Back in July when Miroslav Satan contacted Ray Shero about signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he couldn’t have imagined things would turn out like this. Being mired in a what could be categorized as a season long slump, becoming – in most fans eyes – the poster child for the Penguins many failures and ultimately clearing waivers and being assigned to the Penguins American Hockey League affiliate. However, that is exactly what happened to the 14 year NHL veteran.
Satan started quickly out of the gates this season, but from November on managed to become an invisible man of sorts. Of course he had been known as a streaky player throughout his career, but when the Penguins started to lose games at an alarming rate earlier this year he was pushed down the depth chart. He spent a significant chunk of the season in a checking role and didn’t get a sniff of top line duty again until Dan Bylsma took over in mid February. That cost him, as he floundered even more in the checking role. He just isn’t that kind of player.
When Bylsma was handed the reigns he chose to revamp the teams line combinations and slotting Satan in among his top six. He managed to record 4 pts (3G 1A) in the 8 games he player under Dan Bylsma, but that wasn’t enough to keep him in the Penguins plans after the team added three forwards during this year’s trade deadline. Satan was placed on waivers March 3, 2009. Not a single GM made a claim and he was assigned to Wilkes Barre Scranton.
Satan, who seemed reclusive and subdued during his time in Pittsburgh, took the opportunity to show what kind of person he really is and the heart that is in possession of. He decided to report to Wilkes Barre Scranton in hopes of helping the team win, all the while showing that he can still play at a high level in hopes of getting back to the NHL.
"I had basically the choice to stop playing or continue playing here," Satan told Johnathan Bombulie of the Citizen’s Voice in Wilkes Barre Scranton. "I decided I want to keep playing and I want to help this team down here and see what happens, where it takes me."
Satan should be commended for his professionalism throughout this process. It cannot be easy being demoted to the minors after such a long NHL career. Especially when you feel that you still have something to contribute. I tend to agree with that assessment, as he was starting to play a much-improved brand of hockey. I chock it up to the faith the new coaching staff showing in him by placing back in a prominent role.
The Slovakian forward said shortly after Michel Therrien was fired and Dan Bylsma met with the team for the first time:
"We were told to try and rediscover the fun and enjoy the game. Time will tell if this move works. It's up to us. We all know missing the playoffs is not an option, but I believe we have the team to make the playoffs. We can be a great team."
The player could have been talking about himself when he said “rediscover the fun” and “time will tell if the move works,” but I have new found respect for him today as he is willing to take a step back to get to where he wants to be.
Satan can be recalled after the playoffs begin without effecting the salary cap, as it is not in effect during the post season. Ray Shero has not made any promises that the former 40 goals scorer will be recalled and he has been placed on the Wilkes Barre Scranton clear day roster making him eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs.
I am going two for two…as you are know, I was in Erie for the Motley Crue Saints of Los Angeles Tour last weekend. This week it is a trip to the Wheeling Island Casino Showroom for a date with Bret Michaels. For anyone who hasn’t seen Bret Michaels solo performance and is a fan of that type of music, you definitely should check it out. He tends to play more intimate venues, his band is great and you get a hearty dose of Poison tunes as well as plenty of Bret’s solo material.
Of course I will be trying my luck in the Casino, but if last week was any indication I am not getting my hopes up to high.
I will be back tomorrow afternoon, live at Mellon Arena, to take in the Penguins 3:00pm match up with the Ottawa Senators.
Until then…have a great Friday night and a very safe St. Pat’s Saturday!
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