It's been a rather uneventful week in the world of Pittsburgh sports. The Buccos have been showing signs of life, followed by signs of impending doom. It all depends on the pitching, because you can only count on them to score more then 4 runs about once a week...
As for the Pens, all the talk is of the impending free agency of some familiar faces, but I'm going to delve into that a little later on once I see which restricted free agents get tendered and blah blah blah...it'll be coming out right after the playoffs, or whenever the hell it is that players are tendered...stay tuned.
And with the Steelers, like always, no news is good news. Ben still isn't practicing with the team, and life is going on with Byron Leftwich under center. I'll let you know if any of that changes, but for now, that appears to be our direction.
That's about all I got for ya, I know it's nothing too significant but it's been a boring couple of days...things will pick up soon I'm sure (play ominous music)...
Until lata...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Who comes, who goes, who stays? (Part 2)
Well, it looks like the PG stole a bit of my thunder, but here's the list of people who need to go one way or the other for the Pens, at least in my humble opinion. For now, I'm going to leave those players I consider prospects off the list, just because they will take up their own individual post at a later date...
Enjoy!!!
Forwards
Eric Godard - his only job is to fight, and while he does that well, we have plenty of others (Mike Rupp comes to mind) who can throw down. He's an absolute joke of a hockey player, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I could skate faster then him.
Tyler Kennedy - He's fast, sure, and was injured most of this season. But he seems to only have one move in the offensive end, and we can find plenty of speedy grinders in the minors. I think he's overrated, but I'm sure the Pens will keep him because of his youth and speed.
Ruslan Fedotenko - If you watched the Pens this year then you know why he needs to go. He's old, slow and stinks. Nuff' said.
Alex Ponikarovsky - Bar none the biggest trade deadline flop ever for Ray Shero, his size and scoring touch were supposed to produce at a top-six level. They didn't, and he will almost certainly not be brought back.
Defensemen
Jordan Leopold - He was injured early in the playoffs and wasn't as big of a factor as he could have been. I don't necessarily hate what he brings to the table, but he's a puck moving defensemen, not really the stay at home type, and unless we drop Gonchar, I think Leopold may be too much of a good thing.
Jay McKee - He was brought in on the cheap, and played well when he was needed, but I doubt he'd want to take on a 7th defenseman role. Plus, his salary is sure to rise and his legs are bound to get even slower, so no thanks.
Kris Letang/Alex Goligoski - As I said in the first post, one of these two needs to go. They'll both be back, but I would dump one because of their defensive liabilities and because we could definitely get a good return on one of them now, as opposed to two years from now when they will be worthless or at least devalued.
Goaltenders
Brent Johnson - We just signed him to an extension, and to be honest, it may be a good idea. He's well liked by his teammates and not horrible on the ice. My only problem is that I would prefer us to get a youngster some experience behind Fluery, but should an injury come up, I'll feel a little better with Johnson in then I would about John Curry or any of our prospects right now.
Well boys and girls, that's it for now...I'll be back lata this week with some free agents I'd like to see us target, and even a report on our prospects!
Hope you enjoyed it, and until lata...
Enjoy!!!
Forwards
Eric Godard - his only job is to fight, and while he does that well, we have plenty of others (Mike Rupp comes to mind) who can throw down. He's an absolute joke of a hockey player, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I could skate faster then him.
Tyler Kennedy - He's fast, sure, and was injured most of this season. But he seems to only have one move in the offensive end, and we can find plenty of speedy grinders in the minors. I think he's overrated, but I'm sure the Pens will keep him because of his youth and speed.
Ruslan Fedotenko - If you watched the Pens this year then you know why he needs to go. He's old, slow and stinks. Nuff' said.
Alex Ponikarovsky - Bar none the biggest trade deadline flop ever for Ray Shero, his size and scoring touch were supposed to produce at a top-six level. They didn't, and he will almost certainly not be brought back.
Defensemen
Jordan Leopold - He was injured early in the playoffs and wasn't as big of a factor as he could have been. I don't necessarily hate what he brings to the table, but he's a puck moving defensemen, not really the stay at home type, and unless we drop Gonchar, I think Leopold may be too much of a good thing.
Jay McKee - He was brought in on the cheap, and played well when he was needed, but I doubt he'd want to take on a 7th defenseman role. Plus, his salary is sure to rise and his legs are bound to get even slower, so no thanks.
Kris Letang/Alex Goligoski - As I said in the first post, one of these two needs to go. They'll both be back, but I would dump one because of their defensive liabilities and because we could definitely get a good return on one of them now, as opposed to two years from now when they will be worthless or at least devalued.
Goaltenders
Brent Johnson - We just signed him to an extension, and to be honest, it may be a good idea. He's well liked by his teammates and not horrible on the ice. My only problem is that I would prefer us to get a youngster some experience behind Fluery, but should an injury come up, I'll feel a little better with Johnson in then I would about John Curry or any of our prospects right now.
Well boys and girls, that's it for now...I'll be back lata this week with some free agents I'd like to see us target, and even a report on our prospects!
Hope you enjoyed it, and until lata...
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Who comes, who goes, who stays? (Part 1)
So I figure the best way to start the offseason for the PPB is to make a couple posts listing who I think the Pens should keep, who needs to go (from the team period, via free agency or just plain letting go of them), and then who we should target in the free agent market.
For today, I'm going to go with who we should keep -
Forwards
Sidney Crosby - I mean if you want to cut him then you're a moron and obviously a Flyer sympathizer.
Geno Malkin - See Sidney Crosby.
Jordan Staal - I know a lot of people wanted us to trade him or Geno this season to get a scoring winger, but let me tell you, there's no finer defensive forward in the game and he can certainly score if needed. Oh yea, and he's something silly like 22. Don't be fools.
Mike Rupp - His grit and early scoring touch were a great thing for the Pens, and you could tell he brought energy to the ice every time he played. And he can fight, which is nice because maybe we won't have to carry a horrible, horrible hockey player just to be an enforcer.
Matt Cooke - He became a real leader on this squad, and whether you love or hate him, no one (except maybe our old buddy Rutuu) can get under the skin of the opposition like him. Plus, his 15 goals this year were a career high, so we definitely need to resign him.
Craig Adams - I hate saying it (because he's Little Snack's favorite player), but Adams is a great penalty killer, and he wins faceoffs, which is something we desperately need. And his two Stanley Cup rings certainly brings some experience and clout that this team needs.
