Well, last night's loss to the Rangers was a tough one. We started catching up, but just couldn't quite reach them as the Rangers went on to win 4-3. The Pens took too many penalties and their penalty kill was not as stellar and consistent as it can be and the Rangers capitalized on some opportunities. Things to address and correct before tomorrow night's game against the Washington Capitals.
Though, after a tough loss, I would now like to direct attention to something positive for the Pens and that would be the play of Matt Cooke so far this season. Matt Cooke has been a player I loved to have on our team in the past, but I will admit, also in the past, there have been times when I wished that Matt Cooke was not a member of the Pens. Some of his hits in the past were dirty and I was tired of the antics and the suspensions and the way it refelcted on the Pens. However, Matt Cooke has made a change to the way he approaches playing and the results so far are pretty great.
NHL.com staff writer Dave Lozo recently wrote an article about how Cooke is a changed player and the link is available above by clicking on the title of the post.
It was last season's elbow hit to the head of Ryan McDonagh, a Rangers defenseman, and the suspension that ended up lasting 17 games that made Cooke truly evaluate his style of play and change his ways. He spent that suspension and the summer watching video of himself and vowing that he would be a different player. So far, Cooke has delivered. He only has four minor penalties so far this season and his scoring output is on track for a career high. He is leading the team for blocked shots among forwards and only has 32 hits.
Now, this is a change that needs to be carried through because one wrong move or hit and we know that the suspension that would follow would be a monumental one this season. Whether he had a good start to the season or not. He'll have the label of his dirty hits for quite a while.
I am happy to see Cooke acknowledge that his style of game needed to change as he saw the risk in his appraoch and now has made some changes for the better. I would love to see hits to the head completely eliminated, but things happen in such a fast-paced game. Until that happens, I'm just glad that Cooke is consciously doing his best to try and avoid from delivering those hits.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Pens face Rangers tonight.
First off, the Penguins have recalled two defensemen, Alex Picard and Robert Bortuzzo. This is due to the fact that Kris Letang and Zbynek Michalek are coming back to Pittsburgh to be further evaluated.
Tonight's game will be a good test for the Pens. The Rangers have won six straight at home and have won 9 of their past 11 games. The Rangers are behind the Pens in the Atlantic Division creeping up on us. Brad Richards, newly acquired this offseason, has been finding his rhythm lately and now has 8 goals for the season and presents that offensive threat. The Rangers have been a hot team lately and tonight's game should be a good one between the Pens and Rangers.
Tonight's game will be a good test for the Pens. The Rangers have won six straight at home and have won 9 of their past 11 games. The Rangers are behind the Pens in the Atlantic Division creeping up on us. Brad Richards, newly acquired this offseason, has been finding his rhythm lately and now has 8 goals for the season and presents that offensive threat. The Rangers have been a hot team lately and tonight's game should be a good one between the Pens and Rangers.
Sid's comeback was great and all, but...
Tom Thompson of The Hockey News wrote a column about Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux returning to hockey and it's a story you should check out. The link is available above. (Just click on the title of this blog post.)
It was over a week ago that Sidney Crosby returned to the lineup and most eyes were on that return. The media coverage was closer to the coverage deep in the NHL playoffs and the speculation before and after the game could only be reserved for Sidney Crosby. I don't believe that any other player would garner that much attention. Though, it wasn't the biggest return we have seen. Not just as NHL fans, but Pens fans have had a memorable return in the past. Mario Lemieux's return to the game coming out of retirement was the biggest return Pens fans have witnessed.
Not only did it bring a bigger rating on tv locally than Crosby's recent return, Lemieux's return to the game of hockey was more of a surprise than Crosby's eventual return. Sidney had press conferences, updates, clearing for contact, practices and the questioning was relentless leading up to the announcement that Crosby would play last Monday night.
On the other hand, Lemieux had retired and therefore did not have daily access to the media and the constant questioning. Lemieux had kept his return quiet and when he was seen skating with Jay Caufield, there was some questioning but no one knew for sure and who would guess that after so much in his career and surgeries and pain that Lemieux would be returning. Therefore, Lemieux's return was a surprise. It was one of the greatest players in NHL history, in my opinion the best player, returning to the game of hockey. Gone for a few years and returning to marvel us all again was truly one of the best things to happen to the game of hockey and I don't know that anything could reach Lemieux's return to hockey again.
