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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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!

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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.

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Penguins Prospects & Staff Invade Erie, Määttä Maturing

Special thanks to Kenny Lindberg, Paul Pilatowski and the Erie Otters organization, as well as Natalie Wakabayshi, Rob Simpson, and the London Knights for allowing PensUniverse media access for the evening.

Erie Insurance Arena. All photo credits to Jamie Chimera.

Saturday night two of the Penguins recent defensive draft picks came to Erie with the London Knights In OHL action. 2011 pick Scott Harrington and 2012 pick Olli Määttä and the London Knights are off to a 3-2 start and would have to stop teenage phenom Connor McDavid. It is Harrington's fourth year with London and he wears the captain C while Määttä  had the A in his second year with the squad. 

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Pens U's Top Moments of the Season.

Unfortunately, the Pens season was ended early at the mercy of the Philadelphia Flyers. Through all the injuries and adversity, several Pens broke out with career years. Now we have a chance to look back on the 11-12 season and remember those stunner plays.  So without further adieu, here are the staff picks.

       

New Look Cooke.

 Damian (PayCzech) 

Top Moment Pick: Matt Cooke's 82 game restraint. 

A lot can be said about Matt Cooke's 11-12 season. His "new look" game rewarded him with 38 points, 19 goals, 19 assist and a plus-5 this season, allowing Cooke to become even more of a role player on the team. Cooke was recently quoted on his changed game saying, "It’s a work in progress. It doesn’t just end now. It’s something that I’ll have to continue on for next year. I was able to make a change in my game and I’m happy for that. It’s an ongoing process and it’s something I’ll continue to have to work on."

The Big 5-0.

Corey (knucklepucker)

Top Moment Pick: Malkin's 50th goal of the season.

MVP. 

Malkin became the ninth player in Pittsburgh history to reach 50 goals and the sixth Russian-born player in NHL history to hit the 50 goal mark this season.

HC Dan Bylsma had this to say about Malkin notching number 50, "It's a huge accomplishment to be able to cap that off and get the 50th for him, it's great. I think everybody was cheering that puck in the goal for most of the game."

A Flying Paille.

 Doug (DougS39)

Top Moment Pick: Orpik's hit on Paille. 

"Lots of symbolism there. Great example of what they were doing right in February and what was missing in the last month."

Brooks Orpik is undoubtedly a leader one and off the ice. This hit on Daniel Paille shows Orpik's "blue collar" style that represent the city of Pittsburgh so much.

The Captain's Return. 

Billy (bluelinebandit) and Marian (PensPalooza)

Top Moment Pick: Crosby's comeback. 

"The reaction of the crowd and Sid after he scored was something special. The moment we waited for so long finally happened. I know he went down again and came back with less fanfare, but that first comeback I will remember for a long time."

the words of Billy Myers can speak for many Pens fan regarding the return of Sidney Crosby. It was a long awaited event that had some fans on the edge of madness. But in the end it was surely worth the wait.

Sweet Deke Fleury. 

Joe (DeniedByFleury)

Top Moment Pick(s):  Malkin, Neal, Sullivan; Fleury's Game 5 performance. 

Just watch that Malkin goal about 500 times. Never gets old. 

A taste of what Marc-Andre Fleury did for the Pens during Game 5 and really all season long. Flower has taken his fair share of criticism but there's no doubting he's becoming elite.

 Staal Gets Tricky.  

Sam (buySAMadrink)

Top Moment Pick: Jordan Staal's Game 4 hat trick.

It's safe to say that Jordan Staal was one of the best players on the ice for the Pens this post-season. His hat trcik being a prime example of what Staal is capable of doing. With the uncertainly of the CBA and Staal and Crosby both needing contract extensions before becoming FAs next season, Ray Shero is going to have his hands full. It will be interesting to see what Shero will be able to do to possibly keep a sure key component to the team.

Super Duper Going Streaking.
Nicole (PensU_Nicole)
Top Moment Pick: Pascal Dupuis' 17-game point streak.

Pascal Dupuis has proven to be a Shero "steal". This season Dupuis made Hossa look the joke of a past deal. Key role player and nothing less. People always talk about secondary scoring, well here is your man. 

