Upon receiving my latest Hockey News magazine today, and actually having some time to read it, I came across an article talking about a new way concussions could possibly be prevented. It seems every team has been hit with the concussion curse in some way or another this season and the Pens are a major one, so the league should be looking into various ways concussions can be prevented. That includes the way the game is played with some hits as well as certain measures the players can take to protect themselves as well. An article by Ken Campbell takes a look into a new invention that may help to lessen the chance of a concussion.
One of the biggest topics this year around the league has been about concussions. They have been on a rise it seems lately and when one of the league's best players misses nearly a year of action due to a concussion, you better believe they'll be looking into ways to limit or prevent concussions.
There has been discussion about helmets with extra padding in them to help reduce concussions, but when a concussion is caused by the brain moving around in your head, unless that padding is inside the skull, there's not much that padding in the helmet can do to prevent a concussion. That is why several researchers started looking into ways to help blood flow to the skull and keep brain movement to a minimum. They came up with a collar.
"This collar pinches off the outlet vein that directs blood out of the brain, which would allow the inlet vein to fill up the extra space with blood, which would give the brain less room to slosh around" (Ken Campbell).
This collar could be designed on the current neck guard used in the NHL. While this product is still far off from being used, it does show promise in some tests. When testing using a design of the collar on rats, the results showed that the rats with the collar were 85% less likely to suffer an injury rather than the rats without a collar.
The collar may be a little tight, but if we ask the players who have missed a lengthy time of playing due to a concussion if they would have minded wearing a tighter collar if it meant that their concussion may not have happened, I believe a lot of them would not have cared that their collar was a tad tighter.
With further testing, I hope that this product continues to show great results and can one day be marketed and worn. Once that's done though, can someone create a time machine to have it complete and ready before January 1st of 2011 and make sure that Sidney Crosby wears it? I would really like to see what that season would turn out like for him, he was putting up some great numbers!
Researchers: Dr. Joseph Fisher - University of Toronto; Dr. David Smith - University of West Virginia; Dr. Julian Bailes - brain injuries expert with the NFL Players' Association.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Jets vs. Pens tonight.
The Pens take on the Winnipeg Jets tonight and remember, game time is not until 8:30.
By now, I am sure you have heard that Deryk Engelland has been suspended for 3 games for a hit he delievered in the Pens' last game and as a result, the Pens called up Brian Strait from the Baby Pens.
The Jets have been playing well this December with a 7-2-1 record including a 4-0 win over Montreal just last night. Though they struggled in the beginning of the season, they are fighting their way up the standings this month. Just because the Jets played last night, does not mean the Pens should think they'll be tired. This team has been getting strong goaltending from Ondrej Pavelec, who despite playing last night was announced as the starter for tonight's game as well, and backup Chris Mason. Also, they have some good defensemen who like to chip in on the offense.
Therefore, the Pens have a tough task with the Jets tonight and will look to take a 3 game winning streak into their holiday break. Let's hope our Christmas wish of a Pens win tonight comes true.
By now, I am sure you have heard that Deryk Engelland has been suspended for 3 games for a hit he delievered in the Pens' last game and as a result, the Pens called up Brian Strait from the Baby Pens.
The Jets have been playing well this December with a 7-2-1 record including a 4-0 win over Montreal just last night. Though they struggled in the beginning of the season, they are fighting their way up the standings this month. Just because the Jets played last night, does not mean the Pens should think they'll be tired. This team has been getting strong goaltending from Ondrej Pavelec, who despite playing last night was announced as the starter for tonight's game as well, and backup Chris Mason. Also, they have some good defensemen who like to chip in on the offense.
Therefore, the Pens have a tough task with the Jets tonight and will look to take a 3 game winning streak into their holiday break. Let's hope our Christmas wish of a Pens win tonight comes true.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tis the Season
I was inspired today to write a post about the things I love most about hockey when I read a column by Rory Boylen, of The Hockey News, about what makes Hockey great. (Link available above.)
Hockey has been my favorite sport all my life. Granted, I was not always as big a fan as I am now, but it was impossible for me not to fall in love with hockey. It was the favorite sport of my older brothers and the sport I watched them play and watched on tv all growing up. It wasn't until late middle school, early high school that I really began to understand the game of hockey and my mom would say that my brother turned me into a "Hockey monster." I began to live and breathe hockey soon after I attended my first Pens game at the old Mellon Arena. It was October 29, 2005. There was no looking back after that.
I had been to a Pirates game and knew that I could not really watch an entire Steelers game on tv(since then I have also attended a Steelers game.) and still, nothing compares to a live NHL game in person.
So, here are my reasons why I love the game of hockey.
