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.

Read more »

PensUniverse Podcast 1/24/2013

This podcast takes a look back at the 2-1 start as we talk about the lasting impressions thus far.  We get into a conversation about what need to change and the names Eric Tangradi and Simon Depres come out in that discuss.

We also talk about the next set of games against the Jets, Senators, and Islanders.  That includes discussion over the line shuffling at practice and some trades.

We also look at NHL All Time Shootout statistics as the Pens are second only to the Devils in that category.

Yes we do this on skype.  We like the raw quality.

Shout out to the British Penguins Fan Club!

Read more »

1/17/2013 PensUniverse Podcast

Ahh a podcast!  Corey, Damian, and Nicole banter with host Doug over the shortened NHL season that is upon us.  We discuss how we feel about the whole lock out and where we stand now.  The discussion moves to the current 23 man roster with a debate over Eric Tangradi and Beau Bennett.  We also talk about the blue line pairings before some lightning round questions.

It is then time for predictions.  We look at the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference Final, and then Stanley Cup Final.  Our predictions are:

Atlantic Division Top 3
Pens, Flyers, Rangers (Corey)
Rangers, Pens, Flyers (Nicole)
Rangers, Pens, Devils (Damian)
Devils, Rangers, Pens (Doug)

Eastern Conference Finals
Canes - Pens (Corey)
Leafs - Pens (Nicole)
Bruins - Pens (Damian)
Lightning - Pens (Doug)

Stanley Cup
Blackhawks Vs. Pens, No winner predicted (Corey)
Blues Vs. Pens, No winner predicted (Nicole)
Blues Vs. Rangers, Rangers Win (Damian)
Blues Vs. Pens, Blues Win (Doug)


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.

Read more »

Are the Fans the NHL Owners' Biggest Weapon?

The growing sentiment surrounding the labor dispute in the NHL is that the season will not start on time and there will be no deal reached by the September 15th deadline.  The original drafts had wage cuts, lower salary caps that expected, and less negotiating power.  Many fans probably feel as though they are on the side of the players whose livelihood is at stake in some ways.  With the expansion of social media, there is more information in the hopper to pick sides.  However, the fans may not realize they are the biggest weapon in the corner of the NHL owners.

Read more »

First CBA Shots Fired

Let the real negotiation begin.  The NHL owners threw out the first real proposal to stop any labor unrest in the hockey world, but it may have simply made that inevitable.  It is a proposal that seeks to lower the player share of revenue and basically asks for a new definition or overall profit.  The proposal also asks to rewrite the way young star contracts are formatted.  Perhaps it is simply an offer to get the ball rolling that owners know is ridiculous or they are trying to show Donald Fehr that they mean business.  Regardless, it is time to talk.

Read more »

The Next Tier of Free Agents

In Penguins territory after the draft the talk has been all about Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, with a small percentage of time going to Keith Yandle.  With the salary cap room that the Penguins organization now has they figure to be players on July 1 when free agency opens up.  The next few days will have many rumors that virtually assure a player will sign or that talks haven't even began.  So it is worth looking beyond Suter and Parise to see what else there may be to fill voids. These are role players that will not make the impact of Suter, Parise, or Alexander Semin.  Would you like to see any of these players join your team? 

Read more »

PensUniverse Podcast 4.25/.12

In the final podcast (*tear) of the year we talk about what went wrong but try not to rehash too many of the same opinions of the last few days.  We take a brief look at the off season with some hopeful moves and some more realistic in nature.  We talk about what remains of the NHL and include the usual chit chat about us.

We would like to thank those of you that read our blog and listen to the podcast.  We cannot show how much we appreciate it and love our digital connection over Penguins hockey.  We would like to keep the podcast going and are open to your ideas.  Would you like a live show?  Should we include a reader question every week?  Let us know.  Once again.  Thank you.

Read more »

Drawing the Red Line

As the season winds down and teams fight for playoff positioning, the General Managers are set to meet.  There is said to be few pressing issues which means the discussion will revolve around player safety.  With the number of injuries and especially concussions, this should be the main topic.  There have been some options brought up but not one has major support.  Here is a look at some of those.

