Hey pens fans,
The Pens have siged Jonathan D’Aversa to a 3 year entry level contract. He is 21 years old and has spent th last 3 years playinig for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. He has had 150 pints in 259 games. His defense partner was Jordan Staal's brother Marc.
28 May 2007
22 May 2007
Crosby gets another honor/ rumors
Hey pens fans,
Crosby has been named the sportsman of the year, by the Sporting News.
Rumors - Poti is rumored to have a "good possibility" of being a Penguin next year. Gary Roberts is more than likely going to wind up with Toronto and not return with the Pens, but that still holds a small possibility. I don't care what everyone says Recchi is NOT leaving Pittsburgh and that is from a good source. That's all for now.
Crosby has been named the sportsman of the year, by the Sporting News.
Rumors - Poti is rumored to have a "good possibility" of being a Penguin next year. Gary Roberts is more than likely going to wind up with Toronto and not return with the Pens, but that still holds a small possibility. I don't care what everyone says Recchi is NOT leaving Pittsburgh and that is from a good source. That's all for now.
18 May 2007
Rumor Time
Hey pens fans,
That's right it is back to rumors. So, here's what I have heard. Tom Poti is again being mentioned as a good possibility of coming to Pittsburgh, but we've all heard that one before. Gary Roberts seems to be split between the Pens and the Leafs. I am unsure how this will turn out. Craig Rivet is a longhot, in my opinion, but he is rumored to be a possible Pen next season. As for the rueaccuring Recchi Rumor, I don't care how many people say he is leaving or going back to Carolina. He is not. Shero isn't going to lose him and Recchi would not leave Pittsburgh with this group of guys. He's been around long enough to know, when a shot at the cup is not far off. That's it for now.
That's right it is back to rumors. So, here's what I have heard. Tom Poti is again being mentioned as a good possibility of coming to Pittsburgh, but we've all heard that one before. Gary Roberts seems to be split between the Pens and the Leafs. I am unsure how this will turn out. Craig Rivet is a longhot, in my opinion, but he is rumored to be a possible Pen next season. As for the rueaccuring Recchi Rumor, I don't care how many people say he is leaving or going back to Carolina. He is not. Shero isn't going to lose him and Recchi would not leave Pittsburgh with this group of guys. He's been around long enough to know, when a shot at the cup is not far off. That's it for now.
12 May 2007
Team Report Card Part 3
Hey pens fans,
Here is the thhird and final segmet of the team report card.
Nils Ekman
Nils only played in 34 games this injury plagued season. He was -14 and besides a few patches, his play was ineffective. I think we should be able to expect more from him, but this year was a disappointment.
Grade: C-
Josef Melichar
How is he still a Penguin? Every season I ask my self how he is still here. His play is streaky and mediocre at his best. He makes bad passes and game decisions. Melichar just continues to disappoint each year. This was no exception.
Grade: F
Robert Scuderi
One thing was his play was consistent. I think his play could improve a bit. At least you knew what to expect night in and night out.
Grade: C+
Joel Kwiatkowski
Since he came to us at the deadline, he did not make much of an impact. In the few games he played, I did not think he was doing much of anything that contributed positively.
Grade:F
Ronald Petrovicky
He played fairly well. His contribution was not stellar, but not bad, as well. I think more time will allow for him to improve.
Grade: C
Brooks Orpik
This season his play improved quite a bit. He did have a few slumps, but they were rare. He became one of our more solid defenseman and I think next year he will be evene better. He needs a little polishing, but his play exceeded my hopes for him.
Grade: B
Chris Thorburn
I was not impressed by him this season. I do not think he is particularly bad, but I do not see him contibuting any more than this. I think that his play was his best, but I do not think it is what the team needs. I ama just not impressed by his play and he needs to work at it to improve. If not, he will not be here long.
Grade: C-
Alain Nasreddine
When he was playing at his best, I was quite impressed. Unfortunetly, that occured less and less often, as time went on. He was streaky and played poorly most of the time. I think if he cacn play at the higher level we caught glimpses of, he could be a solid player. Unortunetly, that did not happen this year.
Grade: C-
Mark Eaton
He started off the season well and then just got progressively worse. I think he can play much better than he did. Perhaps, he will improve next year.
