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Pens Notes to Fan the Flames... |
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Just to jump back in, I figured that I would post a notes column prior to the Flames game. It will give me a chance to briefly touch on all that has been and is going on.
First of all...thank you all for the outpouring of sympathy, thoughts, prayers, well wishes and condolences. You guys are amazing and never cease to amaze me. It is great to know that we all have a second family over here at Hockey Buzz!
On to hockey...
Mark Recchi...well, I have seen emotions run the gamut on this one. Some folks are thrilled about the situation, while others are disappointed about the fact that he sort of became a scapegoat for the Penguins slow start. I sit somewhere in the middle. I wasn't thrilled about the team bringing him back to begin with, but once it happened, I wanted him to succeed. Unfortunately, he did not. He was given every opportunity to make it work. He got to play a top six role far longer than his play dictated and was given numerous chances on the power play...his hands seem to have abandoned him and Tyler Kennedy has played some great hockey. I am sure that Rex will be claimed on re-entry by one of the rumored teams and he will chip in something like 12 goals the rest of the way. My pick: Carolina
One other interesting note to consider about the move. Recchi is willing to report to WBS if he has too. That would really make or break his career...imagine if he didn't produce there? WBS beat reporter Jonathan Bombulie said that WBS center Tim Brent, who currently wears the # 8 on his sweater, is willing to give up his number but joked "I believe the standard fee (for giving someone a number) is a Rolex."
Western Canada, meet Sidney Crosby! Crosby dazzled in his Western Canada debut, at least for a period. His performance in the third period last night is something that the great players just seem to do! He and the Penguins had been contained for 2 periods and then just exploded for 4 goals in 7:25.
Ek mentioned Mathieu Schneider as a possibility for the Penguins...I say pass. Not that he isn't a very good player, but if I am bringing in a Ducks dman not named Pronger or Niedermayer, it is Francois Beauchemin.
I recall a Blogger here at the site talking about the fact that Marc Andre Fleury would play himself out of his slump if given a chance too. Amazing what playing some games can do -- He has won 5 in a row and 6 of his last 8. The team has played some good defense in front of him and he has been solid.
Sergei Gonchar...WRITE HIM IN! He should be an all-star this year.
Kris Letang has been a nice addition to the Penguins. I thought he would be a liability out there, but he has played pretty solid hockey since his recall. He has also added a nice dimension with that right handed shot. His skill is very obvious and he is not far removed from being among the top defensive scorers in the league.
Tyler Kennedy should be here to stay at this point. He keeps his feet moving at all times no matter where he is on the ice and is flashing some good offensive instincts. He has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch, as he forechecks like crazy, gets back on D and generates scoring chances for he and his linemates.
I guess Therrien is off of the hot seat...for now. Amazing how quick a mini winning streak makes firing your coach look foolish. The team has bought into Therrien's system and is skating hard on every shift. These Penguins are starting to look a lot like last year's group and are in every game, even when they are losing in the third period! They are playing good defense, limiting shots, forechecking
and playing as a cohesive unit.
We are minutes from face off...more post game...
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