the next game. But instead they let themselves be hurt. They sat on the bench tired and beat up and had it rubbed in their faces. Hell, go out of position to make that hit, it doesn’t matter if they score. If they score in front of the net hit them anyways. Did they get rid of the puck a second ago? Hit them anyways.
Game 1 was embarrassing in every aspect. While Fleury didn’t play a great game, he had the best and was hung out to dry by the rest of the team. His pulling was of pity, not from performance.
Let us hope for Game 2 they have learned their lesson and come out ready to play.
-Jordan
If on Saturday the Pens come out as lackadaisical as before then they might as well concede the series to the Senators. In no way can they w in a playoff game with such half assed play.
What bugged me the most on Wednesday was that the Senators took the body to the Pens, and they just sat there and absorbed it. They let the Senators have their way with them. The Senators are a bunch of cowards. As soon as you start to hit them they tuck their tails between their legs and run away. Yellow is a much more fitting color than any for that team. Even Chris Neil is this way. But when you let them hit you and don’t respond they start thinking their tough and hit more.
So even though the game was lost by the second period, the Pens did nothing. If all hopes are gone, which was apparent by the third, just hit the other team. Make them hurt for the next game. But instead they let themselves be hurt. They sat on the bench tired and beat up and had it rubbed in their faces. Hell, go out of position to make that hit, it doesn’t matter if they score. If they score in front of the net hit them anyways. Did they get rid of the puck a second ago? Hit them anyways.
Game 1 was embarrassing in every aspect. While Fleury didn’t play a great game, he had the best and was hung out to dry by the rest of the team. His pulling was of pity, not from performance.
Let us hope for Game 2 they have learned their lesson and come out ready to play.
-Jordan
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Pens Putrid in 4-1 Loss
Nothing seemed to go right for the Pens last night as the lost to the Sabres 4-1. They were dominated the whole game, a strong showing by Fleury keeping it from being a major blowout. The lone goal game from a Recchi deflection from a Jordan Staal shot that bounced into the air. Other than this instance, the offense was invisible.
Crosby was able to create nothing, and Malkin ruined everything he touched last night. The top lines made nothing all night, and even the forecheck was weak. The 4th line of Ruutu-Talbot-Laraque was probably the best. Laraque attempted to get Peters to fight, but he refused (though he was steamed about something Laraque said to him, my guess is along the lines of "chickenshit") and Peters was rarely, if at all seen after the first period.
Michel Ouellet continued to show he has no place on this team, continually dragging down the second scoring and powerplay lines with slow skating and unable to handle the puck. We can only hope Shero rids us of him after this season.
Sadly, Gonchar mishandled more pucks than any other player, constantly losing control. One goal was directly his fault as he for no good reason tried to play up on Vanek, only to fall down and take out Talbt in the process. Easy goal for Buffalo. The rest of the defense wasnt much better.
Therrien also called a horrible game himself. He put Crosby and Malkin together and with both having off nights were easily shut down. He did not change up the lines until the third but the way thigns were going it was already to late. His biggest mistake though came in not dressing Kwiatkowski. With Whitney out from a sore groin, instead of putting in the defenseman with offensive skills, he dressed Melichar, Scuderi and Nazzy, all of whome have no offensive ability and have played poorly as of late. Instead he moved Mark Recchi back to the point, where he once again looked utterly terrible and out of place. You traded for an offensive dman, you only have two of those on your roster, one is injured, SO YOU PUT THE THIRD ONE IN! Jack Adams winner my ass. This is why Therrien should not win: simple things he is not capable of doing (and this includes playing Ouellet at all).
The powerplay was woeful at best, five on five not any better. Penalty killing and Fleury were the only things that went right this game.
Therrien better right the ship quick or else it will be a very quick first round exit.
-Jordan
Crosby was able to create nothing, and Malkin ruined everything he touched last night. The top lines made nothing all night, and even the forecheck was weak. The 4th line of Ruutu-Talbot-Laraque was probably the best. Laraque attempted to get Peters to fight, but he refused (though he was steamed about something Laraque said to him, my guess is along the lines of "chickenshit") and Peters was rarely, if at all seen after the first period.
Michel Ouellet continued to show he has no place on this team, continually dragging down the second scoring and powerplay lines with slow skating and unable to handle the puck. We can only hope Shero rids us of him after this season.
Sadly, Gonchar mishandled more pucks than any other player, constantly losing control. One goal was directly his fault as he for no good reason tried to play up on Vanek, only to fall down and take out Talbt in the process. Easy goal for Buffalo. The rest of the defense wasnt much better.
Therrien also called a horrible game himself. He put Crosby and Malkin together and with both having off nights were easily shut down. He did not change up the lines until the third but the way thigns were going it was already to late. His biggest mistake though came in not dressing Kwiatkowski. With Whitney out from a sore groin, instead of putting in the defenseman with offensive skills, he dressed Melichar, Scuderi and Nazzy, all of whome have no offensive ability and have played poorly as of late. Instead he moved Mark Recchi back to the point, where he once again looked utterly terrible and out of place. You traded for an offensive dman, you only have two of those on your roster, one is injured, SO YOU PUT THE THIRD ONE IN! Jack Adams winner my ass. This is why Therrien should not win: simple things he is not capable of doing (and this includes playing Ouellet at all).
The powerplay was woeful at best, five on five not any better. Penalty killing and Fleury were the only things that went right this game.
Therrien better right the ship quick or else it will be a very quick first round exit.
-Jordan
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