Official Announcements

First off, Penguins will display the new jerseys on Wednesday. Will they appear to be the same ones posted previously? One never knows till they know.

Secondly, Eric Lindros was only just relaxing at home browsing the internet when he came across this site.* Reading a prior post about his alleged retirement, Eric started thinking. Now, he had given it some thought and will officially announce today where he stands in the NHL. Although I can't confirm that to be the exact chain of events, I can confirm that his announcement will come today. Furthermore, I suppose this also makes me right in my prediction that he will not appear in a Penguin uniform. That's right...I'm right. But it's ok, I'm modest. Mom says modesty is one of my best qualities.

Some find this announcement to be a bit upsetting, considering he was once hailed along the lines of Sid status. He never won a cup, and every season since leaving the Flyers there has been some issue with injuries. Trust me, I wish the guy the best, but I really think it'd be in his best interest to retire. Tiki Barber left the Giants in what some considered to be a short career, but he said on the contrary he'd at least be able to physically walk away from it.

Hell, I can't resist.



Annnnd part 7, to conclude the series.


*Can't confirm as a fact

Preseason Sale - Rumors

Preseason tix are officially on sale. Unfortunately, the Pens only have two home games; September 22 against the Red Wings and the 28th against the Sabres. Also in case you missed the previous blog, all 6 and 12 game packs are sold out. Even if they weren't, they aren't being offered any more for the sake of offering more tickets to the general public.

Regular season tickets go on sale September 15th at (tentative) 10am.

Some rumors are circulating for quite some time now with regards to future homes for Lindros and Forsberg. The only reason I mention just these two of the many rumors, is because many people felt that both would somehow find a home in Pittsburgh. Now I don't hold a front office position, but I highly HIGHLY doubt either would find themselves in a Pens sweater. First off, Forsberg would cost too much. He's injury prone. Plus, we already have a powerful first and second line. So really, where would Forsberg fit? Third liner? I don't think so. Not on that ankle, not for that salary and not on this team.


So, you elbow Orpik and then expect to wear our Jersey? I admire that grit.

Now for Lindros, who is somewhat in the same boat. Although I'm sure, chances are, he's going to slip in said boat and suffer yet another concussion. Take it from your brother Brett - call it quits. You had some stellar years in Philly, you didn't and won't win a cup, and you certainly won't find yourself in a Pens jersey. You'd cost too much, your brain is leaking and we don't need you. On top of that, I don't think we want you. We're a young team (save for some great veteran presence from the likes of Recchi and Roberts). The only way I could see Lindros in a Pens jersey is if he called up his buddy Mario, begged, and Mario said "Ok, but only for base salary." Pull the ol Shanahan move.


Lindros taking a nap after Scott Stevens rocked him to sleep


Part 6

New Threads?

I suppose somewhere in some distant land a fashion designer is screaming and having nightmares about what Reebok is going to do with the new line of jerseys. Rest assured, the poison hands of Reebok didn't do much to the traditional Pens-wear.

Home


Away


I can't guarantee if these pics are official, nor do I really understand why the emphasis in these shots was placed on the back of the jersey and not the front. But if you do notice, the Reebok logo is present around the neckline. Last I saw, the logo was the same Penguin/hockey stick logo as last year. Besides, the green screen in the back leads me to believe these were being used for some kind of computer enhancement...or something along those lines.

Pittsburgh Penguins.com released pictures of the new arena. Well not necessarily pictures as in digital photography, but sketches.

Take a look.

Pretty nice work on the transitions. There's even one picture where a guy walking on the street is pointing to the arena. "It's right there" he says to the Rangers fan, pointing to the giant arena across the street. "Dumbass" he mumbles, ripping off his 3 piece suit to reveal a Penguins jersey.

Part 5

Tickets...Get Your Tickets! (If you're lucky)

Today the Penguins announced they are doing away with 6 and 12 game ticket plans so as to make more tickets available to the public. I suppose this is both a good thing AND a bad thing. On one hand, the die hard fans that couldn't get their hands on season tickets (I believe that's up to a year and a half waiting period now) would have a chance to see a few home games at a relatively cheaper price then buying tickets every game. But on the other hand, I believe every one who doesn't have tickets should have a fair shot. This apparantly frees up around 2,000 tickets for every home contest. Not to mention, they were selling out 95% - 98% capacity last season, and 90 - 95% the previous season when they were still last in the conference. So all in all, I'd say this is a good idea.

