Modest Crosby

Sidney Crosby has always known the right things to say. His calm and collective interviews have been the root that keeps his reputation as a respected person off the ice in tact. Here is a video of him after learning of being nominated for both the Ted Lindsay award and the Hart Trophy.

With the Penguins now up 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the 2013 playoffs, fans are feeling much better about the situation. While many weren't willing to bet this game would go past a game 5, the Pens are only one game away from advancing on. If you were willing to bet, there is available NHL Hockey betting at Topbet.eu. ESPN has the latest odds of the game as the Penguins coming out on top. But as everyone knows, any team can come out on top regardless of their seeding (cf. 2012 NHL Stanley Cup winners).

In the end, I'm personally more comfortable that the Penguins situation. If I had to put my money on both teams shaking hands tonight, I'd go for it. This team doesn't want to go 7 games with a thriving young 8th seed with nothing to lose. They end tonight. 

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In Defense of Tyler Kennedy

by Chris Barron (@chrisrbarron)

I have to admit, being the self-proclaimed President of the TK fan club can be a lonely and frustrating place to be at times. I do my best during Pens games not to respond to the predictable tweets blaming TK for any and everything bad that happens for the Pens. 95% of the time the tweets assigning blame are mindless. Hell some of the time, TK gets blamed for stuff that happens even when he isn't on the ice.

Just look at what the internet does to him...

When the Pens lose, the TK hating mobs are ready to grab their pitchforks and torches. Who knew that a third line winger, averaging 12 minutes of ice time a game, held the future of the Pens franchise in his hands.

It's not just the masses who play the TK blame game, TK has become an easy mark for the Pens opinion leaders too. One Pens blogger, who shall go unnamed, has had exactly one interaction with me on twitter, which was to ask me why I rooted for such a terrible player.

 Not all of the criticism is half-crocked twitter blame gaming, some it actually comes from people who I like, admire and respect. Evil Ray Shero penned a long and detailed piece called "The Curious Case of Tyler Kennedy" just a few weeks ago. He warned me he was writing it, and after debating whether or not I should read it, I bit the bullet and read it. We are still friends.

That isn't to say that TK is blameless. Far from it, Tyler Kennedy is a skilled player with a lot of talent, talent that seems to disappear for long stretches of time. TK is one of those players who tantalizes and teases with flashes of brilliance. Unfortunately, even in the best of seasons for TK, those flashes of brilliances are separated by periods of less than stellar play.

Is Tyler Kennedy a top 6 forward? Not on a stacked team like the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kennedy is a former 20-goal scorer, however, and is clearly a player that Dan Bylsma likes (funny how many twitter head coaches are so willing to discard the judgment of a guy who has actually won a Stanley Cup and almost 70% of the games he has coached for the Pens). Kennedy has been the ultimate team player, he has done everything Bylsma has asked him to do, been bounced around from line to line, and even moved to center in wake of the Crosby injury and never once complained about it.

The truth is, that if TK was playing in Winnipeg or a dozen other places in the NHL - he certainly could and would be a top 6 forward. Take a look at TK's stats, even this year - an unquestioned down year for Kennedy. Playing on mostly the 3rd line, TK has 5 goals and 4 assists (9 points) and a -2. Winnipeg's current second line RW Antti Miettinen has 2 goals and 2 assists (4 points) and a -3. Winnipeg's second line C Olli Jokinen has 7 goals and 5 assists (12 points) and a -19 averaging far more ice time than Kennedy. And the Jets are likely going to be a playoff team. It is a testament to the embarrassment of riches that we enjoy in Pittsburgh now (compliments of Ray Shero) that a forward with TK's abilities can be utilized on a 3rd or 4th line.

When George W. Bush was President there was a condition that gripped many liberals in the U.S. known as Bush Derangement Syndrome: every ill in the country and the world were somehow the fault of Bush. Many conservatives in the U.S. have replaced Bush Derangement Syndrome with Obama Derangement Syndrome. Neither of these conditions were constructive to the political process, nor were either of these conditions reality-based.

Similarly, too many Pens fans suffered from Paul Martin Derangement Syndrome last year, and too

many suffer from Tyler Kennedy Derangement Syndrome this year. Like their political counter-parts, neither of these conditions are constructive and neither are particularly reality-based.

