Game 14 vs Ottawa - Thoughts from the morning after

[Jopaz]

Following the Cooke-Neil fight, and given that the game was basically over with less than 2 minutes left, does anyone think that maybe Crosby and Malkin did not really need to go out for that final power play? At that point, they were prime targets for a cheap shot and maybe the 2nd PP group could have taken the shift.

[danish_penguin]

- Keep Cooke with Neal and Malkin!!!

That would be very nice. Boychuk has shown nothing and has no goals and no assists in his 7 games so far.

[pugilist13]

I have to say, Engelland was terrible last night...and terrible is putting it nicely. He was so far out of position on the second OTT goal, he may as well have not even been out there.

Meh, the giveaway in the neutral zone started the whole mess. O'Brien was on the far boards when he took the pass. It's he vs. Fleury at that point, regardless of who the Dman is. I agree Engelland hasn't played well recently, but wouldn't call him out on that one. I dont like Despres with Engelland or Bortuzzo. Let him stay with Letang. Cycle Nisky with the bottom pair guy. He'll still get his minutes in special teams and with other partners.

[danish_penguin]

Best game so far this season. And very entertaining with lots of shots in both ends. Nice to se our power play clicking and great to see Martin play a great game. With Niskanen, Letang and a good Martin, we have some skill on the defence as well as physical pressence with Orpik, Engelland.

One thing I like about Shero's moves lately, is that we are getting rid of som players, who didn't had a future in Pittsburgh. Lovejoy and Tangradi. That gives som experience to the young guys? Will Jeffrey be the next one to leave?

[slappybrown]

What is up with the ice at the CEC? People have been falling all year and the puck looks so jumpy on our sticks at times.

[Penspal]

What is up with the ice at the CEC? People have been falling all year and the puck looks so jumpy on our sticks at times.

Bingo, I meant to say this in the thread opener. Its been mentioned on the broadcast that the ice was bad, what gives?

[shmenguin]

bad ice has always been a CEC specialty. there was probably a concert there 3 months ago and things haven't gotten back to normal.

[llipgh2]

Bryan Murray holding a presser at 12:45pm today to discuss the "Karlsson/Cooke" incident.

STFU already, Sylvester.

[llipgh2]

Bryan Murray holding a presser at 12:45pm today to discuss the "Karlsson/Cooke" incident.

STFU already, Sylvester.

[RisslingsMissingTeeth]

Anybody see TK's minute count last night? Interesting.

[shmenguin]

Anybody see TK's minute count last night? Interesting.

playing time usually isn't very interesting to analyze. unless someone is explicitly demoted during a game (the tangradi effect), it's usually all just circumstantial.

[penny lane]

be classy Bryan!

*gene and sutter not at practice today.

[Penspal]

Following the Cooke-Neil fight, and given that the game was basically over with less than 2 minutes left, does anyone think that maybe Crosby and Malkin did not really need to go out for that final power play? At that point, they were prime targets for a cheap shot and maybe the 2nd PP group could have taken the shift.

Yeah, the same thought crossed my mind, but I'm sure they were warned to keep their heads up.

[ron_duguays_hair]

Anyone think that Cooke was targeting Karllson (sp?) because Letang got run? I can't say he did it on purpose but I can imagine he was out for revenge.

[MRandall25]

Anyone think that Cooke was targeting Karllson (sp?) because Letang got run? I can't say he did it on purpose but I can imagine he was out for revenge.

No.

It was a play that happens 50 times in a game and never ends that poorly.

[Fire0nice228]

- Keep Cooke with Neal and Malkin!!!

That would be very nice. Boychuk has shown nothing and has no goals and no assists in his 7 games so far.

I'd say thats a bit of an overstatement. He has had a few glorious opportunities that he hasn't been able to bury. Tangradi showed nothing. Boychuk was atleast a mile or two ahead of Tangradi in that department.


-1 period of Cooke playing well on the Malkin/Neal line doesnt mean he is 'the answer' so I think everyone should reel that back in a little bit

-MAF was pretty good IMO. First goal flukey (but we say that alot it seems) and second goal was a nice hard rising wrister that handcuffed him a bit. He got a piece but not enough. Came back and stoned Alfie to keep the game close. Huge save and good to see him recover from 2 quick ones to make that point blank save with the leg.

-Sid still too much fancy passes. What is he thinking drop pass as he cuts through the slot between two defenders. KISS man

[joe icepick]

Both Murray's are hard to take, now i see there is another one being groomed.

[Avyran]

Anyone think that Cooke was targeting Karllson (sp?) because Letang got run? I can't say he did it on purpose but I can imagine he was out for revenge.

Nope. As Aaron Ward showed in the TSN clip, completely standard hockey play gone wrong.

Awful that it happened, but hopefully it pushes people to finally strengthen the protection for their legs. It's not like they have a bunch of incredibly sharp blades under their feet or anything. Not trying to make a joke of it at all; it's amazing this doesn't happen more often.

[Gaucho]

Crosby's drop pass in the slot was mind-boggling. For a moment I allowed myself to be worried about his overall mental health.

[joe icepick]

First I heard of the kevlar socks, should be mandatory to wear.

[sil]

Crosby's drop pass in the slot was mind-boggling. For a moment I allowed myself to be worried about his overall mental health.

I was thinking that he must have gotten too close to Anderson, and his freakishly tiny head scared Sid.

[meow]

First I heard of the kevlar socks, should be mandatory to wear.

I wear the socks and there is no difference in the feel/thickness of the socks from normal socks. The only guys that would be opposed to making them mandatory are the guys that don't wear socks in their skates.

[shmenguin]

how are those pads legal?

[ffemtreed]

I think this was the first game this season the Pens had a consistent forcheck the entire game. It was very pleasant to watch!

[sil]

how are those pads legal?

What do you mean!? Of course they're legal!!!