Reason #1: The atmosphere of an NHL game. I do miss the days of getting into Mellon Arena with the Student Rush program and having almost an entire section filled with other students. Students that would stand in line for hours to get great seats for $20. Those sections will always be the best in my mind. They were loud and the camera man for the jumbotron never really left the area. I wouldn't have a voice the next day. Though the games I have attended at Consol have seemed a little more quiet, the atmosphere of an NHL game still is the tops! The game keeps you entertained and the crowd comes alive and there's nothing like it.
Reason #2: My family loves it. I may not be a hockey fan right now if it had not been for my family. My family is a hockey family. It is the only sport we can all sit down and watch together and when there is a Pens game on, you probably won't find anything else on any of the tvs in my house. I love sitting down with my family and watching a great Pens game, it's one of my favorite things to do.
Reason #3: The players. Sure, every sport has members and players that contribute to the community and donate time and money to charities, but it seems like the NHL has a great abundance of players who have started organizations and truly care for many charities. I know other sports are the same way, but I don't read as much about them.
Also, the players on hockey teams seem like a close group. The locker room atmosphere of a hockey team is important to how they play on the ice. In other sports, it seems like most individuals are out for themselves, but in hockey, the team is the most important in many players' minds and it makes me love the sport that much more.
The players' characters are another reason the players are a reason I love the sport. In other professional sport leagues, you hear so much about arrests and poor behavior and that news in hockey is few and far between. It seems the NHL is full of a lot of stand-up guys and I appreciate the positive outlook that gives the NHL. (I know there are excpetions to every rule and the NHL does have its share of negative news, but not nearly as much as other sport leagues.)
Reason #4: The players' love for the game and willingness to play after an injury. In some cases, this can be a bad thing. Especially with the rise of concussions in the NHL, some players are hiding their symptoms in order to continue playing which is nt helping their situation (ex: Colby Armstrong most recently). However, with other injuries, you often see a player get cut or take a bad fall or hit and they'll be back on the ice in no time. It shows the love for the game these players have and how they are determined to help their team win a game.
Reason #5: How it connects people. I know for myself, I would not have some of the friends I do now if it were not for hockey. Hockey is the first thing we found we had in common and in most cases, that is enough. Going to Pens games, waiting in those student rush lines, and talking hockey online, I have met friends that are some of the nicest people you could meet. We share the love of hockey and that is all some need.
Reason #6: The excitment and pace of the game. I said earlier that I struggle with watching an entire football game on tv and I have never been able to watch an entire baseball game on tv either. The slow pace of a baseball game makes me tired and the constant breaks and commercials of a football game make me lose interest rather quickly. On the other hand, most hockey games I find myself not being able to change the channel. The quickness of the game and the speed are, to me, what seperates hockey from the rest of the sports and makes it the most interesting and best.
I could go on and on with reasons why I love the game of hockey, but these are my top reasons and when it is this time of year, I tend to reflect more on what I am grateful for in life. Sitting down with my family to watch a hockey game and laughing and spending time together is often one of the things I am most grateful for in my life.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
Hockey has been my favorite sport all my life. Granted, I was not always as big a fan as I am now, but it was impossible for me not to fall in love with hockey. It was the favorite sport of my older brothers and the sport I watched them play and watched on tv all growing up. It wasn't until late middle school, early high school that I really began to understand the game of hockey and my mom would say that my brother turned me into a "Hockey monster." I began to live and breathe hockey soon after I attended my first Pens game at the old Mellon Arena. It was October 29, 2005. There was no looking back after that.
I had been to a Pirates game and knew that I could not really watch an entire Steelers game on tv(since then I have also attended a Steelers game.) and still, nothing compares to a live NHL game in person.
So, here are my reasons why I love the game of hockey.
Reason #1: The atmosphere of an NHL game. I do miss the days of getting into Mellon Arena with the Student Rush program and having almost an entire section filled with other students. Students that would stand in line for hours to get great seats for $20. Those sections will always be the best in my mind. They were loud and the camera man for the jumbotron never really left the area. I wouldn't have a voice the next day. Though the games I have attended at Consol have seemed a little more quiet, the atmosphere of an NHL game still is the tops! The game keeps you entertained and the crowd comes alive and there's nothing like it.
Reason #2: My family loves it. I may not be a hockey fan right now if it had not been for my family. My family is a hockey family. It is the only sport we can all sit down and watch together and when there is a Pens game on, you probably won't find anything else on any of the tvs in my house. I love sitting down with my family and watching a great Pens game, it's one of my favorite things to do.
Reason #3: The players. Sure, every sport has members and players that contribute to the community and donate time and money to charities, but it seems like the NHL has a great abundance of players who have started organizations and truly care for many charities. I know other sports are the same way, but I don't read as much about them.
