I can see him being the type that reminds everyone he went to Harvard in about every other sentence he says. Kinda like someone that is on a gluten free diet.
- sammy87

He's not that guy, but I've talked to several Tribune writers in private who like the guy and find him entertaining, but agree that he can kind of rub teammates the wrong way.

I think the pressure is getting to him. I think he knows that he's not all that effective anymore (Rutherford got rid of him once before, remember) and that his career will be coming to a close sooner than he might like.

More I think about it, the more I'm up for "going for it" this year.

Lets face it, we only have a few years of 87/71 primes left. What, 5?

I'll trade any of the young D, Pouliot and Matta included to get the right players back.

I listened to Madden yesterday discuss how Justin Williams for Paul Martin deal could be made at any time. He believed Ruth was holding back to let the salary prorations iron out a bit more before pulling the trigger.

Rental for rental? I think I pull the trigger on that, put your faith in one of the younger D guys stepping up come playoff time, and move forward with the deepest set of forwards ever in the Crosby/Malkin era. Look at this lineup if we got Williams for Martin. That's pretty frickin good. Forget about the combos. Just look at the depth. HCMJ could do what he wanted to. Excuses gone for 87 and 71 about "having no wingers".

Perron-Crosby-Horny
Kunitz-Malkin-Williams
Bennett-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

Letang-Hoff
Despres-Borts
Maatta-Scuds
Pouliot

Kovacevic is hit or miss for me, but I agree with 100% of what he wrote last night:


We've heard before that Adams could be a jerk in the lockerroom at times, and not that kind of jerk that is needed to get people going once in a while, but just a kind of miserable jerk.

Nobody likes the practice hero, and you especially don't need that in a professional lockerroom in the middle of a first place team's season. Maybe if someone has been half assing it, a wakeup call could be understandable, but so far, he's apparently gone after the guy who has been carrying the team for much of the season, and the organizations' best prospect. Unacceptable.

Maybe it's desperation... maybe he's feeling the heat of a few guys who can legitimately take his job, and he saw that when he was out, but that doesn't matter.
- rival22

There have been multiple sources say the exact same thing. The guy is dbag in the room. I forget what reporter said it.....paraphrasing...."I've never seen a 4th line guy be so arrogant". Beyond the fact that he's not a good player, there's absolutely no reason to keep a guy that's a miserable wiener in the room.

I can see him being the type that reminds everyone he went to Harvard in about every other sentence he says. Kinda like someone that is on a gluten free diet.
- sammy87

More I think about it, the more I'm up for "going for it" this year.

Lets face it, we only have a few years of 87/71 primes left. What, 5?

I'll trade any of the young D, Pouliot and Matta included to get the right players back.

I listened to Madden yesterday discuss how Justin Williams for Paul Martin deal could be made at any time. He believed Ruth was holding back to let the salary prorations iron out a bit more before pulling the trigger.

Rental for rental? I think I pull the trigger on that, put your faith in one of the younger D guys stepping up come playoff time, and move forward with the deepest set of forwards ever in the Crosby/Malkin era. Look at this lineup if we got Williams for Martin. That's pretty frickin good. Forget about the combos. Just look at the depth. HCMJ could do what he wanted to. Excuses gone for 87 and 71 about "having no wingers".

Perron-Crosby-Horny
Kunitz-Malkin-Williams
Bennett-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

Letang-Hoff
Despres-Borts
Maatta-Scuds
Pouliot
- 87_71_11_29

After watching 58 QB the PP the other night and the way Despress is coming along. I don't think Martin will be missed anymore.

More I think about it, the more I'm up for "going for it" this year.

Lets face it, we only have a few years of 87/71 primes left. What, 5?

I'll trade any of the young D, Pouliot and Matta included to get the right players back.

I listened to Madden yesterday discuss how Justin Williams for Paul Martin deal could be made at any time. He believed Ruth was holding back to let the salary prorations iron out a bit more before pulling the trigger.