Pascal Dupuis - He's a very strong penalty killer, and has the speed needed to get in on the forecheck. He's proven that he can play on any line, and Coach Dan Bylsma loves trying different line combinations.
Chris Kunitz - He also fits into the Dupuis mold, but he's not as strong on the PK. I'd still keep him though because he's fast, gets the pucks in the corners, and has a little more offensive punch then Dupuis.
Bill Guerin - If he doesn't retire, this old gray beard can still get the job done. His minutes will have to be limited as there's not a whole lot of jump left in his legs, but on the PP no one on our team can get in front of the net like him. Plus, his wrist shot isn't bad for someone who probably played juniors without a helmet.
Max Talbot - He had an injury filled year, so I'm willing to give him a pass for this season, especially after his game 7 theatrics in 2009. But if he doesn't show early in the season that he's back to the old "Mad Max" I would not think twice about unloading him and his pricey (for a player of his style at least) contract.
Defensemen
Brooks Orpik - His physical play is a must have in today's NHL, and he logs a lot of minutes on the PK. We all saw him play in the Olympics for the USA, so I don't think I need to say much else.
Sergei Gonchar - I'd like for the Pens to keep him if he's willing to take a home town discount, because I think he runs the PP better then anyone else on the team, but if he still wants elite money at the age of 36, we may have to take a pass.
Mark Eaton - Eaton is nothing spectacular, but he's a sturdy, stable NHL defenseman who won't make many mistakes in his own zone and has become a leader on the team. The other players like his style, and he's definitely an asset we need to hold onto.
Alex Goligoski/Kris Letang - I would keep one of these two, because they both possess rare speed and offensive talent for a defenseman and are definitely assets on the PP. However, they are both absolutely horrible in their own end, and they have a nasty habit of turning the puck over at inopportune times. I would probably try to keep Go Go, because it seems Letang makes more stupid mistakes then he does, but some in the organization may think Letang has better offensive potential. I guess we'll find out...
(Sidenote - the Pens will almost certainly keep both Go Go and Letang, this is just what I would do)
Goalies
Marc-Andre Fleury - Sure, he didn't look great during the playoffs this season, but after going to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, not to mention representing his country in the Olympics, I think we'll let this one slide. He is still maddeningly inconsistent at times, but maybe this year's early exit from the playoffs will recharge his batteries somewhat and get back that competitive edge he seems to have been lacking this season.
Well, that's about all I'd for sure keep...hope you enjoyed the list, and I'll be back soon with the players I'd dump (I realize you can tell who they will be, but I'll explain why in the post).
Until lata...
For today, I'm going to go with who we should keep -
Forwards
Sidney Crosby - I mean if you want to cut him then you're a moron and obviously a Flyer sympathizer.
Geno Malkin - See Sidney Crosby.
Jordan Staal - I know a lot of people wanted us to trade him or Geno this season to get a scoring winger, but let me tell you, there's no finer defensive forward in the game and he can certainly score if needed. Oh yea, and he's something silly like 22. Don't be fools.
Mike Rupp - His grit and early scoring touch were a great thing for the Pens, and you could tell he brought energy to the ice every time he played. And he can fight, which is nice because maybe we won't have to carry a horrible, horrible hockey player just to be an enforcer.
Matt Cooke - He became a real leader on this squad, and whether you love or hate him, no one (except maybe our old buddy Rutuu) can get under the skin of the opposition like him. Plus, his 15 goals this year were a career high, so we definitely need to resign him.
Craig Adams - I hate saying it (because he's Little Snack's favorite player), but Adams is a great penalty killer, and he wins faceoffs, which is something we desperately need. And his two Stanley Cup rings certainly brings some experience and clout that this team needs.
Pascal Dupuis - He's a very strong penalty killer, and has the speed needed to get in on the forecheck. He's proven that he can play on any line, and Coach Dan Bylsma loves trying different line combinations.
Chris Kunitz - He also fits into the Dupuis mold, but he's not as strong on the PK. I'd still keep him though because he's fast, gets the pucks in the corners, and has a little more offensive punch then Dupuis.
Bill Guerin - If he doesn't retire, this old gray beard can still get the job done. His minutes will have to be limited as there's not a whole lot of jump left in his legs, but on the PP no one on our team can get in front of the net like him. Plus, his wrist shot isn't bad for someone who probably played juniors without a helmet.
Max Talbot - He had an injury filled year, so I'm willing to give him a pass for this season, especially after his game 7 theatrics in 2009. But if he doesn't show early in the season that he's back to the old "Mad Max" I would not think twice about unloading him and his pricey (for a player of his style at least) contract.
Defensemen
Brooks Orpik - His physical play is a must have in today's NHL, and he logs a lot of minutes on the PK. We all saw him play in the Olympics for the USA, so I don't think I need to say much else.
Sergei Gonchar - I'd like for the Pens to keep him if he's willing to take a home town discount, because I think he runs the PP better then anyone else on the team, but if he still wants elite money at the age of 36, we may have to take a pass.
Mark Eaton - Eaton is nothing spectacular, but he's a sturdy, stable NHL defenseman who won't make many mistakes in his own zone and has become a leader on the team. The other players like his style, and he's definitely an asset we need to hold onto.
Alex Goligoski/Kris Letang - I would keep one of these two, because they both possess rare speed and offensive talent for a defenseman and are definitely assets on the PP. However, they are both absolutely horrible in their own end, and they have a nasty habit of turning the puck over at inopportune times. I would probably try to keep Go Go, because it seems Letang makes more stupid mistakes then he does, but some in the organization may think Letang has better offensive potential. I guess we'll find out...
(Sidenote - the Pens will almost certainly keep both Go Go and Letang, this is just what I would do)
Goalies
Marc-Andre Fleury - Sure, he didn't look great during the playoffs this season, but after going to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, not to mention representing his country in the Olympics, I think we'll let this one slide. He is still maddeningly inconsistent at times, but maybe this year's early exit from the playoffs will recharge his batteries somewhat and get back that competitive edge he seems to have been lacking this season.
Well, that's about all I'd for sure keep...hope you enjoyed the list, and I'll be back soon with the players I'd dump (I realize you can tell who they will be, but I'll explain why in the post).
Until lata...
