Soon everyone will see what we see buddy.

Seriously though, Crosby whining/diving/moaning/grumbling/stealing/beating up little kids is all so blown out of proportion.
- canadianpenfan

After I beat him down I now have respect for him

I remember watching video of him in juniors just before he was drafted and thinking this was hockey's biggest leap...like going from the pre 1969 music scene to Led Zeppelin.
To this day I think he's the most elegant athelete I ever saw. Everything about his game was perfection and yet he did it during stretches where he couldn't even tie his own skates due to back pain.
- keaner17

Man, I like you...

Over the years I have been called bias or a homer so many god damn times for having this same point of view. In my eyes, from a straight skill perspective, he's the best to ever play.

If Mario had Kurri and Coffey etc, played when the officiating in the league allowed you to skate, and avoided major health issues it's scary to think what kind of numbers he would have put up. That's alot of "if's" I know, but that's how i feel.

What makes my feelings about him genuine is that I never really liked him as a person. When I was a kid he dissed me for an autograph and I'll never forget it.

Agree 1000% if he could have stayed healthy or if he had the supporting cast around him that Grez had in Edmonton.... he would own every damn record.


XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

I agree with this post. I liked Mario alot more than Gretz. He was my hero

Man, I like you...

Over the years I have been called bias or a homer so many god damn times for having this same point of view. In my eyes, from a straight skill perspective, he's the best to ever play.

If Mario had Kurri and Coffey etc, played when the officiating in the league allowed you to skate, and avoided major health issues it's scary to think what kind of numbers he would have put up. That's alot of "if's" I know, but that's how i feel.

What makes my feelings about him genuine is that I never really liked him as a person. When I was a kid he dissed me for an autograph and I'll never forget it.
- canadianpenfan

You homer

You homer
- kasperrko

At least I'm not a homer in disguise.

Man, I like you...

Over the years I have been called bias or a homer so many god damn times for having this same point of view. In my eyes, from a straight skill perspective, he's the best to ever play.

If Mario had Kurri and Coffey etc, played when the officiating in the league allowed you to skate, and avoided major health issues it's scary to think what kind of numbers he would have put up. That's alot of "if's" I know, but that's how i feel.

What makes my feelings about him genuine is that I never really liked him as a person. When I was a kid he dissed me for an autograph and I'll never forget it.
- canadianpenfan

Mario became far more receptive to fans later in his career. I think his first retirement really made him appreciate things a bit more.
I think of Mario in the same terms as Barry Sanders. Sure people are always going to mention Emmitt because his name's in the record books, but the film speaks for itself. The only difference was, as you mentioned, supporting cast. Like Barry, Lemieux carried his teamates. The game changed so much from 1989 on that very few players managed to keep the pace of the 1980's...except for Lemieux. Sure Gretzky was getting older but the entrance of the clutch and grab NHL made Gretzky a very ordinary goal scorer with other worldly passing ability, like Adam Oates on steroids.
Lemieux meanwhile continued to do both better than anyone in the league.

Mixing his incredible instinct and talent with a 6'4" frame made him the ultimate hockey weapon. When fans gasp at the occasional incredible moves of a Malkin, Crosby, Tavares, Stamkos etc....it's a shame so many don't know that Lemieux did those things 2-3 times a night.

At least I'm not a homer in disguise.
- canadianpenfan

I like Mario better too.

I like Mario better too.
- hscesq

I like the Wizard of Oz....

sorry...had to do it.

Mario became far more receptive to fans later in his career. I think his first retirement really made him appreciate things a bit more.
I think of Mario in the same terms as Barry Sanders. Sure people are always going to mention Emmitt because his name's in the record books, but the film speaks for itself. The only difference was, as you mentioned, supporting cast. Like Barry, Lemieux carried his teamates. The game changed so much from 1989 on that very few players managed to keep the pace of the 1980's...except for Lemieux. Sure Gretzky was getting older but the entrance of the clutch and grab NHL made Gretzky a very ordinary goal scorer with other worldly passing ability, like Adam Oates on steroids.
Lemieux meanwhile continued to do both better than anyone in the league.