Rental for rental? I think I pull the trigger on that, put your faith in one of the younger D guys stepping up come playoff time, and move forward with the deepest set of forwards ever in the Crosby/Malkin era. Look at this lineup if we got Williams for Martin. That's pretty frickin good. Forget about the combos. Just look at the depth. HCMJ could do what he wanted to. Excuses gone for 87 and 71 about "having no wingers".

Perron-Crosby-Horny
Kunitz-Malkin-Williams
Bennett-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

Letang-Hoff
Despres-Borts
Maatta-Scuds
Pouliot
- 87_71_11_29

I'm on board for the Williams-Martin deal, maybe we can even get a pick due to PM being a top pairing/top 3 dman. Only thing that makes me a little hesitant is the Maatta situation, which could also be why Ruth is waiting on the supposed deal.

With that offensive depth, barring injuries (please god we've suffered enough through the years) where would Dupes slot in if he could? Do we roll an extra forward or an extra D?

I'm on board for the Williams-Martin deal, maybe we can even get a pick due to PM being a top pairing/top 3 dman. Only thing that makes me a little hesitant is the Maatta situation, which could also be why Ruth is waiting on the supposed deal.

With that offensive depth, barring injuries (please god we've suffered enough through the years) where would Dupes slot in if he could? Do we roll an extra forward or an extra D?
- znagle

There's also been a lot of talk out there that L.A. doesn't really want to trade Williams now...

What experience would that be? This is pure nonsense. On a hockey team, this stuff happens all the time, especially among good leaders. My teammates and I would fight in practice, and we respected the hell out of each other for taking it as seriously as you would take a game.

What nobody likes is the primadonnas who take it easy or hot dog a practice because they think they're too good for it. You want to make sure your star player doesn't get blown up in a game? Teach him how to not get blown up in practice.
- Sandus

More I think about it, the more I'm up for "going for it" this year.

Lets face it, we only have a few years of 87/71 primes left. What, 5?

I'll trade any of the young D, Pouliot and Matta included to get the right players back.

I listened to Madden yesterday discuss how Justin Williams for Paul Martin deal could be made at any time. He believed Ruth was holding back to let the salary prorations iron out a bit more before pulling the trigger.

Rental for rental? I think I pull the trigger on that, put your faith in one of the younger D guys stepping up come playoff time, and move forward with the deepest set of forwards ever in the Crosby/Malkin era. Look at this lineup if we got Williams for Martin. That's pretty frickin good. Forget about the combos. Just look at the depth. HCMJ could do what he wanted to. Excuses gone for 87 and 71 about "having no wingers".

Perron-Crosby-Horny
Kunitz-Malkin-Williams
Bennett-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

Letang-Hoff
Despres-Borts
Maatta-Scuds
Pouliot
- 87_71_11_29

Why do you have Bortz playing in the top 4 over Maatta? I think that would be a terrible mistake

After watching 58 QB the PP the other night and the way Despress is coming along. I don't think Martin will be missed anymore.
- sammy87

Bortz has had multiple suspect games in a row now. Scuds too. You'll miss Martin very much if those two are in the lineup.

Bortz is a 6th and Scuds is a 7th. If Maatta returns with no problems (not counting on it) and/or Harrington and Pouliot improve defensively then I agree. Right now, I'm not so sure.

There's also been a lot of talk out there that L.A. doesn't really want to trade Williams now...
- BINGO!

This was from Elliotte Friedman on Dec 30th:
Justin Williams wanted to table his extension discussions if not completed this week, but the Kings asked for more time. The request was granted.



So, it looks like the Kings are still trying to sign him. I guess the only question is that if they can't come to an agreement, will they move him or ride out the season with him?

Risky move for Lombardi to move him... You know what the narrative will be if the Kings lose a series on a Game 7 where they couldn't score...

Why do you have Bortz playing in the top 4 over Maatta? I think that would be a terrible mistake
- dbell646

Forget the combos. Not the point of my post. Just showing the overall roster depth and the fact that HCMJ has lots op options.

Stack the lines any way you want to.

Why is this piece of sh*t still on our team? Why?