Also, the players on hockey teams seem like a close group. The locker room atmosphere of a hockey team is important to how they play on the ice. In other sports, it seems like most individuals are out for themselves, but in hockey, the team is the most important in many players' minds and it makes me love the sport that much more.
The players' characters are another reason the players are a reason I love the sport. In other professional sport leagues, you hear so much about arrests and poor behavior and that news in hockey is few and far between. It seems the NHL is full of a lot of stand-up guys and I appreciate the positive outlook that gives the NHL. (I know there are excpetions to every rule and the NHL does have its share of negative news, but not nearly as much as other sport leagues.)
Reason #4: The players' love for the game and willingness to play after an injury. In some cases, this can be a bad thing. Especially with the rise of concussions in the NHL, some players are hiding their symptoms in order to continue playing which is nt helping their situation (ex: Colby Armstrong most recently). However, with other injuries, you often see a player get cut or take a bad fall or hit and they'll be back on the ice in no time. It shows the love for the game these players have and how they are determined to help their team win a game.
Reason #5: How it connects people. I know for myself, I would not have some of the friends I do now if it were not for hockey. Hockey is the first thing we found we had in common and in most cases, that is enough. Going to Pens games, waiting in those student rush lines, and talking hockey online, I have met friends that are some of the nicest people you could meet. We share the love of hockey and that is all some need.
Reason #6: The excitment and pace of the game. I said earlier that I struggle with watching an entire football game on tv and I have never been able to watch an entire baseball game on tv either. The slow pace of a baseball game makes me tired and the constant breaks and commercials of a football game make me lose interest rather quickly. On the other hand, most hockey games I find myself not being able to change the channel. The quickness of the game and the speed are, to me, what seperates hockey from the rest of the sports and makes it the most interesting and best.
I could go on and on with reasons why I love the game of hockey, but these are my top reasons and when it is this time of year, I tend to reflect more on what I am grateful for in life. Sitting down with my family to watch a hockey game and laughing and spending time together is often one of the things I am most grateful for in my life.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
Pens beat Blackhawks
Last night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks was an amazing game. The first two periods, the Pens were in control and were dominating in nearly every aspect of the game. Going into the third, the Pens had a 3-0 lead over the Blackhawks.
Though, we know nothing is perfect. The Pens lost some focus in the third as the Blackhawks came out determined to change the momentum of the game in their favor. They peppered Fleury with 17 shots in the third period, but the Pens were able to slow them down and not allow the Blackhawks to tie it up. The final score was 3-2 and the Pens got a big win against the team atop the standings.
Now, we will look to Friday night's game against the Winnipeg Jets. It's the last game before a little holiday break for the Pens and they will be looking to finish strong before the break so they can enjoy their time off. It would be nice going into the break with a 3 game winning streak.
Eric Tangradi was assigned back to the Baby Pens today and Paul Martin is listed as day-to-day.
Though, we know nothing is perfect. The Pens lost some focus in the third as the Blackhawks came out determined to change the momentum of the game in their favor. They peppered Fleury with 17 shots in the third period, but the Pens were able to slow them down and not allow the Blackhawks to tie it up. The final score was 3-2 and the Pens got a big win against the team atop the standings.
Now, we will look to Friday night's game against the Winnipeg Jets. It's the last game before a little holiday break for the Pens and they will be looking to finish strong before the break so they can enjoy their time off. It would be nice going into the break with a 3 game winning streak.
Eric Tangradi was assigned back to the Baby Pens today and Paul Martin is listed as day-to-day.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Pens host Chicago Blackhawks tonight.
The Pens take on a tough task tonight against the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are currently the top team in the NHL with 46 points. They are on a 5-game winning streak and are 7-0-1 in the month of December. Plus, they have won their past 5 road games as well. That's a lot of good news... for them.
All lines of the Blackhawks are clicking as of late and are contributing, which the Pens can accomplish as well, we just have to be on the top of our game. The Pens are coming off a stellar 8-3 win over Buffalo and let's hope that momentum carries over to tonight's game. Ray Emery has been in net for a lot of the Blackhawks' success and will be in net for them tonigh against our Pens.
Injury update: (Oh how I wait for the day when there will be no injuries to update or report on!)
Sidney Crosby will not be in the lineup, shocker!
Jordan Staal and Craig Adams are game time decisions for tonight's game. Both say they feel ok and feel ready to go, they just need to talk to Dan Bylsma and the trainers and we will see if they will be in the lineup tonight.
Perhaps if we had our full team intact we would be experiencing success like the Blackhawks' current success. They have a pretty healthy lineup, something any Pens fan is jealous of right now. Take a look at the two teams' injured lists. We're not playing horribly and are doing ok most of the time, but we know that this team is a lot stronger with everyone healthy.