Read more »

PensUniverse Podcast 3.7.2012

Corey and Doug discuss Mario Lemieux's statue and his day as the Pens beat the Maple Leafs 3-2 (3X2=6).  We address the apparent imminent return of Sidney Crosby and the importance of Kris Letang.  Is his return more important than Crosby's?

We also take a glance at the playoff race in both the Eastern and Western conference and close the show with some observations from the CEC during Monday's game.

Read more »

Judging a Book By Its Cover

Last night following the 5-1 Penguins victory over the Colorado Avalanche, Adrian Dater wrote his initial post game reaction for The Denver Post.  Dater has been with the paper since 1991 and has written a book on the Red Wings and Avalanche rivalry.  However, he decided to take the fact that plenty of Penguins' fans showed up to the Pepsi Center to give attitude about celebrating and showing pride in one team.  Obviously many fans of the Penguins are using the term "snarky" to describe the article.

Read more »

PensUniverse Podcast 1.18.12

After a week off Corey and Doug are back  to discuss Kris Letang's return and how that may impact any trade talks that Ray Shero is in.  Has the current win streak made fans forget about the long losing streak?  Is the climate of the NHL to automatically think suspension and concussion with a good, clean hit like that of Orpik on Jeff Skinner?
We aslo talk about the All-Star Game and if it has any value as well as our predictions for the next four games.

Read more »

PensUniverse Podcast 1.4.2012

Happy New Year!

Tonight we do a quick recap of the last two weeks with some unexpected add-ins.  Doug didn't actually ask for a new computer for Christmas, but it seems he needs one.  We talk about Paul Martin, Sidney Crosby, and Kris Letang.  We predict the outcome of All Star voting and the next four games against current playoff teams.
Corey and Doug also go around the league to talk about the Winter Classic, suspensions, and general nonsense.
Good times were had by all, at least we hope.

Read more »

#NHL All Star Voting Process Unappealing

In only the second year of the new format for the NHL All Star Game voting, it has already run its course.  It was easy to see the fan voting would lead to stuffing the electronic tally box for the first six to be voted into the game.  Yes, there are many more deserving players that will get into the game outside of the top six, but this is now aligning with other major sporting leagues that have given the fans the control.  The player draft and other aspects of the NHL All Star game have appeal, but this voting process needs tweaked. It shouldn’t take someone with a PHD to figure out a better online voting system.

Read more »

PensUniverse Podcast 12.11.11

Corey Allan and Doug Smith discuss the games against Ottawa, Buffalo, and Chicago with a where a lot of unexpected happened in accordance with our last podcast.  We touch on the Tangradi demotion, the Engelland hit, and Tyler Kennedy's fourth goal of the year.

We look ahead to games against the Jets and Hurricanes with the FLyers first trip to Pittsburgh looming.

Also we have some holiday themed questions and the host takes a run at both of the usual guests all in good fun.

Happy Holidays everyone!

                Fleury pushes MacIntyre during a Johnstown sled hockey practice at Consol. (penguins.nhl.com)

Read more »

PensUniverse Podcast 12.7.11

Doug Smith, Corey Allan, and Damian Romano look back at the past three games, including the loss to the Bruins.  Are opposing teams efforting to be even more physical against the Penguins, especially around the goal crease?  Also, how do the blue line loses change the offensive play?

We also look at match ups with the Flyers, Islanders, and Red Wings, as well as the proposed realignment.

Oh yeah, there is that whole Sidney Crosby sitting out two of those three games news too.

Read more »

PensUniverse Podcast 11.22.11

Welcome back Sidney Crosby.  The Thanksgiving edition comes to you a day early as we look at the return of the captain and his four point night.  We do some rapid fire NHL topics revolving around the Kings and Caps, but it's mainly all Crosby, all the time.  Joe Pfab and Corey Allan join Doug Smith with some predictions for the next couple games as well.

Read more »

Take A Moment

...to realize it's still early.