Monday, November 28, 2011
What a busy day!
Well, it's been a busy first week back for Sidney Crosby and it was a busy day in the NHL today for coaches, and not the good kind of busy for some coaches.
First of all though, let's talk about Sidney Crosby. He has been back for 4 games now and has been doing a pretty great job after missing such a long time. Such a great job in fact, that he was named the first star of the week in the NHL. He has put up 9 points in those first four games and specualtion has already begun on whether he can take over the points column. It's a tad too early for that in my opinion, but I would be happy to see him try his best at it. Though, you never expect anything but Crosby's best when he is playing. Why do you think he had such a long recovery? He wanted to be sure he could play at his best upon his return.
The Pens are off to a great start, leading the NHL currently and with the addition of Crosby back in the lineup, I am sure the Pens are not a team a lot of other teams want to face. Which means that Dan Bylsma is doing a great job as coach, but that's not the case for two other Eastern Conference teams today. Bruce Boudreau, the Washington Capitals coach and Paul Maurice, the coach of the Carolina Hurricanes were both fired today. Boudreau was replaced by Dale Hunter and Maurice was replaced by Kirk Muller. Both teams have not been performing as well as some would expect and stars on those teams have also been suffering so far this season with mediocre starts. We'll have to wait and see what these coaching changes do for these teams.
To change subject, I read a great feature on Marc Andre Fleury last week on thn.com by Ryan Kennedy that was a great read. Here's a link to the article for you to check it out. http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/43125-Kennedy-Can-Fleury-catch-Brodeurs-win-total.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=thn_daily_20111126
The column is about whether or not Fleury can catch Martin Brodeur's records and gives a good case as to why our top netminder is capable of doing just that!
First of all though, let's talk about Sidney Crosby. He has been back for 4 games now and has been doing a pretty great job after missing such a long time. Such a great job in fact, that he was named the first star of the week in the NHL. He has put up 9 points in those first four games and specualtion has already begun on whether he can take over the points column. It's a tad too early for that in my opinion, but I would be happy to see him try his best at it. Though, you never expect anything but Crosby's best when he is playing. Why do you think he had such a long recovery? He wanted to be sure he could play at his best upon his return.
The Pens are off to a great start, leading the NHL currently and with the addition of Crosby back in the lineup, I am sure the Pens are not a team a lot of other teams want to face. Which means that Dan Bylsma is doing a great job as coach, but that's not the case for two other Eastern Conference teams today. Bruce Boudreau, the Washington Capitals coach and Paul Maurice, the coach of the Carolina Hurricanes were both fired today. Boudreau was replaced by Dale Hunter and Maurice was replaced by Kirk Muller. Both teams have not been performing as well as some would expect and stars on those teams have also been suffering so far this season with mediocre starts. We'll have to wait and see what these coaching changes do for these teams.
To change subject, I read a great feature on Marc Andre Fleury last week on thn.com by Ryan Kennedy that was a great read. Here's a link to the article for you to check it out. http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/43125-Kennedy-Can-Fleury-catch-Brodeurs-win-total.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=thn_daily_20111126
The column is about whether or not Fleury can catch Martin Brodeur's records and gives a good case as to why our top netminder is capable of doing just that!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Crosby returns and does fairly well in first game.
Obviously, Sidney Crosby did better than just fairly well in his return to the Pens lineup. Someone I know called that he was going to get 4 points and this same person also predicted that Steve Sullivan would score last night. Good predictions.
Crosby scored two goals and earned two assists in last night's 5-0 win against the Islanders. In fact, his first shot of the night turned into his first goal. I'd say that is a pretty good return, pretty decent. Of course, I am being sarcastic. Only Sidney Crosby would come back from missing ten months of hockey and have such a spectacular night. Just how lucky are we as Pens fans? Well, last night's game showed us just how lucky we are.
Though, I can't wait to see the Pens against a bit of a better team than the Islanders since they are having their struggles this season.
We'll get a chance to see the team against the St. Louis Blues tomorrow night.