PENGUINS:
C Sidney Crosby, undisclosed
F Dustin Jeffrey, knee
D Kris Letang, broken nose and concussion
D Ben Lovejoy, broken wrist
D Paul Martin, lower body
D Zbynek Michalek, concussion
F Richard Park, fractured foot
F Jordan Staal, lower body
BLACKHAWKS
F Dan Carcillo, upper body
All lines of the Blackhawks are clicking as of late and are contributing, which the Pens can accomplish as well, we just have to be on the top of our game. The Pens are coming off a stellar 8-3 win over Buffalo and let's hope that momentum carries over to tonight's game. Ray Emery has been in net for a lot of the Blackhawks' success and will be in net for them tonigh against our Pens.
Injury update: (Oh how I wait for the day when there will be no injuries to update or report on!)
Sidney Crosby will not be in the lineup, shocker!
Jordan Staal and Craig Adams are game time decisions for tonight's game. Both say they feel ok and feel ready to go, they just need to talk to Dan Bylsma and the trainers and we will see if they will be in the lineup tonight.
Perhaps if we had our full team intact we would be experiencing success like the Blackhawks' current success. They have a pretty healthy lineup, something any Pens fan is jealous of right now. Take a look at the two teams' injured lists. We're not playing horribly and are doing ok most of the time, but we know that this team is a lot stronger with everyone healthy.
PENGUINS:
C Sidney Crosby, undisclosed
F Dustin Jeffrey, knee
D Kris Letang, broken nose and concussion
D Ben Lovejoy, broken wrist
D Paul Martin, lower body
D Zbynek Michalek, concussion
F Richard Park, fractured foot
F Jordan Staal, lower body
BLACKHAWKS
F Dan Carcillo, upper body
Monday, December 19, 2011
Pens blow the Sabres away!
I apologize for not posting in a few days, but it is that time of year when one can become quite busy.
After a tough loss to Ottawa, the Pens needed a strong game, a game with some goal scoring and great work on the power play and most of all, a win.
The Pens got exactly that in their 8-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres Saturday night. It was a night of juggling goaltenders for the Sabres but neither goaltender in any of their attempts could stop the Pens Saturday night. They were determined and focused and it translated into scoring 8 goals. Now the Pens will have to ride that momentum into their game tomorrow night against the Chicago Blackhawks at Consol Energy Center.
Next,...
We are all well aware of the injuries that have been plaguing the Pens this season and the Pens' website has a new way of looking at the injuries and putting them into a different perspective: The salary cap effect. The Pens spend pretty close to the cap limit almost every season since the salary cap has been put in place and this season was certianly no exception.
Just from recent games, the Pens are missing around $28 million of player salary from the lineup. Our lineup Saturday would have a salary hit of a little under $39 million, that's a lot under the salary cap of $64.3 million and even under the cap floor, the minimum each team has to pay, of $48.3 million. Shows how many of our top players are missing from the lineup, as if we needed any other reminders.
For the rest of the article by Sam Kasan: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=607234&navid=DL|PIT|home
After a tough loss to Ottawa, the Pens needed a strong game, a game with some goal scoring and great work on the power play and most of all, a win.
The Pens got exactly that in their 8-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres Saturday night. It was a night of juggling goaltenders for the Sabres but neither goaltender in any of their attempts could stop the Pens Saturday night. They were determined and focused and it translated into scoring 8 goals. Now the Pens will have to ride that momentum into their game tomorrow night against the Chicago Blackhawks at Consol Energy Center.
Next,...
We are all well aware of the injuries that have been plaguing the Pens this season and the Pens' website has a new way of looking at the injuries and putting them into a different perspective: The salary cap effect. The Pens spend pretty close to the cap limit almost every season since the salary cap has been put in place and this season was certianly no exception.
Just from recent games, the Pens are missing around $28 million of player salary from the lineup. Our lineup Saturday would have a salary hit of a little under $39 million, that's a lot under the salary cap of $64.3 million and even under the cap floor, the minimum each team has to pay, of $48.3 million. Shows how many of our top players are missing from the lineup, as if we needed any other reminders.
For the rest of the article by Sam Kasan: http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=607234&navid=DL|PIT|home
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Pens fall short against Detroit.
The Penguins just could not pull off a win last night against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite leading a good portion of the game 1-0 on a late first period goal by Evgeni Malkin, the Red Wings came on strong in the third and beat the Pens 4-1. It was not a game in which the Pens played horribly. Are there areas to improve in, of course. There are after every game. Every area of our game has to be strong with or without our best players in order to win hockey games, especially against other strong teams.
Marc Andre Fleury states that he needs to be better in order to give the Pens a fighting chance every night. He knows it's not good to give up 3 goals to a good team and that in doing so, it makes it tougher on the team. He knows he can play better and step up and be a stronger force in net. We all know what Fleury is capable of and have seen him at his best. He has carried this team through injuries numerous times before and needs to do it again.
