What should the Pens do with Orpik?

[jmh70]

Perhaps the most forgettable moment of last night's game was Orpik getting beaten and out-muscled along the boards by Peter Prucha, all 160 lbs of him. Orpik is supposed to be the most physical player on the team, yet he has been embarrassed twice in as many games. He delivers a number of crushing hits but he doesn't play the PK much and is, at best, shaky in his own end.

I honestly don't see much value in him. Physical play is greatly devalued when good defense doesn't accompany it. I'd like to see him get moved to a soft team (yes, I see the irony) in favor of someone who can actually play the position.

[DelPen]

Then waive him. I'm sure no one will take a bite at him on waivers. Or better yet, maybe package him with Malone so we can get a good player in return.

[BurghThing]

They should send him to Harrisburg to slam that scum bag piece of sh*t governor through the boards.

[yeltzen]

Wow. Great post.
Let's put him on the waiver wire.

[Pitts]

jmh70...you can not be serious. Really? I have no idea why people do not like Orpik. He is our ONLY physical presence and he isn't THAT bad a defenseman. He's young. He still has some learning to do. It would be crazy to give up on him now.

Did anyone notice that when Orpik was out with the foot this team was softer than melted butter. The game he returns, everyone picks it up. Coinkydink? I think not!

[Peter]

We can't trade Orpik. What would OrpikFan do?

[rb44]

Orpik is about the best we got on defense.....If someone even says Melichar is better Ill send Tough guy Andre Roy to take care of you!

[relantel]

Maybe I just didn't notice Orpik last night. and I deleted last night's game off the DVR already. I thought the team has played better overall since he returned from his injury.

[Mango Salsa]

What should the Pens do with Orpik?

They should keep him. No defenseman is going to have a perfect game every time out. I like the guy and hope he's a Penguin for life.



So there.

[Jamie]

It is way to early to give up on Orpik. He has shown flashes of being a very good D-Man. He has also disappeared at times. I think he still has an upside, and we have not yet seen the best there is of Orpik.

[Supermario66]

I would be foolish to trade a guy like Orpik, just as fooloish as trading a guy like Malone. These guys are our future. No one would want to trade Fluery because he let in a bad goal would they? What would you expect to get for him that would be better anyway?

[mikey287]

Maybe I don't understand, this only Orpik's second pro year right? He's playing defense on a terrible team, a team known, no, world-renowned for it's bad defense...so when are best defensive defenseman doesn't play well in a game, or even two games, or I don't even care if it's a month we waive him? Are you kidding me? Brooks Orpik is a bright spot in the Penguins future, hard hitter, usually can handle the puck in his own end, just a stay at home guy, he isn't meant to be a #1 d-man, but he'll certainly be top 4. Ryan Malone, another guy everyone gives up on right away...I don't get it sometimes around here, this is the young talent that we got when we tanked for 3, now going on 4 years, this is what we got out of it, give it time, give it a chance, and we'll be a winner. Crosby, Malkin, Fleury, Orpik, Malone, Whitney, Welch, Koltsov, Ouellet, Armstrong, and should-have-beens like Beech, Lupaschuk, Kraft, and Morozov should all be virtually untouchable. Like what do you want out of Malone and Orpik in trade, a veteran? that's what free agency is for when you aren't gonna make the playoffs this year...these guys all have a ton of potential, some more than others yes, but still they all have potential, not let's get together a win Stanley Cup every year star power today, but will be key pieces to our lineup in the future. I know it hards when your team is a loser for 4 years in a row, it's hard for all of us I'm sure (I live in Philly metro at home, and when I live at college it's NY metro area, I hear plenty about me liking the Penguins). But, you can't give up on these guys because of a bad game, a bad month, a bad season...our veterans didn't turn out all that well, Palffy did okay, but everyone else sort of tanked...oh well, it happens, I'm not even sure I give up on Gonchar quite yet, how many seasons in a row is Gonchar gonna not score 30 points, he's Sergei Gonchar, and with Tarnstrom getting traded, we should keep Gonchar, his salary is covered with Palffy and Lemieux leaving anyway. It's tough to be patient, but we can't just go around waiving our future because of a bad week...that's ridiculous. Odelein's, Cross's, Roy's, Vandenbussche's, Caron's, deal'em...other than that, we're developing a core of youth, give it time... thanks for your time...

[Orpik Fan]

We can't trade Orpik. What would OrpikFan do?

Peter, I would follow Orpik with whatever team he is with!

[dboss]

Still young and will be a very good defenseman in a few years

[netwolf]

Keep him and get someone that can teach a little. To me, his biggest fault is inconsistency and that plagues a lot of young players. He has at least a few qualities that make him worth keeping around:

-He hates to lose
-He likes to hit and plays physical
-He may tbe the most mobile guy on their blueline
-He speaks his mind (though not necessarily a plus here)

If he grows out of the inconsistencies, he's going to be a heck of a player. Why cut him loose so early?

[netwolf]

prior to his injury orpik was better.... but since the comeback... ick. orpik has been bad.

I thought the first game back against Philly was one of his best games this year. His issue is inconsistency. That's common among young guys and that may go away as he matures. It could also plague him for a while, but given where he's ceiling is, it would be best to give him more time.

[NIN]

What should the Pens do with Orpik?

They should keep him. No defenseman is going to have a perfect game every time out. I like the guy and hope he's a Penguin for life.



So there.

DITTO.

[Steve]

Orpik is going to be a very good player for the Pens, a leader, and a warrior type player that we'll need in the playoffs. (and yes, we will make the playoffs someday ).

He has a ton of upside, and he'll be a fan favorite for years to come...


Let's go Pens!

[randy]

These Orpik bashers are a bunch of college students that have an axe to grind with him, theyve been doing it for all season, and have even gotten some comments through Mark Madden, which makes me think DU. Brooks probably stole one of their girlfriends away.

[Pipes Hochuli]

i've had my share of bashing of orpik every know and then....when prompted. i still see upside to him but he needs to prove more smarts before we get all hyped up about him.