What's up with the Pens?

[SonofaBish]

I pay attention to football, but i'm not a die-hard "football or nothing" fan... Quite frankly, I pay way more attention to the penguins, whose play has been an atrocity lately.

I'm not even sure where to point the finger. There's so many places to point it, it makes me sick. But here goes a few of my opinions, which folks are more than welcome to disagree with.

First off, I will start by saying that I've never played a day of hockey in my life - i can't even ice skate... but i've been a die-hard fan, so I like to believe i know a LITTLE BIT of what i'm talking about.

We are not going to win giving up 4 and 5 goals a game. Granted, the defense is always going to be partially to blame when lots of goals are given up, but our goaltending is miserable! Here goes my first opinion - I think Fleury is horrible! I have felt like this since his day 1. I thought maybe that playoff run last year had FINALLY proved me wrong, which i was never so happy to be wrong. But once again, he looks horrible - and even though Sabu started off the season hott, he's been just as awful lately... Its a shame that we let Conklin go - and i'm to the point that i'd like to see Curry get a few more shots in the net. I didn't think he looked all that great in the games he played earlier this year, but I think a change would do some good - not to mention, maybe that would send a message to our goaltenders that their job isn't so secure.
What kills me is that, for example, Chicago has Huet AND Habibulen (sp?) - both great goaltenders! And the fact that the announcers have humped the shit outta Fluery for years drives me insane!

Also, my next big opinon - RYAN WHITNEY SUCKS!! Same thing as above, the announcers have been all about Whitney for years, and I just don't get it - maybe its b/c he makes so much money, and they don't want the Pens management to look so bad. The guy has an occasional good game, but for the most part, he is miserable. He can't run a powerplay! I watch all of these teams with good powerplays, and what do they do? - good puck movement. They never sit still with the puck... Whitney just sits at the point and holds the puck, looking around ... all he's doing is letting the defense get setup to block a shot! I will say though, that I am glad to see that he seems to be one of the only defenseman that understands that you have to PUT THE PUCK ON NET TO GET GOALS! Overall though, Whitney just seems to have so many breakdowns it makes me sick - and it just seems like every time i see a play happen that aggrivates me, i rewind on the DVR to find that Whitney was a part of it!!! I'm sure he's a great guy tho.

Also, regarding defenseman in general - our defenseman are always backing up! Never looking to keep the puck in the offensive zone, just always making it an easy exit for the other team. However, i know that this isn't the defenseman's choice - but more a coaching choice - and it doesn't really make me very happy when i see it all game, every game.

I feel that Crosby and Malkin are the two best players in the world - hoenstly I think Malkin is my World #1. But without some support, they can't do it all themselves. I really like Staal, but I think he needs to go. He's a great player, but if we can move him and a defenseman (say, Whitney) and get a great forward out of the deal, then I think its well worth it! Staal will do better on a team without 2 huge stars, and we'll get the friggin winger that Crosby needs to be more effective.

Ugh, my rant would likely be twice as long, but I have to get back to work....
So, what do ya guys think?

[stieny]

Ah, so many things to say. Where to start.....

First, TRADE STAAL! The people that know me have been hearing me say this for over a year. He doesn't produce like he should. He is inconsistent at best and that is with me being generous. What has he done as of lately? He had a good game in Detroit and a shorty on Saturday. Big deal. The media talks him up into this great young player who will get better with time yet his best season was his rookie year. Since then he has gotten worse and worse. I agree with you that they need to get rid of him and get a solid winger for Malkin and Crosby.

Satan was a let down yet for some reason I find myself pulling for him. I like Fedotenko but now he'll be out at a very crucial time for the Pens.

Injury has hindered any chance of getting some kind of meshing among the lines. Every game it seems as if the lines change. I understand that you have to mix things up to try to get things generated but there needs to be some consistency so the players get a change to get used to one another. Injuries have hurt that considerably.

Goaltending has to be better. I also agree with you in what you said about that to an extent. I was a big Conklin fan and wanted him to stay and Sab to go. I don't think Fleury is horrible, just very inconsistent. He'll have a good game with highlight saves and then give up 2 or 3 soft goals. You can't have that and be able to compete for the cup.

I think the defense looks ok considering the injuries. Not having Gonch is hurting us. I have seen some bad defensive games but I put more emphasis for the loses on bad goaltending. I will say that our defense needs to get better with clearing the front of the net. They are letting the opposing team just stand in the slot and bang home rebound and crap goals.