Alex Picard and Jason Williams have been sent back down to the Baby Pens and Zbynek Michalek says he may return Friday night.
Marc Andre Fleury states that he needs to be better in order to give the Pens a fighting chance every night. He knows it's not good to give up 3 goals to a good team and that in doing so, it makes it tougher on the team. He knows he can play better and step up and be a stronger force in net. We all know what Fleury is capable of and have seen him at his best. He has carried this team through injuries numerous times before and needs to do it again.
Alex Picard and Jason Williams have been sent back down to the Baby Pens and Zbynek Michalek says he may return Friday night.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Pens take on Red Wings tonight.
It seems to be a recurring theme for the Pens: Injuries. The past few seasons have brought us a lot of different injuries and we usually rise to the occasion and show our opponents what skill we have even with so many players out with injury. The same will need to go for tonight's game. Crosby is out and Malkin is a game-time decision as is Jordan Staal. Jason Williams was called up from the Baby Pens for tonight's game. All souds too familiar. Though, that means that the Pens are used to it and know they have to play their best to get a win against a team that has consistently been a contender for years now, the Detroit Red Wings.
Detroit has been playing well as of late, in fact they have managed to force the starting goaltender out of the game their past two games. Which reiterates that the Pens will need to be at their best tonight, but when do they not have to be? Again, the Wings power play is strong and the Pens will have to match with a strong Penalty Kill that has been getting away from them a bit the past couple weeks. Also, the Pens power play needs to be better and they need to keep it simple and get their chances.
While a game between the Pens and Red Wings is not quite like a game against the Flyers or the Caps, it still is a rivalry because of the two Stanley Cup finals in recent years between the two. Tonight's game could be an exciting one, so be sure to tune in!
Detroit has been playing well as of late, in fact they have managed to force the starting goaltender out of the game their past two games. Which reiterates that the Pens will need to be at their best tonight, but when do they not have to be? Again, the Wings power play is strong and the Pens will have to match with a strong Penalty Kill that has been getting away from them a bit the past couple weeks. Also, the Pens power play needs to be better and they need to keep it simple and get their chances.
While a game between the Pens and Red Wings is not quite like a game against the Flyers or the Caps, it still is a rivalry because of the two Stanley Cup finals in recent years between the two. Tonight's game could be an exciting one, so be sure to tune in!
Health is first priority.
Crosby's update yesterday should not have been a surprise to many and I know it's not the focus any longer; we have a game tonight to concentrate on, but it is good to see a player take this seriously.
I read an article on pittsburghlive.com (link above again by clicking on title of this post) that made me realize that so many players just think it is better to play through whatever injury they have. Sometimes, I think it's ok. Hockey fans know how tough hockey players are. We know that it is not unheard of for players to suffer a big gash or cut or various other injuries and come out minutes later patched up and play like it never happened. It's a part of hockey that I find admirable because it just doesn't happen that often in other sports. Though, sometimes it may be better to sit out and concussions are an injury that need to be taken seriously.
We have all heard the people saying that Crosby is being a baby, that he should just play through the headaches and that players have played through a lot worse, but as Keith Primeau points out and talks about in the article written by Josh Yohe, Crosby is doing the right thing, which is a lot tougher to do than you may think. Keith Primeau has been through this road before and ultimatley retired because of concussions. He has worked on trying to stop the high occurence of concussions ever since and he believes Crosby is being a hero for how he is handling his recovery. "The fact is, Sidney had the courage to speak up when something wasn't right. Good for him. Maybe people don't realize it, but that's a true sign of courage. It really is."
While I am done talking about Crosby's concussion because it is being discussed nonstop, I thought I would bring this article to you, my readers, to see that Crosby is doing the right thing and putting his health first now and hopefully continues to do so, as if you didn't already know that. Now, let's focus on tonight's game.
Read more: Primeau: Pens' Crosby showing true courage - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_771752.html#.TuexjZOhp4Z.facebook#ixzz1gSJ4TXqV
I read an article on pittsburghlive.com (link above again by clicking on title of this post) that made me realize that so many players just think it is better to play through whatever injury they have. Sometimes, I think it's ok. Hockey fans know how tough hockey players are. We know that it is not unheard of for players to suffer a big gash or cut or various other injuries and come out minutes later patched up and play like it never happened. It's a part of hockey that I find admirable because it just doesn't happen that often in other sports. Though, sometimes it may be better to sit out and concussions are an injury that need to be taken seriously.