There was a topic brought up on several occasions, once in Crosby's press conference last night and I heard some chatter on the radio as well about the topic also. The topic was about Sidney Crosby's reaction after his first goal in last night's game. Not just the excitement but for a certain word Crosby said after scoring. Crosby said he hoped people at home were not lip reading because he happened to say a bad word, but why are people so surprised? It was good to see him happy, that's for sure and I could not care less what he muttered after that goal. People are acting as if they have never heard him say the word or in this case, see him say the word. That's how you know a lot of occasional Pens fans were watching took note. I've read that word from Crosby's mouth too many times to count. I think he earned the right to say the word after scoring last night and a lot of other times too.
It's exciting to see Crosby back and to see him do so well in his first game. The talk of the scoring race and Sid's potential of winning it is already taking place just after last night's game. Well, I don't make predictions and I tend not to think so prematurely on such things. We will just have to wait and see what happens, but I am just happy to watch Pens games like last night's game and hope they keep coming.
Crosby scored two goals and earned two assists in last night's 5-0 win against the Islanders. In fact, his first shot of the night turned into his first goal. I'd say that is a pretty good return, pretty decent. Of course, I am being sarcastic. Only Sidney Crosby would come back from missing ten months of hockey and have such a spectacular night. Just how lucky are we as Pens fans? Well, last night's game showed us just how lucky we are.
Though, I can't wait to see the Pens against a bit of a better team than the Islanders since they are having their struggles this season.
We'll get a chance to see the team against the St. Louis Blues tomorrow night.
There was a topic brought up on several occasions, once in Crosby's press conference last night and I heard some chatter on the radio as well about the topic also. The topic was about Sidney Crosby's reaction after his first goal in last night's game. Not just the excitement but for a certain word Crosby said after scoring. Crosby said he hoped people at home were not lip reading because he happened to say a bad word, but why are people so surprised? It was good to see him happy, that's for sure and I could not care less what he muttered after that goal. People are acting as if they have never heard him say the word or in this case, see him say the word. That's how you know a lot of occasional Pens fans were watching took note. I've read that word from Crosby's mouth too many times to count. I think he earned the right to say the word after scoring last night and a lot of other times too.
It's exciting to see Crosby back and to see him do so well in his first game. The talk of the scoring race and Sid's potential of winning it is already taking place just after last night's game. Well, I don't make predictions and I tend not to think so prematurely on such things. We will just have to wait and see what happens, but I am just happy to watch Pens games like last night's game and hope they keep coming.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Pens host Islanders tonight.
The Pens have Sidney Crosby coming back and the Islanders have a player making their NHL debut tonight. It is their goalie, Nilsson. The Islanders have been plagued with some injured goaltenders quite a bit over the past few seasons and that is due in large part to Rick Dipietro pretty much always being injured and I don't need to remind any of you what happened to him last season after Brent Johnson landed a punch. Dipietro and the Islanders signed a 15 year deal years ago and that has got to be one of the biggest mistakes, he has barely even played with all he has been through.
Well, anyways, with Michalek returning as well to the lineup tonight, the defense pairings are different and Picard will be sitting tonight's game out and here are the matchups:
Martin-Michalek
Orpik-Letang
Niskanen-Engelland
Crosby will be joining his former line along with Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz. Here are the lines from today's morning skate:
Sullivan-Malkin-Neal
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Asham-Park-Adams
All in all, there are a few things that have me excited for tonight's game and this game has the potential to be a good one and I hope it is. Don't want to disappoint all the people watching just for Crosby's return. Let's give them a show!
Well, anyways, with Michalek returning as well to the lineup tonight, the defense pairings are different and Picard will be sitting tonight's game out and here are the matchups:
Martin-Michalek
Orpik-Letang
Niskanen-Engelland
Crosby will be joining his former line along with Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz. Here are the lines from today's morning skate:
Sullivan-Malkin-Neal
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Asham-Park-Adams
All in all, there are a few things that have me excited for tonight's game and this game has the potential to be a good one and I hope it is. Don't want to disappoint all the people watching just for Crosby's return. Let's give them a show!
He's Back!