Mixing his incredible instinct and talent with a 6'4" frame made him the ultimate hockey weapon. When fans gasp at the occasional incredible moves of a Malkin, Crosby, Tavares, Stamkos etc....it's a shame so many don't know that Lemieux did those things 2-3 times a night.
- keaner17

True, he was too cool for school when he first started playing, (which is when i waited 3 (frank)ing hours for him to sign my card and he didn't even show ) but he seemed to appreciate his position and give back more after the first few years. You think i was mad at Mario? You should have seen my dad.

I think Barry Sanders is a great example. Even though the opposition didn't have another single person to worry about he torched them. Sanders was so quiet but so, so lethal. He could have played another 5-7 seasons easily, but he went out on his terms.

What you said in your second paragraph sums it up. 2-3 times a night is about right. I still watch my 10 best games in Pens history box sets every couple months or so. I miss him, the Flyers don't.

I like Mario better too.
- hscesq

You're my favorite ref, don't tell the others.

I agree with this post. I liked Mario alot more than Gretz. He was my hero
- kasperrko

I also feel same. Mario > Gretz in my book.


Oh hi folks

I also feel same. Mario > Gretz in my book.


Oh hi folks
- B.D. Gallof

Homecoming?

Homecoming?
- keaner17

i like to visit for old farm once in a while.

i think reaction to last two games a bit too overwrought. first 6 were nice, but PK/PP was doomed to fall to earth. Real key...and Dee, ask Garth on this... besides sending him my love... is the 5 on 5. Its still lagging, and did during those first 6 gms too. must get better.

i like to visit for old farm once in a while.

i think reaction to last two games a bit too overwrought. first 6 were nice, but PK/PP was doomed to fall to earth. Real key...and Dee, ask Garth on this... besides sending him my love... is the 5 on 5. Its still lagging, and did during those first 6 gms too. must get better.
- B.D. Gallof

The important thing to me is the power play still is demonstrating decent puck control and cycling. So while they may not have finished, the looks and opportunities are still there. As long as they stay composed and don't change out of desperationi, the goals will come.
As for 5 on 5, while I don't think Bailey and Viz are necesarily difference makers by any means, their injection to the lineup moves lesser players into more appropriate roles thus making us that much better in 5 on 5 scenarios.
We'll see....
I am curious, since it's been a hot topic here, as to your opinion on Okposo at this point and just how far the sands have slipped through the hourglass on his tenure with the Isles.

The important thing to me is the power play still is demonstrating decent puck control and cycling. So while they may not have finished, the looks and opportunities are still there. As long as they stay composed and don't change out of desperationi, the goals will come.
As for 5 on 5, while I don't think Bailey and Viz are necesarily difference makers by any means, their injection to the lineup moves lesser players into more appropriate roles thus making us that much better in 5 on 5 scenarios.
We'll see....
I am curious, since it's been a hot topic here, as to your opinion on Okposo at this point and just how far the sands have slipped through the hourglass on his tenure with the Isles.
- keaner17

Why doesn't Captain Jack swap Okposo with Grabner for a few games?

The important thing to me is the power play still is demonstrating decent puck control and cycling. So while they may not have finished, the looks and opportunities are still there. As long as they stay composed and don't change out of desperationi, the goals will come.
As for 5 on 5, while I don't think Bailey and Viz are necesarily difference makers by any means, their injection to the lineup moves lesser players into more appropriate roles thus making us that much better in 5 on 5 scenarios.
We'll see....
I am curious, since it's been a hot topic here, as to your opinion on Okposo at this point and just how far the sands have slipped through the hourglass on his tenure with the Isles.
- keaner17

i've spoken to people on Okposo who still think reaction on him is a bit over the top. He is not a puckfeeder, so might not have been best choice on line 1 (personally I'd like to see Bailey there, not Boyes. Boyes more positional and can score).

Okposo more a power forward, grinder/dig out puck. But i don't think he's with right linemates to do that. I don't think he's a top liner, per say. I personally think his game would work better with Frans on line 3 (or with Brock Nelson next season).

this all said, I do think some vets (Okposo, Streit, Frans) fair game via trade this season. Too many kids/talent coming up. I think there is a list of those expendable, just like there was one when Garth was fishing for Guerin and Ryan Smyth... and then got Smyth that yr. I think he would like to be a buyer.

Why doesn't Captain Jack swap Okposo with Grabner for a few games?
- canadianpenfan

Grabner not a passer. Moulson/Tavares are the finishers. 3 finishers with a lack of good PP or offensive D to get puck to them is a tough go.

