Maybe. I'm just thinking Nashville may have wanted Pittsburgh to eat Spaling's salary.
- jmatchett383

Well...anything is possible I guess. I think JR needed more when trading a 40 goal scorer for a 25 goal scorer and the Pens obviously needed depth NHL players. I think he missed IMO. Spaling might be an NHL player, but he's a dime a dozen type.

Well...anything is possible I guess. I think JR needed more when trading a 40 goal scorer for a 25 goal scorer and the Pens obviously needed depth NHL players. I think he missed IMO. Spaling might be an NHL player, but he's a dime a dozen type.
- madmike71

He is.

That's something that's pissed me off about the Flyers. They always have one player that's an Adam Hall/Ryan White type. Solid guys, but not guys with a really defined role. You can interchange them with about 50 other guys. I see Spaling as the same. Is he a 2nd liner? 3rd liner? 4th liner? PP player? PK player?

It seems like, on the 08/09 team, every player had a very specific role, and performed it well. You couldn't replace them with other players. With guys like Spaling and Goc, they don't really seem to have a spot, they just kind of wander around. Then you look at LA and Chicago, and they're like the 08/09 Pens.

Just an observation

Malkin was a healthy scratch, hes being shopped!

If Perron is the next AK27, does that mean he will take weeks off at a time?

Pouliott looked better last night, the best Ive seen him yet, though thats not saying much. Harrington looks lost.

Sutter sucks. I wish the Pens would be more physical down low. They just arent. Never finish checks, not wearing down the D. I feel the playoffs will be more of the same.

I posted this late last night regarding Pouliot

Pouliot and Perron were our two best players tonight. Pouliot, in particular, looks like hes in a different class than Harrington. A few gaffes but was playing decent minutes against one of the leagues best teams. Little bit of physicality, some decent threats to score, defending 1 on 1 was mostly good, and still has that crazy threshold for never panicing with the puck.

I've felt all along the kid just needs ice time.

Perron impressed in a lot of ways so far and for me, most notably, is his great work ethic. It remains to be seen if he is experiencing the same sort of short term jolt of energy as Hornqvist did after being traded. Hopefully he can keep it up.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Hornquvist did indeed light it up at first, but a lot of that was on the PP. I still think he's been a solid addition to the Pens & an improvement over what Neal brought on a nightly basis. Perron looks great & is indeed very skilled. Really, really, really hope he will be re-signed as it would give the Pens three top-6 W's under the age of 29 (Perron, Hornquvist, Bennett).

I've said this before, but I really think the Penguins 2nd Cup window is only really beginning to open this season. Crosby. Letang, Fleury, and Malkin have been off their ELC/RFA deals for a few years, but the Penguins are slowly getting an infusion of talent on ELC/RFA value deals into their roster - Despres, Maatta, Bennett are all NHL contributors right now; Pouliot could be, but too soon to tell. Harrington & Dumoulin don't look that far off to me either. That allows for a lot of UFA spending on the rest of the roster (ie, more Downie, Comeau, & Goc type players and less of Glass, Pyatt, & Asham). Most of the Top-6 looks set going forward (Crosby, Malkin, Hornquvist, Perron, & Bennett) as does a portion of the Top-4 D (Letang, Maatta, Despres); Haven't been able to say that in quite a while.

Read on PHT yesterday that the Canadian dollar continues to fall, pushing the Cap downward bit by bit http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...-next-seasons-salary-cap/. While this would decrease the available Cap space for the Pens going forward, it also would put a downward squeeze on NHL player salary as many teams (i) won't be able to retain all of their current players (NYR, Bos, Tor, LA) or (ii) may even have to unload quality players in order to stay under the Cap (Chi). Elite players are going to get paid (ie, like Toewes and Kane) and, due to the NHL minimum salary, you can't push the salary of guys like Adams or Sill much lower than it is. This means that most of the area of the biggest salary depression would have to occur with 3rd and 4th line players, exactly the type the Penguins need. Hopefully, the Penguins can add a few quality depth players looking to showcase themselves on short-term deals (ie, Ehrhoff-types).

Malkin is out indefinitely. Can't get much worse really...

Hornquvist did indeed light it up at first, but a lot of that was on the PP. I still think he's been a solid addition to the Pens & an improvement over what Neal brought on a nightly basis. Perron looks great & is indeed very skilled. Really, really, really hope he will be re-signed as it would give the Pens three top-6 W's under the age of 29 (Perron, Hornquvist, Bennett).

I've said this before, but I really think the Penguins 2nd Cup window is only really beginning to open this season. Crosby. Letang, Fleury, and Malkin have been off their ELC/RFA deals for a few years, but the Penguins are slowly getting an infusion of talent on ELC/RFA value deals into their roster - Despres, Maatta, Bennett are all NHL contributors right now; Pouliot could be, but too soon to tell. Harrington & Dumoulin don't look that far off to me either. That allows for a lot of UFA spending on the rest of the roster (ie, more Downie, Comeau, & Goc type players and less of Glass, Pyatt, & Asham). Most of the Top-6 looks set going forward (Crosby, Malkin, Hornquvist, Perron, & Bennett) as does a portion of the Top-4 D (Letang, Maatta, Despres); Haven't been able to say that in quite a while.