That's right, he is back in the lineup, the moment we have all been waiting for... Zbynek Michalek is back in the lineup for tonight's game when the Pens host the New York Islanders. Oh and Sidney Crosby is also returning to the lineup tonight as well. Now, I am just as excited as the next person to have Sid back in the lineup tonight but I believe some people may be getting a tad too excited. We knew the day was coming, sooner or later, and yes, at moments the later part seemed to be the most true, but he has been taking contact and reported no side effects, so we all knew the day was coming. Except for those people who chose to believe that Sid was retiring or he would take this whole season off. However, some people out there are treating this like Easter, one would think Jesus has risen from the dead and not that Sidney was coming back from his concussion.
I understand some of the excitement and of course the attention, he has been out for so long and he is one of the best players, if not the best, player in the league. Just like everyone else, I am excited to see what the Pens can do with Sid back in the lineup since we have been doing fairly well with him out of the lineup, but let's take this slow. Though, it would not be unlike Sid to come back to his original form and just tear into scoring, I'll still give him a break and let him get acclimated to the game action that he has missed for so long. Who knows what will happen tonight, but some people are acting as if they thought he would never play again. Most of those people though could probably not name many other members of the team.
So here we are, Monday, November 21, 2011- the date of Sid's comeback and Michalek's too. We'll see what happens and I am excited to see the fresh goaltender the Islanders will have in net, Nilsson. It will be his first NHL start. Wow, first game in the NHL and it just so happens to be the game Sidney Crosby is returning after a long recovery from a concussion, talk about pressure.
Yes, I am excited to have Sid back in the lineup, thrilled even, and can't wait to see what tonight's game will bring, but for more reasons than just Sid returning to the lineup!
I understand some of the excitement and of course the attention, he has been out for so long and he is one of the best players, if not the best, player in the league. Just like everyone else, I am excited to see what the Pens can do with Sid back in the lineup since we have been doing fairly well with him out of the lineup, but let's take this slow. Though, it would not be unlike Sid to come back to his original form and just tear into scoring, I'll still give him a break and let him get acclimated to the game action that he has missed for so long. Who knows what will happen tonight, but some people are acting as if they thought he would never play again. Most of those people though could probably not name many other members of the team.
So here we are, Monday, November 21, 2011- the date of Sid's comeback and Michalek's too. We'll see what happens and I am excited to see the fresh goaltender the Islanders will have in net, Nilsson. It will be his first NHL start. Wow, first game in the NHL and it just so happens to be the game Sidney Crosby is returning after a long recovery from a concussion, talk about pressure.
Yes, I am excited to have Sid back in the lineup, thrilled even, and can't wait to see what tonight's game will bring, but for more reasons than just Sid returning to the lineup!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Pens face Lightning tonight.
Again, the Pens are in a warmer place preparing for a game, tonight's game is against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Fleury will be in net tonight and Crosby, is not in the lineup, just to reiterate. Michalek practiced with the team today, nearing the 4-week mark of a 4-6 week recovery period.
The Pens are on their annual dad's trip and in the past, that has usually meant the Pens have stepped up their games to make dear old dad proud, so let's hope that trend continues tonight. Also, the motivation of being eliminated by the Lightning in last year's playoffs may be an incentive to bring their "A" game as well. Either way, look for tonight's game to be an exciting one, not sure if it will be quite as exciting as the Colorado game, but you never know in the game of hockey.
Let's Go Pens!
The Pens are on their annual dad's trip and in the past, that has usually meant the Pens have stepped up their games to make dear old dad proud, so let's hope that trend continues tonight. Also, the motivation of being eliminated by the Lightning in last year's playoffs may be an incentive to bring their "A" game as well. Either way, look for tonight's game to be an exciting one, not sure if it will be quite as exciting as the Colorado game, but you never know in the game of hockey.
Let's Go Pens!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
What a game!
There is nothing quite like winning a game after being down by 2 goals multiple times, or any amount of goals for that matter. After being down 2-0 and 3-1, the Pens pulled off a spectacular 6-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche last night. We were lucky enough to see some amazing goals last night, from both teams and the talent and skill of these players never ceases to amaze me. The Pens had an overall team win last night with goals going to 6 different players: James Neal, Jordan Staal, Evgeni Malkin, Brooks Orpik, Pascal Dupuis and Kris Letang. If you missed the game, you need to watch some highlights!