Some dates to keep in mind - August 30th at 10am tickets go on sale for the two preseason home games.

September 15th - tickets on sale for individual home games.

FROM THE FRONT OFFICE
"The response of our fans continues to be overwhelming. We decided to cut off the sales of our mini-plans, after cutting off the sales of our full- and half-season tickets, because we want to have enough tickets available for fans who want to buy individual game tickets."
- Dave Soltesz, the team’s vice president of sales and marketing -

Part 4

Battle In The Atlantic - Plus Unofficial Quotes

Alright, we all know the Pens have a full 82 game season ahead of them. But we also know that 32 of those games are specifically in the division. So, who is going to be the biggest opposition for them this year?

Rangers
No doubt the biggest threat in the Atlantic. They've practically resigned their entire team, added on some big guns with Gomez and Drury and secured the net with Lundqvidst. Who cares if they've spent every last penny on doing so? Hey, the front office doesn't. "Take good care of the stick you have now, it's all we can afford this year." - Unofficial quote from Rangers President and GM Glen Sather.
4-4 or 5-3 Rangers

Devils
Parise, Zubrus, Elias, Langenbruner. That's all the offense has left (and has gained) in the off season. Oh yeah, they also have Madden and Pandolfo, but I meant people of significance. Brodeur's flexibility will be at test early in the season. Lord knows he'll be diving everywhere to keep the biscuit out thanks to a collapsing defense and pitiful offense. Not to put a ridiculous blogger hex on him, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Brodeur goes down early this season. At the least, he'll be sitting a few games to watch Weekes in net. "Wait, you mean I have to actually EARN my salary?" - Unofficial, but highly speculated quote from Kevin Weekes.
5-3 Penguins

Islanders
Guerin is back in the Atlantic, I'm sure he couldn't be happier. Only now he has a C on his sweater and he won't just be taking practice shots on Brodeur. There's one thing I've noticed about Islanders' fans - they're in denial. Signing a goalie for 12+ years is not smart managment. Frankly, it's pretty dumb. Di is not franchise material. Secondly, if you needed any further emphasis on the fact take a look at the Smyth signing last year? There's an idea. Trade away a first round draft pick for a guy to come play with you for the remainder of the season, only to wave goodbye when he signs with Colorado. Now you're out that player and also your first round pick. Silly Islanders. Plus, Blake is now on Toronto, which for the sake of my retnas is a good thing. When I first saw him face to face, I thought Powder learned how to ice skate. "You can't see me in the snow."- Unofficial quote from Jason Blake.
6-2 Penguins

Paparazzi photo of Jason Blake minutes before signing with Toronto


Flyers
The mediocre goaltending of Biron, mixed with the goal scoring from Gagne and the recent addition of Briere may just be the recipe Philly needs to find a spot in the playoffs. As a Penguins fan, I find it difficult to openly appreciate another Pennsylvanian team. But, put it this way - I've considered going up to New Hampshire to watch VanRiemsdyk play. Will the Penguins sweep the Flyers again this year? Highly unlikely. "If I pass it off the boards to myself and then score a goal, can I get the assist also?" - Unofficial quote from Simon Gagne, circa February 2007.
6-2, but would love to see 7-1 Penguins


Part 3 for your viewing pleasure.

Prospect Camp - Official Line Up?

How far away are we from having an official line up? Prospect camp kicks off on September 5th, so that helps us get an idea. And really, only less than two weeks after that we start things off in the preseason. I'd imagine we're set. From what I see we've already stocked up on players, then added some coaches and trainers to lock up the offseason.

Let's see what we have so far. All bold players are new acquisitions for the upcoming season.

FORWARDS
20 Colby Armstrong
16 Erik Christensen
87 Sidney Crosby "C"
27 Georges Laraque
71 Evgeni Malkin
12 Ryan Malone
8 Mark Recchi "A"
10 Gary Roberts
37 Jarkko Ruutu
11 Jordan Staal
17 Petr Sykora
25 Maxime Talbot

DEFENSEMEN
3 Mark Eaton
55 Sergei Gonchar "A"
32 Alain Nasreddine
44 Brooks Orpik
4 Rob Scuderi
5 Darryl Sydor
19 Ryan Whitney

GOALIES
29 Marc-Andre Fleury
30 Dany Sabourin

Petr Sykora - For the past two years, Sykora has experienced difficulty in finding a solid home. The Rangers too him from the Ducks after spending four seasons with them (and one season with a Russian club sandwiched in between). Then the Oilers acquired him for all of last season, where by he played all 82 games and pulled in 22 goals and 53 points.