Friday, May 14, 2010
Penguins Wrap Up
Well, by now we all know the fate of our Pittsburgh Pens - a second round loss to the Cinderella Montreal Canadiens. In the end, Halak was too good, and Flower was not very good, which is not a good equation if you want to advance in the playoffs.
In the next day or two I'm going to compiling my "who should stay and who should go" list for the Pens, and let's just say there will be more going then you think. And sometime in the next week or so I'll be looking at potential free agent targets for the Pens, which is an avenue we'll have to hit harder then usual this offseason.
So make sure you stay tuned to PPB for all of your Pens offseason moves and rumors, and I'll be back with a big post tomorrow.
Until then...
PS - The Pirates are still horrible, and no news is good news for the Steelers....
In the next day or two I'm going to compiling my "who should stay and who should go" list for the Pens, and let's just say there will be more going then you think. And sometime in the next week or so I'll be looking at potential free agent targets for the Pens, which is an avenue we'll have to hit harder then usual this offseason.
So make sure you stay tuned to PPB for all of your Pens offseason moves and rumors, and I'll be back with a big post tomorrow.
Until then...
PS - The Pirates are still horrible, and no news is good news for the Steelers....
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Live Blog 5/12/10
Well our big Game 7 starts in about 2 hours, so make sure you check back here around gametime for the start of the live blog...
1st Period
20:00 - Puck drops, Sidney Crosby wins it cleanly.
19:50 - And Crosby is already in the box...crap. let's go PK.
19:28 - Habs score...1-0 Montreal, and obviously the NHL wants us to lose, because that was a miserable call on Crosby. Oh and the Pens were called for another penalty so Montreal is still on the PP.
17:28 - PP is over, we held...but were certainly under fire.
16:10 - The Poni keg can't shoot to save his life...prolly explains why he hasn't been in the lineup...we need to shape up here very quickly...
14:40 - And that's why I like Mike Rupp; he just charged into the offensive zone, dumped the puck, got it himself and took a shot. Man he plays hard, unlike that lazy bum Ponikarovsky...
12:45 - And the Habs hit the post beside Fleury...
12:32 - The Pens are on the PP...I think a goal here would whip this crowd into a frenzy!!!
11:11 - Letang gives it away and causes a breakaway, thankfully he gets back to help stop the shot...
10:34 - PP is almost over, we tried to be waaaay too fancy...faceoff in Montreal's zone.
8:08 - Billy Guerin just misses on an open slapper...we need a goal badly.
6:45 - The Pens get the crowd back into it with a little sustained pressure from the third line, including two wrap around attempts...great shift.
5:37 - Lucky bounce comes out in front to Dominic Moore...2-0 Habs...not looking good right now. I knew Diego was the whammy!!!
4:44 - Halak comes out of the crease, almost lets one in...we can't catch a break maybe this team just doesn't have whatever it was last year's did.
1:34 - Horrible first period so far. We're playing scared, and that's not how you win a game. The only saving grace is that there's still two periods left, but there is absolutely no room for error now...
End of 1st - Boy, this was just about the worst case scenario for the Pens; down 2-0 and not looking good by any stretch of the imagination. If we don't score rather quickly in the second I think it could be lights out on the season. Better wake up and play some hockey Pens!!!
2nd Period
20:00 - Sid wins the draw.
19:01 - Sarge looks horrible this game, maybe he's excited to leave us via free agency?
16:54 - We certainly don't look any better this period. Crap.
16:28 - Cammellari scores, 3-0 Habs and almost certainly the end of our season. There's still time but there's no indication the Pens feel like playing any more.
16:01 - PP for the Pens, if we don't score now there's almost no chance...
14:46 - Short handed goal for the Canadiens, and I am officially calling it quits for the night, as no one in Pittsburgh cares what happens now. Nice season I guess boys....
Until lata...
1st Period
20:00 - Puck drops, Sidney Crosby wins it cleanly.
19:50 - And Crosby is already in the box...crap. let's go PK.
19:28 - Habs score...1-0 Montreal, and obviously the NHL wants us to lose, because that was a miserable call on Crosby. Oh and the Pens were called for another penalty so Montreal is still on the PP.
17:28 - PP is over, we held...but were certainly under fire.
16:10 - The Poni keg can't shoot to save his life...prolly explains why he hasn't been in the lineup...we need to shape up here very quickly...
14:40 - And that's why I like Mike Rupp; he just charged into the offensive zone, dumped the puck, got it himself and took a shot. Man he plays hard, unlike that lazy bum Ponikarovsky...
12:45 - And the Habs hit the post beside Fleury...
12:32 - The Pens are on the PP...I think a goal here would whip this crowd into a frenzy!!!
11:11 - Letang gives it away and causes a breakaway, thankfully he gets back to help stop the shot...
10:34 - PP is almost over, we tried to be waaaay too fancy...faceoff in Montreal's zone.
8:08 - Billy Guerin just misses on an open slapper...we need a goal badly.
6:45 - The Pens get the crowd back into it with a little sustained pressure from the third line, including two wrap around attempts...great shift.
5:37 - Lucky bounce comes out in front to Dominic Moore...2-0 Habs...not looking good right now. I knew Diego was the whammy!!!
4:44 - Halak comes out of the crease, almost lets one in...we can't catch a break maybe this team just doesn't have whatever it was last year's did.
1:34 - Horrible first period so far. We're playing scared, and that's not how you win a game. The only saving grace is that there's still two periods left, but there is absolutely no room for error now...
End of 1st - Boy, this was just about the worst case scenario for the Pens; down 2-0 and not looking good by any stretch of the imagination. If we don't score rather quickly in the second I think it could be lights out on the season. Better wake up and play some hockey Pens!!!
2nd Period
20:00 - Sid wins the draw.
19:01 - Sarge looks horrible this game, maybe he's excited to leave us via free agency?
16:54 - We certainly don't look any better this period. Crap.
16:28 - Cammellari scores, 3-0 Habs and almost certainly the end of our season. There's still time but there's no indication the Pens feel like playing any more.
16:01 - PP for the Pens, if we don't score now there's almost no chance...
14:46 - Short handed goal for the Canadiens, and I am officially calling it quits for the night, as no one in Pittsburgh cares what happens now. Nice season I guess boys....
Until lata...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Update...
