Mark Recchi speaks out, a retro-look back & the Heinz History Center
Mark Recchi with Sidney Crosby, during an informal lockout skate in October
Mark Recchi shared his opinions on the lockout in the
Boston Globe a couple days ago.
Here’s an excerpt from Kevin Paul Dupont’s article.
Recchi was stunned three years ago when the players abruptly fired Paul Kelly as the union’s executive director, and was among the very few in the Bruins’ dressing room to let his feelings known, especially to teammate Andrew Ference, who helped lead the mutiny against Kelly. He felt Kelly was the right man for the job, someone who could protect the players’ best interests while also working to build on a true partnership with the league.
“A dark time,’’ said Recchi, reflecting on Kelly’s ouster. “And it has been frustrating to see how it’s played out, obviously. If Paul had stayed on the job, I don’t think you would have seen this happen. The two sides would have started talking long before, maybe a year sooner [in 2011], and not with two or three months to go before [the CBA] expired. There would have been something in place, absolutely. And now here they are, trying to get to 50 percent [an even split of revenue] and also trying to make everyone whole. Well, you know, with the escrow we paid, I know I wasn’t made whole over the last few years I played. That’s just the way it was and we accepted it.’’
Earlier in the article, Recchi said that what looks bad to the players isn’t necessarily so.
“They’re always going to get paid, no matter what. Look at that last deal. We ended up with the cap and everyone thought it was a bad deal. But it ended up great, right? No matter what the system is, or has been, the players get their money. No matter what the contract, the owners always find a way to pay them more. That’s why I say, get a deal and get back in there . . . the money’s always there.’’
The voice of a senior respected NHL veteran is needed here. Sidney Crosby is great but he might be a little too young for the role.
*****
In one of the most lopsided Hockey Buzz polls ever, 89 percent of respondents voted to keep shot blocking in the game. We even got some interestingly specific feedback.
sammy87
When I was in 9th grade i went down to block a shot and made a huge mistake. I went on my hip and was going a lil faster than I thought, took a slapper right in the jock! I still have nightmares from that.
and some interesting suggestions …
druryisclutch
No....but why does the short-handed team get the benefit of icing the puck? I say if they do ice it, call it, and faceoff in your own end with not being able to change lines either. And don't allow a timeout by the offending icing team.....EVER!!
and some little-known facts …
ODalton
In the game of broomball there is a team penalty called "blockade" if all the members of your team collapse below the circle for a certain period of time it is a minor penalty.
And unabashed commentary …
and finally a zinger.
zigger91
this is by far the dumbest question i have ever heard. and of course its from a penguins blogger.
Thanks to all who voted and sharing opinions!
*****
What does Mario Lemieux have in common with Alexandre Daigle, Wayne Primeau, Steve McKenna, Kent Manderville and Jan Hrdina?
Lemieux and the other players handled faceoff duty for the Penguins in a 1-1 tie with Minnesota 10 years ago tonight.
Marc Bergevin scored Pittsburgh’s lone goal while Richard Park filled the net for the Wild.
Minny’s Manny Fernandez was named the Game’s no. 1 star while the Moose Johan Hedberg was named the second star. Park was third.
A young Pascal Dupuis saw six more seconds on the Wild power play (4:41) than Andrew Brunette (4:35) and finished plus-1. Dupuis totaled 32:27 TOI on the Pens’ power play for all of 2011-12.
Five years ago on Nov. 15, the Pens beat the New York Islanders, 3-2 at Mellon Arena. Georges Laraque was credited with the game-winning goal as his second-period score proved to be the difference.
Evgeni Malkin collected his 18th and 19th assists while playing on a line with Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy.
Sidney Crosby set up Laraque’s score for his 18th helper. Crosby centered a line with Ryan Malone and Petr Sykora.
Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 26 of 28 shots to get the win over a healthy Rick DiPietro.
Pittsburgh’s defensive pairings included:
Ryan Whitney-Rob Scuderi
Mark Eaton-Sergei Gonchar
Kris Letang-Brooks Orpik
*****
You’ve got until January 6 to get to the Heinz History Center to see the NFL’s
Gridiron Glory traveling exhibit. Pittsburgh is the first stop for the showing and it’s well worth your time.
Steelers HOF busts on display, with Jack Ham's closest to the camera
The used helmet of Chuck Noll's first draft pick and arguably the most important player in Steelers history
Mean Joe .. oh wait, Terry Bradshaw looking all tough for his HOF bust -- eat your heart out Hollywood Henderson
Bradshaw once got spiked in the head after his helmet fell off by Buffalo's Jim Haslett
The Chief, Art Rooney Sr., was literally in an elevator at Three Rivers Stadium when the Immaculate Reception play happened
The last photo shows a write-up of Frankie Filchock completing the first ever NFL 99-yard touchdown pass (against the Pittsburgh Pirates, I might add). Filchock quarterbacked the Montreal Alouettes to a CFL Grey Cup championship, was the first coach of the Denver Broncos and got in hot water over a dismissed gambling issue. He was also the brother of my 93-year-old Aunt Helen's boyfriend, Victor. RIP, both Frank & Victor.
*****
Treasure Life!
JT
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»