We have all heard the people saying that Crosby is being a baby, that he should just play through the headaches and that players have played through a lot worse, but as Keith Primeau points out and talks about in the article written by Josh Yohe, Crosby is doing the right thing, which is a lot tougher to do than you may think. Keith Primeau has been through this road before and ultimatley retired because of concussions. He has worked on trying to stop the high occurence of concussions ever since and he believes Crosby is being a hero for how he is handling his recovery. "The fact is, Sidney had the courage to speak up when something wasn't right. Good for him. Maybe people don't realize it, but that's a true sign of courage. It really is."
While I am done talking about Crosby's concussion because it is being discussed nonstop, I thought I would bring this article to you, my readers, to see that Crosby is doing the right thing and putting his health first now and hopefully continues to do so, as if you didn't already know that. Now, let's focus on tonight's game.
Read more: Primeau: Pens' Crosby showing true courage - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_771752.html#.TuexjZOhp4Z.facebook#ixzz1gSJ4TXqV
Monday, December 12, 2011
Crosby out of lineup again.
When the "Crosby Update" was announced today, we knew it wouldn't be a good one. And I knew exactly what was going to happen when he missed the past two games, I knew it would be longer. I wished it wasn't true but it is. Also, I don't want to be so pessimistic, but we know that this will plague Crosby for quite some time; and no, I am not talking a little bit more this season, more likely for many seasons to come, if not his whole career. We know that Crosby did not just have a minor concussion, he had a pretty serious one. We are all well aware of that because of the 10 months he has already spent recovering from his concussion.
Crosby said in his "update" today that he just didn't feel right after the game against Boston, though he did well on his ImPact test and he says he does not feel as badly as he did when suffering from his concussion last January. Sure, these are all good signs, but that does not deny the fact that Crosby will miss a number of games while getting back to 100% and that the risk of this happening again is quite high.
Needless to say, I am a huge fan of the Pens and that means that I am a fan of Crosby's, how could a Pens fan not be? However, I did see some things that I rather would not have seen when Crosby returned. The first couple games back for Crosby, it was evident that most opposing players were respectful of Crosby's situation and were doing their best to try and not hit him too hard. However, to gain respect, you have to earn it and by being Crosby, he earned some, but he quickly lost it when he went out there throwing hits and sticking up for teammates by giving hits out. Don't get me wrong, I am all for a strong, close team and sticking up for one another, but not in dicey ways that put the team and player's health at risk. That is what Crosby did. By going out and playing the way he did at times gave other teams a reason to hit him when they may not have due to his situation. I know that some hits are going to happen and I also know that sometimes you just can not avoid things and your emotions get the best of you, but let the people on the team that are there to give the hits and throw some punches take care of sticking up for players.
Crosby is a great player and the way he plays: emotions, intensity, skill and focus all included are wonderful, but it would be in his best interest and the best interest of this team if he were a little more careful and tried to control the hits he gives out. To get respect, you have to show respect for others.
Without Crosby, the Pens are still strong and we are a fine team without him, so we will just have to come together again and show the other teams what we are still capable of!
Crosby said in his "update" today that he just didn't feel right after the game against Boston, though he did well on his ImPact test and he says he does not feel as badly as he did when suffering from his concussion last January. Sure, these are all good signs, but that does not deny the fact that Crosby will miss a number of games while getting back to 100% and that the risk of this happening again is quite high.
Needless to say, I am a huge fan of the Pens and that means that I am a fan of Crosby's, how could a Pens fan not be? However, I did see some things that I rather would not have seen when Crosby returned. The first couple games back for Crosby, it was evident that most opposing players were respectful of Crosby's situation and were doing their best to try and not hit him too hard. However, to gain respect, you have to earn it and by being Crosby, he earned some, but he quickly lost it when he went out there throwing hits and sticking up for teammates by giving hits out. Don't get me wrong, I am all for a strong, close team and sticking up for one another, but not in dicey ways that put the team and player's health at risk. That is what Crosby did. By going out and playing the way he did at times gave other teams a reason to hit him when they may not have due to his situation. I know that some hits are going to happen and I also know that sometimes you just can not avoid things and your emotions get the best of you, but let the people on the team that are there to give the hits and throw some punches take care of sticking up for players.
Crosby is a great player and the way he plays: emotions, intensity, skill and focus all included are wonderful, but it would be in his best interest and the best interest of this team if he were a little more careful and tried to control the hits he gives out. To get respect, you have to show respect for others.
Without Crosby, the Pens are still strong and we are a fine team without him, so we will just have to come together again and show the other teams what we are still capable of!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Pens vs. Islanders tonight.
After a tough loss to the Flyers, the Pens are looking to get back on track against the Islanders tonight. It will be another game without Sidney Crosby and now Jordan Staal is out with a lower body injury. Richard Park is not playing tonight and is day-to-day as is Jordan Staal. The Pens called up Jason Williams to play tonight. Though, Deryk Engelland will be back in the lineup for tonight.