Some team news: Eric Tangradi was sent back down to the Baby Pens and the Pens recalled Steve MacIntyre from his conditioing assignment with the Baby Pens.
This may come as a shock to you, but Sidney Crosby will not be in tomorrow night's lineup for the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Pens are currently on their Dad's trip so the past shows that Johnson is most likely to start in goal tomorrow night.
Some team news: Eric Tangradi was sent back down to the Baby Pens and the Pens recalled Steve MacIntyre from his conditioing assignment with the Baby Pens.
This may come as a shock to you, but Sidney Crosby will not be in tomorrow night's lineup for the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Pens are currently on their Dad's trip so the past shows that Johnson is most likely to start in goal tomorrow night.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Pens host Colorado tonight.
The Pens and Consol Energy Center will play host to the Colorado Avalanche tonight. The game has a 7:30 start time tonight because it's on Versus, so don't be discouraged when the game isn't starting a little after 7 and also make sure you are on the right channel! Speaking of channels, here's a little news for you...
Tyler Kennedy is a game-time decision for tonight's game and so is Steve Sullivan and we all know Crosby's status. Dustin Jeffrey has been called up from his conditioning assignment with the Baby Pens.
Colorado has the best power play in the league, so the Pens will have to bring out their top penalty-killing tonight.
If you happen to be going to the game tonight, don't forget your food items for the Score Against Hunger Food Drive, or make a cash donation.
Should be an exciting game, Let's Go Pens!
Tyler Kennedy is a game-time decision for tonight's game and so is Steve Sullivan and we all know Crosby's status. Dustin Jeffrey has been called up from his conditioning assignment with the Baby Pens.
Colorado has the best power play in the league, so the Pens will have to bring out their top penalty-killing tonight.
If you happen to be going to the game tonight, don't forget your food items for the Score Against Hunger Food Drive, or make a cash donation.
Should be an exciting game, Let's Go Pens!
Monday, November 14, 2011
The good, the bad and the ugly.
It wasn't that bad of a weekend for the Pens. They beat the Dallas Stars 3-1 Friday night with a 2-goal effort from James Neal who continues to keep scoring the goals that we had hoped he would bring when we signed him. Saturday night, the Pens fell a bit short in a 5-3 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes. Jordan Staal had a 2-goal game against his brother Eric, but it wasn't enough to bring a win. That loss is behind us now though and we can now look forward to hosting the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow night. That's the good and the bad, now here comes the ugly...
In case you were wondering, Coach Bylsma stated today that the status of Crosby has not changed and he reiterated that they are not keeping a secret from the media and they will notify them when they know Sid is playing. When asked what the doctors are looking for in order for Crosby to return, Bylsma stated that he is not educated in that area and does not know what the doctors are looking for. Well, join the club. It seems as if all the pieces are together for a return but apparently, the jigsaw puzzle still has some key pieces missing. It seems like we need another press conference with the doctors to understand what is taking so long after Crosby has been cleared for contact. I really hope it does not come to that though, that press conference was too long and there were too many similes for my taste.
I understand that concussions are extremely delicate injuries to recover from and we have too many examples in the NHL of how they can end a career, but it just seemed like things were looking optimistic for a while. I knew better than to get my hopes up though and I am thankful I did not. I am prepared for Crosby's return to take quite a bit more time. Just in case of course. I am sure my mind could quickly adjust to the idea of Crosby returning in the very near future though.
In case you were wondering, Coach Bylsma stated today that the status of Crosby has not changed and he reiterated that they are not keeping a secret from the media and they will notify them when they know Sid is playing. When asked what the doctors are looking for in order for Crosby to return, Bylsma stated that he is not educated in that area and does not know what the doctors are looking for. Well, join the club. It seems as if all the pieces are together for a return but apparently, the jigsaw puzzle still has some key pieces missing. It seems like we need another press conference with the doctors to understand what is taking so long after Crosby has been cleared for contact. I really hope it does not come to that though, that press conference was too long and there were too many similes for my taste.
I understand that concussions are extremely delicate injuries to recover from and we have too many examples in the NHL of how they can end a career, but it just seemed like things were looking optimistic for a while. I knew better than to get my hopes up though and I am thankful I did not. I am prepared for Crosby's return to take quite a bit more time. Just in case of course. I am sure my mind could quickly adjust to the idea of Crosby returning in the very near future though.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Pens host Stars tonight.