As Pens fans, we are lucky to have TK on the 3rd or 4th line, so give it a rest. Praise him when he does something worth praising, criticize him when he does something that merits criticism, but stop pretending that every single ill on the ice is somehow Tyler Kennedy's fault.

That's my defense of Tyler Kennedy; that and this little reminder:

TK saved us from Jagr – and for that alone, he has my undying love and admiration.

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Were The Trades Worth It In Short And Long Term?

By Kenny Lindberg...

It started by getting Brenden Morrow, then sneaking under the radar to upgrade the defense to get Douglas Murray, and then into the wee hours of the morning General Manager Ray Shero completed quite possibly the greatest act of trade wizardry that has been seen of recent time in finishing of the trifecta by getting Jarome Iginla. With almost all of the Pens Universe rejoicing over what Shero had just done, very few people noticed the impact of what was lost in negotiation.

To acquire these three premium talents it cost the Pens their first two picks in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, a Second Round pick in 2014, their 5th round pick this year, two average grade college prospects, and top prospect Joe Morrow.

The Brenden Morrow trade is a very solid trade for the Penguins. With surrendering Joe Morrow we lost a high quality puck moving defensemen, however had not fit in the best with the Pens system. The price to get Morrow was very steep, as Ray Shero wanted to make sure to get his guy, especially with a team like Boston rumored to be in the mix as well. Lost in all of the talk of this trade is the 2013 3rd round selection that was gained in this trade, which will likely be the Pens first selection of the draft, of which could become an asset in its own right come draft day or even at the impending trade deadline.

In Douglas Murray, the Pens sent two 2nd round picks to San Jose, one in 2013 and one in 2014. For a defensemen whose plus minus is a -8 this may seem to be a bit steep, however considering the prices that Shero paid for the other two this should be considered a real bargain. Murray should immediately provide some shot relief being one of the leagues more physical defensive defensemen.

The two prospects involved in the Iginla deal were Kenneth Agostino and Ben Hanowski are not exactly household names, but neither was Jarome Iginla when he was traded to Calgary for Joe Newendyk (yes the same guy Shero just traded with for Brenden Morrow). The Pens also surrendered their 1st round pick in what was considered to be a very deep round in the draft this year.

I have seen in many places these moves (especially the Iginla deal) be compared to the Rangers trade for Rick Nash being that it will have no effect, and also the New York Yankees in that they pretty much get who they wanted, however this could not be further from reality. The New York Rangers made the mistake of trading away their supplemental role players Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, to acquire a primary scorer in Rick Nash, who is like a Marian Hossa he’s very good but not as impactful when surrounded by other high caliber players like Marian Gaborik. The Yankees comparison is kind of funny to see because people are treating what the Pens are doing as if there is no cap. When you have a great scouting and development structure like the Penguins have, Ray Shero can make moves like this and send out players who most fans would never otherwise hear about because their development has skied their value in the inner circles of hockey.

In these three moves, Ray Shero has acquired premier talent for the present, while also not mortgaging the future of the Pittsburgh Penguins, of which I would give the moves made a grade of A. In Ray We Trust.

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Goals against not haunting Pens, yet

Yes, the Penguins are on a four game winning streak. Yes, they've also won nine of their last twelve games. Crosby is playing out of this world, returning to pre-concussion status on the ice. This team leads the NHL in goals scored with 91. Five Penguins sit in the top 25 players leading the NHL in points. Yes, the Penguins are rolling right now.

They're rolling, right now.

Eventually, I'm not hoping for it to happen but you have to think it's somewhat inevitable, the Penguins scoring faucet will begin to trickle. And if you're not scoring goals, you better have goaltending and a solid blue line to keep pucks out of your own net.

The Penguins are lacking immensely in this department.

Take a look at the goals against in the Eastern Conference:

The Pens are giving up the most goals among current Eastern Conference playoff teams. In the last six games, the Pens have given up three goals or less only once. That's ugly.

Rask in Boston just got his second shutout. Craig Anderson was on fire earlier this season. Henrik Lundqvist is being Henrik Lundqvist. I'm not trying to leave Marc-Andre Fleury and Tomas Vokoun out to dry. Yes, the goaltending in Boston, Ottawa and New York is solid but so is their defense.

