The Pittsburgh Penguins head to Montreal tonight to face the Canadians, and hope to end this two game losing streak. Great news heading into tonight as it will be the return of Alex Goligoski to the lineup.
1.) Get the first goal, Montreal is 10-1 when scoring first.
2.) Time for Malkin to get going.
3.) Need to give Fleury a break, play in the Canadians zone more often.
At least that is what Rafal Ladysz of The Hockey Writers will have you believe today. His piece today speaks about Duncan Keith “doing the world a favor” by going after Matt Cooke last Saturday. Mr. Ladysz speaks of the deliberate nature of the blow to the head that Keith handed Cooke. Oh of course Rafal attempts to temper his tone behind a mask of compassion saying:
While you never want to see a player get hurt or carried off the ice, it’s hard not to justify Keith’s actions because Matt Cooke was the target.
In essence, you don’t want to see anyone hurt by a deliberate blow to the head, but this one was ok because he hit Matt Cooke. The author continues his trek into the land of falsehoods by stating that Keith was retaliating for a hit thrown earlier by Cooke. Now I have NHL Gamecenter Live and went back and took a look and unless he was retaliating for Artem Anisimov, I don’t see where that statement can be proven true. However I did note your total lack of video evidence to support your claim. The only video you do offer is of the actual illegal intentional hit to the head laid by Keith, but lets move on.
Keith must have known he’d be immune from disciplinary events due to being a first-time offender. Nailing No.24 instead of No.87 sits well too.
So Keith premeditated the hit to the head, knowing full well he’d having the blessings of the league in the aftermath because his chosen target was a 3rd line grinder and not a 1st line playmaker? I’d like to know how long Sean Avery’s sentence is going to be for the run he made at the a fore mentioned 87 the previous weekend. Additionally you are endorsing the practice of blows to the head on non-stars? I’m sure Ben Eager and Adam Burish will be glad to see you painting a bulls-eye on their backs. This is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve read in a while. Someone who actually supports the tiered and broken justice system the NHL currently employs, aka DGB’s suspension chart.
Cooke got what he had coming for a long time. A coward in every sense of the word, he’s got a track record the length of my arm.
Truly. When Cooke laid out Anisimov he threw down later that night willingly. He didn’t go hide on the bench and refuse to engage and defend his actions like Keith did all night Saturday when Cooke pursued him. Maybe you need to look up the definition of the word coward. He did get what he deserved, a two game sit down from Colin Campbell. Duncan Keith does not work for Campbell to my knowledge so he wasn’t acting as an arm of the league’s official discipline policy as I understand it. You might have information I am unaware of however as informed as you are, so maybe you can provide it. Seriously though, Cooke did his time. Why did no BlackHawk come to Keith’s defense? Maybe they thought he was running scarred too.
He doesn’t have the fortitude to fight after the dirty tactics unless it’s someone with the brawling experience of Ilya Kovalchuk or Ryan Callahan
If he’s such a creampuff, why was Keith running like a frightened kitten from him the rest of the night every time he tired to get him to man up for his actions? I mean he's such a warrior with his 4 total fights in his five year NHL career. He hasn't fought since 2007. HUGE. He's so beast.
I’m not looking for sympathy for Matt. What I am looking for is equal application of the law to all parties and advocating head hunting of players “you don’t like” is about the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard since Mike Richards walked after destroying David Booth. Did David booth do something before that game to someone else that deserved the anvil of justice from Richards? Yea, I didn’t think so. Duncan Keith is a coward and showed his goon colors. Do the world a favor and zip it.
Note: Shortly after the publication of this piece the article linked above that it was a response to was mysteriously removed from The Hockey Writers without retraction or explanation. If the link doesn't work, that is why.
Mascots. You love them or you hate them. If you love them, you wonder what it would it be like to be one. If you have always wanted to be one since childhood, you actually make the dream a reality.
Most mascot articles that I have read over the years come from people “on the outside”. People who have no idea what it’s like to walk a mile in a pair of overgrown shoes. People who think that all we do is stand in front of you during a game and block your view. People who think that mascots are there to grope girls and scare little children.
Well, buckle up campers because your old pal Whistler is gonna share with you his thoughts and opinions about a matter near and dear to his heart.
When I first look at Thrash my thoughts take me to an elderly like gentlemen on the way to the store to pick up some prunes. He’s mean and more than likely forgotten the last time he’s had a quality poop.
From the neck down he’s a bird that has probably done more steroids than Fabian and WWE combined.