Alan Nasreddine - Predominantly an AHL rotator, Nasreddine played his longest stint with an NHL team last year with the Pens. In 44 games he only collected 4 goals and 5 assists. Perhaps the management sees something in him? Maybe he'll find a good fit on a PK line.

Darryl Sydor - The Penguins are the fifth team in this former first round draft's 15 year career. Last season he played with the Stars, tallying up 5 goals and 21 points. For a Defensemen he had a weak 70 minutes in the sin bin. A solid second or third line defensemen.

Dany Sabourin - With Thibault going bye byes this year, we needed to get a solid second stringer. The young Fleury is now a year older, and although a year may not seem like a long time, he certainly gained valuable experience last season between a stellar run for the division and a harsh reception in the playoffs. Sabourin comes to us from the Canucks, where you can't imagine he saw much ice time sitting behind Luongo. But when he did play, he was 2-4 with a 2.63 GAA and .906 save percentage. Of all the teams to make the playoffs in the Western Conference, the Canucks had the lowest goals for. With that being said, it's pretty evident they were a defensive minded team. Putting a defensive goalie on an offensive team should be a perfect combination, or at least we can hope.

And as promised, part 2 of the 91-92 highlight tape.

Ice Bowl 2008 - The On and Off Again Game

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past three months, you have at some point in your hockey readings come across the 2008 Ice Bowl. Set to take place in Buffalo on New Years Day, the Ice Bowl is to be a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres. Of course, the sheer name of the event does not attribute to just a regular indoor game. No, of course not. Instead the Ice Bowl is set to be played on an outdoor rink.

At least, it was.

Then it is again.

Then it was...well, now they're not sure. Fact is, the most recent Ice Bowl news comes from a television affiliate in Buffalo. They claim the game will be officially announced in September, which at this point isn't too far off.

Here is the exact story.

Again, I'll wait for official word before I completely believe it.

Accordingly, outdoor weather in Buffalo on New Years Day is roughly around 38 degrees Fahrenheit. But still, I don't know why, but I have my reservations about this game.

The NHL prematurely blew the news (there are health supplements for that) far too soon. And, of all days to try and promote a grand ol hockey game you chose New Years Day. Aside from a traditional day of hangovers and ambitious resolutions, it just so happens to be one of the biggest days of the year for college bowl games.

So why would you take a sport like hockey, which has IN THE PAST (just wanted to stress that) witnessed horrible television ratings, and put it up against a sport like Football which in the past (no need to place emphasis) has on occasion dominated ratings?

Pure marketing genius. Truly.

Regardless, I'll be watching comfortably on my center ice broadcast while the rest of the nation will watch future NFL players instead of current NHL stars.

Speaking of watching, here; enjoy the first installment of a 7 part series featuring the 1991-92 Penguins Highlight Tape. Yes, tape existed then. And according to the opening anchorman shot, so did top notch attire.

Of course, if you want to be a jerk you can go to youtube and watch all seven parts, but I wanted each part to get respect.

Can controversy lead to ratings?

Can controversy lead to ratings?

I was doing some searching online for hockey ratings compared to other sports. I remember a friend of mine saying that hockey ratings in the states beat out NBA ratings. This led me to two (of many) questions: Is it the networks that actually want it back? Or, is it the fans demanding it back?

In my online searches I also found this article.

It doesn't surprise me that a pretentious Princeton University brat would write something like this, but that's besides the point. Can hockey, a sport that allows players to duke it out on the ice actually benefit from controversy?

From where I stand, I've always admired the fact that hockey players are the most grounded and level headed athletes on the market. Sure, they may be a little crazy in the head (Derian Hatcher) or a bit psychotic (Chris Simon) but would the sport actually benefit from it?

No, I don't think so. A slashing penalty or cross check can bring you 10+ game suspension, but it won't make the 5:00 news. And last I checked (no pun intended), Marty Brodeur wasn't fighting pit bulls in his backyard and Jordan Staal wasn't running rampant through Vegas with an entourage of gun wielding thugs.

Chris Simon got a lot of media attention for his actions on the ice against Holliweg (sp?), but the NHL was quick to drop the hammer on him and make an example of his antics. This also leads me to believe that if a player were to be involved in intense legal action, they'd be suspended and/or ousted.

Expulsions
Which hockey players haven't been allowed to play ever again? Based on my research, only one. Billy Coutu of the Boston Bruins received a lifetime suspension in 1927 for attacking a ref and starting a Stanley Cup brawl. And yet, everything he did that got him kicked out of the league was done ON the ice.