After a long break of Pens hockey, the Pens will be back at Consol Energy Center tonight hosting the Dallas Stars, the best team in the standings so far in the season.
We have been anxiously awaiting the next Pens game during this long break but we had all of the Crosby rumors of whether or not he would be returning tonight to keep us satisfied. In case you haven't heard, Crosby is not playing tonight or tomorrow night either.
It was also reported that Tyler Kennedy would be a game-time decision for tonight's game, but coach Dan Bylsma said today that Kennedy is out for tonight's game and Eric Tangradi will be in the lineup.
The Dallas Stars have had a great start to this season so far with an 11-3 start and are looking to continue a win streak. The Pens haven't had that bad of a start to the season and tonight's game will be a good test and a great game I'm sure.
Thank goodness Pens hockey is back!!
We have been anxiously awaiting the next Pens game during this long break but we had all of the Crosby rumors of whether or not he would be returning tonight to keep us satisfied. In case you haven't heard, Crosby is not playing tonight or tomorrow night either.
It was also reported that Tyler Kennedy would be a game-time decision for tonight's game, but coach Dan Bylsma said today that Kennedy is out for tonight's game and Eric Tangradi will be in the lineup.
The Dallas Stars have had a great start to this season so far with an 11-3 start and are looking to continue a win streak. The Pens haven't had that bad of a start to the season and tonight's game will be a good test and a great game I'm sure.
Thank goodness Pens hockey is back!!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tangradi called up.
It was announced this evening that Eric Tangradi has been called up from the Wilkes Barre Scranton Baby Pens. Tangradi currently leads the Baby Pens in goals with 7 and that is good to have him ranked 10th in the AHL for goals. He is second on the team in points with 12 points in 12 games.
Tangradi just had a 2-goal game in a 4-2 win against Norfolk.
Tangradi just had a 2-goal game in a 4-2 win against Norfolk.
Crosby not playing this weekend.
Looks like tomorrow's date will just be a special date on the calendar and not for Sidney Crosby's return. Coach Dan Bylsma said today that the Pens are not keeping a secret and when they know Sidney Crosby will be playing, they'll let us know. He let us know that Crosby will not be playing this weekend. That means at least 2 more games without Crosby.
He has been taking contact in practices and has had no problems, that have been reported at least, but we still have to wait to see Crosby play his first game this season and his first since January 5th.
As Pens fans, we are spoiled. We have had some of the greatest players to ever play the game of hockey on our team throughout the years. Now, our team consists of some of the greatest talent the NHL has to offer. Therefore, we tend to be a little greedy and impatient. We have a strong team without Crosby in the lineup, as is shown by our strong start to the season, however, we also know how scary we can be with all of our players healthy and in the lineup. That knowledge itself is what is making the waiting game for Crosby's return that much more difficult.
We were patient last season and knew he wouldn't return and even knew that he would not start this season but with the anticipation of being cleared to practice with the team and then being cleared for contact, Pens fans have seen the light at the end of the tunnel become brighter and brighter. Now, it is so close, we just all want to reach it so badly. And we will, soon enough. He is returning soon, that's the important thing to focus on. We have to be patient a tad longer, and you know what they say... Good things happen to those who wait.
He has been taking contact in practices and has had no problems, that have been reported at least, but we still have to wait to see Crosby play his first game this season and his first since January 5th.
As Pens fans, we are spoiled. We have had some of the greatest players to ever play the game of hockey on our team throughout the years. Now, our team consists of some of the greatest talent the NHL has to offer. Therefore, we tend to be a little greedy and impatient. We have a strong team without Crosby in the lineup, as is shown by our strong start to the season, however, we also know how scary we can be with all of our players healthy and in the lineup. That knowledge itself is what is making the waiting game for Crosby's return that much more difficult.
We were patient last season and knew he wouldn't return and even knew that he would not start this season but with the anticipation of being cleared to practice with the team and then being cleared for contact, Pens fans have seen the light at the end of the tunnel become brighter and brighter. Now, it is so close, we just all want to reach it so badly. And we will, soon enough. He is returning soon, that's the important thing to focus on. We have to be patient a tad longer, and you know what they say... Good things happen to those who wait.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
When will Crosby play?