I think we are also lacking that muscle that we got from Malone and Ruutu. We don't have anyone crashing the net, screening shots and putting in the ugly goals. We absolutely need that.

I agree with the gap in productivity. You have have a team that seems to be well put together talent wise but yet you only have a few people making plays or scoring points. Everyone needs to put in to go far into the playoffs.

There is more I want to say but I'm sure it will come out as this thread develops.

I am a die-hard Pens fan though! I will always support them!

With that being said: LETS GO PENS!!!!

[John4cam]

Ah, so many things to say. Where to start.....

First, TRADE STAAL! The people that know me have been hearing me say this for over a year. He doesn't produce like he should. He is inconsistent at best and that is with me being generous. What has he done as of lately? He had a good game in Detroit and a shorty on Saturday. Big deal. The media talks him up into this great young player who will get better with time yet his best season was his rookie year. Since then he has gotten worse and worse. I agree with you that they need to get rid of him and get a solid winger for Malkin and Crosby.

Satan was a let down yet for some reason I find myself pulling for him. I like Fedotenko but now he'll be out at a very crucial time for the Pens.

Injury has hindered any chance of getting some kind of meshing among the lines. Every game it seems as if the lines change. I understand that you have to mix things up to try to get things generated but there needs to be some consistency so the players get a change to get used to one another. Injuries have hurt that considerably.

Goaltending has to be better. I also agree with you in what you said about that to an extent. I was a big Conklin fan and wanted him to stay and Sab to go. I don't think Fleury is horrible, just very inconsistent. He'll have a good game with highlight saves and then give up 2 or 3 soft goals. You can't have that and be able to compete for the cup.

I think the defense looks ok considering the injuries. Not having Gonch is hurting us. I have seen some bad defensive games but I put more emphasis for the loses on bad goaltending. I will say that our defense needs to get better with clearing the front of the net. They are letting the opposing team just stand in the slot and bang home rebound and crap goals.

I think we are also lacking that muscle that we got from Malone and Ruutu. We don't have anyone crashing the net, screening shots and putting in the ugly goals. We absolutely need that.

I agree with the gap in productivity. You have have a team that seems to be well put together talent wise but yet you only have a few people making plays or scoring points. Everyone needs to put in to go far into the playoffs.

There is more I want to say but I'm sure it will come out as this thread develops.

I am a die-hard Pens fan though! I will always support them!

With that being said: LETS GO PENS!!!!

I agree with what you say about keeping lines consistant to make something gel, everytime something positive starts happening, we make a change or an injury comes into play.

The goaltending is VERY inconsistant. When Sabu or Fluery do play well, we cant score, when we do score they give up 5 goals.

I do think some bad luck has been there as well. Puck handling in the neutral zone is pathatic. How many turnovers have we seen lately result in goals?

Now thats all you hear about from Stagi and Errey is this pipeline for players we have. Yeah you get a few decent guys, but it takes them 10 games to learn the faster pace of the nhl. Once they start producing they get scratched. 1/3rd of that team is baby pens. Injury really has hurt every aspect of the team. Now it's everyones confidence.

Our power play is pathetic, the last few I saw we never even got set up!! As said before we miss Gonchar more than anyone.

Is Letang ever going to hit the damn net? Staal has trouble finding the net. What happened to our physical play? Goddard needs to get into more scraps, and the whole team needs to finish their checks! I think we miss Laraque as well. Ziggy's out and our face off's are rarely won. I get so disgusted with this team when I watch but I keep watching knowing eventually they have to break out of this!

[laz2447]

Ah, so many things to say. Where to start.....

First, TRADE STAAL! The people that know me have been hearing me say this for over a year. He doesn't produce like he should. He is inconsistent at best and that is with me being generous. What has he done as of lately? He had a good game in Detroit and a shorty on Saturday. Big deal. The media talks him up into this great young player who will get better with time yet his best season was his rookie year. Since then he has gotten worse and worse. I agree with you that they need to get rid of him and get a solid winger for Malkin and Crosby.

Satan was a let down yet for some reason I find myself pulling for him. I like Fedotenko but now he'll be out at a very crucial time for the Pens.