Suspensions
Dan Maloney of the Detroit Red Wings was banned in 1975 for two years...only in Toronto. Ironically enough he wound up playing and coaching for the leafs in the 80s. How forgiving...

Pressing Charges
IN 1905 and 1907 two players were killed on the ice. The 1905 was acquited on the terms of 'self defense'. The 1907 fight was acquited by the courts when apparantly the courts couldn't judge who actually killed the player in the heat of the brawl.

McSourley's hit on Brashear was an 18 month charge in which he was convicted of assault. To the best of my recollection, McSorley never stepped on the ice again.



And then of course there is the more recent Bertuzzi shot to Steve Moore. I guess the thing that makes this so pathetic is that he didn't even man up in a melee battle. He chose the sucker punch instead. He was fined $500,000 and unable to play for the remainder of the season.


Not only does Bertuzzi hit like a bitch, but he cries like one too. Look, he even uses a hankerchief.

The Slammer
Dino Ciccarelli spent a day in jail back in 1988 for hitting a player with his stick. He was also fined $1000.

Now...if controversy really led to ratings...wouldn't constant fights on ice, potential murders, suspensions and jail sentences actually have made an impact? The answer is no, but feel free to argue.

I think when it really comes down to it, hockey is a sport neglected by a majority but whole heartedly loved by its followers. Baseball fans turned their backs on the sport when the strike went in to effect, as did basketball. It is my firm belief that hockey fans just wanted them to come to terms ASAP and get back on the ice.

This is of course all up for discussion.

Fun and Games...

In 2007, Alexander Ovechkin soon found his face matted to the cover of EA Sports' NHL 2007. The 2006 version had the likes of Vincent Lecavalier doing just the same. Even stepping outside the realm of EA Sports, we can find Joe Thornton on the cover of the 2K Sports' NHL 2K7. Don't get me wrong, all were more than deserving of the cover.

But now friends, we find ourselves heading in to a new year of EA Sports. The 2008 version does not have Ovi, Vinny or Thorny (?) as they have already had there run. Instead we have Staal.

No, not Jordan Staal.

Eric Staal. You know, the guy who only scored 70 points last year. You know, the guy who is brother to our own beloved Eric (42 points in 2007). I don't think Jordan should have been on it either. If anything, Eric DEFINITELY shouldn't be. If you asked anyone in January who was going to adorn the cover of the new EA game, you'd probably hear 90% of people around the league say Sidney Crosby. The other 10% would say Malkin.*

But here we are, Eric Staal. I'd like to say I'm going to petition the purchase since it lacks the appearance of a much deserving Penguin player on the cover, but I'd be lying.



*Based on inaccurate statistics done merely in the author's head

Esposito out...over analyze schedule time!

Angelo Esposito, our first round draft pick from the Quebec Remparts is currently off the ice with a groin injury. In turn, he will miss the Canada-Russia series he was scheduled to play in. I think this would have been a great opportunity to see him play with renewed vigor from the Pens signing him, but alas, all is for nothing.

Now a little something to mull over and hate me for: Is Esposito the Lindros to be?

Sure, it's a bit early, but come on...he hasn't even stepped on the ice yet and he's already getting busted up. Although, I will give him credit for still having a semi-operable brain in his head. That's already saying more than Lindros.

Now, let's take an over-anazlyzed look at the Pens schedule for the upcoming season.

Below, I proceeded to not do work for 40 minutes at my office and instead broke down how many times we play certain teams this season. Here is how it really works - each team in the division plays one another eight times. Each team outside the division but in the conference play one another four times. And, outside the conference we play two divisions in the west, each team only once. This year, the Pens go up against the Western Conference Northwest and Pacific Division. So, really you could figure that all out yourself, but just for visual purposes on your part and hopefully to cut down on mental work, the list is as follows:

Atlantic
Devils - 8
Rangers - 8
Flyers - 8
Islanders - 8

Conference
Thrashers - 4
Bruins - 4
Sabres - 4
Panthers - 4
Lightning - 4
Senators - 4
Hurricanes- 4
Canadiens - 4
MapleLeafs- 4
Capitals - 4

Western Northwest
Canucks - 1
Wild - 1
Flames - 1
Avalanche - 1
Oilers - 1

Western Pacific
Stars - 1
Coyotes - 1
Kings - 1
Sharks - 1
Ducks - 1

Total 82

Full Time Hockey Player, Overtime Role Model

PittsburghPenguins.com reported Sidney Crosby made an appearance at a youth hockey camp yesterday afternoon on Neville Island. Yet again, a prime example of the class this guy carries. Then again, it's no surprise from any player coming out of the Steel City.