Grade: C
Marc-Andre Fleury
Fleury was turning into the goalie we all knew he could be. With a little more experience and a bit of polishing he can be a true star. He dazzled in many games and held the team together. If he gets a little more help fomr the D, he will be amazing.
Grade: A-
Jocelyn Thibault
This year his play was far better than last year. He was a backup that could be relied upon when needed most of the time. He did have some weak moments, but overall his play was quite good.
Grade:B+
That is all the players. Now the GM and coaching staff.
Ray Shero, GM
Shero had big shoes to fill replacing Craig Patrick. He proved he is up to the task. He has a different style, but you can see a clear vision, as to where this team is going. He did well at the trade deadline, for the most part.
Grade: B+
Michel Therrien and the coaching staff
Therrien is truely one of the best coaches in the league this season. He and his staff turned this team around. He is not afraid to change things if somthing is not working, but he knows when he needs to ive things some time.
Grade: A
This gives the team (players and staff) a B average, which is far better than last year.
In case you are wondering there is a grading scale I use eachc year, so these comparisons are based in fact,
Here is the thhird and final segmet of the team report card.
Nils Ekman
Nils only played in 34 games this injury plagued season. He was -14 and besides a few patches, his play was ineffective. I think we should be able to expect more from him, but this year was a disappointment.
Grade: C-
Josef Melichar
How is he still a Penguin? Every season I ask my self how he is still here. His play is streaky and mediocre at his best. He makes bad passes and game decisions. Melichar just continues to disappoint each year. This was no exception.
Grade: F
Robert Scuderi
One thing was his play was consistent. I think his play could improve a bit. At least you knew what to expect night in and night out.
Grade: C+
Joel Kwiatkowski
Since he came to us at the deadline, he did not make much of an impact. In the few games he played, I did not think he was doing much of anything that contributed positively.
Grade:F
Ronald Petrovicky
He played fairly well. His contribution was not stellar, but not bad, as well. I think more time will allow for him to improve.
Grade: C
Brooks Orpik
This season his play improved quite a bit. He did have a few slumps, but they were rare. He became one of our more solid defenseman and I think next year he will be evene better. He needs a little polishing, but his play exceeded my hopes for him.
Grade: B
Chris Thorburn
I was not impressed by him this season. I do not think he is particularly bad, but I do not see him contibuting any more than this. I think that his play was his best, but I do not think it is what the team needs. I ama just not impressed by his play and he needs to work at it to improve. If not, he will not be here long.
Grade: C-
Alain Nasreddine
When he was playing at his best, I was quite impressed. Unfortunetly, that occured less and less often, as time went on. He was streaky and played poorly most of the time. I think if he cacn play at the higher level we caught glimpses of, he could be a solid player. Unortunetly, that did not happen this year.
Grade: C-
Mark Eaton
He started off the season well and then just got progressively worse. I think he can play much better than he did. Perhaps, he will improve next year.
Grade: C
Marc-Andre Fleury
Fleury was turning into the goalie we all knew he could be. With a little more experience and a bit of polishing he can be a true star. He dazzled in many games and held the team together. If he gets a little more help fomr the D, he will be amazing.
Grade: A-
Jocelyn Thibault
This year his play was far better than last year. He was a backup that could be relied upon when needed most of the time. He did have some weak moments, but overall his play was quite good.
Grade:B+
That is all the players. Now the GM and coaching staff.
Ray Shero, GM
Shero had big shoes to fill replacing Craig Patrick. He proved he is up to the task. He has a different style, but you can see a clear vision, as to where this team is going. He did well at the trade deadline, for the most part.
Grade: B+
Michel Therrien and the coaching staff
Therrien is truely one of the best coaches in the league this season. He and his staff turned this team around. He is not afraid to change things if somthing is not working, but he knows when he needs to ive things some time.
Grade: A
This gives the team (players and staff) a B average, which is far better than last year.
In case you are wondering there is a grading scale I use eachc year, so these comparisons are based in fact,
10 May 2007
07 May 2007
Team Report Card Part 2
Hey pens fans,
Sorry this took so long to post, but life has been hellish, as of late.
Colby Armstrong
He had 34 points this season, which included 12 goals. Colby had a strong season. He played well and is really coming into his own, as a player. I think he will only improve, as time progresses.
Grade: B+
Erik Christensen
This season he had 33 points. He played well and became quite the master at the shootout during the season. I think he has a lot of promise. He has room for improvement, though.