Injury has hindered any chance of getting some kind of meshing among the lines. Every game it seems as if the lines change. I understand that you have to mix things up to try to get things generated but there needs to be some consistency so the players get a change to get used to one another. Injuries have hurt that considerably.

Goaltending has to be better. I also agree with you in what you said about that to an extent. I was a big Conklin fan and wanted him to stay and Sab to go. I don't think Fleury is horrible, just very inconsistent. He'll have a good game with highlight saves and then give up 2 or 3 soft goals. You can't have that and be able to compete for the cup.

I think the defense looks ok considering the injuries. Not having Gonch is hurting us. I have seen some bad defensive games but I put more emphasis for the loses on bad goaltending. I will say that our defense needs to get better with clearing the front of the net. They are letting the opposing team just stand in the slot and bang home rebound and crap goals.

I think we are also lacking that muscle that we got from Malone and Ruutu. We don't have anyone crashing the net, screening shots and putting in the ugly goals. We absolutely need that.

I agree with the gap in productivity. You have have a team that seems to be well put together talent wise but yet you only have a few people making plays or scoring points. Everyone needs to put in to go far into the playoffs.

There is more I want to say but I'm sure it will come out as this thread develops.

I am a die-hard Pens fan though! I will always support them!

With that being said: LETS GO PENS!!!!

almost to a T what i am feeling right now...

whats the sense of typing out another long post, when you and the others have done such a good job lol...

LETS GO PENS!

[stieny]

I agree with what you say about keeping lines consistant to make something gel, everytime something positive starts happening, we make a change or an injury comes into play.

The goaltending is VERY inconsistant. When Sabu or Fluery do play well, we cant score, when we do score they give up 5 goals.

I do think some bad luck has been there as well. Puck handling in the neutral zone is pathatic. How many turnovers have we seen lately result in goals?

Now thats all you hear about from Stagi and Errey is this pipeline for players we have. Yeah you get a few decent guys, but it takes them 10 games to learn the faster pace of the nhl. Once they start producing they get scratched. 1/3rd of that team is baby pens. Injury really has hurt every aspect of the team. Now it's everyones confidence.

Our power play is pathetic, the last few I saw we never even got set up!! As said before we miss Gonchar more than anyone.

Is Letang ever going to hit the damn net? Staal has trouble finding the net. What happened to our physical play? Goddard needs to get into more scraps, and the whole team needs to finish their checks! I think we miss Laraque as well. Ziggy's out and our face off's are rarely won. I get so disgusted with this team when I watch but I keep watching knowing eventually they have to break out of this!

Some good points here.

Turnovers are horrible right next to power plays. Its even worse when they happen simultaneously. I don't even know how many times in the last 20 games that I've seen a turn over result in a 2 on 1 during our power play! And it happens more than once in a power play. Unacceptable.

Passing needs to be more crisp. Too much sloppy passing and not enough tape to tape passes.

They need to come out with that intensity they get at the end of a game when they are a goal down, goalie pulled and trying to tie it. Also, when they put the puck on the net and force the rebound they get a lot more scoring opportunities.

If they would just play and forecheck with that intensity all the time and put pucks on net more often, they would get more past the goalie.

[John4cam]

Stieny- Cant believe I forgot about our beautiful passing, LOL.

When I watch other teams play I always wonder to myself why cant we do that?

[stieny]

Stieny- Cant believe I forgot about our beautiful passing, LOL.

When I watch other teams play I always wonder to myself why cant we do that?

Same here.

On a side note: anyone going to the game this Friday? I'm going and will be out in the city before and after the game!

[madmaxin22]

i'll be at the game in those box type seats in section C on friday, think C14 maybe. Just crossing my fingers that they can put some good hockey together for more than one game. I'd give my opinion on there sucky play for the last month but dont feel like typing it all out. They need to get it straightened out or hopefully RAY SHERO busts some heads and trades the useless players that are only consistent at 1 THING, getting paid to suck.

[SonofaBish]

Its looking pretty good that I will be at the game on Friday as well.... I've drop you a PM if I'm indeed going... I've caught wind that my boss and I may be getting tickets to the Highmark Luxury box :D

[stieny]

Seems like you two have some nice seats. Let's hope it's a good game. Considering it's the Ducks, it should prove to be entertaining.

The reason I brought it up was that I'm always up for some drinks before and or afterwards!

