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