Grade: B
Ryan Malone
Ryan played well this season with 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points. His play improved and he became more solid. His downfall was his streaky patch around the trade deadline. He plays well each night and is basically solid. He isn't one of the those players, who will dazzle us nightly, but he is solid.
Grade: B+
Max Talbot
He is player that the Pens need. He is in your face each night and plays strongly. He had 24 points this season. He played well, but could also make less small errors.
Grade: B
Georges Laraque
He definelty made an impact when he came to the Pens. The team needed sosmeone to stand up to the other teams, when they took cheap shots at Sid, Geno, and Staal. Georges did just that. He did one thing better, though. He is not just the heavy; he can play too. I think he was just what the team needed going into the deadline. Sometimes, he did let the fighting get the best of him and took a few more penelties than we may have liked, at times.
Grade: B
Jarkko Ruutu
Ruuuuuuutuuuuuu! Yeah, I am sure that was an interesting sound to the opponents. He didn't set the world on fire, but when he was on, he was good. Ruttu needs some improvement, but he is a solid guy who just grinds through the game, night in and night out. I think he can play better more consistently. He needs to make more of an impact.
Grade: B-
Part 3 to come soon....
Sorry this took so long to post, but life has been hellish, as of late.
Colby Armstrong
He had 34 points this season, which included 12 goals. Colby had a strong season. He played well and is really coming into his own, as a player. I think he will only improve, as time progresses.
Grade: B+
Erik Christensen
This season he had 33 points. He played well and became quite the master at the shootout during the season. I think he has a lot of promise. He has room for improvement, though.
Grade: B
Ryan Malone
Ryan played well this season with 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points. His play improved and he became more solid. His downfall was his streaky patch around the trade deadline. He plays well each night and is basically solid. He isn't one of the those players, who will dazzle us nightly, but he is solid.
Grade: B+
Max Talbot
He is player that the Pens need. He is in your face each night and plays strongly. He had 24 points this season. He played well, but could also make less small errors.
Grade: B
Georges Laraque
He definelty made an impact when he came to the Pens. The team needed sosmeone to stand up to the other teams, when they took cheap shots at Sid, Geno, and Staal. Georges did just that. He did one thing better, though. He is not just the heavy; he can play too. I think he was just what the team needed going into the deadline. Sometimes, he did let the fighting get the best of him and took a few more penelties than we may have liked, at times.
Grade: B
Jarkko Ruutu
Ruuuuuuutuuuuuu! Yeah, I am sure that was an interesting sound to the opponents. He didn't set the world on fire, but when he was on, he was good. Ruttu needs some improvement, but he is a solid guy who just grinds through the game, night in and night out. I think he can play better more consistently. He needs to make more of an impact.
Grade: B-
Part 3 to come soon....
02 May 2007
NHL Award Nominees
Hey pens fans,
Following are the finalists for each trophy, in alphabetical order:CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding rookie): Evgeni Malkin, Penguins; Jordan Staal, Penguins; Paul Stastny, Avalanche.FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY (outstanding defensive forward): Rod Brind'Amour, Hurricanes; Samuel Pahlsson, Ducks; Jay Pandolfo, Devils.HART MEMORIAL TROPHY (most valuable player to his team): Martin Brodeur, Devils; Sidney Crosby, Penguins; Roberto Luongo, Canucks.JACK ADAMS AWARD (outstanding coach): Lindy Ruff, Sabres; Michel Therrien, Penguins; Alain Vigneault, Canucks.JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding defenseman): Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings; Scott Niedermayer, Ducks; Chris Pronger, Ducks.LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct): Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings; Joe Sakic, Avalanche; Martin St. Louis, Lightning.LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD (most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA): Sidney Crosby, Penguins; Vincent Lecavalier, Lightning; Roberto Luongo, Canucks.VEZINA TROPHY *** (outstanding goaltender): Martin Brodeur, Devils; Miikka Kiprusoff, Flames; Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers; Roberto Luongo, Canucks.*** tie for third place in balloting; four finalists named
Following are the finalists for each trophy, in alphabetical order:CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding rookie): Evgeni Malkin, Penguins; Jordan Staal, Penguins; Paul Stastny, Avalanche.FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY (outstanding defensive forward): Rod Brind'Amour, Hurricanes; Samuel Pahlsson, Ducks; Jay Pandolfo, Devils.HART MEMORIAL TROPHY (most valuable player to his team): Martin Brodeur, Devils; Sidney Crosby, Penguins; Roberto Luongo, Canucks.JACK ADAMS AWARD (outstanding coach): Lindy Ruff, Sabres; Michel Therrien, Penguins; Alain Vigneault, Canucks.JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding defenseman): Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings; Scott Niedermayer, Ducks; Chris Pronger, Ducks.LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct): Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings; Joe Sakic, Avalanche; Martin St. Louis, Lightning.LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD (most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA): Sidney Crosby, Penguins; Vincent Lecavalier, Lightning; Roberto Luongo, Canucks.VEZINA TROPHY *** (outstanding goaltender): Martin Brodeur, Devils; Miikka Kiprusoff, Flames; Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers; Roberto Luongo, Canucks.*** tie for third place in balloting; four finalists named
23 April 2007
Team Report Card Part 1
Hey pens fans,
As, promised here is the team report card. I'll start with a player by player break-down.