[AdamantiumSilvr]

Totally 150% agreein with all the topics brought up.
Defense backin into our goalie. U will never win doin this. Step up, HIT SOME BODY, any body!!!! Gotta play physical, period!
To much fancy passin goin on, alwayz lookin for the perfect play. Shoot the puck, and hit the FREAKIn net!
Goaltending inconsistancy most definately!
The whole teams hurt, what they do keep all the pussies around. Granted I do like some of'em, but I mean Kennedy, Gill, Talbot, Gonchar, Whitney, and like 10 others all hurt! Bring some more Baby pens up, and switch the lines up a hundred more times why don't they! You'll never get in a groove switchin lines like that!
They got ride of some of the most key playerz, at the most wrongest time ever!! Oh well lets make it to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in over a dozen years and lets trade over half the team. Real Utter stUpidy!! I honestly don't know where they we're comin from pullin that crap!
STHAAL!! DUHHHHHH, which way did he go, which way did he go!!!!!! He's lost out der! He looks like an amateur playin at a Mite level! Anybody that free loads his way to the top, I'll never respect! Really how does 4 bros make it! Suckin the u know what to the top. U ain't gotta be good if you could do that or pay some one off!!!!
Now u guyz got me all fired up!
I played Ice Hockey just about my whole life, and I could probably do a better job at coachin the freakin team! U ain't even gotta be totally a hockey fanattic to see it all out in plain view!
Malkin and Crosby are GREAT really, but hockey is a TEAM sport! None of these well I'll take the puck skate around with it for 5 minutes like Jager used ta do. Try and do it all by there selfs, then cough the puck to the other team for a scorin opportunity. I know they are gifted playerz and want to accomidate playstation NHL 2007 to 2009 moves into the real game of hockey. But come on now, sometimes I'm like WOW and then I'm like OMG, what was he thinkin!!!
I guess that's enough ventin about the SUCKGUINS as my dad would put it when they suck!
They just gotta get it together thats all. Formulate consistant lines, play as a team, get the puck on net, create scorin chances, and play some defense. Play some Hockey at the Pro level they're gettin paid to do!!!

[stieny]

I will also mention this: I do like the management and i'm a fan of Shero. They tried to keep everyone they could but with having some big name players on the team, which you obviously want to keep, its hard. They made offers to Malone and Hossa, they just couldn't afford to pay what some players felt they were worth.

IMHO, I think Malone sold his team out a bit. What I also find funny is that he does a VS commercial now saying how he loves hockey and how he puts his team before anything else. But when it came down to it, he took some more cash over his team. A bit hypocritical if you ask me.

Thats part of the reason I have a lot of respect for Orpik and also why I got him to sign my Orpik jersey. He took less money then he is probably worth just so he can stay somewhere that means something to him and play with a team that he puts before anything else. Thumbs up to Brooks!

[laz2447]

Ray Shero gets an A+ in my book too Stieny.

Malone did sell out his team, and good for him he did. I'm sure if you dangle that kind of money in front of most people they would leave too...but like you I have alot of respect for the guy who says...pay me less, but fair and I'll stay...Orpik did just that...

And who would of thought Hossa would take a one year deal?

[SonofaBish]

Seems like you two have some nice seats. Let's hope it's a good game. Considering it's the Ducks, it should prove to be entertaining.

The reason I brought it up was that I'm always up for some drinks before and or afterwards!

Only the best :) haha... dead center, largest box in the building... right below Lemeuix's....

I'll let ya know if i'm going... if so, i'll meet up with ya before the game!

[AdamantiumSilvr]

....it really is alot of politics! It's also ashame that money, payin people in the millions has become such a huge issue on playin a kids sport. I think its really a joke!!
Orpik is my top favorite thou. I was really happy he stayed. He's the man alwayz bringin the ruckus with that look of fury!! Him and Cooke are the only two that really seem to keep the physicalness to the Pens and I most definately respect dat!

I will also mention this: I do like the management and i'm a fan of Shero. They tried to keep everyone they could but with having some big name players on the team, which you obviously want to keep, its hard. They made offers to Malone and Hossa, they just couldn't afford to pay what some players felt they were worth.

IMHO, I think Malone sold his team out a bit. What I also find funny is that he does a VS commercial now saying how he loves hockey and how he puts his team before anything else. But when it came down to it, he took some more cash over his team. A bit hypocritical if you ask me.