The Pens' defense as a whole has just been on an island recently. Mostly by the team's alternate captain Brooks Orpik. Last night is a prime example. He gets out of position by trying to get hits, and ends up taking a penalty the Leafs score on. I can't blame the youth on the blue line. Simon Despres continues to look like a seasoned veteran (when he isn't a healthy scratch) making smart plays. The PK doesn't look strong. When they're down a man, they're playing like they're down two guys. Just a bunch of blue line blunders.

Inconsistent play in the Pens' zone will catch up with this team. And when it does, Penguins fans will put their cross hairs squarely on Disco Dan.

During the four game winning streak, the Pens have allowed 17 goals. But they just keep on winning, don't they?

How far will these defensive inconsistencies take the Pens in the Stanley Cup playoffs? 

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Meet James Neal - @jneal_18 #VZWFANS

As if it wasn't exciting enough that hockey is back and the Pens are having a great season thus far, Verizon has teamed up with the Penguins to give away a great package for you to meet up with James Neal himself. Because of our partnership with Verizon we're sharing the info with y'all first! Want the details, here you go.

Six lucky Pens fans will score the ultimate home-game hat trick, thanks to Verizon. Enter now for your chance to win:

• Two tickets to watch the March 26th game from the Verizon Suite on the PNC Legend Level of Consol Energy Center
• The chance to meet star right winger James Neal
• PLUS, a Neal jersey for him to autograph!

This contest closes March 14, so don’t wait! ENTER HERE!!!

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Beau now knows the NHL

It will be 11:37 of ice time Beau Bennett never forgets.

Throwing on the Pittsburgh Penguins sweater last night in a hostile Winnipeg environment, Beau Bennett did more than just play his first NHL game, he earned the respect for his new teammates in each moment of his 11:37 time on ice.

"I had fun out there, first and foremost," Bennett told the media after the Penguins 3-1 victory over the Jets. "It got easier as the game went on. Lot of jitters during the anthems. That was to be expected. But when I got out there I didn't feel nervous or anything. Just kind of let the game happen. It’s a similar system to Wilkes-Barre, so it wasn't a big change other than the speed and size of some of the guys."

Offensively, there are high hopes for Bennett with the Penguins' offensive juggernauts. But it wasn't his offensive game that won him over in the locker room. A couple shots registered and one making it to net for a stop isn't bad for the rookie's debut. Winged on the third line and even played the second power-play unit, Bennett did look more comfortable on the offensive as the night went on.

Defensively, Bennett certainly gained the attention of his bench while on the ice. Sacrificing the body, Bennett dropped down into oncoming Jets' shots twice including a big block in the second period.

Winnipeg was buzzing in the Pens' zone and the team needed a clear for fresh legs on the ice. With the puck at the point, Bennett was given the split second decision whether or not to throw himself into a point blank slap shot from Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian. Bennett then earned the respect of his teammates.

"I thought the blocked shot probably won over his teammates more than anything else he did in the game," head coach Dan Bylsma said in his post game comments. "It was a great blocked shot. He stuck with it and got the puck out in a second period where we desperately needed to get some guys off the ice. I know the bench was pretty excited to see Beau go down there and make the play."

Back in 2010, Pens Universe contributor Nicole Tracey got to talk with Bennett at the Penguins Prospect Camp. You can see in the interview transcript [which you can view here] he was a pretty wide-eyed kid. In five years, he said he'd like to establish himself as a top six forward in the NHL.

"No matter where I am, I’m going to keep working to get better and improve upon every year," Bennett told Pens Universe back in 2010.

No question last night's performance from Beau Bennett is a gritty start to his NHL career. I'm sure he was smiling like a butcher's dog.

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PensUniverse Podcast 2.12.2013

Our topics for the first podcast in a couple weeks include:

• Is Boychuk working on a line with Geno and Neal?
• What is behind the Penguins committing so many penalties?
• Why have their been so many penalty kill failures?
• Impressions at the quarter pole

We also talk about whether or not Sidney Crosby is a Hall of Famer at this very moment.  Please vote in our poll on the right side of the main page to give your input.  As always, comments are welcome.


Remember you can get our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, and Podomatic as well as here on the site.
Please excuse the host as he types this post/does research for the pod.

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Game 13 more than a measuring stick

Yesterday afternoon was a fluke. All of those penalties, the puck luck, it was a fluke.

The Penguins 24 hours ago looked lost. For a team as strong as they've been on the road, it was a fluke. Right?

Tonight cannot be a fluke. A quarter of the season is in the books. Limited divisional game makes tonight more than just game number 13. Same dance partner, our dance floor.

