I think what has been lost is that this is REALLY all John's fault for commenting in yesterday's blog that the Pens were finally getting healthy, thereby jinxing us to a night that saw the Pens lose both point men on one of the top pp units around the NHL.



We are lucky that the whole team didn't come down with ebola or something after making that observation!

Repent John! Repent!!!!!
- Emperor Filonius

Emperor I prefer to savor the 600 or so seconds of healthy first-period Penguins ice time before Letang got his bell rung. Unbelievable!

It really tested me and my patience to write a blog praising Darcy Regier. But you have to give credit where credit is due sometimes.
- Gunner Staal

that is true. but hey sometimes you have to tip your cap. even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then

Ok flat out suspension should have come....and here is a perfect example of how to read this play.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...=zsLrko9zE8s&feature=fvst

The key words are: "Both players persue the puck. Letang reconizes that Burmistrov will get to the puck first and gets into an athlectic defensive position. At this point the puck is not longer up for grabs and Letang is going to play the man. In our opinion Burmistrovs path to the puck is predictible, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous to the hit." And it continues....

Lets play name swap!!

Both players persue the puck.....check! Nystrom reconizes that Letang will get to the puck first and gets into an athletic OFFESIVE position...check! At this point the puck is no longer up for grabs and Nystrom is going to play the man....check! In our opinion Letangs path to the puck is predictible, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous to the hit.....check!!

What more do we need??

Before people jump on the "he put himself in a vulnerable spot", make sure you watch the attached video. And, also before I hear "well he moved suddenly", watch the hit again. The level of his head does not significantly change throughout the entire process of coming off the previous check, to moving for the puck and then to being blasted in the chin(which is part of the head last i checked??)

If the league really is serious about removing head hits and potential season/career ending head injuries, this crap has to be stopped. If this hit happened in the OHL, Nystrom would be done at minimum the remainder of the season and playoffs. I do not believe the NHL should adopt the OHL/CHL rules for these plays as the players are adults and need to be protected somewhat less then the teens in the juniors. But we need something more then nothing. Shanny has regressed and its sad to say but suspensions were more lengthy with Colin Campbell.

Ok flat out suspension should have come....and here is a perfect example of how to read this play.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...=zsLrko9zE8s&feature=fvst

The key words are: "Both players persue the puck. Letang reconizes that Burmistrov will get to the puck first and gets into an athlectic defensive position. At this point the puck is not longer up for grabs and Letang is going to play the man. In our opinion Burmistrovs path to the puck is predictible, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous to the hit." And it continues....

Lets play name swap!!

Both players persue the puck.....check! Nystrom reconizes that Letang will get to the puck first and gets into an athletic OFFESIVE position...check! At this point the puck is no longer up for grabs and Nystrom is going to play the man....check! In our opinion Letangs path to the puck is predictible, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous to the hit.....check!!

What more do we need??

Before people jump on the "he put himself in a vulnerable spot", make sure you watch the attached video. And, also before I hear "well he moved suddenly", watch the hit again. The level of his head does not significantly change throughout the entire process of coming off the previous check, to moving for the puck and then to being blasted in the chin(which is part of the head last i checked??)

If the league really is serious about removing head hits and potential season/career ending head injuries, this crap has to be stopped. If this hit happened in the OHL, Nystrom would be done at minimum the remainder of the season and playoffs. I do not believe the NHL should adopt the OHL/CHL rules for these plays as the players are adults and need to be protected somewhat less then the teens in the juniors. But we need something more then nothing. Shanny has regressed and its sad to say but suspensions were more lengthy with Colin Campbell.
- taleisyreXIII

That's boarding.

Head shots should always be more suspendable then boarding or at the very worst on par with...

Ok flat out suspension should have come....and here is a perfect example of how to read this play.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...=zsLrko9zE8s&feature=fvst

The key words are: "Both players persue the puck. Letang reconizes that Burmistrov will get to the puck first and gets into an athlectic defensive position. At this point the puck is not longer up for grabs and Letang is going to play the man. In our opinion Burmistrovs path to the puck is predictible, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous to the hit." And it continues....

Lets play name swap!!