Am I supposed to be scared of this bird? Will he peck my eye or will he drop a load on my car windshield (after the prunes kick in or course).
Because of the team name, The Thrashers were pretty much locked into this type of character. I think in trying to compensate for a such a wuss-tastic name the team went the way of the NBA and tried to put a little bulk on this bird. This is where they went wrong. He’s too mean looking. (see old constipated man comment from 10 seconds ago.)
So in other words...move along, nothing to see here. Thrash brings about as much interest to the NHL as well, hockey in Atlanta. I think you get my point. Even his bio on the team’s website put me into a Thanksgiving inspired coma.
Bird Type: Georgian Brown Thrasher
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: Light as a feather!
Hatch date: Sept. 4, 1999 at Zoo Atlanta
Nesting Place: Philips Arena
Years pro: 6
Most frequent penalty: Pecking
Favorite team: Who else? The Thrashers!
Yawn.
DIVISION RANKING #5
SUITABLE REPLACEMENTS : Head Coach John Anderson’s mustache. Have you seen this thing? It could probably jump off Anderson’s face and attract a crowd all by itself.
Carolina Hurricanes STORMY
Out of all the mascots in the southeast division Stormy is my favorite. I mean c’mon.. he’s a friggen Pig. How brilliant.
When a team has an animal for a name you would automatically assume that the mascot in some shape or form will resemble that name. (ie, Penguins, Panthers, Sharks, etc. ) In this case the same frame of mind would make you hard pressed to come up with something that is resembles a Hurricane. A giant red plastic cup filled with alcohol? Or how about the Gordon’s Fisherman? (oh wait, the New York Islanders already tried that on their jerseys in the early 90’s)
No. they went with a pig. A pig who lives in the south. That’s like a cat being the spokesman for a Chinese restaurant.
Freaking brilliant.
There really isn’t much to find wrong about this guy. He’s a cute looking character that brings about a unique dimension to the team.
DIVISION RANKING #1
SUITABLE REPLACEMENT: - In a few years when Stormy is past his prime, I’d suggest sticking with the Pork family and sign a McRib sandwich to a long term deal.
Miami Panthers STANLEY C. PANTHER
Let’s see folks, you have a team called the Panthers. Yup, a panther for a mascot seems about right. Luckily enough the fine people that brought you Thrash from Atlanta Thrashers were not consulted when this mascot was created.
Shackled with a totally lame name, Stanley C. Panther flat out works. He looks to come across cute, but also seems to have the potential to show off a cocky side as well.
*Edit. Upon further review, it has been decided that Stanley C. Panther resembles Urkel from the TV show "Family Matters*
The one thing that Stanley C Panther has going for him is someone who works in the Front Office with a sense of creativity. Check out a few of these videos.
SUITABLE REPLACEMENT – Someone the Florida Panthers fans would instantly recognize. Matlock.
Tampa Bay Lightning THUNDERBUG
Thunder? Lightning? A Lightning Bug? Sure. Why not. It works and works quite well.
He’s a cute lovable cuddly bug. An excellent idea and a well created character.
But wait a minute. In doing some crack journalistic research I have come across a startling discovery.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
It has been brought to my attention that as of this season Thunderbug is no longer a part of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. There seems to be a trend in the current economic model of the NHL to make cuts to save money. I can understand that. But what I don’t understand is this.
They cut Thunderbug but decided to keep the Lightning Girls.
Let me repeat that for those of you following along at home.
They cut Thunderbug but decided to keep the Lightning Girls
**blink**
**blink**
Are you freaking kidding me?
I could bang out some long and winded tirade how I think this is a mistake but I’ll sum it up like this.
A mascot is a link between the organization and the public. You don’t need a skank-ho squad of ice dancers to run around giving guys chubbage to promote your team. If you want chubbage, go follow an NBA team.
So the performer inside ThunderBug wasn’t cutting the preverbal mustard. It happens. The right course of action should have been to terminate the employee and bring on someone that would not only capture the spirit of the character but also bring in some business savvy and market the hell out of it.
“Wow, Whistler, if I’m not mistaken I think you just made a little business sense there.”
I’d stand up and shake your hand, but I’m too busy looking at the website for the Lightning Girls. Ifyouknowwhatimsaying.
DIVISION RANKING – TIED FOR 3rd
SUITABLE REPLACEMENT – A new mascot after all the Lightning Girls have been fired because they’ve all either been knocked up or kicked out of Jenny Craig.
Washington Capitals SLAPSHOT
Arriving on the scene in 1995, Slapshot was a much needed replacement. The Capitals previous mascot suffered the fate of being the illegitimate off-spring of Gonzo from The Muppet Show.