Now we prepare ourselves for the off season, free agency and then before you know it, training camp. Shero has already said he has a challenge ahead of him but what GM doesn't? Rest will do this team good and we've just got to hope and pray that the Hockey Gods are a little more forgiving come next season, injury wise. Because with a core of gentlemen the Pens have and all the returning role players, this team will be just as good. 

They'll have a chip on their shoulder and unfinished business to take care of. 

Lets Go Pens. 

What was your favorite moment from this past season?

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The Only Thing Left To Do...

Be-lieve

1.  To have faith, confidence, or trust.

To think the Pens season may very well be over on Wednesday, hurts the heart. This season's rollercoaster ride has been rough, to say the least, and the way this series is going seems a tad bit unjust. The playoffs are suppose to bring out the best in a team, that just hasn't been the case for the black and vegas gold.

Fans are high on emotions and it's hard to not get caught up in defending or receiving crap for things being said. How can one be blamed? We commit to this team's highs and lows on day one of training camp and seeing they way things have panned out so far in playoffs is frustrating. Why? Because we know what this team is capable of. We've watched them bond together and dominate while their captain battled with injuries, we've watched a "dirty player" turn his game around and score 19 goals goals, we've watched Pascal Dupuis make Marian Hossa look like the joke of a past deal, we've watched Marc-Andre Fleury stand on his head time after time to keep the Pens in a game. Hey Hockey Gods, what gives? It's to the point where you just have to shake your head and ask, "What the hell?"

It's hard to find the right words to say when frustration is at the root of it all. And if anyone knows me by now, they know I'm good for a motivational quote or poem in every other post.

This come from the "Momentum" Video posted in What's The Buzz..

"Whether or not you win this thing, you've got to decided how you;re going to walk out of here after it's all said and done."

 

"Cause the game is going to go on. There is only one rule you;re going to need to know about, there are no second chances."

"There is only this moment and the next. Every one of those moments is a test."

"It's You vs. Them,

You vs. No,

You vs. Can't,

You vs. next year, last tear, statistics, excuses,

You vs. History,

You vs. the Odds,

It's you vs. 2nd place..."

 

 

 

"The clock is ticking, lets see what you've got"

 

 

Pens in 7.

 

Believe. 

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What's The Buzz? Tell Me What's Happenin!

. . . . anyone?

0-2.

It's hard to talk about the past two games and not get upset and/or frustrated. 5 goals should be enough to win but when the defense has more holes than a piece of swiss cheese, any lead isn't safe. As much as this pains Pens fan to do, we honestly have to give the Flyers credit where it is due. Their ability to exploit the Pens' D is frightening. That's where the Pens need to lock it down. Keep it simple and play their game.

There is a great poem called "Don't Quit" and this excerpt from it fits the the Pens current situation to a t.

"...Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."

Two huge games in Philly. Let's turn the tide, shall we gentlemen?

Believe.

Lets Go Pens.

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What's The Buzz? Tell Me What's Happenin!

It's a special game day version of What's The Buzz and boy, have Pens fans been talking. Crosby, Hartnell, Malkin, Neal. Here we go..

Captain Crosby. 

Sidney Crosby returned to the game March 15th against a first place New York Rangers team. Although it wasn't as picture-perfect as his first return to the game this season, Crosby racked up 4 assists to help lead the Pens to a 5-2 win. Since returning, Crosby has 9 points (all apples).

MVP.

 To say Evgeni Malkin hasn't been near spectacular this season is nuts. Geno leads the NHL with 95 points (45G, 40A) and has an 11 point lead over Steven Stamkos and a 10 lead over Claude Giroux. Malkin is now only 5 goals away from Steve Stamkos for lead league in goals scored. 

Real Deal.

Along side Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz, James Neal has been doing his fair share of contributing. Neal scored his first hattrick since joining the Pens against the Winnipeg Jets this past Tuesday. He recently recorded a career-high 4 assists in the Pens 5-1 win over the Nashville Predators. 

Hartnell down...with the Pens streak.

Scott Hartnell downed the Pens 11 game winning streak this past Sunday scoring the game winner in OT. With that we still say.....1975.

Stats, Stats, Stats, Stats, Stats, Stats....EVERYBODY

With the Pens scoring 30 goals in their last 6 games, there has been quite a few news stats. Marc-Andre Fleury picked up win number 40, Pascal Dupuis extended his point streak to 8 games with his 22nd goal of the season, Matt Cooke scored his new career-high 17th goal of the season, Brad Thiessen has a 3-0-0 record, and Malkin picked up goal number 200 against the Jet.

