The Pens are, oddly enough, perhaps the most improved team in the division. My undying hatred for Steve Downie (which you'll all develop by January), you actually have a real bottom-6 assembled. Ehrhoff is better than Niskanen in all facets. Getting rid of Orpik is a huge plus, no matter who takes his spot. Couples with the fact that you probably won't have the most man-games lost due to injury this year, you guys (on paper) should win the division with ease.
- jmatchett383

No need to wait for me, I hate that guy now. Probably the only guy in the NHL I hate more than Downie is Dan Carcillo....F*ck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No need to wait for me, I hate that guy now. Probably the only guy in the NHL I hate more than Downie is Dan Carcillo....F*ck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- madmike71

Oh, it will get worse. You might hate his attitude now, but once you see him attempt to play hockey, it gets worse.

Oh, it will get worse. You might hate his attitude now, but once you see him attempt to play hockey, it gets worse.
- jmatchett383

I still think his struggles may likely have been due to a lack of balance (which required surgery). The guy had that dopey, sort of "I'm lost" expression on his face, and seemed to be off despite trying.

Oh, it will get worse. You might hate his attitude now, but once you see him attempt to play hockey, it gets worse.
- jmatchett383

I'll give anyone at least two chances, problem is I think he'll go through those two fast.

The Pens are, oddly enough, perhaps the most improved team in the division. My undying hatred for Steve Downie (which you'll all develop by January), you actually have a real bottom-6 assembled. Ehrhoff is better than Niskanen in all facets. Getting rid of Orpik is a huge plus, no matter who takes his spot. Couples with the fact that you probably won't have the most man-games lost due to injury this year, you guys (on paper) should win the division with ease.
- jmatchett383

On paper, I agree I think we look pretty good. Bottom 6 has improved by virtue of not being named Glass or Pyatt. Top 6 has taken a step back, imo. Call Neal and Hornqvist an even swap...we still lost a very valuable guy in Jokinen. If Bennett or Kapanen live up to their potential, we will be fine. So many variables in play with a new coach/system/etc...but we look like a top 5 team in the east on paper.

Greiss will be the starting goalie by February

Anyone see this? The soccer-style fan section in Ottawa. Call me nuts but I'd like to try it in Pittsburgh. Console has always seemed too ...whats the word...business-like / not intimidating

http://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/576543

I'm looking forward to seeing sundqvist. 6-3 and 209 makes him physically ready for the nhl. Don't forget he played in the Swedish elite league last year and had like 6 points in 15 playoff games as is team won the championship. He could be our 3rd line center in 2 years when Sutter's deal is done

I still think his struggles may likely have been due to a lack of balance (which required surgery). The guy had that dopey, sort of "I'm lost" expression on his face, and seemed to be off despite trying.
- BulliesPhan87

Everyone is forgetting the ear issue. He's a good player with an edge, which is what everyone on here wanted last year. Anyone remember the Kasparaitis signing?

Everyone is forgetting the ear issue. He's a good player with an edge, which is what everyone on here wanted last year. Anyone remember the Kasparaitis signing?
- Topshelf Mountain

What about the Kasparaitis signing? I don't actually remember what the News said about it. Loved Kasper!

What about the Kasparaitis signing? I don't actually remember what the News said about it. Loved Kasper!
- Barnaby36

Kasper played on the edge, but he was still a good, smart player. Downie isn't that.

I remember Kasper being one of those players that you hated, but knew you'd love him on your team. Tochett was that guy too. Downie isn't this either. I NEVER once thought I'd loved to have him on my team.....yuck.

Really hope that Bortuzzo does not become expendable... hes the player we had up and down last year that I really liked, even more than Gibbons. I think if there was any way to dump Scuderi, he would get zero complaints taking that spot and leaving only one spot open for a rookie this season.

Everyone is forgetting the ear issue. He's a good player with an edge, which is what everyone on here wanted last year. Anyone remember the Kasparaitis signing?
- Topshelf Mountain

Nope, too young. The Downie signing is a low risk move though. I just hope you guys don't sign Carbomb, you're not good enough for him.

What about the Kasparaitis signing? I don't actually remember what the News said about it. Loved Kasper!
- Barnaby36

I harnessed a deep hatred for him after the series that shouldn't be mentioned. So did many others. But like someone else said he's one of those guys that's great for your team but brutal to play against.

I harnessed a deep hatred for him after the series that shouldn't be mentioned. So did many others. But like someone else said he's one of those guys that's great for your team but brutal to play against.
- Topshelf Mountain

+1

Really hope that Bortuzzo does not become expendable... hes the player we had up and down last year that I really liked, even more than Gibbons. I think if there was any way to dump Scuderi, he would get zero complaints taking that spot and leaving only one spot open for a rookie this season.
- Guile

Agree, I'm not big on the defensive defenseman but Bortz has good enough puck skills and a unique skill set among many offensive defenseman. I like him and despres on the bottom pair.

Agree, I'm not big on the defensive defenseman but Bortz has good enough puck skills and a unique skill set among many offensive defenseman. I like him and despres on the bottom pair.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Nice cheap 5th and 6th Dman that should be able to hold their own. I like it too. Scuderi as a 7th Dman is just ugly though.

Any links to the rookie tournament today?

Nice cheap 5th and 6th Dman that should be able to hold their own. I like it too. Scuderi as a 7th Dman is just ugly though.
- drummer829

Have to find some way to get rid of Scuderi... but pretty sure we missed the opportunity months ago, when salary cap teams were taking on some "ok" players at a bit of an inflated price.


Also, not sure if this is a strong point... But, Bortuzzo was an improvement over Orpik in the playoffs. I decided he gave us what Orpik did years ago, slightly less power in the hits, but a bit more speed.
I see no reason for a team to not want a defensemen like that.

I still think his struggles may likely have been due to a lack of balance (which required surgery). The guy had that dopey, sort of "I'm lost" expression on his face, and seemed to be off despite trying.
- BulliesPhan87

Downie really is one of the BIG wild cards this season. The guy is extremely talented and plays with the grit you love (on your own team). He did start to tap into that talent before the injuries/ hearing issues began. However, coming from someone who is going through vestibular (balance) therapy and visual therapy, those slight improvements can make a huge difference.

Really hoping the guy finds his game for his, and the Pens, sake.

Any links to the rookie tournament today?
- Topshelf Mountain

Was looking for it earlier myself...I think all the games are only on Pens radio and some Canadian TV station.

Lots of feedback from Ryan and others on twitter praising Dumoulin.

Was looking for it earlier myself...I think all the games are only on Pens radio and some Canadian TV station.

Lots of feedback from Ryan and others on twitter praising Dumoulin.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=730382&navid=DL|PIT|home