Well, well, well...things are certainly starting to get interesting around here as we scream towards the NHL’s trading deadline. First, we lived through a coaching change that has thus far produced a 3-2 shoot out loss and now we have rumors running wild in the streets including everyone from the “Cotton Candy Guy” to Evgeni Malkin.
First off, let me say that Evgeni Malkin is going no where. As I said in the comments section of my latest blog, if the Penguins move a big name it is going to be someone along the lines of Jordan Staal or Ryan Whitney. Evgeni Malkin is an MVP candidate and leading the league in scoring, he is signed to a long term deal and is blossoming into a leader. Suuuure that is exactly the type of asset you move to HELP your franchise.
Moving on.... there are many things to comment on and when that is the case, I enjoy breaking out the “Just Saying...” format. As I have mentioned in the past “just saying...” is my periodic homage to one of my favorite sports bloggers, Matthew Berry, over at ESPN.com. If you haven’t checked out his work, please do so, as it is very entertaining.
With that... I’m just saying...
...that Evgeni Malkin will not be traded. He has proven to be one of, if not the best player in the league and that is no way to make your team better.
...that players like Hal Gill, Mark Eaton, Jordan Staal, Ryan Whitney, and Ruslan Fedotenko are more likely to be dealt.
...that it is tiring reading internet speculation regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning having scouts at the Mellon Arena lately. Sure a deal might be in the works, but the scout in question is Greg Malone, who uses Pittsburgh as his scouting hub. He is in the building more often than I am and I cover the team on a daily basis. Being here 6 of the last 8 games means about the same thing as the 20 times he was in prior to that...he is utilizing the Pens schedule to get a good look at a bunch of different teams...especially since the recent schedule contained several Western Conference foes.
...that if Miro Satan remains on the team for the remainder of the season, he will score at least 10 goals in the last 24 games. Bold, aren’t I??
...that Petr Sykora will ink an extension before July 1st. Ray Shero wants him to stay and he wants to be here. Any doubt about it went out the window when the coaching change occurred. Sykora really enjoys playing with Malkin, and the only Malkin in the league is here in Pittsburgh.
...that just about every trade that happens between now and March 4th will not be talked about by anyone except the two GMs who are closing the deal. I heard that from a wise man earlier today...though I still love speculating and talking hockey rumors!
...that it is mind blowing that the Red Wings would be willing to move players that were productive members of their team with youth on their side to sign Franzen and Hossa to big deal. I get that it wouldn’t be easy to move players of that caliber, but Hudler is a very talented hockey player who is still pretty damn young.
...that Dan Bylsma will get this team into the playoffs and secure the head coaching job for himself. How could they go in a different direction if he does get them in? I don’t think that you can do it.
...that I really like what I have heard from Bylsma thus far. He will have this team playing a more aggressive style of hockey, one that attacks the opponent with speed and skill. Ray Shero’s deadline moves will bring in some speed to help the transition to that style go more smoothly.
...that it is clear that Michel Therrien was still respected by a large portion of the locker room. Many around town would have you believe that the room was ready to erupt with euphoria upon hearing the news...it simply wasn’t the case. Many members of the team called him or sent text messages of support.
...that Todd Richards immediately becomes a candidate for the Penguins head coaching job if Ray Shero does not retain Dan Bylsma.
...that I finally tried the Pizza Hut lasagna...though it didn’t taste bad, it gave me the worst heartburn of my entire life! It is a shame how far Pizza Hut has allowed their core product to slide, while it focuses on pasta and desert items! But hey...if actual Italians from Italy like it as much as their mother’s own...
...that if you aren’t listening to the Penguins Hockey Buzzcast w/ Metzer and May on Monday evenings, you should be downloading it over at Itunes or Talkshoe.com. Folks who listen seem to dig it...you should also become a fan of the show at Facebook.com and follow my twitter... (links below)
...that if Alex Kovalev is on the outs in Montreal, I would gladly have him pull on a black and vegas gold jersey again.
...that I am addicted to the show Scrubs and have been for years! I watch at least three episodes every night...sometimes five if it happens to be a day that the new network shows are playing.
...that Alex Goligoski will make his long awaited return to Pittsburgh after the trade deadline if things shake out the way I think they will.
...that part three of my run up to the trade deadline blogs will be up tomorrow.
...that I have been listening to an awful lot of Tyrone Wells...you should check him out.
...that I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
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