Yeah, yeah, I'm sure we've earned the flack. Just remember, the only celebrating your doing is over our elimination. Far higher expectations were blown on the west end of the state this year.

/vent

Mind if I hang with you guys for a few months?
- BulliesPhan87

Join us, please. We have a standing tee time.

Join us, please. We have a standing tee time.
- Emperor Filonius

And here I was worried my clubs would rust

The CBA thing is kind of a stick in the spokes. There's been all this talk of an amnesty, I'm really not expecting it myself. As for the 'trade one of the centers' thing, I'd be least hesitant to trade Staal (hate sending the best player in a trade). That's tough, having two of those contracts expire at once, with the third to follow. It's a bit forward thinking, but is a raise on the radar for Sid and/or Malkin?
- BulliesPhan87

The Devils v Flyers series reminds me of Ravens v whichever team comes the week after the Ravens play us. They act like beating us is the championship and are then spent against the next opponent.

The Devils v Flyers series reminds me of Ravens v whichever team comes the week after the Ravens play us. They act like beating us is the championship and are then spent against the next opponent.
- kgrpitt

I think the only thing that could have saved either PIT or PHI after that emotional series, was having the SCF as the next round. Anybody can get up for the Finals, tough to get up for the 2nd round from a mental aspect after such an emotional series on both sides. Something to keep in mind for those that were in favor of the proposed realignment and how the playoffs would work. Hell the Capitals in the newer format would not have even made the playoffs and they have won more games than PIT or PHI.

Hartnell made a comment on how he was surprised at how hard the Devils were trying

"I don't think we thought we were going to win four straight," Hartnell said today, "but definitely, they've played a lot stronger and a lot harder than me personally would have thought they'd come with. They've been on a high the last few weeks obviously, beating Florida in Game 7.

I mean what did you think they were going to do, lie down?

"We have to have a bit more attitude," Scott Hartnell said. "Obviously between the whistles, not taking stupid penalties. It was pretty easy to get that emotion up versus Pittsburgh. It just seems like you'd watch the Devils-Florida series and there wasn't much emotion at all.

Just goes to show how much the emotion played into PHI's success against PIT. Playing like robots is a better approach in a series like that.

who won last night I was flying around....

tehehehehe....

Well... the NHL is headed back to pre-lockout rules. Thus, we have Kings, Yotes, Devils.....and most likely the Rags.....all in the top 10 in goals against. I believe 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 9th.

- madmike71

Either this year is really a shift back to the old days, or just an anomaly. I can't find the source, but I remember reading that each of the last 15 Cup winners finished in the top 10 in goals scored in the regular season that year.

Here is where the remaining teams finished this season:
Rangers - 11th
Captials - 14th
Devils - 15th
Coyotes -18th
Kings - 29th

Either this year is really a shift back to the old days, or just an anomaly. I can't find the source, but I remember reading that each of the last 15 Cup winners finished in the top 10 in goals scored in the regular season that year.

Here is where the remaining teams finished this season:
Rangers - 11th
Captials - 14th
Devils - 15th
Coyotes -18th
Kings - 29th
- rival22

The shift has been a direct result of the change in interference calls and other minor infractions that were previously being called consistently. All teams are guilty and on the wrong end of these non calls.

And what is funny about the Kings ranking there is that I like their offensive players better than the rest in that group, its a funny game.

I think the only thing that could have saved either PIT or PHI after that emotional series, was having the SCF as the next round. Anybody can get up for the Finals, tough to get up for the 2nd round from a mental aspect after such an emotional series on both sides. Something to keep in mind for those that were in favor of the proposed realignment and how the playoffs would work. Hell the Capitals in the newer format would not have even made the playoffs and they have won more games than PIT or PHI.

Hartnell made a comment on how he was surprised at how hard the Devils were trying

"I don't think we thought we were going to win four straight," Hartnell said today, "but definitely, they've played a lot stronger and a lot harder than me personally would have thought they'd come with. They've been on a high the last few weeks obviously, beating Florida in Game 7.

I mean what did you think they were going to do, lie down?

"We have to have a bit more attitude," Scott Hartnell said. "Obviously between the whistles, not taking stupid penalties. It was pretty easy to get that emotion up versus Pittsburgh. It just seems like you'd watch the Devils-Florida series and there wasn't much emotion at all.

Just goes to show how much the emotion played into PHI's success against PIT. Playing like robots is a better approach in a series like that.
- Gunner Staal

That's why my favorite team not named the Pittsburgh Penguins is the Detroit Red Wings. I just love their professional approach to the game. Sure every team gets emotional from time to time, but they almost always play between the whistles and they rarely take selfish liberties.......I'm looking at you Geno Malkin....