The Chicago Blackhawks have played 21 games thus far, the most in the league.  A fourth of the way in is not far enough to start the panic or assuming a trip to the conference finals is inevitable.  Obviously, struggling teams have the more emotional reaction at this time as fans begin to feel like every game is a must win.  The Blue Jackets, Islanders, and Hurricanes have gotten off to the worst starts in the league this year.  Yes they need to start winning soon, but don't throw in the towel yet.

Read more »

Virtual Ads: A pain in the glass?

We've all seen them. Hell, you can't miss them these days. They're big, obnoxious, and in the way. Sadly, I'm not talking about the Flyers. I'm referring to the huge chunks of ad space on the glass behind the nets.
The last time the league tried to digitally insert graphics into the on-ice action, we were given a puck with a blue comet tail and our eyes were generally in the stands because of it.

The technology is still relatively new to the NHL, but teams have seen demand for its unique ad placement as more potential sponsors see it on television. This "green screen" technology is used as a virtual billboard so to speak for corporate sponsors.

There are already a handful of teams implementing this new technology as well, although the ultimate decision whether to use it or not comes down to the team owner.

The Flyers, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Capitals and Rangers are using the technology now, selling space on the glass behind the two goals and, in New York, an additional spot between the team benches at Madison Square Garden.

The New York Rangers first tested it in 2008-09 through the MSG Network, said Art Ventura, the network’s senior vice president of media sales and also the father of the FOX Trax puck I mentioned earlier. I wanted to see what the fans general response to this form of advertising was and here is what they had to say.

What do you think of the advertising on the glass behind the nets ??

" I think they are a great idea to some point because a lot of people are watching the nets so the ads do get seen, but at the same time they can be distracting and annoying." - Larisa


" I don't like it. It ruins the experience. People pound on that and like to see. Advertise elsewhere! Just my opinion." - Megan


"Don't like it. I think there's plenty on the boards. Plus many game parts are advertised (PP, Intermission, OT) No need for it." - Pat

I can definitely agree with Pat on that last one. I have gone to too many games and there is advertising everywhere. At least we aren't to the point that Europe has reached.

As you can see the opinions vary from fan to fan on the advertising. What are your thoughts on this topic? Thankfully Mario & Ron haven't signed off on this idea as of yet. But we'll have to wait and see where that road leads.

Read more »

Atlantic Division Update

The Atlantic has been emerging as one of the best divisions in hockey and the 2010-2011 season was another example of the high quality of hockey in this division.  When you read through this update you will expect great hockey from this division in the coming year as well.  At the end of each summary we will highlight just one blog for that respective team, but there are many quality sites out there if you care to search for them.  Please share your comments on the rest of the teams across the NHL as we fill the void of the offseason.

New Jersey Devils

2010-2011 Record: 38-39-75 (4^th in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far:  The Devils finished the season on a positive note reeling off an impressive record in the last month and a half so they made sure to resign Andy Greene and back up goaltender Johan Hedberg.  Tough guy Cam Janssen came over to keep the tough mentality alive in the Atlantic.  Petr Sykora has also shown some life in the preseason.  However, the biggest move may be new head coach Peter DeBoer who has served as a head coach for 16 consecutive years at different levels of hockey. 

Analysis: New Jersey has to be riding a high after the end of last year when they completely flipped the script from the first two months of the season.  Ilya Kovalchuk was scoring on the power play and Martin Brodeur battled through injury to show old form.  Travis Zajac may miss the first few weeks of the season, but this team will have a healthy Zach Parise back on the ice.  They are definitely a threat to take the division. 

Blog: Pucks and Pitchforks

New York Islanders

2010-2011 Record: 30-39-13 (5^th in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far:  The Islanders have improved and became a much tougher team to play, but they were not overly active this offseason.  They had the negotiating rights for Christian Ehrhoff before sending those rights to Buffalo.  Marty Reasoner signed on.  The uncertainty of the team still swirls as a referendum paving the way for a new arena was voted down and they will be relying on young stars to carry the load.