Any loss to the Flyers is a tough one, but our last game was especially tough because the Pens had a bad start to the game and came up with some goals later on, but it wasn't enough to beat the Flyers. We simply were not at our best.
Time to move on though; the Islanders are not the Flyers, but they have been on a surge lately. Therefore, the Pens still need to be at their best to ensure a win and get back on track and play better. Let's hope that the Pens start out strong tonight and rise above the injuries, as we have done countless times the past few seasons and show what we can do when we play our best.
Any loss to the Flyers is a tough one, but our last game was especially tough because the Pens had a bad start to the game and came up with some goals later on, but it wasn't enough to beat the Flyers. We simply were not at our best.
Time to move on though; the Islanders are not the Flyers, but they have been on a surge lately. Therefore, the Pens still need to be at their best to ensure a win and get back on track and play better. Let's hope that the Pens start out strong tonight and rise above the injuries, as we have done countless times the past few seasons and show what we can do when we play our best.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Flyers vs. Pens tonight.
It's a game that will attract more attention and viewers than most Pens games tonight, oh wait... there's a Steelers game tonight too, or so I've heard. Then no, this game will only have the regular viewers and the true Pens fans tuning in to watch the Pens take on the Flyers in Philadelphia.
Anyways, you may have heard that our Captain, Sidney Crosby, is not playing tonight or Saturday's game either. It's just a precaution. He took some hits in the tough loss to Boston and he had a headache, but don't worry, his imPACT test didn't show anything troubling. This is just what we will have to deal with. After missing 10 months of hockey due to a concussion, I guess one could be a little apprehensive when feeling a headache after taking some hits, so we will need to be patient as Crosby and the Pens want to take every headache seriously due to the seriousness of one for Crosby.
We've been without Crosby in the lineup plenty of times to know how to play without him. This game will be a tough test for the Pens with or without Crosby because the Flyers are on a bit of a streak right now and are coming off a 5-4 overtime win over Buffalo just last night after being down 3-0 in that game. Therefore, the Pens will have to be at their best tonight and stay out of the penalty box and step up on their power play.
Also, Steve MacIntyre was taken off of IR today for tonight's game and Zbynek Michalek was placed on IR retroactive November 26th, so he can be taken off at any time.
This is the first game this season between the two rivals and also the first time the Pens will be versing the Flyers with Max Talbot and Jaromir Jagr as part of their team. We'll see what these former Pens do against us tonight.
Anyways, you may have heard that our Captain, Sidney Crosby, is not playing tonight or Saturday's game either. It's just a precaution. He took some hits in the tough loss to Boston and he had a headache, but don't worry, his imPACT test didn't show anything troubling. This is just what we will have to deal with. After missing 10 months of hockey due to a concussion, I guess one could be a little apprehensive when feeling a headache after taking some hits, so we will need to be patient as Crosby and the Pens want to take every headache seriously due to the seriousness of one for Crosby.
We've been without Crosby in the lineup plenty of times to know how to play without him. This game will be a tough test for the Pens with or without Crosby because the Flyers are on a bit of a streak right now and are coming off a 5-4 overtime win over Buffalo just last night after being down 3-0 in that game. Therefore, the Pens will have to be at their best tonight and stay out of the penalty box and step up on their power play.
Also, Steve MacIntyre was taken off of IR today for tonight's game and Zbynek Michalek was placed on IR retroactive November 26th, so he can be taken off at any time.
This is the first game this season between the two rivals and also the first time the Pens will be versing the Flyers with Max Talbot and Jaromir Jagr as part of their team. We'll see what these former Pens do against us tonight.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
NHL Realignment
By now, we have all heard that the NHL Board of Governers approved the NHL alignment plan which means the NHL is in for a shakeup next season. The conferences have yet to be named which means they are now known as Conferences A-D. That’s right, the NHL will now have 4 conferences.
Conference “A” will consist of:
• Anaheim Ducks
• Calgary Flames
• Colorado Avalanche
• Edmonton Oilers
• L.A. Kings
• Phoenix Coyotes
• San Jose Sharks
• Vancouver Canucks.
Conference “B” will consist of:
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Columbus Blue Jackets
• Dallas Stars
• Detroit Red Wings
• Minnesota Wild
• Nashville Predators
• St. Louis Blues
• Winnipeg Jets
Conference “C” will consist of:
• Boston Bruins
• Buffalo Sabres
• Florida Panthers
• Montreal Canadiens
• Ottawa Senators
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Toronto Maple Leafs
Conference “D” will consist of:
• Carolina Hurricanes
• New Jersey Devils
• New York Islanders
• New York Rangers
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• Washington Capitals
You may have noticed that Conferences A and B have 8 teams and Conferences C and D only have 7 teams. In our seven-team conference, teams will play each other 6 times- 3 home and 3 away. Whereas, the 8-team conference teams will play each other 5 or 6 times in a season on a rotating basis. Also, each team will play one another at least twice a season, one home and one away with each team.