Read on PHT yesterday that the Canadian dollar continues to fall, pushing the Cap downward bit by bit http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...-next-seasons-salary-cap/. While this would decrease the available Cap space for the Pens going forward, it also would put a downward squeeze on NHL player salary as many teams (i) won't be able to retain all of their current players (NYR, Bos, Tor, LA) or (ii) may even have to unload quality players in order to stay under the Cap (Chi). Elite players are going to get paid (ie, like Toewes and Kane) and, due to the NHL minimum salary, you can't push the salary of guys like Adams or Sill much lower than it is. This means that most of the area of the biggest salary depression would have to occur with 3rd and 4th line players, exactly the type the Penguins need. Hopefully, the Penguins can add a few quality depth players looking to showcase themselves on short-term deals (ie, Ehrhoff-types).
- s0rcerer1984

The Tar Sands have been driving Canada's economy for years now. Housing in Calgary and EDM are very high and the COL is on par with the top US cities. Many of hte oil producers are laying off thousands of people this year due to the low price of oil It will def have an effect on the cap. Cheap gas isnt really a good thing.

Malkin was a healthy scratch, hes being shopped!

If Perron is the next AK27, does that mean he will take weeks off at a time?

Pouliott looked better last night, the best Ive seen him yet, though thats not saying much. Harrington looks lost.

Sutter sucks. I wish the Pens would be more physical down low. They just arent. Never finish checks, not wearing down the D. I feel the playoffs will be more of the same.
- sammy87

He wasn't healthy.

And the Pouliot comments are very telling.

The Tar Sands have been driving Canada's economy for years now. Housing in Calgary and EDM are very high and the COL is on par with the top US cities. Many of hte oil producers are laying off thousands of people this year due to the low price of oil It will def have an effect on the cap. Cheap gas isnt really a good thing.
- sammy87

It's all relative. If you live in an state/province with an strong tie to oil (ie, Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, N. Dakota for the US & Alberta in Canada), its bad. If the economy of the state/province whose economy isn't as directly or as strongly tied to oil, its good.

Glad I don't live in a state with such a strong tie to an energy sector, (ie, Oil, Coal, or Natural Gas). It can create some real pain when supply/demand pushes prices down.

I went to sleep after the 1st. Did I miss anything? When you're an old man in your 30's and you have early morning you crash by 9. Don't get old kids die young
- dbell646

Ha. Wait until you turn 40, youngster!

I wasn't referencing last night's game in particular, more the 4-game losing streak and the .500 streak that goes all the way back to the beginning of December.
- jmatchett383

Its a function of the injuries catching up to them more than anything. I'm not worried. I'd rather scuffle now than in March.

everybody wants a Jagr
- arichardson22

Ha. Wait until you turn 40, youngster!
- Emperor Filonius

Will I be in bed by 8?

It's all relative. If you live in an state/province with an strong tie to oil (ie, Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, N. Dakota for the US & Alberta in Canada), its bad. If the economy of the state/province whose economy isn't as directly or as strongly tied to oil, its good.

Glad I don't live in a state with such a strong tie to an energy sector, (ie, Oil, Coal, or Natural Gas). It can create some real pain when supply/demand pushes prices down.
- s0rcerer1984

Yup. Good for every industry/country that's not dependent on energy production. It really is an amazing story actually. OPEC trying to put all of the new producers and technologies out of business. Just don't count on it long term...

I love seeing Russia and Venezuela choke but it sucks for lot's of people in the free world.

Will I be in bed by 8?
- dbell646

No, but you will give serious consideration to what the effects of having a second beer will have on your lower GI tract and decide iced tea might be more prudent.

Last night he took a fresh Sidney Crosby off of an offensive zone faceoff in the last minute of the game because Jonathan Toews was out there. I mean I understand trying to get away from that matchup over the course of a game but we are talking about the last minute of a tie game and no Evgeni Malkin in the lineup. He is Sidney freaking Crosby. Play him. Craig Adams played the last 42 seconds of regulation against the Chicago Blackhawks in a tie game.

If you could just look past your own personal bias against Craig Adams, the move makes sense, and it should tell you how much faith the organization has in their 4th line overall.

You speak of stats alot, and this is appreciated, but when you quote stats about time of possession for our dreaded 4th liners, do you consider that as a PK unit or 4th line, you aren't going to have good possession numbers if your main focus is to blast the puck out of your own end as quickly as possible? Adams wasn't hired to carry the puck and score goals, nor were any of his many linemates.

I still say he must have been mean to you during a youth camp... or something...?

Overall, I do enjoy your blog Ryan, but you give Craig Adams way to much press. Remember, he's just a solid, rugged, 4th line grinder. And a good one at that.

No, but you will give serious consideration to what the effects of having a second beer will have on your lower GI tract and decide iced tea might be more prudent.
- Emperor Filonius

I hope I"m dead before I know what GI tract is.

I hope I"m dead before I know what GI tract is.
- dbell646

As a relatively healthy 26 year old I hope that's not something I have to worry about but I don't want to be dead to avoid it

I hope I"m dead before I know what GI tract is.
- dbell646

There are many mornings I wish i was.