Analysis: The Islanders lineup is pretty set as Mark Streit returns from injury while John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Michael Grabner, and Matt Moulson hope to further the developmental process.  Brian Rolston is the elder statesman on the team at 38 years old.  Realistically this team could find scoring easier with the consistency upfront.  However, the goaltending piece is a mess with Rick DiPietro, Al Montoya, and Evgeni Nabokov all have a shot at being the opening night starter.  This team should continue to improve, but I am not sure they can match the competition quite yet. 

Blog: Islanders 7^th Woman

New York Rangers

2010-2011 Record: 44-33-5 (3^rd  in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far: New York got their main target by acquiring the number one free agent of the year, Brad Richards.  Mike Rupp also joined the Blue Shirts while Chris Drury was bought out and subsequently retired.  Steve Eminger came back to New York to add some depth on defense.  Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan both agreed to new deals, which may be just as important as the Richards signing. 

Analysis: This is a veteran-laden team that will open up the season in Stockholm, Sweden against the Los Angeles Kings.  They hope to repeat the feat set by the Bruins last year going on to win the Stanley Cup after being featuring in the premiere games overseas.  The addition of Richards may open up more room for dangerous scorer Marian Gaborik. Of course they still have Henrik Lundqvist in net that will see a ton of time as usual with a worthy back up, Marty Biron, on the bench.  Expectations are high for the Rangers, as they should be. 

Blog: Rangers  Lohud

Philadelphia Flyers

2010-2011 Record: 47-23-12 (1^st  in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far:  After tons of rumors about locker room chemistry they were somewhat proven by an organizational shake up.  The Flyers traded Jeff Carter and Mike Richards who may have been breaking the wishes of coach Peter Laviolette and his “dry island.”  They brought in Jaromir Jage and Max Talbot through free agency and landed Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, and Brayden Schenn through the trades.  They also signed former Coyotes’ goalie Ilya Bryzgalov to a lengthy contract.  Young playmaker James Van Riemsdyk also signed a contract extension.

Analysis: The question now is will the shake up hurt or help team chemistry.  It will be interesting to see how quickly they gel together.  If Jagr can set up Claude Giroux and Van Riemsdyk the Flyers could be in for a lot of success.  The Flyers and the Rangers will be playing in this year’s Winter Classic and thus followed by HBO for the 24/7 so that could be make or break time for the Flyers.  Coincidentally, that HBO series will be must watch television.  Consistency will be needed from the Flyers this year, but will team chemistry allow for it?

Blog: Broad Street Buzz

Pittsburgh Penguins

2010-2011 Record: 49-25-8 (2^nd  in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far:  The Pens were not about to get in the free agent frenzy with the high contracts players were getting with teams needing to spend up to the salary floor cap.  They did add veterans Steve Sullivan, Steve MacIntyre, Richard Park, Jason Williams, and Boris Valabik.  The health of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin were bigger concerns. 

Analysis: Our writers at PensUniverse have been doing a great job of analyzing the Pens current situation.  I suggest scouring the archives of the last two weeks.  Health is the biggest topic and a monster first two months of the season carried them last year.  This year is could be the opposite where the team just needs to survive until January, but Malkin may lead the team to another dynamic start. 

Blog: You are already here.  

Read more »

Northeast Division Update

The top three teams in the Northeast division were extremely competitive all year long in 10-11, but lets look at how that might shake out this year.  At the end of each summary we will highlight just one blog for that respective team, but there are many quality sites out there if you care to search for them.  Please share your comments on the rest of the teams across the NHL as we fill the void of the offseason.

Boston Bruins

2010-2011 Record: 46-25-11 (1^st  in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far: The Bruins got to carry the Stanley Cup around this summer after an amazing season by Tim Thomas.  The only acquisition of note was the veteran defenseman Joe Corvo.  Adam McQuaid signed a contract extension that he called a no-brainer.  Brad Marchand also decided to stay in Boston, but the biggest team news may be that Marc Savard is still struggling with issues related to concussions.