Most Pens fans have been wondering this week, ok really for months now, when Sidney Crosby would return to the lineup. Suspicion has grown recently because the Pens have had long breaks between games recently and that meant full practices with opportunity for Crosby to take contact. Well, those practices have been taking place and Crosby has taken contact. However, we still don’t know when Crosby will be back in uniform for a game.
Many fans and media outlets have had this Friday’s home game against the Dallas Stars circled on their calendars for Crosby’s likely return. The reasons… first, he’s had those practices with contact and no setbacks or side effects have been reported. For us, that would most likely indicate that he is ready to go. Though, one should not rush recovery from a concussion. Some also believe that this Friday’s date, 11-11-11, would make a great return date and the fact that the game is home is even more of a sign to point to Crosby returning.
While I was thinking Crosby would return this Friday also for some time, now I am not so sure. Every time he has been asked this week, Crosby has been spreading skepticism about playing Friday night. He has been saying he had not planned on it and that he has no date that his is looking at to return. (Also, the significance of the date will not factor into his decision of playing or not he says). The coaches and Pens’ reps have not led anyone to believe of a Friday return either.
That leaves us with two options: Crosby plays Friday night or he doesn’t. I am sure Crosby has not been lying in all those answers he has been giving all week. A concussion is not like other injuries and one never can be sure when one of those symptoms can present itself once again. So, Crosby most likely does not have a date in his mind to return and if he does, he would not share it with the media. A return is likely sooner rather than later though and it is this reason alone that could point to Crosby playing Friday. Surely, no one, not Crosby or the Pens, want anyone looking forward to a designated game that Crosby will play if there is still a chance he will not be able to. Therefore, they may have to dissuade people looking at a certain game on the calendar to not get everyone’s hopes up and have them crashing down. One thing is certain though, in order for Crosby to play Friday he would have to taken off the Injured Reserve list by 5:00p.m. this Friday. So, that date is still circled on everyone’s calendar, but who knows if it will be Crosby’s return or just a date that doesn’t come around too often, 11-11-11.
Many fans and media outlets have had this Friday’s home game against the Dallas Stars circled on their calendars for Crosby’s likely return. The reasons… first, he’s had those practices with contact and no setbacks or side effects have been reported. For us, that would most likely indicate that he is ready to go. Though, one should not rush recovery from a concussion. Some also believe that this Friday’s date, 11-11-11, would make a great return date and the fact that the game is home is even more of a sign to point to Crosby returning.
While I was thinking Crosby would return this Friday also for some time, now I am not so sure. Every time he has been asked this week, Crosby has been spreading skepticism about playing Friday night. He has been saying he had not planned on it and that he has no date that his is looking at to return. (Also, the significance of the date will not factor into his decision of playing or not he says). The coaches and Pens’ reps have not led anyone to believe of a Friday return either.
That leaves us with two options: Crosby plays Friday night or he doesn’t. I am sure Crosby has not been lying in all those answers he has been giving all week. A concussion is not like other injuries and one never can be sure when one of those symptoms can present itself once again. So, Crosby most likely does not have a date in his mind to return and if he does, he would not share it with the media. A return is likely sooner rather than later though and it is this reason alone that could point to Crosby playing Friday. Surely, no one, not Crosby or the Pens, want anyone looking forward to a designated game that Crosby will play if there is still a chance he will not be able to. Therefore, they may have to dissuade people looking at a certain game on the calendar to not get everyone’s hopes up and have them crashing down. One thing is certain though, in order for Crosby to play Friday he would have to taken off the Injured Reserve list by 5:00p.m. this Friday. So, that date is still circled on everyone’s calendar, but who knows if it will be Crosby’s return or just a date that doesn’t come around too often, 11-11-11.
Pens trade Letestu.
Yesterday it was announced that the Penguins traded Mark Letestu to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exhange for a 4th round draft pick at the 2012 draft.
We knew it was coming. Letestu was struggling early in this season and with some players starting to get healthy, he became the odd man out. If we would have sent him down to the Baby Pens, he probably would not clear waivers, get picked up by another team and the Pens would get nothing in return. By trading him, the Pens got something out of the transaction.
