Why should Rossi be pumping his tires?

Say what you want about the guy but he was never shy about giving his opinion or criticizing players.
- 87_71_11_29

I don't think he should, but like I said, as of like a year ago, he was writing a book on Malkin, you'd think getting that close to someone, he'd put him in the best light. Unless the book thing fell through and Rossi's mad about it....

Either way, Rossi is good at two things, creating stories and inserting himself into the story some how. "Not many people have seen how Malkin is in Moscow, but I have..." Blah blah blah

I want essentially all the wingers that are tapped for the top six to be put in a pot... and let their game play decide which wing they stay on. Obviously, some players can't play both wings well (Iginla), so we will see if they are capable. I would hate to have Hornqvist come in with so high of expectations and be made uncomfortable just to make the team happy. Leave him on the right, see how others do on the left.

I think Beau pulled it off pretty well last year (playing on his off wing). As far as his wrist, I am not worried, I just think it has always been the same exact injury, just not managed properly. hopefully they got it right this time.

I would love to see Kapanen make it. Imagine if he meshes with Sid. Maybe Hornqvist does go with Sid instead of Geno. I think Sid can play better with new linemates than Geno. So, put Kunitz with Geno and Kapanen, so he has some comfort, and put Hornqvist with Sid and Bennett... Both get some comfort.

This, of course, is assuming Kapanen makes the team and Bennett is healthy.

This makes the Sutter, Downie, Dupuis line look alot more solid.

Thoughts?
- toad268

I'm probably in the minority here, but I think Downie is a 4th liner. I would rather having Spaling on the third.

But I think that's a lateral move as far as a trade. Why would Edm do that deal?
- 87_71_11_29

Because they have Hall, Eberle, Yakupov, Perron, Purcell, and B. Pouliot on the wings. And they are weak with centers. They are the type of team that loves a 1st round pick. I could see this type of trade.

I want essentially all the wingers that are tapped for the top six to be put in a pot... and let their game play decide which wing they stay on. Obviously, some players can't play both wings well (Iginla), so we will see if they are capable. I would hate to have Hornqvist come in with so high of expectations and be made uncomfortable just to make the team happy. Leave him on the right, see how others do on the left.
- toad268

That is one big positive with an entirely new coaching staff. They have no loyalties to certain players or combinations. In theory, they should experiment more.

And if they do, we need to contain ourselves from flipping out over every line combination in a random stretch of regular season games lol. Because the first time Spaling or Downie or whomever gets a couple of games with Sid or Geno, there will be day spent here with people complaining and proposing 15 other line combinations that they think would work better.

Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins season is not going to come down to a meeting with his coach in Moscow. Evgeni Malkin doesn't need to achieve this magical next gear that has alluded him. Evgeni Malkin needs to keep doing what he has been doing for years which is be a top 5 player in the league.

What needs to change (and has) are the scrubs that played below him amongst the forward ranks.

Don't be misled into believing the key lies with Crosby and Malkin. They always play well. The key is with the rest of the operation so 87/71 aren't left on an island doing everything themselves like they have been.

Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins season is not going to come down to a meeting with his coach in Moscow. Evgeni Malkin doesn't need to achieve this magical next gear that has alluded him. Evgeni Malkin needs to keep doing what he has been doing for years which is be a top 5 player in the league.

What needs to change (and has) are the scrubs that played below him amongst the forward ranks.

Don't be misled into believing the key lies with Crosby and Malkin. They always play well. The key is with the rest of the operation so 87/71 aren't left on an island doing everything themselves like they have been.
- Ryan_Wilson

We were just discussing how reduction in those difficult minutes and better match ups will probably leave more in the tank for them come playoffs. Thats all due to a better bottom 6

I'm probably in the minority here, but I think Downie is a 4th liner. I would rather having Spaling on the third.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I dont think your in the minority... I can deal with Spaling in there too... I was simply concentrating on the top six...

This might be just me, but I am very anxious for Crosby and Malkin to be battling for most points one season. Or at least both in the top 3 or 5 at the end of the year. Just want to see that rivalry be competitive, each trying to outscore the other, and both lines being fueled by it.

Also, entertainment value.
- Guile

Like the race in '96 with Jags and 66? Even though Mario missed some time Jagr at least made it interesting.

Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins season is not going to come down to a meeting with his coach in Moscow. Evgeni Malkin doesn't need to achieve this magical next gear that has alluded him. Evgeni Malkin needs to keep doing what he has been doing for years which is be a top 5 player in the league.

What needs to change (and has) are the scrubs that played below him amongst the forward ranks.

Don't be misled into believing the key lies with Crosby and Malkin. They always play well. The key is with the rest of the operation so 87/71 aren't left on an island doing everything themselves like they have been.
- Ryan_Wilson

Are people losing it over the coach meeting the players? I'd think it's just him doing his due diligence and getting familiar with his players. Then again, if it were in Flyerland I know a lot of people would construe it as some kind of major disgrace.