RAW was amazing, but as you all know the Pens lost...So make sure you stop by tomorrow night around gametime as I will be live blogging again in the hopes it leads us to another victory (again)...lol
Anyway, tomorrow afternoon I'm going to post a couple of pics from RAW, none of them are that spectacular but it was quite an evening at the Mellon Arena. Let's just say they really went all out for the last wrestling event there...
Until tomorrow morning...
Anyway, tomorrow afternoon I'm going to post a couple of pics from RAW, none of them are that spectacular but it was quite an evening at the Mellon Arena. Let's just say they really went all out for the last wrestling event there...
Until tomorrow morning...
Monday, May 10, 2010
WWE RAW
So I'll be heading to the WWE event tonight at Mellon Arena...obviously that means no live blog. Hopefully the Pens can knock these bozos out but rest assured if they don't do it tonight I'll be back at the live blogging for game 7.
Anyway, check back tomorrow for all of your Pens news, and there even may be a recap of the last wrestling event ever to be help at Mellon. I have even have a source or two who have meet and greet passes, so maybe I'll get a little inside info on the superstars of RAW.
Until tomorrow...
Anyway, check back tomorrow for all of your Pens news, and there even may be a recap of the last wrestling event ever to be help at Mellon. I have even have a source or two who have meet and greet passes, so maybe I'll get a little inside info on the superstars of RAW.
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Live Blog 05/08/10
Ok boys and girls the game is about to start in the next fifteen or twenty minutes...I'll be bringing this game to you much like I did the last one, and if you have any suggestions hit me up at pierogisnat@gmail.com...
Hope you guys enjoy the blog, and, as always, GO PENS!!!!
PS - I'm going to write the time left in the period as opposed to the actual time...figure that makes a little more sense...
1st Period
20:00 - Puck drops, Jordan Staal wins it.
19:07 - Icing on the Habs, good first minute for the Pens.
18:14 - Good chance for the Habs which Flower saves and turns into a nice scoring chance for Crosby and Malkin who are playing together, at least to start the game.
17:19 - Good chance by Rupp, who is a welcome addition to the lineup after missing last game with an illness...and Halak seems to be injured..his pose after being hit was kind of funny, looks like he'll try to stay in.
13:56 - LaPierre of the Habs just gets nailed while he blocks a Brooks Orpik shot. Ouch, he barely made it off the ice.
11:41 - Crosby's playoff beard = pathetic.
11:00 - Crosby and Malkin line is getting good opportunities, but they need to finish better.
7:45 - Things are starting to get a little chippy, with Orpik exchanging words with the Habs' bench.
5:26 - They show a hit from Crosby on Hal Gill...nice, glad to see the lil guy taking on their biggest hitter.
3:35 - Dupuis misses two excellent opportunities set up by Geno. Come on fella.
2:45 - Power play Pens.
1:42 - Goal Letang!!!! It was like a shooting gallery for the last minute, I'm surprised it took that long. 1-0 Pens.
:15 - Craig Adams levels somebody. I mean absolutely obliterates him.
End of First - The Pens are looking good, things are very, very chippy and the Arena is jumping. And No Fedotenko. Praise Jesus. Go Pens, see you in the second.
Kunitz also took a penalty at the end of the period...Oh boy...
2nd Period
20:00 - Puck drops, Jordan Staal wins it back, we're on the PK.
18:38 - Max Talbot makes a nice play to get it out of the zone.
18:00 - PK is over, but the Habs are still in our faces.
PS - The Habs nearly put on in, there was huge scrum in front of the net and things got a lil crazy, including a shot hitting the post from very close range.
16:14 - And we're back in their face, great shift from Rupp, Dupuis and Malkin.
14:35 - Great set up from Talbot to Dupuis. Halak is playing well, and we could definitely use another goal or two.
13:45 - Great save from Flower turns into 2 on 1 for Pens which Halak escapes. We're up in their business, we just need to seal the deal.
10:10 - Gonchar Shoots and scores!!!!! 2-0 Pens WHOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!
8:44 - Geno tries to take over a shift, ends up shooting on Halak but he coulda passed it. I hope these guys don't start getting cutesy with the way they play now that they got the lead...
7:03 - Geno does his song and dance again, this time setting up a nice one timer.
5:26 - Crosby is now firing away. One more goal and this thing could be over, we're killing them right now but you know how it is when a goalie doesn't get many shots...Flower better stay sharp...
3:25 - Power play Pens, Letang gets tripped.
1:25 - Power play ends, rather uneventful. Lots of passing, not much shooting.
End of second period - It was a good period for us, expanding the lead and all, but I'd like to see a little more killer instinct. We've been beating them silly and are up by only two goals. It's time to send these Canucks packing. See yinz in the third...
3rd Period
20:00 Puck drops, Jordan Staal wins it again.
17:25 - Halak ROBS Letestu on a semi breakaway. I hope this doesn't bite us in the behind later on...not a great couple of minutes for the Pens.
14:29 - Power play Pens, a dumb, dumb, dumb delay of game on the Habs.
13:33 - Weak roughing call on Malkin. It was either a helluva sales job by Gorges or a make up call. Either way, WEAK.
11:30 - PK and everything is over, and boy were the Pens under fire. But Flower shut the door and kept the Habs scoreless. An insurance goal by the Pens would be a very, very welcome addition right about now.
7:28 - Dupuis almost gets that insurance goal on a spinning shot, but Halak turns it aside. Montreal put a little pressure on for the past couple of minutes, but all in all the Pens have handled it OK. Not great, but well enough for now. They need to find that other gear and finish this thing off the right way, and the need to do it soon.
6:00 - Big face off win for Staal in his own zone...and he follows it with a nice play to keep the puck in Montreal's zone. Guess his foot is OK after all.
3:36 - Rupp crushes someone with a double fist to the face over by our bench. The Habs will be pulling their goalie soon, no doubt.
2:26 - Penalty called on Dupuis for slashing. Come on PK.
1:50 - Timeout Habs. And the Pens are playing the Steelers' traditional fight song, Renegade by Styx. Classy. Oh and the Habs have pulled their goalie.
1:16 - We JUST miss an empty netter. Crap.
:53 - Strike 2. Poop.
:30 - The Habs score. 2-1 Pens, we better get this finished off.
:30 Pens win faceoff thank god.