Best wishes and good luck in your career, Mark!
We knew it was coming. Letestu was struggling early in this season and with some players starting to get healthy, he became the odd man out. If we would have sent him down to the Baby Pens, he probably would not clear waivers, get picked up by another team and the Pens would get nothing in return. By trading him, the Pens got something out of the transaction.
Best wishes and good luck in your career, Mark!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Pens face Sharks tonight.
The Pens are in San Jose to take on the Sharks tonight, which means a late start, 10:30 p.m.
Jordan Staal and Kris Letang are game-time decisions to play tonight and Alex Picard was called up from the Wilkes-Barre Sranton Baby Pens as a precaution. We'll have to wait and see who plays tonight.
Zbynek Michalek, who broke his finger a week and a half ago in a game against the Devils, skated today after the morning skate. His revovery was timed at 4-6 weeks.
The Pens haven't had much luck when playing in San Jose against the Sharks, so the Pens will be looking for a win tonight and also look to get back on track for their stellar penalty-killing, as it did not fare so well against the Maple Leafs on Saturday.
I am sure, like me, all of you are anxious to see the Pens play again. It was the longest break of the season so far for the Pens and I know some of you were uneasy waiting so long, but the Pens are finally back tonight. Don't fall asleep between periods though, or if you do, make sure you have someone or something waking you up, don't want to miss a second of any game action tonight!
Jordan Staal and Kris Letang are game-time decisions to play tonight and Alex Picard was called up from the Wilkes-Barre Sranton Baby Pens as a precaution. We'll have to wait and see who plays tonight.
Zbynek Michalek, who broke his finger a week and a half ago in a game against the Devils, skated today after the morning skate. His revovery was timed at 4-6 weeks.
The Pens haven't had much luck when playing in San Jose against the Sharks, so the Pens will be looking for a win tonight and also look to get back on track for their stellar penalty-killing, as it did not fare so well against the Maple Leafs on Saturday.
I am sure, like me, all of you are anxious to see the Pens play again. It was the longest break of the season so far for the Pens and I know some of you were uneasy waiting so long, but the Pens are finally back tonight. Don't fall asleep between periods though, or if you do, make sure you have someone or something waking you up, don't want to miss a second of any game action tonight!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Pens Hockey Withdrawal.
Pens fans got used to watching a Pens game usually every other night and this long break between Saturday's game against Toronto and tomorrow night's game against San Jose is a tad too long. I find myself going through a bit of Pens hockey withdrawal, not knowing what to do some nights from 7:00 p.m. until about 10:00 p.m. Ok, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but I am missing my Pens hockey and the fact that tomorrow night's game is a late start for us on the East Coast (game starts at 10:30) makes it a little bit harder.
On the other hand though, the Pens needed this break and got a chance to rest up and let some injuries heal and I even heard that Sidney Crosby took some hits in practice and is doing well, who would have thunk it? Yes, these long breaks can be tough on us Pens fans, but they can do wonders for our team. They can heal, practice and work on some areas that need improvement, get in some much-needed contact (a word we have heard so much recently), and anything else they may need to prepare for that next game. This long break happened to come after a loss and the Pens surely had enough time to analyze what they did wrong and things that went well in the loss against Toronto. Now, the Pens are hopefully more prepared and ready to go for tomorrow night's game. Let's hope that nice California weather isn't too distracting, I know I would love to be there right now!
So, we only have about 30 more hours to go until the next Pens game! Can't come soon enough.
On the other hand though, the Pens needed this break and got a chance to rest up and let some injuries heal and I even heard that Sidney Crosby took some hits in practice and is doing well, who would have thunk it? Yes, these long breaks can be tough on us Pens fans, but they can do wonders for our team. They can heal, practice and work on some areas that need improvement, get in some much-needed contact (a word we have heard so much recently), and anything else they may need to prepare for that next game. This long break happened to come after a loss and the Pens surely had enough time to analyze what they did wrong and things that went well in the loss against Toronto. Now, the Pens are hopefully more prepared and ready to go for tomorrow night's game. Let's hope that nice California weather isn't too distracting, I know I would love to be there right now!
So, we only have about 30 more hours to go until the next Pens game! Can't come soon enough.
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