Analysis: Thomas won the Vezina Trophy and was solid throughout the playoffs after being partially written off in the 09-10 season.  Nathan Horton and Tyler Seguin fueled the offensive attack with David Krejci picking up his game when it counted most.  There is no reason to believe the Bruins will not contend again this year.

Blog: Stanley Cup of Chowder

 Courtesy of Chicks Who Give a Puck

Buffalo Sabres

2010-2011 Record: 43-29-10 (3^rd in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far:  Buffalo has a new owner and he gave the green light to sign and find talent through trades.  The Sabres were one of the most active teams this offseason starting with the acquisition of Robyn Regehr and Ales Kotalik sending Chris Butler and Paul Byron to Calgary.  Christian Ehrhoff signed a lucrative long term contract and was followed to Buffalo by Ville Leino.  The moves showed Sabres’ fans that new owner Terry Pegula is committed to doing what is needed to improve the team. 

Analysis: The moves were one thing, but this team still has Ryan Miller in net.  Drew Stafford, Thomas Vanek, and Jason Pominville are mainstays in Buffalo and Tyler Ennis showed a lot of skill last year.  It is a solid lineup from top to bottom that should help to duplicate the finish of this division last year.  However, the money being thrown around will make the scrutiny that much tougher.    

Blog: Top Shelf Blog

Montreal Canadians

2010-2011 Record: 44-30-8 (2^nd in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far: Montreal played with grit last year and found itself for playoff position.  After Max Pacioretty had the gruesome looking injury against the stanchion the team rallied and found the scoring touch on the power play.  Pacioretty should be back this year and there were some solid additions as well.  Peter Budaj was brought in to be the back up goaltender.  Eric Cole signed a four year contract coming over from Carolina.  Chris Campoli is a recent signing on the blue line.

Analysis: Pesky may be the best way to describe Montreal this year as the core of the team is all in.  Carey Price answered all the doubters last year, but the pressure will be back on him to perform.  They have a good mix of excitement and status quo on defense as most know what they will get from Andrei Markov and Hall Gill while P.K. Subban is sure to surprise.  This locker room is probably thinking Stanley Cup or bust. 

Blog: Dennis Kane

Ottawa Senators

2010-2011 Record: 32-40-10 (5^th in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far:  The Senators had an off year battling injuries and inconsistent goaltending while the ownership was willing to listen to most offers.  That meant a lot of spots were open in the Senators lineup for the coming year.  Bobby Butler, Tim COnboy, Lee Sweatt, Mark Parrish, and Mika Zibanejad will be among those trying to find a role in Ottawa.  Tough guy Zenon Konopka and goaltender Alex Auld also now call Ottawa home. 

Analysis: It was clear early last year that the Senators needed some changes and this year could be full of growing pains.  There are still many questions in the forwards outside of Butler, Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Nick Foligno, and Chris Neil. A once hyped prospect, Nikita Filatov, will try to resurrect his game in the NHL as a member of the Senators.  Craig Anderson now prowls the crease and the defensive core is led by several NHL veterans.  Still one must wonder where the scoring will come from and how Ottawa can hang with its division foes. 

Blog: Sens Shot

Toronto Maple Leafs

2010-2011 Record: 37-34-11 (4^th   in the Division)

Offseason Thus Far:  The Leafs acquired Matthew Lombardi and Cody Franson from Nashville despite Lombardi’s injury woes only playing two games last year.  Tim Connolly signed on as the top line center to feed Phil Kessel.  The biggest name to find a new home in Toronto is John-Michael Liles as the Leafs look for a big contribution on the power play.  Toronto did make a play for Brad Richards before he landed in New York. 

Analysis: There was some improvement as the year progressed for Toronto but the final statistics showed that they put a lot of pressure on their own goaltender and not enough on the opposition netminder.  James Reimer played well but saw an average of 31 shots per night.  Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson should still see a lot of pucks as the Leafs’ moves were more offensively focused.  The fan base is optimistic, but this season still feels like a slight uphill battle. 

Blog: Down Goes Brown

Read more »