End of the third - Rupp makes a diving play to clear the puck and keep the Pens in front. The finish was as wild as last year's Stanley Cup Finals Game 7, which says alot. The Pens now lead the series 3-2, and win the game 2-1. Much needed victory for the home team, and it puts ALL the pressure on Montreal to perform in Game 6.
Rupp and Malkin looked incredible this game, and both were noticeably fast and aggressive from the get go. No one really looked too bad, and Flower played about as well as one could expect.
Game 6 will be Monday, which is troublesome for me because I will be attending the final Monday Night RAW ever at Mellon Arena, so a live blog is out of the question. Just think of it this way; worst comes to worst, I'll blog Game 7 and we'll be fine.
Hope you enjoyed the blog, I'm taking off the rest of the night. Stay classy Pittsburgh.
Until tomorrow...
Hope you guys enjoy the blog, and, as always, GO PENS!!!!
PS - I'm going to write the time left in the period as opposed to the actual time...figure that makes a little more sense...
1st Period
20:00 - Puck drops, Jordan Staal wins it.
19:07 - Icing on the Habs, good first minute for the Pens.
18:14 - Good chance for the Habs which Flower saves and turns into a nice scoring chance for Crosby and Malkin who are playing together, at least to start the game.
17:19 - Good chance by Rupp, who is a welcome addition to the lineup after missing last game with an illness...and Halak seems to be injured..his pose after being hit was kind of funny, looks like he'll try to stay in.
13:56 - LaPierre of the Habs just gets nailed while he blocks a Brooks Orpik shot. Ouch, he barely made it off the ice.
11:41 - Crosby's playoff beard = pathetic.
11:00 - Crosby and Malkin line is getting good opportunities, but they need to finish better.
7:45 - Things are starting to get a little chippy, with Orpik exchanging words with the Habs' bench.
5:26 - They show a hit from Crosby on Hal Gill...nice, glad to see the lil guy taking on their biggest hitter.
3:35 - Dupuis misses two excellent opportunities set up by Geno. Come on fella.
2:45 - Power play Pens.
1:42 - Goal Letang!!!! It was like a shooting gallery for the last minute, I'm surprised it took that long. 1-0 Pens.
:15 - Craig Adams levels somebody. I mean absolutely obliterates him.
End of First - The Pens are looking good, things are very, very chippy and the Arena is jumping. And No Fedotenko. Praise Jesus. Go Pens, see you in the second.
Kunitz also took a penalty at the end of the period...Oh boy...
2nd Period
20:00 - Puck drops, Jordan Staal wins it back, we're on the PK.
18:38 - Max Talbot makes a nice play to get it out of the zone.
18:00 - PK is over, but the Habs are still in our faces.
PS - The Habs nearly put on in, there was huge scrum in front of the net and things got a lil crazy, including a shot hitting the post from very close range.
16:14 - And we're back in their face, great shift from Rupp, Dupuis and Malkin.
14:35 - Great set up from Talbot to Dupuis. Halak is playing well, and we could definitely use another goal or two.
13:45 - Great save from Flower turns into 2 on 1 for Pens which Halak escapes. We're up in their business, we just need to seal the deal.
10:10 - Gonchar Shoots and scores!!!!! 2-0 Pens WHOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!
8:44 - Geno tries to take over a shift, ends up shooting on Halak but he coulda passed it. I hope these guys don't start getting cutesy with the way they play now that they got the lead...
7:03 - Geno does his song and dance again, this time setting up a nice one timer.
5:26 - Crosby is now firing away. One more goal and this thing could be over, we're killing them right now but you know how it is when a goalie doesn't get many shots...Flower better stay sharp...
3:25 - Power play Pens, Letang gets tripped.
1:25 - Power play ends, rather uneventful. Lots of passing, not much shooting.
End of second period - It was a good period for us, expanding the lead and all, but I'd like to see a little more killer instinct. We've been beating them silly and are up by only two goals. It's time to send these Canucks packing. See yinz in the third...
3rd Period
20:00 Puck drops, Jordan Staal wins it again.
17:25 - Halak ROBS Letestu on a semi breakaway. I hope this doesn't bite us in the behind later on...not a great couple of minutes for the Pens.
14:29 - Power play Pens, a dumb, dumb, dumb delay of game on the Habs.
13:33 - Weak roughing call on Malkin. It was either a helluva sales job by Gorges or a make up call. Either way, WEAK.
11:30 - PK and everything is over, and boy were the Pens under fire. But Flower shut the door and kept the Habs scoreless. An insurance goal by the Pens would be a very, very welcome addition right about now.
7:28 - Dupuis almost gets that insurance goal on a spinning shot, but Halak turns it aside. Montreal put a little pressure on for the past couple of minutes, but all in all the Pens have handled it OK. Not great, but well enough for now. They need to find that other gear and finish this thing off the right way, and the need to do it soon.
6:00 - Big face off win for Staal in his own zone...and he follows it with a nice play to keep the puck in Montreal's zone. Guess his foot is OK after all.
3:36 - Rupp crushes someone with a double fist to the face over by our bench. The Habs will be pulling their goalie soon, no doubt.
2:26 - Penalty called on Dupuis for slashing. Come on PK.
1:50 - Timeout Habs. And the Pens are playing the Steelers' traditional fight song, Renegade by Styx. Classy. Oh and the Habs have pulled their goalie.
1:16 - We JUST miss an empty netter. Crap.
:53 - Strike 2. Poop.
:30 - The Habs score. 2-1 Pens, we better get this finished off.
:30 Pens win faceoff thank god.
End of the third - Rupp makes a diving play to clear the puck and keep the Pens in front. The finish was as wild as last year's Stanley Cup Finals Game 7, which says alot. The Pens now lead the series 3-2, and win the game 2-1. Much needed victory for the home team, and it puts ALL the pressure on Montreal to perform in Game 6.
Rupp and Malkin looked incredible this game, and both were noticeably fast and aggressive from the get go. No one really looked too bad, and Flower played about as well as one could expect.
Game 6 will be Monday, which is troublesome for me because I will be attending the final Monday Night RAW ever at Mellon Arena, so a live blog is out of the question. Just think of it this way; worst comes to worst, I'll blog Game 7 and we'll be fine.
Hope you enjoyed the blog, I'm taking off the rest of the night. Stay classy Pittsburgh.
Until tomorrow...
Update...