Trying not to make the same mistake twice, the Capitals came up with an Eagle. Yawn. He’s not an ugly looking character but as far as a character goes doesn’t leave you much to work with. Kinda puny looking and not something that makes me smile when I see it. I realize we are talking about the Washington Capitals, but still.
To this very opinionated writer, there will only be one Slapshot worthy of the name.
Subway Five Dollar Foot-Long Sandwich Eaten by head coach Bruce Boudreau
Owner of the Washington Capitals. (Comes complete with his own fat suit)
So there you have it. The mascots of the Southeast Division of the National Hockey League. Next time we’ll focus on the mascots of the Northeast Division.
When Mike Ruppsigned his 1.65M/2yr deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins this past off season GM Ray Shero thought he was bringing in a 4th line forward with a solid physical presence. He surely got that. What he didn’t bank on was that once the shackles of New Jersey’s trap were removed from Rupp’s wrists, he would begin to score goals.
Boy has he. Through 31 games Monday night Rupp has 9G and 3A for 12P. If you want to talk scary that puts Mike on pace for 23G and 8A for 31P. He’s only seen that kind of success twice. Once in the AHL with Albany and the other was in Juniors with Erie. 31 Games in, and this is Rupper’s best offensive season by far. If you want to talk scary, have a look at this. Yeah Mike is THIRD in the LEAGUE in shooting percentage. And this isn’t some fluke I’ve scored once on four shots. 39 Shots is a decent number for a 4th line forward. He’s 11th on the team in shots. This is not a ghost stat by any means. Rupp has seen some time with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and when he has seen that time, he has scored points with a solid set up man next to him.
You ready for double scary? He is SECOND on the team in goals scored this as of this morning. His marker last night in the loss to Carolina put him in front of Malkin and everyone else except Sid with nine. So this is what I propose. Mike deserves a little more TOI/G than the 9:26 he is currently getting. When Pascal Dupis came on and started putting in goals, Head Coach Dan Bylsma wisely moved him up from the 4 line for solid minutes on the top two lines. It’s time to do some of the same for Rupp. He is deceivingly young at 29 years old (1/13/80) and his level of play thus far this year should now merit him some solid wing time with Malkin for sure and sometimes with Sid. I have nothing against Ruslan Fedotenko, but Tenks is off right now and HCDB has been playing him hoping he is due. Maybe a reduction in ice time is what will jar Feds a little. Hand some of his minutes to Rupp who is taking care of business right now.
Rupp is far and away the best off season move made by the Penguins and its time his solid play was rewarded with increasing play time. He is quickly endearing himself to the fans as a favorite with how he has played the game this year for the Pens. It’s amazing what a change in systems has done for the guy. Lets see what happens with more opportunities.
Also in from things that are scary. Rupp is one of four Pens ranking in the top 20 in the NHL in hits: Brooks Orpik (91 hits, 7th); Craig Adams (86, 13th); Matt Cooke (85, 15th); Mike Rupp (82, 19th).
One of the infamous short recaps tonight due to a Pens loss and mutilated keyboard, thanks to my 2 year old. Roughly 8 keys are missing including the 2, 5, H, V, B, N, M, and the ENTER. That just took me 3 minutes to write.
On to some thoughts..
This game reminded me much of the last against the Hawks. Solid overall game, a few burst of energy, a bunch of missed opportunities, and Fleury letting a few by that shouldn't have...mainly the first and third goals. Jokinen's second goal caught Flower out of position and was actually a halfway decent play, I'll give him that. Billy G wet toe to toe with Gleason, but unfortunately lost the fight...so much for the energy boost. The game did shift a little bit in the second period momentum wise. Pens started out on the PP but didn't convert. Then after Walker slid one by Fleury, who was on the cusp of being pulled. Sid then chopped the Pens first goal in through what appeared to be a quarter slot. He reminds me of Steve Nash in basketball, you give them and inch and that's all they need to score. Pardon the NBA reference. Forty-nine seconds later the man/myth/legend Mike Rupp tallied the Pens one goal away from tying the game up. Sadly that was it for scoring. The Canes dropped the puckball from there and went to a defensive strategy and only registered 10 SOG in the final 2 periods. Even with chance after chance, the hockey gods weren't in the Pens corner. Up to the last seconds they had a solid chances and couldn't sink it.
And yes, it look the Canes 29 games to win on the road. So what if it was against us. They also beat us to get into the playoffs last year and we all know how that ended up.
