Recchi is bitter - why? Therrien is angry - justified?

Mark Recchi has been quoted in Atlanta papers as being bitter about the ties between him and the Pens. He was recently quoted in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review as saying, "They'll see," Recchi told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I didn't get 68 points for no reason last year."

As the paper said, and I and many fans around the Pens' world will agree, that reason was Sidney Crosby.

Recchi was a highly respected player in the Penguins community. His charity work with fans and his respectable nature on and off the ice for the team as a whole was something that allowed Pittsburgh fans to wish him all the best after his time in town. I personally even said I was happy to see him get with a big club in his last season, rather than go out with a minor league affiliate.

But now, I can honestly say, my opinion has changed.

It's a shame Rex. I enjoyed your time in Pittsburgh. When I look back on some of the fonder memories of the team, your 500th goal comes to mind. I was happy to see you achieve that milestone with the same team that brought you into the league, the same team you played with on three separate occasions. But now - now I look forward to the Pens paying you a visit on January 12. I hope your buddy Gary rocks you out.

There's also a lot more controversy surrounding the recent beating from the Flyers. Coach Therrien felt it was inappropriate for the Flyers' Coach Stevens to send out his number one power play when the score was 7-2. Perhaps to make matters even worse, the goon Ben Eager proceeded to tell Coach Therrien, "You're a joke" when he passed him in the hallway after the game. Therrien's reply was precisely, "Fack you."

Therrien was also quoted as saying:

"Are we talking about the same team that got five guys suspended this year?" Therrien said. "It is a lack of respect what (Stevens) did tonight. At 7-2 you don't send your best power play on the ice. Even Daniel Briere didn't want to go on the ice. It is a lack of respect.

I would've also liked for him to say something like, "Are we talking about the same team that lost all eight games to us last year?" That would've been nice.

Penguins vs Flames preview - Recchi down to WBS

The Pens continue their West Canadian trip tonight with a visit to Calgary, Alberta to take on the Flames at the Saddle Dome. Similar to their most recent match against the Oilers, this is the first and only time this season the Birds are scheduled to play the Flames.

Calgary is last in the Northwest Division with 26 points and currently ranked thirteenth in the Conference. The play of Miikka Kiprusoff has been anything but impressive, as he rolls into tonight's game with an 11-11-4 record.

Between the pipes for the Pens, Fleury has been the opposite of Kippy. The young goalie is 9-8-1 on the season and has recorded four-straight wins. Unlike the beginning of the season, Fleury has found his place in net and has managed to stand more grounded on his skates. At the beginning of the season it almost appeared as if Fleury was suffering from a bout of A.D.D, leaving the net wide open in dangerous situations while fetching the puck.

If I had to guess though, I'd say Dany Sabourin will get the start tonight. Coach Therrien has been known to rotate goalies in back-to-back games, as is the case tonight.

Offensively, the Flames pack a mighty punch. Not only is Jarome Iginla a formidable scorer and setup guy, but Alex Tanguay and Daymond Langkow can put up the numbers too. In Penguin terms, consider it along the lines of a Crosby, Malkin and Sykora line.

Speaking of - Petr Sykora missed some great open net opportunities last night against the Oilers. I'd really love to see him capitalize on similar opportunities tonight.

Crosby hit the 40 point mark last night (14-26) in his three assist effort, edging him within two of the league's point leader Vinny Lecavalier. Malkin is second on the team with 33 points (10-23).

The Mark Recchi situation has taken another turn as of earlier today. The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that Recchi, who just cleared waivers yesterday afternoon, would be appointed to the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. The main question right now is - will he go? Similar to veterans of the past along the likes of Alexander Mogilny and Theoren Fleury, a demotion often signals the end of a career.

As more news on Recchi unfolds, I'll keep you posted.

Flames vs Penguins tonight at 9:00p.m. Eastern.