Kind of corny and non-Penguins related but I always like watching these things...saw a video on the Kesler deal (and there's a link there on the Seguin deal as well)

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...ust-discuss-kesler-trade/

it makes me want to see more on the Neal trade ...or just start a whole reality show with all the assistant GMs

Perhaps Malkin is contemplating the KHL now that he can buy a summer house in the Crimea and not use a passport?

Either way, it is a bit odd the coach is flying out to Moscow to meet with him, and of course he is more relaxed there, he speaks the language.

Perhaps Malkin is contemplating the KHL now that he can buy a summer house in the Crimea and not use a passport?

Either way, it is a bit odd the coach is flying out to Moscow to meet with him, and of course he is more relaxed there, he speaks the language.
- sammy87

I think it's just a new NHL head coach who understands he has 2 all world talents and wants to go talk to them and become familiar with them. He went and met with Sid prior to this trip.

I think it's just a new NHL head coach who understands he has 2 all world talents and wants to go talk to them and become familiar with them. He went and met with Sid prior to this trip.
- dbell646

And it is Rossi pushing a book. The dude sucks.

Perhaps Malkin is contemplating the KHL now that he can buy a summer house in the Crimea and not use a passport?

Either way, it is a bit odd the coach is flying out to Moscow to meet with him, and of course he is more relaxed there, he speaks the language.
- sammy87

I always got the impression Malkin was among the least likely of Russian players to defect back to the motherland.

I always got the impression Malkin was among the least likely of Russian players to defect back to the motherland.
- BulliesPhan87

Isn't Ovechkin leaving the day before training camp this year? I hear the shame of his minus 500 season is making him run home.

I always got the impression Malkin was among the least likely of Russian players to defect back to the motherland.
- BulliesPhan87

I never thought Kovalchuk would have fled after the stunt he pulled in ATL and wanting to be near NY or LA for his model wife, getting the 20mil 1st yr up front then bolting.....You never know.

I never thought Kovalchuk would have fled after the stunt he pulled in ATL and wanting to be near NY or LA for his model wife, getting the 20mil 1st yr up front then bolting.....You never know.
- sammy87

I guess, but I never got the sense Kovalchuk particularly didn't want to defect. I get that impression from Malkin, he seems to prefer playing here.

Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins season is not going to come down to a meeting with his coach in Moscow. Evgeni Malkin doesn't need to achieve this magical next gear that has alluded him. Evgeni Malkin needs to keep doing what he has been doing for years which is be a top 5 player in the league.

What needs to change (and has) are the scrubs that played below him amongst the forward ranks.

Don't be misled into believing the key lies with Crosby and Malkin. They always play well. The key is with the rest of the operation so 87/71 aren't left on an island doing everything themselves like they have been.
- Ryan_Wilson

Still think they need another top 6 wing with puck skills to maximize their effectiveness :-)

I guess, but I never got the sense Kovalchuk particularly didn't want to defect. I get that impression from Malkin, he seems to prefer playing here.
- BulliesPhan87

Maybe that's what Malkin is doing in Russia...begging Iliya to come home to Pittsburgh, PA.

I guess, but I never got the sense Kovalchuk particularly didn't want to defect. I get that impression from Malkin, he seems to prefer playing here.
- BulliesPhan87

No body knows that. There would probably be more $$$ in the KHL and if he were to defect and try to build that league up, he would be a national hero.

Still think they need another top 6 wing with puck skills to maximize their effectiveness :-)
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Agree 100% and it doesn't have to be E. Kane, just someone with more skill. Nino, Okposo, Grabner.

Isn't Ovechkin leaving the day before training camp this year? I hear the shame of his minus 500 season is making him run home.
- Guile

He also got dumped by his hot tennis player who he was engaged to as well... I don't blame him for staying away.

No body knows that. There would probably be more $$$ in the KHL and if he were to defect and try to build that league up, he would be a national hero.
- sammy87

I never claimed to know it for fact, so uh... ok? He's already walked away from a significant offer from Putin after the lockout, so I'm pretty comfortable saying he probably won't defect.

No body knows that. There would probably be more $$$ in the KHL and if he were to defect and try to build that league up, he would be a national hero.
- sammy87

I dont think he would respond well to the pressure playing over there. Not so much on the ice but off it.

In the NHL, after every game, Sid fields most of the tough questions while Malkin showers, dresses, and heads to the bus. Only once in a while to you see or hear from 71.

I think Malkin prefers it that way.

I dont think he would respond well to the pressure playing over there. Not so much on the ice but off it.

In the NHL, after every game, Sid fields most of the tough questions while Malkin showers, dresses, and heads to the bus. Only once in a while to you see or hear from 71.

I think Malkin prefers it that way.
- 87_71_11_29

I always thought it was because Malkin was self conscious over how his English sounded.