 Have a subject you thought needed some recognition? Put your buzz in the comment section below!

Tonight it's the Pens and the Sens!

LETS GO PENS! 

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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.

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PensUniverse Podcast 2.22.12

Damian, Corey, and Doug reunite to discuss Penguins hockey with a brief look back at the last month and a look ahead to the upcoming trade deadline.  WIll the Penguins be active?  After Damian catches Doug is a sports Freudian Slip, they also look around the league and talk playoffs.
The discussion ends with a look at the impact of Marc-Andre Fleury.

Questions/Comments/Concerns - email us at podcast@pensuniverse.com or find us on twitter and Facebook.

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What's The Buzz? Tell Me What's Happenin'!

Okay, enough with the rock opera stuff and let's get to hockey. In this column, we will discuss what Pens fans have been buzzing about lately on Twitter, Facebook and even dinner table conversation. (imagine that!)

Sidney Crosby.  

The first and most obvious subject, the Captain. From a broken neck to his mystery press conference to his recent comments about not being symptom free yet; a lot has been swirling around about him and quite frankly, fans are frustrated. Can ya blame them?

I like to think that most Pens fans and general hockey fans want the best for Crosby. He, along with other NHL stars, make the game appealing to fans of all ages and undoubtedly to those who pay good money on tickets.

But there come a time where we as fans must place our fan card on the shelf and look at the situation differently, without our black and vegas gold glasses. Crosby not only has to consider his career but his life beyond hockey.  But until Crosby is 100%, fans will have to deal with conflicting media reports and more vague updates.

Staal and Despres.

As if we are lucky on the injury front, fans received refreshing news that forward Jordan Staal and defenseman Simon Despres are close to returning to the lineup. Staal said, "Not far, I don’t think. It’s feeling really good. It’s just a matter of time."

Evgeni Malkin.

Enough said.

Tyler Kennedy. 

The Ol' boy is the latest player that has been added to the shelf pending his reevaluation today. Even with an injury, TK has managed to cause quite the stir amongst fans. The 25 year old forward, who has a cap hit of 2 million since receiving a new deal this past off season, has managed only 6 goals and 22 points so far. A lot want Kennedy on the platter for the deadline.

Paul Martin.

Speaking of trade deadline, let's put Paul Martin out here, oh wait....errr...NTC. Unless GM Shero has the freak powers of that chick in Wolverine where he places his hand on Martin's shoulder and tells him to walk back to New Jersey and never turn around,  Paul Mart is here to stay BUT stranger things have happened.

Eric Tangradi.

In a sense, you have to feel bad for the guy, right? I mean people talked Tango up to be this awesome big body forward that would put Ryan Malone to shame. With a few good shifts here and there, Tangradi really hasn't lived up to all of the expectations. This brings up the question, is Tangradi still in the plan? .....who honestly know what will happen, but we do know one thing that does happen to him...

 

PK Subban.

Without a doubt Subban is "dangerously tripping" his way up to the top of the jagoff list. The guy is a good player with a craptastic attitude. He's shown he has little to no regard for the safety of his fellow NHLers and as Josh Yohe reported, "I can assure you that Subban is the NHL's most unpopular player in the Penguins' locker room. They don't like the guy, as you just saw."

Habs Fans.

Boooooooooooooooooooooo! "Guys, we just won the game.." "Oh?" ... Booooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Brent Johnson.

Today we'll end the buzz with Brent Johnson. Yes Johnny has been a little iffy lately but we've got faith in BeeJ. So BeeJ our message to you is...

LETS GO PENS!

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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.

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Crosby Rumors.

The gentleman who runs the  Hockey Break twitter handle caused quite a stir this morning regarding the Pens' captain Sidney Crosby.

Hockey Break first started off with a tweet saying,

the handle then goes on to say,

 

After being the "bearer of bad news", this tweet popped up, 

 

All this being said without notable sources; and people wonder why fans get frustrated so easily. 

What's your take? Do you think Sidney Crosby will be back this season or not? Why?

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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)

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The Return of 87.

 Here is a different spin on the Captain's return. A Dave Crawley-esque take. For those of you who aren't similar with Mr. Crawley, he is known for his rhyming stories on KDKA-TV here in Pittsburgh.