One thing that has not been decided is whether or not the Stanley Cup finals can be played with 2 teams from the east or west. We know that the top four teams from each Conference will make it into the playoffs and the first two rounds will determine which four continue on to the two semifinals. After that, it is unsure what will happen.
Therefore, it will take further meetings to work everything out.
For the Pens, our “conference” is not all that different from our current division but we do have the addition of some tough teams (If they are to stay relatively the same for next season.) We will have to travel more with having to face every team, but that was known to happen because this was done in part to rectify the excessive traveling some teams were doing in the current alignment. We will have to wait and see what the new alignment will bring and how this will further affect the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Conference “A” will consist of:
• Anaheim Ducks
• Calgary Flames
• Colorado Avalanche
• Edmonton Oilers
• L.A. Kings
• Phoenix Coyotes
• San Jose Sharks
• Vancouver Canucks.
Conference “B” will consist of:
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Columbus Blue Jackets
• Dallas Stars
• Detroit Red Wings
• Minnesota Wild
• Nashville Predators
• St. Louis Blues
• Winnipeg Jets
Conference “C” will consist of:
• Boston Bruins
• Buffalo Sabres
• Florida Panthers
• Montreal Canadiens
• Ottawa Senators
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Toronto Maple Leafs
Conference “D” will consist of:
• Carolina Hurricanes
• New Jersey Devils
• New York Islanders
• New York Rangers
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• Washington Capitals
You may have noticed that Conferences A and B have 8 teams and Conferences C and D only have 7 teams. In our seven-team conference, teams will play each other 6 times- 3 home and 3 away. Whereas, the 8-team conference teams will play each other 5 or 6 times in a season on a rotating basis. Also, each team will play one another at least twice a season, one home and one away with each team.
One thing that has not been decided is whether or not the Stanley Cup finals can be played with 2 teams from the east or west. We know that the top four teams from each Conference will make it into the playoffs and the first two rounds will determine which four continue on to the two semifinals. After that, it is unsure what will happen.
Therefore, it will take further meetings to work everything out.
For the Pens, our “conference” is not all that different from our current division but we do have the addition of some tough teams (If they are to stay relatively the same for next season.) We will have to travel more with having to face every team, but that was known to happen because this was done in part to rectify the excessive traveling some teams were doing in the current alignment. We will have to wait and see what the new alignment will bring and how this will further affect the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Pens vs. Capitals tonight.
Just days after the Washington Capitals fired their head coach, Bruce Boudreau, and hired Dale Hunter, they will be facing a team they have a bit of a history with, our Pens. The Capitals lost their first game under their new coach earlier in the week and are looking for his first win with the Capitals. Let's hope he has to search longer. The Pens-Caps games tend to always be exciting and keep the fans engaged as you just never know what will happen. (Except for that game 7 a few years ago in the playoffs where the Pens blew past the Capitals to take the series!)
I might also add that Bruce Boudreau was announced today as the Anaheim Ducks new coach, as he replaces Randy Carlyle. Didn't take him long at all to find a new job.
Anyways though, on to some Pens news. Simon Despres was called up from the Baby Pens today as Alex Picard was sent back down. Despres will make his NHL debut tonight, and what a team to make a debut with.
The fans get excited for Caps-Pens games and it used to be the Ovehckin vs. Crosby game. That may have died down a little, but these teams still offer a lot of skill and talent and that is why I get excited for these games. There's a rivalry, both teams get fired up to play each other and hopefully that means they play their best. When asked today about playing the Capitals, Captain Crosby said, "I think both teams bring out the best in one another. It should be another good one." If they do bring out the best of one another, let's hope the Pens show the Capitals who is the best.
I might also add that Bruce Boudreau was announced today as the Anaheim Ducks new coach, as he replaces Randy Carlyle. Didn't take him long at all to find a new job.
Anyways though, on to some Pens news. Simon Despres was called up from the Baby Pens today as Alex Picard was sent back down. Despres will make his NHL debut tonight, and what a team to make a debut with.
The fans get excited for Caps-Pens games and it used to be the Ovehckin vs. Crosby game. That may have died down a little, but these teams still offer a lot of skill and talent and that is why I get excited for these games. There's a rivalry, both teams get fired up to play each other and hopefully that means they play their best. When asked today about playing the Capitals, Captain Crosby said, "I think both teams bring out the best in one another. It should be another good one." If they do bring out the best of one another, let's hope the Pens show the Capitals who is the best.
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