That's why my favorite team not named the Pittsburgh Penguins is the Detroit Red Wings. I just love their professional approach to the game. Sure every team gets emotional from time to time, but they almost always play between the whistles and they rarely take selfish liberties.......I'm looking at you Geno Malkin....
- madmike71

The Red Wings havent done anything since 2009 either though.

Since the SCF against them they have played in one more playoff round than us. We have 12 playoff wins to their 13. Their approach hasn't yielded any more dividends than ours lately.

The shift has been a direct result of the change in interference calls and other minor infractions that were previously being called consistently. All teams are guilty and on the wrong end of these non calls.

And what is funny about the Kings ranking there is that I like their offensive players better than the rest in that group, its a funny game.
- Gunner Staal

It is amazing how they have completely disregarded the interference call when the defenseman chips the forechecker after a dump in. What is even more amazing, is that the League says with a straight face, that there hasn't been any changes to how the rules are interpreted.

The Devils have that 2009 Pens feel to them...

They obviously have had that defensive mindset drilled into them over the years, but under Pete Deboer, they are playing more of an up-tempo, puck possession game. It reminds me of the 2009 team, when Bylsma changed the style of play, but they still had their defensive roots in place from Therrien.

It is amazing how they have completely disregarded the interference call when the defenseman chips the forechecker after a dump in. What is even more amazing, is that the League says with a straight face, that there hasn't been any changes to how the rules are interpreted.
- rival22

If you want to point to one single reason why Martin is not the same as he was, it was his value to play defense within a strict rules system. Now that more physicality with the interference/holding has seeped back in, that does not benefit his game, at all.

The Red Wings havent done anything since 2009 either though.

Since the SCF against them they have played in one more playoff round than us. We have 12 playoff wins to their 13. Their approach hasn't yielded any more dividends than ours lately.
- Gunner Staal

That's not what I'm saying... They're obviously getting long in the tooth and I'd say that's why they've not won recently. I just admire their approach. It's all business. They play between the whistles. They play like they've been there before. I don't think the Pens looked remotely like cup winners this year.

The Red Wings havent done anything since 2009 either though.

Since the SCF against them they have played in one more playoff round than us. We have 12 playoff wins to their 13. Their approach hasn't yielded any more dividends than ours lately.
- Gunner Staal

It will be interesting to see what changes they make... They get a year older and likely lose Holmstrom. They have some holes in the defense, especially if Lidstrom is done.

That's not what I'm saying... They're obviously getting long in the tooth and I'd say that's why they've not won recently. I just admire their approach. It's all business. They play between the whistles. They play like they've been there before. I don't think the Pens looked remotely like cup winners this year.
- madmike71

Neither did the Red Wings. They take their approach to the extreme on the other end of the spectrum. Playing void of emotion is also as damning as playing with too much.

It will be interesting to see what changes they make... They get a year older and likely lose Holmstrom. They have some holes in the defense, especially if Lidstrom is done.
- rival22

Holmstrom is no loss at all. I am surprised they still keep him around. He is literally a screen specialist on the PP, his even strength shifts are not very good IMO.

I also think Lidstrom is a lock to play this year, credit the Winter Classic for keeping him around another year, again IMO.

Neither did the Red Wings. They take their approach to the extreme on the other end of the spectrum. Playing void of emotion is also as damning as playing with too much.
- Gunner Staal

Idk. Nobody beats father time. Clearly that team is in need of some youth and I'd say that's why Detroit is on the down side.

Doesn't change my opinion of playing like you've been there before and a professional approach......and the Pens in no way played like they've been there before. All the mind numbing penalties from Orpik, Letang, Neal, Malkin, Sid. It says a lot when Cooke was the model of self-control against the flyers.

The shift has been a direct result of the change in interference calls and other minor infractions that were previously being called consistently. All teams are guilty and on the wrong end of these non calls.

And what is funny about the Kings ranking there is that I like their offensive players better than the rest in that group, its a funny game.
- Gunner Staal

Completely 100% agree with this statement. I remember reading Orpik beginning to complain about this back in January. This particular part of the game absolutely kills the more skilled players in the league. There is a lot of thought that the league is allowing this back to counter the concussion issue. Don't personally see how clutching and grabbing would have saved Sid from getting smoked upside the head(for example).

Idk. Nobody beats father time. Clearly that team is in need of some youth and I'd say that's why Detroit is on the down side.