Thats part of the reason I have a lot of respect for Orpik and also why I got him to sign my Orpik jersey. He took less money then he is probably worth just so he can stay somewhere that means something to him and play with a team that he puts before anything else. Thumbs up to Brooks!

[stieny]

Ray Shero gets an A+ in my book too Stieny.

Malone did sell out his team, and good for him he did. I'm sure if you dangle that kind of money in front of most people they would leave too...but like you I have alot of respect for the guy who says...pay me less, but fair and I'll stay...Orpik did just that...

And who would of thought Hossa would take a one year deal?

Yes, I do understand why he did it. Many players will go where they can get paid more. It makes it look that much better when a stand up guy like Brooks gives up a bit of money for something that has more sentimental value. Really shows me where his heart is.

I'm surprised that Hossa left. I think Shero brought him here with the expectation of retaining him. They offered him one hell of a deal to stay.

Only the best :) haha... dead center, largest box in the building... right below Lemeuix's....

I'll let ya know if i'm going... if so, i'll meet up with ya before the game!

Nice. Sounds good! Let me know.

....it really is alot of politics! It's also ashame that money, payin people in the millions has become such a huge issue on playin a kids sport. I think its really a joke!!
Orpik is my top favorite thou. I was really happy he stayed. He's the man alwayz bringin the ruckus with that look of fury!! Him and Cooke are the only two that really seem to keep the physicalness to the Pens and I most definately respect dat!

Orpik and Cooke are awesome. I think Cooke is underrated which is a shame. I'm also a big fan of TK too. I'm glad he is back in the lineup.

[SonofaBish]

I think crosby and malkin are fine with what they are doing.... They do occasionally cough the puck up, but its something you have to deal with when you have players that are as gifted, skilled, and creative as they are. Often, when they do cough the puck up, its because the linemates they are working with, just aren't thinking on the same level as them... Time after time, guys are absolutely surprised to have the puck on their stick - they look appalled that, out of nowhere, the puck is all of a sudden in their possession - or even worse, creating the turnover, they aren't expecting it and just never even look for it....

I really think its partially injuries, but mostly a head game. Like I said, i never played hockey, but I know the kinda trouble your own head can cause you when playing any sport.... They need to get their heads back in it, and things will start to come back together!

Tomorrow night against the Flyers is a big game. They are a good team, and a win against our biggest rival will really help get us back into it.... So we need to work on it one game at a time, and get back into the damn playoff picture! Quit feeling sorry for ourselves, and just play hard - and for gawd's sake, STOP A ****IN' PUCK FROM GOING IN THE NET!

[stieny]

I think crosby and malkin are fine with what they are doing.... They do occasionally cough the puck up, but its something you have to deal with when you have players that are as gifted, skilled, and creative as they are. Often, when they do cough the puck up, its because the linemates they are working with, just aren't thinking on the same level as them... Time after time, guys are absolutely surprised to have the puck on their stick - they look appalled that, out of nowhere, the puck is all of a sudden in their possession - or even worse, creating the turnover, they aren't expecting it and just never even look for it....

I really think its partially injuries, but mostly a head game. Like I said, i never played hockey, but I know the kinda trouble your own head can cause you when playing any sport.... They need to get their heads back in it, and things will start to come back together!

Tomorrow night against the Flyers is a big game. They are a good team, and a win against our biggest rival will really help get us back into it.... So we need to work on it one game at a time, and get back into the damn playoff picture! Quit feeling sorry for ourselves, and just play hard - and for gawd's sake, STOP A ****IN' PUCK FROM GOING IN THE NET!

Another good point. Like almost all sports, it is a head game. It is also momentum. People seem to forget that we went through a slump last year too.

Like you said, we need to start winning these big games, get our heads back into winning and get the momentum on our side. We know we have the talent!

[stieny]

Hate to jinx it, but the pens are looking real good right now.

Good back-checking, good forechecking and cycling.

Lets get it done pens!!!

[mr4teth]

Hate to jinx it, but the pens are looking real good right now.

Good back-checking, good forechecking and cycling.

Lets get it done pens!!!

YEAH THEY DO! ... Looks like Michael found some chemistry (something we have been missing) with the two headed monster with Cookie? Maybe with a win tonight we'll pick up the other thing we need “confidence!”