Similar to Lemieux before him, Crosby continues to create this aura of appreciation where ever he goes. I overheard people who aren't even hockey fans in the office today mentioning what a great role model he is. And my personal favorite, "Well, that's because he's not a basketball player." Good call.




On a similar note, the recent edition of The Sporting News' Hockey mag has our boy Sid on the cover with the staff prediction of 128 points. Too far off? I'd say it's highly likely. Fact or farce, Sid still pulled down 120 points last season. Remember that 6 assist game against the Flyers? A nice repeater could definitely edge him closer to that 128 mark.

The new addition of a strength and conditioning coach to the Pens organization can only help. Mike Kadar had been the S&C guy for the LA Kings for the past five years. Now don't let their sub par record indicate his abilities. I'd imagine he only feels more at home on a winning team like the Penguins.

Division Predictions

Kicking off a Pens blog with hopes to get a loyal following by the time the season starts. I want this to one day turn to a general discussion forum for Pens fans everywhere.

I suppose since this is the offseason we can start with at the least a prediction for the division.

With all the action in the Atlantic, it's going to wind up being a very interesting year.

I suppose these would be some of the bigger questions on one's mind at the moment:

Will the Rangers actually benefit with Gomez and Drury?
Can the Flyers make a move up the ladder?
Will the Penguins be able to rally behind Fleury?
Has Guerin warranted the C in Long Island?
Do the Devils have a team this year?

Rangers
I believe people will dissect and berate the Rangers to no end, but from a non-biased position I'd say they will no doubt be playoff contenders. Drury, Gomez, Shanny and Jagr playing in front of Lunqvidst is a formidable combination for any team. If they find a way to lock up Avery all the better. It will be difficult though, considering a lack of cap room. Like the Rangers or hate the Rangers, they still have something going right for them if they can pick up two of the bigger names in hockey. Unstoppable? Not quite. Still a threat for first place? You bet.

Flyers
VanRiemsdyk has some years ahead of him still. Although no Crosby or Jordan Staal, he will eventually pose as a huge building block to the Philly offense. So, in the mean time, let Brierre get comfortable in his new role, let Gagne still put up 40+ goals and watch Biron cast a shadow on Nittymaki and Esche. I'd love to see the Flyers contend this year, but I still think they have a good year or two ahead of them.

Penguins
The young team is now one year older. Despite a 4-1 series with the Sens, I'm sure valuable playoff experience was gained in the long run. I read a comment from someone recently on this site about his predictions for Malkin, Crosby and Staal. In the end, his overall prediction was a combined 376 points between the three of them. I suppose anything is possible.

Islanders
They didn't get that first round draft pick because they gave it away to Edmonton earlier in the year for Ryan Smyth. Now they don't have Ryan Smyth. Poor management? I guess so. But this is hockey we're talking about. Build for the championship each and every year. The Islanders clearly thought they had something going for them. They did shoot down some naysayers in the playoffs, but it didn't take long till they were ousted. DiPietro aint going nowhere, Guerin is coming back to the East Coast and Sillinger may just have someone to work with. Can Witt tally up more than a single goal this year? I suppose he'll have to.

Devils
Brent Sutter is really the only acquisition I can think of with regards to the Devs. Sure, they picked up Weekes, but how much play do you really think he is going to get? Parise signed on again and to some is considered the future of the team, and they also picked up Zubrus. They still have the team points leader Patrick Elias but how is he going to fair with average players around him? He's a guy who came up big for them last year, especially in their influx of overtime matchups. Once again we're going to see a lackluster Devils offense, a stellar Devils defense and a mediocre overall hockey club.

Overall predicted standings in the northeast:

1. Penguins
2. Rangers
3. Devils
4. Flyers
5. Islanders

Now I know what you're thinking: This is a Pens blog, of course you're going to put them in first. Well, yes and no. Part of me feels the biggest fight will be between the Rangers and the Penguins. Come the last few games of the season, I wouldn't be the least but surprised to see the Rangers pull ahead by 2 or 3 points.

Something to consider, especially for division purposes, the last four games of the season for the Pens this year are against the Rangers and the Flyers. No slowing down for us around that time.

Banter, bashing and comments welcome.