Doesn't change my opinion of playing like you've been there before and a professional approach......and the Pens in no way played like they've been there before. All the mind numbing penalties from Orpik, Letang, Neal, Malkin, Sid. It says a lot when Cooke was the model of self-control against the flyers.
- madmike71

For much of the last year and a half through all the injuries the Penguins did play like they have been there before. They did remarkable things in the face of adversity. However there is a breaking point with adversity and it came to a boil when all their players were healthy and they thought things would be easy and just come to them. It didnt, they got frustrated, and had a bad month. Much like the Flyers finally getting over their hump (the Penguins) and not sticking to the plan that got them past the Penguins when playing the Devils.

The Penguins getting all of their top guns back gave them a false sense of security. The goals allowed stats show just that. I dont think the team is in as bad of a place as some people are making them out to be. They are true professionals and have shown that for the better part of 4 years now. Im not going to let one brutal month erase the larger picture.

Idk. Nobody beats father time. Clearly that team is in need of some youth and I'd say that's why Detroit is on the down side.

Doesn't change my opinion of playing like you've been there before and a professional approach......and the Pens in no way played like they've been there before. All the mind numbing penalties from Orpik, Letang, Neal, Malkin, Sid. It says a lot when Cooke was the model of self-control against the flyers.
- madmike71

Don't forget, there really is not many left on the pens from the 09 winning team. You also left out the biggest dissapointment from a player that's "been there". MAF!

Hey Gunner? Should Shero do everything he can to bring in Weber this off season? Should we flip our three center model to make sure we get a man of that kinda quality on the blue line?

Hey Gunner? Should Shero do everything he can to bring in Weber this off season? Should we flip our three center model to make sure we get a man of that kinda quality on the blue line?
- taleisyreXIII

How do you go about acquiring Weber? He wont sign an offer sheet because he knows Nashville is willing to match anything thrown his way. Money is not the issue between him and NSH. Player initiated arbitration is the way that saga will go. It will give Weber good money and at the max 2 years until he is free as a UFA, which is what he truly wants.

Suter would be the guy that would be more attainable, however I would rather play guys like Despres and Morrow than overpay for another d man on the free agent market.

How do you go about acquiring Weber? He wont sign an offer sheet because he knows Nashville is willing to match anything thrown his way. Money is not the issue between him and NSH. Player initiated arbitration is the way that saga will go. It will give Weber good money and at the max 2 years until he is free as a UFA, which is what he truly wants.

Suter would be the guy that would be more attainable, however I would rather play guys like Despres and Morrow than overpay for another d man on the free agent market.
- Gunner Staal

Trade. Simple as that. I am not sure that anyone is happy with the situation in Nashville. I think with the ties to Shero, as he drafted him, he would sign a big deal for the pens. Trade for him just like Toronto when they picked up Kessel. I still think Malkin is movable, although he is worth much more then Weber. I am firmly behind moving one of either Staal or Malkin at this point and getting a huge return for them. At no time previous has their trade values been higher. This would present a great way to get rid of Martin's contract as well. I would much perfer a Malkin trade packaged with Martin, this may have to be a three way deal with edmonton maybe?

Malkin to Edmonton, 1st overall pick and Martin to Nashville, Weber and Hemsky(maybe) to Pittsburgh

I really am trying to think outside the box. I love Geno as a pen, but im not sure we can keep all three for much longer anyways.

Trade. Simple as that. I am not sure that anyone is happy with the situation in Nashville. I think with the ties to Shero, as he drafted him, he would sign a big deal for the pens. Trade for him just like Toronto when they picked up Kessel. I still think Malkin is movable, although he is worth much more then Weber. I am firmly behind moving one of either Staal or Malkin at this point and getting a huge return for them. At no time previous has their trade values been higher. This would present a great way to get rid of Martin's contract as well. I would much perfer a Malkin trade packaged with Martin, this may have to be a three way deal with edmonton maybe?

Malkin to Edmonton, 1st overall pick and Martin to Nashville, Weber and Hemsky(maybe) to Pittsburgh

I really am trying to think outside the box. I love Geno as a pen, but im not sure we can keep all three for much longer anyways.
- taleisyreXIII

If a player like Malkin is happy and content with being a Penguin and the role he has with the team, you just dont trade guys like that, regardless of the return they bring. Malkin is literally one of the very few options that can provide injury insurance for Crosby's talents. Staal just does not provide that kind of insurance. Malkin's pros are more than Staal. I want to keep all three and am willing to make sacrifices on the roster to do so but if you want to play the either or game, Staal is the one on his way out, not Malkin. Furthermore Malkin is more entertaining to watch, and that is a main component for why most people watch hockey, which is better for the business side of things as well.