I hope I"m dead before I know what GI tract is.
- dbell646

There are many mornings I wish i was.

Read on PHT yesterday that the Canadian dollar continues to fall, pushing the Cap downward bit by bit http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...-next-seasons-salary-cap/. While this would decrease the available Cap space for the Pens going forward, it also would put a downward squeeze on NHL player salary as many teams (i) won't be able to retain all of their current players (NYR, Bos, Tor, LA) or (ii) may even have to unload quality players in order to stay under the Cap (Chi). Elite players are going to get paid (ie, like Toewes and Kane) and, due to the NHL minimum salary, you can't push the salary of guys like Adams or Sill much lower than it is. This means that most of the area of the biggest salary depression would have to occur with 3rd and 4th line players, exactly the type the Penguins need. Hopefully, the Penguins can add a few quality depth players looking to showcase themselves on short-term deals (ie, Ehrhoff-types).
- s0rcerer1984

The Pens are in a good place for this coming summer. Whether it's a guy like Ehrhoff or Comeau looking to jump start their careers with a good season, or vets doing what Brad Richards is doing in Chicago, trying to get to (or back to) a chance at a Cup, the Pens should be able to find some bargains. There will be some guys who were making $2-$3 million who can't get that again, but will take $1 mil for one year with the Pens.

It's all relative. If you live in an state/province with an strong tie to oil (ie, Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma, N. Dakota for the US & Alberta in Canada), its bad. If the economy of the state/province whose economy isn't as directly or as strongly tied to oil, its good.

Glad I don't live in a state with such a strong tie to an energy sector, (ie, Oil, Coal, or Natural Gas). It can create some real pain when supply/demand pushes prices down.
- s0rcerer1984

Due to the recent developments in technology more and more states have ties to energy. The new development of oil and natural gas has arguably been the only industry keeping the US afloat since the recession.

Due to the recent developments in technology more and more states have ties to energy. The new development of oil and natural gas has arguably been the only industry keeping the US afloat since the recession.
- sammy87

'Tied' isn't bad. 'Dependant' is bad.

Texas performed much better than most states through the recession for that exact; Same with N. Dakota and Oklahoma. Now, however, they are all in varying amounts of trouble due to dropping oil prices.

The issue, at least for me, is when a State starts to think of the income from an energy sector as being reliable or consistent income instead of inherently erratic and not something to make any long-term plans around.

Maybe. I'm just thinking Nashville may have wanted Pittsburgh to eat Spaling's salary.
- jmatchett383

Spaling wasn't signed. He was an RFA, so if they wanted rid of him so bad, they could have just not resigned him.

'Tied' isn't bad. 'Dependant' is bad.

Texas performed much better than most states through the recession for that exact; Same with N. Dakota and Oklahoma. Now, however, they are all in varying amounts of trouble due to dropping oil prices.

The issue, at least for me, is when a State starts to think of the income from an energy sector as being reliable or consistent income instead of inherently erratic and not something to make any long-term plans around.
- s0rcerer1984

I work in energy. TX, ND, OK, CO, WY, MT, UT, NM, and PA have all seen huge revenue growths due to energy. THere are currently over $10billion in pipeline projects planned in Ohio. Ohio isnt even in the top 10 for energy states.

Most analysts believe this will be a 8-16 month drop in crude prices and they will be back to the $80 dollar range. Either way, there are thousands and thousands of jobs associated with energy that also effect thousands of others indirectly. Energy has been the strongest industry since the recession outside of government. Short term cheap oil isnt that big of a deal, long term it will have drastic effects. Eventually hitting the Pens with a lower cap rise and a crappier team.

Last night he took a fresh Sidney Crosby off of an offensive zone faceoff in the last minute of the game because Jonathan Toews was out there. I mean I understand trying to get away from that matchup over the course of a game but we are talking about the last minute of a tie game and no Evgeni Malkin in the lineup. He is Sidney freaking Crosby. Play him. Craig Adams played the last 42 seconds of regulation against the Chicago Blackhawks in a tie game.

If you could just look past your own personal bias against Craig Adams, the move makes sense, and it should tell you how much faith the organization has in their 4th line overall.

You speak of stats alot, and this is appreciated, but when you quote stats about time of possession for our dreaded 4th liners, do you consider that as a PK unit or 4th line, you aren't going to have good possession numbers if your main focus is to blast the puck out of your own end as quickly as possible? Adams wasn't hired to carry the puck and score goals, nor were any of his many linemates.

I still say he must have been mean to you during a youth camp... or something...?

Overall, I do enjoy your blog Ryan, but you give Craig Adams way to much press. Remember, he's just a solid, rugged, 4th line grinder. And a good one at that.
- skridscousin

That should be the main focus of the PK only, any other time regardless of which line it is, that should never be your main focus and if it is, then you aren't playing the game properly. Also most of what RW presents in his stats are at Even Strength because those scenarios involved in either the PK or PP are understood and you don't include that data because it would skew the numbers.

In what way is Craig Adams solid or a good 4th liner? He's a good PKer and that is all. Essentially useless at even strength.