Geno had a bunch of turnovers and didn't get a real decent shot off; 4 mins in penalties.
Sid played well but to me it looks like the groin still nags him. Hopefully its just me. 20th goal of the season. A sick 26:32 TOI.
JStaal played mediocre. Sesame Street line started off well, but...
Dupuis and Adams played well on the forecheck and PK.
Letang doesn't look all there. Doesn't have his mojo back just yet.
First off good luck to Jagrmeister on his first day at the new job. With him out of the loop today waiting on his new phone I'm gonna do a lil' live blog leading up to tonight's game.
The Carolina Hurricanes come into town with their 0-10-3 road record as easily the biggest disappointment of the young season. Rumors grumble that major shakeups are coming with a solid group of veterans who are in the last year of their contracts being actively shopped. It's choppy water for Paul Maurice right now.
Your projected lineup given the developments:
Talbot-Crosby-Guerin
Dupuis-Malkin-Fedotenko
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Rupp-Adams-Godard
Gonchar-Orpik
McKee-Letang
Eaton-Skoula
Fleury
Post Skate Information: (Last updated 11:32 EST)
Sidney Crosby is a GO tonight for the Canes. Sid had this to say after the skate:
"I'm in," Crosby said. "I've had a good couple days of rest and got it worked on. There's no more pain. That's all I really wanted to get rid of. I can deal with it right now."
News from the Skate (last updated 11:11 EST)
- Sid, Kunitz and Goligoski all took the morning skate. The Penguins list their statuses officially as Unknown for Sid and Doubtful for Kunitz and GoGo. None of them were wearing red no-contact jerseys.
If you find yourself unable to watch the game tonight but have a Twitter account and a data plan follow @SLBD_InGame for every major game update via Twitter.
In Today's Edition: Letestu is legit, Staal is Forgiven and Keith Deserves a game
Mark Letestu's LSD Trip
Yesterday the collective Penguins Nation cringed when they heard the news that Captain Sidney Crosbyleft practice very quickly. Fears were confirmed when the news came very shortly after that he would miss last night's tilt with a tender groin. Jonathan Bombuile was quick to get people in the loop that Mark Letestu had started packing his bags and was Pittsburgh bound.
Letestu had filled in during Injuryvember when Pens player were dropping like flies and performed acceptably. Last night he was surprisingly the third line center and, well whatever they served him on that bus break in Bedford had super spinach in it or something. He was electric last night. He made four set up passes that felt Malkin-esque. He was strong with the puck and was a factor every time he was on the ice The Tweet of the Night espoused his stellar play. Letestu is greater than Bourque without a doubt. He'll be a solid NHLer one of these day, very soon.
The Jordan Staal-shank Redemption
I took a good amount of heat in the third period for this tweet last night:
This was what I said after he blindly whacked at a puck that had he hit it straight in any fashion would have gone in the net. It was a reference to the open net look Jerk-store had against the Bruins. People, including some PensU folks jumped me, and that's fine. It was a really bad shot on the best opportunity anyone had to that point. However as the recently departed Chris Bourque would have gone into a corner and cried for daddy to fix it, Jordan Staal came out on a set play designed by Mike Yeo with the goalie pulled and put in the game tying goal and earned the Pens a point. FORGIVEN. I love Jordan Staal. I am not one of these ridiculous people calling for his trade. He is a weapon unlike any other in the league. A legit 1/2 line center playing 3rd line. He made a few bad plays last night and I am the type of fan that says something about it.
Duncan Keith Should Sit a Game
Matt Cooke on Artem Anisimov last Monday against the Rangers to set the stage. Cookie's feet leaving head shot on Anisimov got Cooke the gate for two games. We all knew it was coming because Cooke isn't named Mike Richards. Now last night, in Cooke's 1st period back from that suspension Blackhawks Dman Duncan Keith went headhunting on none other than Matt Cooke:
It's a blow to the head. No doubt. I think Keith deserves a game to put his name on the same prior offenders list that the League uses to determine future sanctions against dirty play. He won't get it. First the comparison to Cooke's hit ends when Matt Cooke leaves his feet to hit Anisimov. Keith goes high, but stays on his blades. Secondly, the Matt Bradley/Dan Carcillo fight from early in the Flyers blowout last night will get all of the attention today from league discipline man Colin Campbell. Keith won't see any time even though he seriously deserves it. The funnier part were all of the Hawks fans last night on Twitter running their yaps about Cooke "whining". These are the same fans who had their Captain Jonathan Toews out for like 2 weeks from a blow to the head from Willie Mitchell and did nothing but cry.
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