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, most anticipated news broke,
That Sidney Crosby was back and it was no joke.

"He's been cleared by the doctors." Coach Bylsma did announce
As media members absorbed every ounce

Finally the time has arrived, 320 brutal days nearly ended
Sidney Crosby would be suiting up for the team he once amended.

No amount of dreary rain could keep Pens fans away
As they filed in the Consol Energy Center for this very special game.

Excitement arose, one diligent ticket scan after another
For the return of a player whom was truly like no other.

Seats filled quickly, the arena buzzing with anxious chatter
The drop of the puck was only 5 minutes away for a fact of the matter

The Islanders were first to take the ice 

but all eyes were fixated, waiting for the man of the night

Ryan Mill's voice boomed over the PA system,
"Alright fans, let's hear it for  your Pittsburgh Penguins!l

Almost every fan watching sprung up to their feet with
The return of 87 almost complete

The Captain appeared to be busting through a door,
 as the Consol erupted, louder than it's ever been before

It didn't take long for 87's return to be known
Here's a fair warning NHL, the kid's in the zone.

The Pens were up 1-0 thanks to Crosby himself,
Surely that'd be enough of a story to tell

But not for Crosby he wanted to start with a bang
So 4 points including 2 goals was the song he sang

Now let's now forget the other gentlemen of this team
Marc Andre Fleury, Evgeni Malkin and Pascal Dupuis

All a big part of the 5-0 victory,
The pens have a great team but hey that's no mystery!

So on behalf of many fans, man what a comeback for the kid
We've waited far too long to say this, "Welcome back Sid."

photos property of pittsburghpenguins.com

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Heart and Soul.

I can't recall which game Bob Errey made the comment, "It's games like these that bring teams together," but there hasn't been truer words to explain the starting of the season for the Pens. The injury bug has reared its ugly head once again in the Pens locker room, but this time it's brings a silver lining. Now you may be asking yourself, "How in the world is there silver lining when you best players are sitting on the bench?" I say, worth. We are getting a reminder of the worth and abilities of guys we may have taken for granted. Craig Adams, Matt Cooke, Brent Johnson, Pascal Dupuis and how about the rookie, Joe Vitale, the guy has been beaten, battered and bruised and still makes plays or James Neal who is on a complete other level, all without the services of Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby.

It's easy to say that guys are better when playing along side of Sid and Geno, although it's very true, in our current situation, those guys are proving they have the talent with or without them. We see why Jordan Staal is such a huge asset to the team even when he isn't scoring, we see why Sir Mario Lemieux didn't kick Matt Cooke off the team, we see why Chris Kunitz got his extension and why Alex Goligoski is playing in Dallas, not to mention the ability of the depth we have through Wilkes-Barre and Wheeling. All the things that make Ray Shero the mastermind he truly is. It's the heart and soul of this team that makes them that much better. The never quit attitude.

So tonight as the Pens battle the Devils, win or lose, take note of the effort and skill we sometimes overlook because in the face of adversity stands a diving Joe Vitale to keep a puck in play, a bleeding Deryk Engelland who just fought to get his team going, an ecstatic James Neal who just tied up the game or a dancing Brent Johnson as Led Zeppelin plays after robbing a streaking player of a sure goal.

"It's the constant and determined effort that breaks down all resistance and sweeps away all obstacles."

Lets Go Pens!

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Cheer on the Pens in Enemy Territory!

Our good friend Cy Clark has organized some Pens' Road trips this season again! On the plate this year is a trip to Philadelphia, Buffalo and New York City (Rangers and Devils)!

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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.  

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Trusting (in) Matt Cooke.

"I've got this chance, and I need to look at it as an opportunity to show everybody that I can change my approach, that I can play within the rules. The rest of my career can be proving that it's possible to change. It has to be about that. There's no excuse for it not to be about that."

Rob Rossi recently posted a very moving article interviewing Matt Cooke and his lovely wife Michelle. In this interview Matt and Michelle talked about Matt's efforts to "change" his game, his hitting game that is.

With Cooke's rap sheet it may be hard for some fans to believe he's really committed to this change but what gives us any reason not to? Cooke has openly admitted what he has done in past, acknowledged it was wrong and is working to eliminate his "dirty" hits. His end of the season interview seemed pretty convincing, enough to win me over, but there is still a lot of skepticism amongst fans. Some even wanting Matt off the team!