Already missing what can be considered the keystone to the Keystone's best power play, Kris Letang, and another proven blue liner in Matt Niskanen in the same boat, this is the game where the Penguins establish themselves as the Atlantic Division front runners.

Yeah, the Penguins are 5-2-0 in the Atlantic. A strong start given as heavy the divisional games have been thus far. The only other fluke game is the Islanders home loss. A team tied for the second fewest points in the Eastern Conference. As rattled as the Penguins lineup is, this game can't be another fluke. This game can't be another momentary lapse in common sense by its key players. This game can't be the point in the season where the NHL says the Penguins are in trouble.

Because they are not.

This is the game where the Penguins rise to the opportunity proving they still belong in the postseason conversation. 2 points. 2 points from regaining the top spot in the East.

This is more than a measuring stick game. This is where the separation in the standings starts, and the Penguins keep looking down at them.

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Is Crosby a Hall of Famer?

pittsburghmagazine.com

A few of years ago I had the chance to chat on the telephone with then ESPN analyst EJ Hradek on several questions concerning our beloved Penguins, to which I provided a transcript of for your reading pleasure.

I asked several questions including his analysis of Matt Cooke being dirty, and how long the Pens three-center model could last. But perhaps the most intruiging question I posed to him was whether Sid (at that time, nearly 3 years ago to the day) was a hall of famer.

His reaction kind of surprised me because I'm a fan boy as much as anyone, but in thinking back, I tend to agree with him. Here's his exact words:

Well, I mean its awfully hard to vote a guy in the Hall of Fame for only playing 4 years. So I would say if he didn’t play another hockey game I would have a hard time voting for him. But certainly Sidney Crosby, I watched him against the Rangers and I’m just more impressed every time I see him.

I would say he more of a complete player for the simple fact that he works just as hard on defense as he does with the puck in the offensive zone. He’s getting better all the time, he’s still a really young guy. You know he wasn’t good at the face off and he practiced and worked on it and he got good at it now. They say he wasn’t scoring enough goals and now he’s on pace for a 50 goal season.

If I was starting a team he’d be the first guy I’d take because I value centers so much more than wingers. If I was paying to see a game I’d probably pay to see Ovechkin but if I was starting a team from scratch I’d take Sidney Crosby first.

 



Now, those are some good words about the regining Captain of our beloved Penguins. I'm sure if you asked him the question related to the final sentence he might have a different name than Ovechkin.

Nevertheless, we're three years later here and not much has been added to Crosby's resume since then, perhaps except the 25 game point streak he had prior to his concussion. But I'm eager to hear the debate elsewhere and get other opinions on the matter. So here's the questions:

 

If Crosby didn't play another NHL game, is he a Hall of Famer?

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Issues? What issues? Oh them issues...

It's every Penguins fan right to react harshly when their favorite hockey team loses; it's part of the beauty of being a fan. We celebrate after wins, we wallow after loses. But some of us start blogs so we have a place to rant beyond what Facebook and Twitter will allow us to. My buddy Cory from TRBB said this last night, but I think that's nearly every hockey fan. In this case, I don't intend to rant, but rather inquire.

Since I'm on full-time daddy duties all week I don't have the luxury of being able to watch every part of every game, unless I wanted to record it and watch it back. I might have done that a few years ago, but things just ain't the same no mo.

Though I was able to catch much of the early power play moments on my Galaxy Note II thanks to the NHL GameCenter app. Which, incidently, is much improved from last years version. It's like having a 32" TV in your hand! Not really, but it's big.

Nevertheless, what I caught was one of the poorest attempts at a man advantage in a while. Not only that, but just down right poor hockey execution. I made the statement after watching the rest of the 2nd and 3rd periods that Crosby looked lethargic. I received a plethora of replies indicating the whole team looked that way, which was accurate. But my point was that 87 tends not to be that way, despite a lowly team effort.

Some are saying Geno is looking more like the anti-MVP thus far. Others are pointing fingers at Bylsma for shuffling the lines like a deck of cards every shift (raises hand). Many are indicating the defensive woes brought on by a lack of toughness and puck management.

I know it's early, but we all have an opinion on the matter. So what is it? What's the real reason the Pens looked so hot in games 1 and 2 but so not in games 3 through 5?

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Fans program and have been provided
with a wireless device and five months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the
product.

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