Sidney Crosby
Regular Season 120 points (36+84) Playoffs 5 points (3+2)
Sid played in 79 regular season games. He was +10. This season was truly a breakout season for number 87. He played marvelously and we couldn't have asked for more. Sid had goals that amazed and he out skated so many defenseman. He played a solid season and won the scoring title. I don't think we could ask for more. In the playoffs, he scored 3 goals and had 2 assists in 6 games. I think that is pretty good. Sid will lead this team to a cup in the future.
Grade: A+
Evgeni Malkin
He had 85 points this season and 4 playoff points. For a rookie, these are great numbers. He is a good player. He was rather streaky and inconsistant. In the playoffs, that really came out. I think the changes with coming to the NHL affected him some. He is good, but I am not yet surer if he is, as good as, the hype. Next year will tell...
Grade: B+
Mark Recchi
He put up 68 points this season and 4 in the playoffs. Recchi played a good solid season. He produced no matter which line you put him on. He played well with Crosby, Malkin and Staal, whenever he was with them. Recchi is still a great player. I just hope we can bring the cup back before he's gone.
Grade: A
Sergei Gonchar
He had 67 points and 4 playoff points. Gonchar was a bit streaky and made some stupid mistakes that led to crucial turnovers. He was horrible in some games and he dazzled in others. Unfortunetly, that is the way he has always played. When he's hot, he is arguably one of the best defenseman in the NHL, but when he is cold he is horrid. He is a good player, but the streakiness and inconsistency brings down his stock.
Grade: B-
Ryan Whitney
He put up 59 points this year and 2 in the playoffs. He did have a few small slumps, but he was fairly consistant. He played solidly and you can't ask for more than that. I think this is one of fhis better if not his best NHL season, thus far.
Grade: A
Michel Ouellet
He had 48 regular season points and 2 in the playoffs. He played fairly well. He obviously was involved in offense based on the numbers. As far as play goes, I don't recall him doing anything particularly stupid or spectacular. He was there, but his offensive numbers are good. I think he can give a little more in the future.
Grade: B-
Jordan Staal
He had 42 regular season points and 3 in the playoffs. Staal was just solid all year. Can anyone believe we almost sent him back for another year? That would have been stupid. He played consistently and was fairly solid in front of the net, just getting in the way. After Robert's arrival, you could see Stall picking up that part of his game. He has also been consistantly good on the penelty kill. This was a very good rookie season for him and I can't wait to see the player he will develop into.
Grade: A+
Gary Roberts
He had 42 points this season and 4 in the playoffs. After coming over at the trade deadline, Roberts made an impact. He played solidly and helped some of our younger players pick up their games. He was a pest to the opponents and played very well. I only hope he is still in Pittsburgh next season.
Grade: A
The next installment of the team report card will be coming soon...
As, promised here is the team report card. I'll start with a player by player break-down.
Sidney Crosby
Regular Season 120 points (36+84) Playoffs 5 points (3+2)
Sid played in 79 regular season games. He was +10. This season was truly a breakout season for number 87. He played marvelously and we couldn't have asked for more. Sid had goals that amazed and he out skated so many defenseman. He played a solid season and won the scoring title. I don't think we could ask for more. In the playoffs, he scored 3 goals and had 2 assists in 6 games. I think that is pretty good. Sid will lead this team to a cup in the future.