What the hell???


F Adams

Bortz has had multiple suspect games in a row now. Scuds too. You'll miss Martin very much if those two are in the lineup.

Bortz is a 6th and Scuds is a 7th. If Maatta returns with no problems (not counting on it) and/or Harrington and Pouliot improve defensively then I agree. Right now, I'm not so sure.
- madmike71

Moving Martin does create a hole... Without him and even with a healthy Maatta, that leaves you with 4 legitimate top 4 defensemen (Letang, Maatta, Ehrhoff & Despres). After that, you are relying on an inconsistent Bortuzzo or some rookies.

That's a little thin for a long playoff run.

More I think about it, the more I'm up for "going for it" this year.

Lets face it, we only have a few years of 87/71 primes left. What, 5?

I'll trade any of the young D, Pouliot and Matta included to get the right players back.

I listened to Madden yesterday discuss how Justin Williams for Paul Martin deal could be made at any time. He believed Ruth was holding back to let the salary prorations iron out a bit more before pulling the trigger.

Rental for rental? I think I pull the trigger on that, put your faith in one of the younger D guys stepping up come playoff time, and move forward with the deepest set of forwards ever in the Crosby/Malkin era. Look at this lineup if we got Williams for Martin. That's pretty frickin good. Forget about the combos. Just look at the depth. HCMJ could do what he wanted to. Excuses gone for 87 and 71 about "having no wingers".

Perron-Crosby-Horny
Kunitz-Malkin-Williams
Bennett-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

Letang-Hoff
Despres-Borts
Maatta-Scuds
Pouliot
- 87_71_11_29

You do realize gunner and I said that Martin trade in our podcast last week right?

There's also been a lot of talk out there that L.A. doesn't really want to trade Williams now...
- BINGO!

They shouldn't. Just like PIT shouldn't trade Martin. Just keep the assets go for it and use the cap space at the end of the year.

More I think about it, the more I'm up for "going for it" this year.

Lets face it, we only have a few years of 87/71 primes left. What, 5?

I'll trade any of the young D, Pouliot and Matta included to get the right players back.

I listened to Madden yesterday discuss how Justin Williams for Paul Martin deal could be made at any time. He believed Ruth was holding back to let the salary prorations iron out a bit more before pulling the trigger.

Rental for rental? I think I pull the trigger on that, put your faith in one of the younger D guys stepping up come playoff time, and move forward with the deepest set of forwards ever in the Crosby/Malkin era. Look at this lineup if we got Williams for Martin. That's pretty frickin good. Forget about the combos. Just look at the depth. HCMJ could do what he wanted to. Excuses gone for 87 and 71 about "having no wingers".

Perron-Crosby-Horny
Kunitz-Malkin-Williams
Bennett-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

Letang-Hoff
Despres-Borts
Maatta-Scuds
Pouliot
- 87_71_11_29

Truthfully, I wouldn't do it.

I am open to trading Martin, but it would have to be for a non-rental player (ie, Martin for a solid 3rd liner w/ a little term or RFA from Anaheim, Dallas, or LA). If it just a rental-for-rental swap, I think keeping Martin gives the Penguins the best chance to win the Cup this season.

With Perron and a little health, the F group looks solid to me w/ the exception of parts of the 4th line. And 4th line help doesn't require Paul Martin going the other way:

Perron-Crosby-Hornquvist
Comeau-Malkin-Bennett
Kunitz-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Adams
Rust

The D may not miss Martin as it would have it past years, but I still like having an extra deep D over an extra deep F group.

You do realize gunner and I said that Martin trade in our podcast last week right?
- walshy66

There are no original ideas in the world of Hockey Blogging.

Bylsma
Downie
Sutter
Jagr
Not to mention the highly popular "F" and Urine filled balloons


I was the first guy on the ice for all of these topics, since then a lot of people have jumped on; which I think is awesome. Blogging has no rules...


F copyrights

Truthfully, I wouldn't do it.