But Rob Rossi's piece allows us to see what was really going on and it's hard not to cut the guy some slack. A little at that. Some where along the line of our lives we were faced or will have to face some pretty difficult situations, if it be regarding our family, loved ones, or something important. I myself just faced one those situations and know how my mood, emotions and demeanor changed. Although Matt said, "I don't use (Michelle's health) as an excuse for anything that happened last season...I'm responsible for my actions out there." There's no doubt his home situation had some affect. He's human, it happens to everyone.

Some may treat this as another "New Year's Resolution", but I'm willing to place my bets on Cookie's word.

You know the saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"? Well this isn't just any "dog". He is a NHL veteran, who is a loving father and husband, so why not give him another chance?

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Farewell, Old Friend

How do you say goodbye to friend that has practically been family for your entire life? How do you put into words the joys and pains that have been shared? The Civic Arena has been an icon of the Pittsburgh landscape since 1961 and is as beloved as the Incline or Point State Park. But alas, her time has come to an end. However, this is not a time for sadness or remorse, but for celebration. The Igloo has been a part of the lives of every Pittsburgher whether a Penguins fan or not, and remembering the good times and bad, the highs and the lows, the wins and the losses, is the best way to keep our beloved arena alive long after it has gone.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

I remember my first trip to the old Civic Arena when I was around 14 years old. It was a Pens/Maple Leafs game and we had great seats in section C right near center ice. Of course in the late 80's it wasn't difficult to get seats like that. But the sights, the sounds, and the atmosphere were amazing and I was immediately hooked. These are the types of experiences that lend young people to dreaming of a pro career, or, sometimes a future at a top sports management college.  I was still fairly new to hockey, but I knew right away that I loved this game and this arena was my temple. The Pens lost that game, but to me it didn't matter.

I remember the greatest hockey game I ever saw in person. Mario Lemieux put on the greatest individual performance in the history of the NHL on December 31, 1988 when he scored five goals each of the five possible ways they could be scored. I was sitting up in section E and had no idea that I was witnessing history that very day. I still have my ticket from that game; although I wish I still had the program where I kept track of the stats of the game.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

I remember going to the arena for a minor league hockey game featuring the Muskegon Lumberjacks. We got tickets right along the glass in one of the corners, and it was incredible. I really didn't know who any of the players were, but they were affiliated with the Penguins so they were my team too. We banged on the glass and heckled the other team and acted like fools. I'd say that's what kids do, but if I had the chance to do it tomorrow, I would probably act the same way.

But this old arena has seen more then just hockey games. It has been the home to numerous concerts, events, and other sports over the years. The Igloo has been the home to everything Pittsburgh had to showcase and it represented it fabulously.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

I remember going to the arena to see the Pittsburgh Spirit play as part of the Major Indoor Soccer League. It was different from anything I had seen, but it was still exciting and fun. The sound of the ball banging off of the end boards when a shot would go wide was deafening, but a sound I still loved to hear. I remember the carpet that they played on not always staying in place and wondering if the ice was actually still below.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

I remember seeing the Pittsburgh Bulls playing as part of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League at the arena during one summer when I was in high school. The biggest highlight of the game though was when they opened up the roof of the arena part way through the game. I had always known about the roof opening, but had never seen it myself, and to be inside the building and watching a game with the roof opened was something I will never forget.

I remember when the arena became a movie star and helped Jean-Claude Van Damme save the Vice President from the bad guys. It certainly wasn't a great movie, but I still watch it every time it is on TV just to see the Pens and the Igloo. And, of course, to hear Steigy swear as all hell breaks loose.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

As time passed I grew up, went to college and left the city that is my home and the arena that is my temple. But I have never forgotten the memories of the beloved arena. My only regret is that in recent years I was unable to return home and visit the Igloo one more time to relive some of the cherished times I had there, and to make one more Mellon Memory before it is gone for good. But alas, that time has passed now and I am left with the stories that still make me smile.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

The new Consol Energy Center will be amazing indeed. It will be the best arena in the league by far and will be embraced by the city of Pittsburgh. But just like you never forget your first car, or the house you grew up in, or your first love, I will never forget how much a part of my life this arena has been. Like Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium, the Mellon Arena will live on in the lives of future Pittsburghers as well. Passed on from generation to generation, the stories, like mine, will live on in the young fans and the new home that they will make theirs.

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