Grade: A+
Evgeni Malkin
He had 85 points this season and 4 playoff points. For a rookie, these are great numbers. He is a good player. He was rather streaky and inconsistant. In the playoffs, that really came out. I think the changes with coming to the NHL affected him some. He is good, but I am not yet surer if he is, as good as, the hype. Next year will tell...
Grade: B+
Mark Recchi
He put up 68 points this season and 4 in the playoffs. Recchi played a good solid season. He produced no matter which line you put him on. He played well with Crosby, Malkin and Staal, whenever he was with them. Recchi is still a great player. I just hope we can bring the cup back before he's gone.
Grade: A
Sergei Gonchar
He had 67 points and 4 playoff points. Gonchar was a bit streaky and made some stupid mistakes that led to crucial turnovers. He was horrible in some games and he dazzled in others. Unfortunetly, that is the way he has always played. When he's hot, he is arguably one of the best defenseman in the NHL, but when he is cold he is horrid. He is a good player, but the streakiness and inconsistency brings down his stock.
Grade: B-
Ryan Whitney
He put up 59 points this year and 2 in the playoffs. He did have a few small slumps, but he was fairly consistant. He played solidly and you can't ask for more than that. I think this is one of fhis better if not his best NHL season, thus far.
Grade: A
Michel Ouellet
He had 48 regular season points and 2 in the playoffs. He played fairly well. He obviously was involved in offense based on the numbers. As far as play goes, I don't recall him doing anything particularly stupid or spectacular. He was there, but his offensive numbers are good. I think he can give a little more in the future.
Grade: B-
Jordan Staal
He had 42 regular season points and 3 in the playoffs. Staal was just solid all year. Can anyone believe we almost sent him back for another year? That would have been stupid. He played consistently and was fairly solid in front of the net, just getting in the way. After Robert's arrival, you could see Stall picking up that part of his game. He has also been consistantly good on the penelty kill. This was a very good rookie season for him and I can't wait to see the player he will develop into.
Grade: A+
Gary Roberts
He had 42 points this season and 4 in the playoffs. After coming over at the trade deadline, Roberts made an impact. He played solidly and helped some of our younger players pick up their games. He was a pest to the opponents and played very well. I only hope he is still in Pittsburgh next season.
Grade: A
The next installment of the team report card will be coming soon...
21 April 2007
Sidney, Sidney, Sidney
Hey pens fans,
So, about a month ago Crosby broke his left foot blocking a shot. He has been playing through it, obviously. He just announced he will miss worlds to let it heal properly. And FYI, if you don't remember him breaking his foot, don't feel bad, neither do I and it was not on the injury reports, i already checked.
So, about a month ago Crosby broke his left foot blocking a shot. He has been playing through it, obviously. He just announced he will miss worlds to let it heal properly. And FYI, if you don't remember him breaking his foot, don't feel bad, neither do I and it was not on the injury reports, i already checked.
19 April 2007
Game 5: Sens 3 Pens 0
Hey pens fans,
Tonight, the Pens lost the series to the Senators. The score was 3-0. The game was not bad, overall. It is just hard to find the good, when the season is over. One thing to gain from this playoff experience is Experience. That is something that most of the team did not have and now they have playoff experience. This will do them a world of good in the future, when we make the playoffs again. It was a learning experience, at the very least. It also did one other thing. It gave the fans hope for the future. It made us all remember the days of the cups and made us dream those Stanley Cup Dreams again. In the coming week, I will have the end of season team report card with a break down of each player and an overall team grade, as I have each year. Also, I will have complete coverage of all offseason moves and the draft.
Tonight, the Pens lost the series to the Senators. The score was 3-0. The game was not bad, overall. It is just hard to find the good, when the season is over. One thing to gain from this playoff experience is Experience. That is something that most of the team did not have and now they have playoff experience. This will do them a world of good in the future, when we make the playoffs again. It was a learning experience, at the very least. It also did one other thing. It gave the fans hope for the future. It made us all remember the days of the cups and made us dream those Stanley Cup Dreams again. In the coming week, I will have the end of season team report card with a break down of each player and an overall team grade, as I have each year. Also, I will have complete coverage of all offseason moves and the draft.
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