So the Pens stunk it up Thursday night, which is why I skipped yesterday...well that and there really wasn't much else going on...lol
Anyway, I'm hoping to get the Pens back on track tonight by LIVE BLOGGING THE GAME again!!! So make sure you check back around seven and keep your computer up and running during the game - I'll give ya some things to look for and maybe I'll even try not to repeat whatever those god awful announcers on Versus say. Either way, it should be a good time so check it out!!!
Until then...
Anyway, I'm hoping to get the Pens back on track tonight by LIVE BLOGGING THE GAME again!!! So make sure you check back around seven and keep your computer up and running during the game - I'll give ya some things to look for and maybe I'll even try not to repeat whatever those god awful announcers on Versus say. Either way, it should be a good time so check it out!!!
Until then...
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Odds and Ends
Sorry for missing yesterday, I had to head up to Dayton again to help Little Snack move out...it would have been nice to have been told that before yesterday morning, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Anyway, he'll be home in a few hours and all of that will be done with (thank God).
As for what's happening in the sports world, the Pens are looking to take control of their series with Montreal tonight when they go for a 3-1 series lead. Jordan Staal may or may not play (special thanks to Dr. Hasselman for fixing him up really well), and Old Man Guerin will be a game time decision.
Hopefully one of these two play, because another night of Ruslan Fedotenko would be horrible. I don't know if he's content with his two championships or if his years of playing finally caught up to him (remember how that happened to John LeClaire?), but either way, this needs to be his last season playing for the Pens. And to think, last season we were all clamoring for Miroslav Satan to be let go, which we did, and now he's tearing it up for Boston and it looks like we may have to deal with him in the next round. Turns out that we kept the wrong guy...
Anyway, I doubt there will be a live blog tonight, but you never know. Shoot me some feedback and let me know what you thought of it, maybe I'll do another game or two that way before the playoffs are over.
In other sports, the Bucco's are winning some close games, but they're still not .500, so, as is our current policy at PPB, we will not discuss them. Check out my old man's site, The Green Weenie, for any and all of your Pirates' needs. And Lord knows they have a lot of needs...haha zinger!
Dave "most impressive mustache on Earth" Wannstedt was asked yesterday about a possible move to the Big Ten for the Pitt Panthers, and while he declined comment, I will not. We better hope and pray the Big Ten takes us because if they choose ANY other Big East teams beside Pitt we could be in a lot of trouble. I've made sure not to mention this too often, but if we don't go to the Big Ten when it expands we could end up in the Conference USA (worst, worst case scenario here), and that would certainly be the end of our days as a big-time college athletic program.
The Stache also mentioned (along with old man Paterno) that he'd be in favor of bringing spring football practice to high schools in PA. I actually agree with him; the more work these kids can get the better, especially when other states like Florida and Texas already run these extra practices. If PA wants to continue to produce talent like Dan Marino and Joe Montana then this is certainly a necessary evil.
And really, what's two weeks of practices to a 16 or 17 year old kid? These will not only make them better players but will break up the monotony of what currently passes for spring ball, which is lifting weights, running and plyometrics. As someone who played at a PGH powerhouse (Go Central!), I know how boring the time between the end of the season and training camp can be, and I think these practices will help keep the kids' attention, which is absolutely necessary to make top notch players.
And finally, the Steelers haven't been in the news recently, which is a welcome surprise from them. Right now is that boring time between mini camp and training camp where all you'll hear about are negatives - and we haven't heard squat since Ben's suspension. Very good sign.
That's really all I have for ya right now...I'll probably put up some kind of post during the game, and certainly a recap later tonight or tomorrow...so stay tuned boys and girls!
Until lata...
As for what's happening in the sports world, the Pens are looking to take control of their series with Montreal tonight when they go for a 3-1 series lead. Jordan Staal may or may not play (special thanks to Dr. Hasselman for fixing him up really well), and Old Man Guerin will be a game time decision.
Hopefully one of these two play, because another night of Ruslan Fedotenko would be horrible. I don't know if he's content with his two championships or if his years of playing finally caught up to him (remember how that happened to John LeClaire?), but either way, this needs to be his last season playing for the Pens. And to think, last season we were all clamoring for Miroslav Satan to be let go, which we did, and now he's tearing it up for Boston and it looks like we may have to deal with him in the next round. Turns out that we kept the wrong guy...
Anyway, I doubt there will be a live blog tonight, but you never know. Shoot me some feedback and let me know what you thought of it, maybe I'll do another game or two that way before the playoffs are over.
In other sports, the Bucco's are winning some close games, but they're still not .500, so, as is our current policy at PPB, we will not discuss them. Check out my old man's site, The Green Weenie, for any and all of your Pirates' needs. And Lord knows they have a lot of needs...haha zinger!
Dave "most impressive mustache on Earth" Wannstedt was asked yesterday about a possible move to the Big Ten for the Pitt Panthers, and while he declined comment, I will not. We better hope and pray the Big Ten takes us because if they choose ANY other Big East teams beside Pitt we could be in a lot of trouble. I've made sure not to mention this too often, but if we don't go to the Big Ten when it expands we could end up in the Conference USA (worst, worst case scenario here), and that would certainly be the end of our days as a big-time college athletic program.
The Stache also mentioned (along with old man Paterno) that he'd be in favor of bringing spring football practice to high schools in PA. I actually agree with him; the more work these kids can get the better, especially when other states like Florida and Texas already run these extra practices. If PA wants to continue to produce talent like Dan Marino and Joe Montana then this is certainly a necessary evil.
And really, what's two weeks of practices to a 16 or 17 year old kid? These will not only make them better players but will break up the monotony of what currently passes for spring ball, which is lifting weights, running and plyometrics. As someone who played at a PGH powerhouse (Go Central!), I know how boring the time between the end of the season and training camp can be, and I think these practices will help keep the kids' attention, which is absolutely necessary to make top notch players.
And finally, the Steelers haven't been in the news recently, which is a welcome surprise from them. Right now is that boring time between mini camp and training camp where all you'll hear about are negatives - and we haven't heard squat since Ben's suspension. Very good sign.
That's really all I have for ya right now...I'll probably put up some kind of post during the game, and certainly a recap later tonight or tomorrow...so stay tuned boys and girls!
Until lata...
