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Hockey Gods Smile On Pittsburgh Again....Plus Pens Notes.... |
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Last night marked the latest example of the good fortune bestowed upon the Pittsburgh Penguins by the Hockey Gods. Evgeni Malkin made his professional debut and was amazing. This 2004 2nd overall pick is following in the footsteps of Mario Lemiuex (1984), Jaromir Jagr (1990), and Sidney Crosby (2005). Though the team has had much turmoil off of the ice over the years, they have been blessed with having one of the best players in the game each of the last 23 years.
Most people in Pittsburgh were disappointed when the Penguins lost out to the Washington Capitals in the Alexander Ovechkin lottery, not that he would look bad in Black and Vegas Gold, but it would have all but eliminated their chance to land Sidney Crosby in 2005. They would have had one less ball in the hopper, significantly reducing the odds of winning.
In not winning in 2004, they got a great consolation prize, Evgeni Malkin. Malkin, almost a full year younger than Ovechkin at the time they were drafted, was speculated by some to have an even higher upside. Though the two play different styles of hockey and the debate will likely rage for years, the Penguins are not complaining.
Malkin took the ice last night and looked a bit nervous early, but it didn't last for long. He worked the rust off of his game as best he could after not playing in a competitive hockey game for close to a month and soon began to look dominant.
One of the amazing things about Malkin is the way he does not lose the puck. Even when checked, he uses all parts of his body: feet, legs, arms and hands to keep the puck moving forward and in better position to get his stick on it. One play from last night stands out, Malkin carried the puck up the ice during one of the team’s lone power play opportunities; he achieved the blue line and dumped the puck into the zone. Malkin then rushed into the left wing corner, where he used body positioning to get possession of the puck from a New Jersey defender. This allowed his team time enough to get set up and effectively work their power play. Malkin coolly moved towards the boards and sent the puck to the point, and the team was able to generate a scoring opportunity.
Malkin also has a very slick backhand. On plays that look as if he is going to stick handle through a defender, he slyly uses his backhand to throw passes to open teammates. On several occasions, where pucks are moving towards him, he will sort of tap at the puck and send it in another direction. He makes these passes tape to tape.
Malkin did make some big plays last night and was occasionally used with Sidney Crosby, something that helped generate Malkin's first career goal. Crosby, Malkin and Mark Recchi moved into the zone. All players touched the puck but it was the give and go between Malkin and Recchi that resulted in the goal. As Malkin set Recchi up for a one timer, he followed the play and banged a rebound between Martin Brodeur's legs.
Malkin proved that his shoulder is fine by unleashing a one timed slap shot that broke a pane of glass behind the goal. When asked if he has broken a lot of glass in his young career, he smiled and answered: "Just once before. It was at practice for the national team, but this, I think it was just old glass," a humble comment from a budding superstar.
Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby have a very bright future together. Any team would be blessed to have one of these dynamic players; the Penguins have hit the lottery by having them both. It is true; the Hockey Gods have smiled on Pittsburgh yet again. Pittsburgh fans should relish these moments, and realize that they are some of the luckiest fans in the league.
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Mario Lemiuex was named the number one toughest hockey player of all time by Maxim magazine. Here is their write up:
1. Mario Lemieux
Tough Guy Cred: He beat cancer
The six-foot-four, 220 pound Lemieux has scored with more guys on his back than Paris Hilton, but he really proved he wasn't as soft as his French accent would suggest when he stared down Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1992. Not only did he let the disease sideline him for all of two months, on the day of his final radiation treatment, he went out and scored a goal and an assist against Philadelphia. He also continued to be one of the game's all time greats for another 10 years.
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TSN is reporting that the Penguins and the NHL may soon be receiving legal papers. Magnitogorsk is expected to file a suit over Malkin's departure. This is seen as a move to try and get some compensation from the league and or the Penguins.
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The City of Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force has thrown its support behind the Isle of Capri plan. The Task Force has sent a letter to the State Gaming Control board, voicing their support. This is another plus for a plan that was seen as an underdog 3 months ago.
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Marc Andre Fleury is expected to make his 6th start of the season tonight against the New York Islanders.
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