I am open to trading Martin, but it would have to be for a non-rental player (ie, Martin for a solid 3rd liner w/ a little term or RFA from Anaheim, Dallas, or LA). If it just a rental-for-rental swap, I think keeping Martin gives the Penguins the best chance to win the Cup this season.

With Perron and a little health, the F group looks solid to me w/ the exception of parts of the 4th line. And 4th line help doesn't require Paul Martin going the other way:

Perron-Crosby-Hornquvist
Comeau-Malkin-Bennett
Kunitz-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Adams
Rust

The D may not miss Martin as it would have it past years, but I still like having an extra deep D over an extra deep F group.
- s0rcerer1984

I go back and forth... I think that top 9 in some form or fashion is good enough to win, and having PMart just solidifies the defense that much more.

But...

Adding Justin Williams to the mix and putting Downie on the 4th line would make that forward group even better, and if Maatta is deemed healthy, it might be worth the risk.

I go back and forth... I think that top 9 in some form or fashion is good enough to win, and having PMart just solidifies the defense that much more.

But...

Adding Justin Williams to the mix and putting Downie on the 4th line would make that forward group even better, and if Maatta is deemed healthy, it might be worth the risk.
- rival22

unless maata ends up very lucky, and granted i can be a pessimist, when maata comes back, even after rehab and strength and conditioning, it will be only a matter of time before he reaggrevates his shoulder ailment

More I think about it, the more I'm up for "going for it" this year.

Lets face it, we only have a few years of 87/71 primes left. What, 5?

I'll trade any of the young D, Pouliot and Matta included to get the right players back.

I listened to Madden yesterday discuss how Justin Williams for Paul Martin deal could be made at any time. He believed Ruth was holding back to let the salary prorations iron out a bit more before pulling the trigger.

Rental for rental? I think I pull the trigger on that, put your faith in one of the younger D guys stepping up come playoff time, and move forward with the deepest set of forwards ever in the Crosby/Malkin era. Look at this lineup if we got Williams for Martin. That's pretty frickin good. Forget about the combos. Just look at the depth. HCMJ could do what he wanted to. Excuses gone for 87 and 71 about "having no wingers".

Perron-Crosby-Horny
Kunitz-Malkin-Williams
Bennett-Sutter-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

Letang-Hoff
Despres-Borts
Maatta-Scuds
Pouliot
- 87_71_11_29

Dude these line combos are way off....just kidding

I totally agree with you on the specific deal. I think all reservations about trading Martin are because of the caliber of return we would get. If Williams is the return, go for it.

Only issue is that we have to know Maatta's injury status for certain... AND... that LA would actually do that deal. Williams, in particular, is a strange cat...when I catch an LA game now and then he often seems pretty invisible. Of course, we aren't trading for regular season production...but can he continue to elevate to that level in the playoffs again?

Lastly, with the addition of Perron, I'm more hesitant about trading young defenseman at the moment. Perron could be a long term fit, with Kapanen coming in the mix next year. What is their true value? Do we really need a winger more than a top4 defenseman now that Perron is here? Tough call.

Dude these line combos are way off....just kidding

I totally agree with you on the specific deal. I think all reservations about trading Martin are because of the caliber of return we would get. If Williams is the return, go for it.

Only issue is that we have to know Maatta's injury status for certain... AND... that LA would actually do that deal. Williams, in particular, is a strange cat...when I catch an LA game now and then he often seems pretty invisible. Of course, we aren't trading for regular season production...but can he continue to elevate to that level in the playoffs again?

Lastly, with the addition of Perron, I'm more hesitant about trading young defenseman at the moment. Perron could be a long term fit, with Kapanen coming in the mix next year. What is their true value? Do we really need a winger more than a top4 defenseman now that Perron is here? Tough call.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Im just happy his is using the LW-C-RW format, its sooo much better now.

Don't disagree with most of this... bottomline is we are stuck with him till the end of the season due to his contract status (being over 35)... Blame Shero and Disco and get on with your life
- Brianandr1

Doesn't mean you can't scratch him every game. There are better options.