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Live Blog
I decided to try and live blog the game tonight...not too sure how it will go, but hey, how will I know if I don't try? Anyway, enjoy the show...I'll try and post the time I make the comment next to the post, but be forewarned I may get lazy by the end if it's a route...lol
And with that, enjoy the game...puck drops in about 30 minutes!
7:16 - Puck drops...Let's go Pens!!!
7:24 - Go Go gets a tripping minor for the Pens...not exactly the start we were looking for boys. Come on PK!!!
7:27 - Good PK by the boys, although we're still not looking very sharp...hopefully that works itself out soon...
7:34 - The Pens literally have one shot through eleven minutes of action...you gotta be kidding me.
7:38 - Pens power play on a cheap shot by LaPierre..cheating Canadiens....lol
7:41 - Our power play stinks...we couldn't get the puck in the zone, let alone get a shot. All in all, pretty poopy start for the Pens. Only six total shots in the game, although Montreal looks a lot busier then that.
7:51 - The period ends, mercifully, at 0-0. The Pens played some very uninspired hockey, but luckily the Canadiens couldn't put the biscuit in the basket. There was pretty much no offense to speak of coming from the Pens' side of the ice, and those crazy Canucks finished very strong. I'm thinking "Awww" Craig Adams will get his gray beard in a bunch and start inspiring the boys Herb Brooks style, but only time will tell. See yinz in the second...
8:08 - Puck drops on period 2. God I hope this goes better then the first...
8:18 - Cooke had a break away, but it's Cooke, so he misses. Still 0-0, but the pace has picked up a little bit for the Pens. I think we still only have five or six shots though, and Halak made that last save look easy...
8:25 - Pens power play...boy do we need a goal
8:28 - No goal on the PP, but at least the Pens are showing some signs of life. And this Letestu has been a pleasant surprise thus far in his first playoff game.
8:34 - Great chance by Go Go to net the opening goal, but Halak says no. We're starting to get our game going, throwing more pucks at Halak and taking the body more often. Now we just need to get on the board.
8:41 - There's only eleven seconds left in the period but the Pens have earned a power play. They just kept the puck in the zone for about two minutes which made the Canadiens tired and brought about the penalty.
8:43 - The period is over, still no score. Things get a bit chippy at the end of the period, with a lot of pushing and shoving after the whistle. Still don't know if there's any penalties resulting, but I have to think this game is starting to turn towards the Pens' liking..all they need to do now is put the puck in the net!!!
9:03 - The puck drops on period three with the Pens on the power play for almost a full two minutes. This PP is key - if we can get a goal it may just be the series, but if not...well let's just say we need this goal.
9:05 - WHOOOO HOOOO Goal Malkin!!!! It's a power play goal, and the Pens' showed great patience. Great one timer. 1-0 Pens
9:07 - I failed to mention it was Hal Gill in the box when Geno scored. I think that may have helped the cause...
9:10 - Steigerwald's first reference to Hal Gill's big stick. Hahaha
9:23 - Flower just robs Cammellari on a one timer. My goodness, what a save. The Canadiens are pushing hard for the tying goal, we really need to keep it simple and just get the puck out of our zone.
9:26 - Crap, the Canadiens just got a call on Jordan Leopold. Huge PK upcoming.
9:30 - Halfway through the PK, so far so good, Montreal just called timeout. I'll let ya know how the PK ends up...
9:32 - PK is over, and Flower just made another crazy save to keep it that way. He's playing an excellent game thus far...
9:37 - Pascal Dupuis throws in an empty netter. 2-0 Pens and as Mike Lange would say, "Elvis has just left the building!!!" Be back shortly with some observations.
Go Pens!
Observations - Well, first and foremost, Flower was amazing in net. In the third period he made two spectacular saves to keep the Pens ahead, and if he continues to play like this it's going to be very, VERY difficult to beat us. As for which skaters impressed me, I'd have to say Mark Letestu played very well for his first NHL playoff game. He put a couple shots on net and was very responsible defensively, which is always your first concern with rookies. I also thought Alex Ponikarovsky had a little more speed and grit then he's showed thus far in playoffs, which is certainly an added bonus.
As for who didn't impress, I'd have to go with Ruslan Fedotenko. I don't know if he's injured, old or both, but he's not nearly the player he was last season when we won the cup. I realize he's in because of injuries to Jordan Staal and Bill Guerin, but there has to be a better alternative somewhere on the taxi squad. He's played very uninspired hockey, rarely finishing checks off and not contributing at all in the offensive zone. Not only is he not getting shots, but it seems like he's losing his place in the cycle, and that's the Pens' bread and butter.
I certainly think the Pens earned this one, and Montreal is on their heels. A win on Thursday could cause the Habs to pack it in, and a close defeat like this (hopefully) will make a little doubt creep into Montreal's head. We need to play more then two solid periods of hockey to win a championship, and I'm sure that's something that will be adressed, but all in all it could've been a lot worse, and a win is a win.
Go Pens!
Until lata...
And with that, enjoy the game...puck drops in about 30 minutes!
7:16 - Puck drops...Let's go Pens!!!
7:24 - Go Go gets a tripping minor for the Pens...not exactly the start we were looking for boys. Come on PK!!!
7:27 - Good PK by the boys, although we're still not looking very sharp...hopefully that works itself out soon...
7:34 - The Pens literally have one shot through eleven minutes of action...you gotta be kidding me.
7:38 - Pens power play on a cheap shot by LaPierre..cheating Canadiens....lol
7:41 - Our power play stinks...we couldn't get the puck in the zone, let alone get a shot. All in all, pretty poopy start for the Pens. Only six total shots in the game, although Montreal looks a lot busier then that.
7:51 - The period ends, mercifully, at 0-0. The Pens played some very uninspired hockey, but luckily the Canadiens couldn't put the biscuit in the basket. There was pretty much no offense to speak of coming from the Pens' side of the ice, and those crazy Canucks finished very strong. I'm thinking "Awww" Craig Adams will get his gray beard in a bunch and start inspiring the boys Herb Brooks style, but only time will tell. See yinz in the second...
8:08 - Puck drops on period 2. God I hope this goes better then the first...
8:18 - Cooke had a break away, but it's Cooke, so he misses. Still 0-0, but the pace has picked up a little bit for the Pens. I think we still only have five or six shots though, and Halak made that last save look easy...