Why doesn't Captain Jack swap Okposo with Grabner for a few games?
- canadianpenfan

other issue is if you place Grabs on line 1... who scores on line 2? Line 1 draws the best. If shut down, offense must derive goals elsewhere.

Why doesn't Captain Jack swap Okposo with Grabner for a few games?
- canadianpenfan

I honestly don't like the idea of Grabner on the top line. I think JT and MM need someone who can be big, physical and speedy. Someone who can battle in the corners a bit. I think ultimately that answer is possibly Nino but in the short term I wouldn't mind seeing Ullstrom there. Even though he's not big, Cizikas wouldn't be a terrible guy to try there either. In the meantime, I'd drop Okposo back with Nielsen and Grabner since they've shown decent cheimistry in the past.

I just don't think Okposo is skilled enough or fast enough to play with those 2. With Grabner at least he could skate the puck down the ice and then JT can finish it off when Grabner shoots it right into the goalies pads on a breakway.

I honestly don't like the idea of Grabner on the top line. I think JT and MM need someone who can be big, physical and speedy. Someone who can battle in the corners a bit. I think ultimately that answer is possibly Nino but in the short term I wouldn't mind seeing Ullstrom there. Even though he's not big, Cizikas wouldn't be a terrible guy to try there either. In the meantime, I'd drop Okposo back with Nielsen and Grabner since they've shown decent cheimistry in the past.
- keaner17

I really like Cizikas, which means I'll probably hate Cizikas over the next few years.

You're my favorite ref, don't tell the others.
- canadianpenfan

I get this a lot.

I just don't think Okposo is skilled enough or fast enough to play with those 2. With Grabner at least he could skate the puck down the ice and then JT can finish it off when Grabner shoots it right into the goalies pads on a breakway.
- canadianpenfan

If JT and Moulson need more space, to me the answer is to get someone who can attract a lot of attention in the corners. Since Grabs isn't much of a stickhandler, I think we need to find someone who can battle and pull defensive players into the sideboards. So a big body like Ullstrom or gritty battler with some offensive skill like Cizikas fit that mold most in the short term. Eventually though there has te be a better solution (Nino? Kirill?)

i've spoken to people on Okposo who still think reaction on him is a bit over the top. He is not a puckfeeder, so might not have been best choice on line 1 (personally I'd like to see Bailey there, not Boyes. Boyes more positional and can score).

Okposo more a power forward, grinder/dig out puck. But i don't think he's with right linemates to do that. I don't think he's a top liner, per say. I personally think his game would work better with Frans on line 3 (or with Brock Nelson next season).


- B.D. Gallof[this all said, I do think some vets (Okposo, Streit, Frans) fair game via trade this season. Too many kids/talent coming up. I think there is a list of those expendable, just like there was one when Garth was fishing for Guerin and Ryan Smyth... and then got Smyth that yr. I think he would like to be a buyer.

I honestly think the Isles need to move Streit this year. I think we overpaid to bring him in (at the time) and managed to get as much out of him as we could have hoped however he is simply not a top pairing dman. In fact, I find his defensive play, offensive. In addition, his work on the power play over the last two years has been very disappointing to me. I think he often struggles to keep the puck in the zone more than others, and tends to be too tentative in his deceision making. Like so many on this team over the last decade, he's been put in a role that's above his skill level. At 35 yeas old, I'd sell now while we can . We have a few decent puck moving dmen in our system that can take over the role if we don't manage to actually sign a replacement. In the short tem, Hamonic would be fine there.
If we're to find one thing this power play truly needs, it's a blaster from the point.

I honestly think the Isles need to move Streit this year. I think we overpaid to bring him in (at the time) and managed to get as much out of him as we could have hoped however he is simply not a top pairing dman. In fact, I find his defensive play, offensive. In addition, his work on the power play over the last two years has been very disappointing to me. I think he often struggles to keep the puck in the zone more than others, and tends to be too tentative in his deceision making. Like so many on this team over the last decade, he's been put in a role that's above his skill level. At 35 yeas old, I'd sell now while we can . We have a few decent puck moving dmen in our system that can take over the role if we don't manage to actually sign a replacement. In the short tem, Hamonic would be fine there.
If we're to find one thing this power play truly needs, it's a blaster from the point.
- keaner17

Three words:

Marc-Andre Bergeron.

Edit: Really two, with a hyphen.