New Official Pens Tidbits Thread

[4xSBChamps]

Originally Posted by 4xSBChamps

TBL and NJD are scoreless after 20 minutes in the finale of a 12-game home-stand for the Lightning

Tampa struck for two goals early in the 2nd, and lead 2-zip after 2 periods

[SCMom]

Hopefully the Pens play better tomorrow in Toronto. This game sucked.

[4xSBChamps]

Originally Posted by SCMom

Hopefully the Pens play better tomorrow in Toronto. This game sucked.

adrenaline will only carry an injury-decimated team so-far... and I think we've reached that point

[SCMom]

Originally Posted by 4xSBChamps

adrenaline will only carry an injury-decimated team so-far... and I think we've reached that point

That might be part of it...I think general confusion is playing a part in it right now too. Neal, Niskanen and Kovalev are getting a good amount of ice time, but haven't really gelled with any of the guys yet. Might take a few more games and practices before we really start to see a difference there.

[SCMom]

Could it be? Are the Pens actually taking a lead into the third...a 3-2 lead nonetheless! (Goals by Kovalev, Letestu on the PP and Jefferey with :16 left on the clock).

There was good news/bad news going into the game tonight though. Letestu is back (obviously), but Kennedy got injured somehow at practice. They just can't catch a break in that respect.

[4xSBChamps]

Originally Posted by SCMom

... Could it be? Are the Pens actually taking a lead into the third...a 3-2 lead...

I hope they win, but beating the Leafs is like the Pirates beating a community-college team in Florida 21-1

[SCMom]

Originally Posted by 4xSBChamps

I hope they win, but beating the Leafs is like the Pirates beating a community-college team in Florida 21-1

Well...tied up at 5 now, and I haven't been this geared up for a game in a while. They better win this or I'll just be pissed. I'm sick of excuses. If a shit team like the Islanders can still eek out wins right now with all the injuries they have, the Pens damn well better be able to do the same every now and then.

PK has sucked tonight.

And I think those R-tard Leaf fans were chanting Crosby sucks. Dumbasses.

[SCMom]

Oh, and I'm happy Kovalev finally scored...but so far, in two games, he's been better at getting points for the other team (between penalties and turnovers).

Not impressed yet. (yeah, yeah, yeah...I know he's got sweet hands, just not for the Pens much yet)

[SCMom]

Pens win 6-5 in a SO...and the breakables in my house thank them.

[SCMom]

New leaders step forward for Penguins because of injuries
By Rob Rossi, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, February 27, 2011

Leadership is a term with many definitions, and in the NHL it is often presumed that players wearing letters "C" or "A" on their chest are a club's leaders.

That is not always the case, though certainly Penguins centers Sidney Crosby ("C") and Evgeni Malkin ("A") and defenseman Brooks Orpik ("A") each have shown their own ways of leading. Crosby has been a leader by example on and off the ice. Malkin has led by taking over games at crucial moments. Orpik has provided an honest voice, often the one of reason.

The Penguins are without Crosby (concussion), Malkin (right knee) and Orpik (right finger) - Crosby indefinitely, Malkin for the season and Orpik for at least a month.

These Penguins are not without leaders, however.

By surveying the dressing room and speaking with coaches and management, Tribune-Review beat reporter Rob Rossi has identified the leaders who have kept the Penguins together as injuries and adversity have conspired against them in 2011.

Craig Adams

• On-ice role: Role-playing forward

• Leadership style: By example, notably with his daily commitment to professional responsibilities such as staying in shape.

• Reasons players look to him: He willingly does the dirty work - playing a checking-line role, killing penalties, fighting when called upon. He is among the sport's hardest workers and most intellectual voices. Also, he excels at advising younger players without coming off as preachy. His experience as a two-time winner of the Stanley Cup carries clout with rookies and veterans. Teammates love that he is a committed father.

Matt Cooke

• On-ice role: Versatile winger

• Leadership style: Vocal, notably by owning up to his controversial actions and always staying on-point with messages from the coaching staff.

• Reasons players look to him: He plays, sometimes controversially, but always for the Penguins. His appreciation for the franchise's bedrock foundations of hard work and family are unmistakable. He is honest and funny, and he treats every teammate as an equal. He expertly picks and chooses when to deliver a message. He won respect last season for how he handled the Marc Savard incident's aftermath.

Pascal Dupuis

• On-ice role: Scoring-line winger

• Leadership style: Vocal, notably on the bench during games and in the dressing room.

• Reasons players look to him: After being challenged by coach Dan Bylsma to improve his conditioning, he returned for last season in the best shape of his career. He is a deeply committed family man who keeps the job of playing hockey in perspective. He always looks for the positive in any situation, but he is willing to flip the switch to a more serious tone when times call for one.

Eric Godard

• On-ice role: Enforcer

• Leadership style: By example, notably by forcing opponents to need stitches after on-ice fights and keeping teammates in stitches with off-ice antics.

• Reasons players look to him: He proudly embraces hockey's hardest job as a designated fighter. He is the same loose, funny guy even if he's not dressing for a stretch of games. No teammate is safe from his jabs, but he is just as quick to poke fun at himself. His off-ice charitable work with kids has enhanced his reputation as one of the sport's true gentle giants.

Zbynek Michalek

• On-ice role: Shutdown defenseman

• Leadership style: By example, notably maintaining a level of composure on the ice during critical moments such as late-game and penalty-killing situations.

• Reasons players look to him: They watched him act like a pro while he dealt with early-season struggles to learn a new system and adjust to a different city as his young family temporarily remained in Phoenix. His willingness to block shots provides an instant level of respect. He exudes appreciation for the stability provided by the Penguins after spending years with a tumultuous situation with Phoenix.

Jordan Staal

• On-ice role: Foundation-piece center

• Leadership style: Vocal, notably with his increased willingness to demand more from everybody, starting with himself.

• Reasons players look to him: His seemingly superhuman fast return from foot surgery in the last postseason shocked and awed teammates. He genuinely cares little about how he is perceived outside the organization, and thus is the rare high-profile player unafraid to show his true colors. He plays his best at critical moments, especially in the playoffs. His commitment to two-way play helps win games, which gives him credibility with teammates and coaches.



Read more: New leaders step forward for Penguins because of injuries - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt...#ixzz1F8PMiqIG