8:25 - Pens power play...boy do we need a goal
8:28 - No goal on the PP, but at least the Pens are showing some signs of life. And this Letestu has been a pleasant surprise thus far in his first playoff game.
8:34 - Great chance by Go Go to net the opening goal, but Halak says no. We're starting to get our game going, throwing more pucks at Halak and taking the body more often. Now we just need to get on the board.
8:41 - There's only eleven seconds left in the period but the Pens have earned a power play. They just kept the puck in the zone for about two minutes which made the Canadiens tired and brought about the penalty.
8:43 - The period is over, still no score. Things get a bit chippy at the end of the period, with a lot of pushing and shoving after the whistle. Still don't know if there's any penalties resulting, but I have to think this game is starting to turn towards the Pens' liking..all they need to do now is put the puck in the net!!!
9:03 - The puck drops on period three with the Pens on the power play for almost a full two minutes. This PP is key - if we can get a goal it may just be the series, but if not...well let's just say we need this goal.
9:05 - WHOOOO HOOOO Goal Malkin!!!! It's a power play goal, and the Pens' showed great patience. Great one timer. 1-0 Pens
9:07 - I failed to mention it was Hal Gill in the box when Geno scored. I think that may have helped the cause...
9:10 - Steigerwald's first reference to Hal Gill's big stick. Hahaha
9:23 - Flower just robs Cammellari on a one timer. My goodness, what a save. The Canadiens are pushing hard for the tying goal, we really need to keep it simple and just get the puck out of our zone.
9:26 - Crap, the Canadiens just got a call on Jordan Leopold. Huge PK upcoming.
9:30 - Halfway through the PK, so far so good, Montreal just called timeout. I'll let ya know how the PK ends up...
9:32 - PK is over, and Flower just made another crazy save to keep it that way. He's playing an excellent game thus far...
9:37 - Pascal Dupuis throws in an empty netter. 2-0 Pens and as Mike Lange would say, "Elvis has just left the building!!!" Be back shortly with some observations.
Go Pens!
Observations - Well, first and foremost, Flower was amazing in net. In the third period he made two spectacular saves to keep the Pens ahead, and if he continues to play like this it's going to be very, VERY difficult to beat us. As for which skaters impressed me, I'd have to say Mark Letestu played very well for his first NHL playoff game. He put a couple shots on net and was very responsible defensively, which is always your first concern with rookies. I also thought Alex Ponikarovsky had a little more speed and grit then he's showed thus far in playoffs, which is certainly an added bonus.
As for who didn't impress, I'd have to go with Ruslan Fedotenko. I don't know if he's injured, old or both, but he's not nearly the player he was last season when we won the cup. I realize he's in because of injuries to Jordan Staal and Bill Guerin, but there has to be a better alternative somewhere on the taxi squad. He's played very uninspired hockey, rarely finishing checks off and not contributing at all in the offensive zone. Not only is he not getting shots, but it seems like he's losing his place in the cycle, and that's the Pens' bread and butter.
I certainly think the Pens earned this one, and Montreal is on their heels. A win on Thursday could cause the Habs to pack it in, and a close defeat like this (hopefully) will make a little doubt creep into Montreal's head. We need to play more then two solid periods of hockey to win a championship, and I'm sure that's something that will be adressed, but all in all it could've been a lot worse, and a win is a win.
Go Pens!
Until lata...
Monday, May 3, 2010
Odds and Ends
Well it was great seeing lil Snack finally graduate, but it's time to get back to the blog, because Lord knows there was enough to talk about from this weekend...
First and foremost, the Pens lost, which means their series is tied 1-1 with Montreal. I missed the game (on TV at least) because of my traveling, but from what I heard it was Halak standing on his head and the Pens getting frustrated, which is exactly what doomed the Capitals against Montreal.
Jordan Staal is out with a torn ligament on top of his foot, and that coule end up hurting us much more then one would think. His defense really sparks our team and he even had a goal in game 1 before he was hurt. Look for someone to step up and play even better defense from the forward position, my best guess is that it will be Matt Cooke who takes alot of his time, but only time will tell.
The Pens shouldn't be in panic mode or anything, but one more loss like yesterday and it might be time to at least be a little worried...
As for the Steelers, it looked like they were going to make it through their mandatory minicamp without anything crazy happening, but of course that's not how the Steelers roll this year. Receiver Limas Sweed, who is no stranger to controvery himself (what with all the drops and his needing time off for personal issues) apparently tore his Achilles' Tendon, which would certainly take him out for the season.
This could be the end of the road for young Mr. Sweed, who has been an utter disappointment during his first two seasons with the Steelers. Other receivers have stepped up, and when he returns he may be no higher then 6th on the depth chart, which is not what you're looking for from a second round pick.
All in all it was a pretty crappy weekend for Pittsburgh sports. Hopefully this week will be better, and make sure you check back soon as I'm working on a couple top 10 lists to post...Those lists made me and Diego famous, so it's about high time I bring em back.
Until lata...
First and foremost, the Pens lost, which means their series is tied 1-1 with Montreal. I missed the game (on TV at least) because of my traveling, but from what I heard it was Halak standing on his head and the Pens getting frustrated, which is exactly what doomed the Capitals against Montreal.
Jordan Staal is out with a torn ligament on top of his foot, and that coule end up hurting us much more then one would think. His defense really sparks our team and he even had a goal in game 1 before he was hurt. Look for someone to step up and play even better defense from the forward position, my best guess is that it will be Matt Cooke who takes alot of his time, but only time will tell.
The Pens shouldn't be in panic mode or anything, but one more loss like yesterday and it might be time to at least be a little worried...
As for the Steelers, it looked like they were going to make it through their mandatory minicamp without anything crazy happening, but of course that's not how the Steelers roll this year. Receiver Limas Sweed, who is no stranger to controvery himself (what with all the drops and his needing time off for personal issues) apparently tore his Achilles' Tendon, which would certainly take him out for the season.
This could be the end of the road for young Mr. Sweed, who has been an utter disappointment during his first two seasons with the Steelers. Other receivers have stepped up, and when he returns he may be no higher then 6th on the depth chart, which is not what you're looking for from a second round pick.
All in all it was a pretty crappy weekend for Pittsburgh sports. Hopefully this week will be better, and make sure you check back soon as I'm working on a couple top 10 lists to post...Those lists made me and Diego famous, so it's about high time I bring em back.
Until lata...
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