Both players persue the puck.....check! Nystrom reconizes that Letang will get to the puck first and gets into an athletic OFFESIVE position...check! At this point the puck is no longer up for grabs and Nystrom is going to play the man....check! In our opinion Letangs path to the puck is predictible, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous to the hit.....check!!

What more do we need??

Before people jump on the "he put himself in a vulnerable spot", make sure you watch the attached video. And, also before I hear "well he moved suddenly", watch the hit again. The level of his head does not significantly change throughout the entire process of coming off the previous check, to moving for the puck and then to being blasted in the chin(which is part of the head last i checked??)

If the league really is serious about removing head hits and potential season/career ending head injuries, this crap has to be stopped. If this hit happened in the OHL, Nystrom would be done at minimum the remainder of the season and playoffs. I do not believe the NHL should adopt the OHL/CHL rules for these plays as the players are adults and need to be protected somewhat less then the teens in the juniors. But we need something more then nothing. Shanny has regressed and its sad to say but suspensions were more lengthy with Colin Campbell.
- taleisyreXIII

It is what it is.

Head shots should always be more suspendable then boarding or at the very worst on par with...
- taleisyreXIII

I disagree, but that wasn't my point to begin with. My point is that the two hits are not the same.

and just to be clear, I haven't voiced my opinion one way or another on the matter. I've seen less suspended this year, and I've seen worse not get suspended.\

No clue who this guy is... Anyone watch the OHL much?


Penguins Sign Forward Adam Payerl to a Three-Year Entry-Level Contract
Thursday, 03.01.2012 / 2:25 PM / News

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Adam Payerl to a three-year entry-level contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

The deal begins with the 2012-13 season and runs through the 2014-15 campaign.

Payerl, 20, is currently in his third season with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In 57 regular-season contests this year, Payerl has established career highs with 20 goals and 44 points – both of which rank third on the Bulls – and 102 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-3, 216-pound Payerl, who will turn 21 on Sunday, played some of his best hockey of the season in February, tallying seven goals, four assists and 11 points in 12 games, including a three-game point streak (2G-2A) to finish the month.

A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Payerl has split his five OHL seasons between Belleville and the Barrie Colts. In 302 career regular-season contests, Payerl has notched 58 goals, 82 assists, 140 points and 299 penalty minutes. He’s added one assist in 10 career postseason contests. Prior to this season, Payerl’s best year came in 2009-10 with Belleville when he had 17 goals and 43 points in 67 games with the Bulls.
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=619994

edit - according to hockeyfights.com, he leads Bellevue in fights. Not bad for a 20 goal scorer.
- rival22

OR EXREMELY good for a fighter??? Let's look at it in the most positive light!!!

I disagree, but that wasn't my point to begin with. My point is that the two hits are not the same.

and just to be clear, I haven't voiced my opinion one way or another on the matter. I've seen less suspended this year, and I've seen worse not get suspended.\
- Blackstrom2

There is the problem for the NHL. They did the right thing and make changes for the players safety.

Well the players won't or can't do it anymore!!!

But there is no consistency in the decisions being made again, gun shy I would say!

Ok flat out suspension should have come....and here is a perfect example of how to read this play.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...=zsLrko9zE8s&feature=fvst

The key words are: "Both players persue the puck. Letang reconizes that Burmistrov will get to the puck first and gets into an athlectic defensive position. At this point the puck is not longer up for grabs and Letang is going to play the man. In our opinion Burmistrovs path to the puck is predictible, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous to the hit." And it continues....

Lets play name swap!!

Both players persue the puck.....check! Nystrom reconizes that Letang will get to the puck first and gets into an athletic OFFESIVE position...check! At this point the puck is no longer up for grabs and Nystrom is going to play the man....check! In our opinion Letangs path to the puck is predictible, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous to the hit.....check!!

What more do we need??

Before people jump on the "he put himself in a vulnerable spot", make sure you watch the attached video. And, also before I hear "well he moved suddenly", watch the hit again. The level of his head does not significantly change throughout the entire process of coming off the previous check, to moving for the puck and then to being blasted in the chin(which is part of the head last i checked??)

If the league really is serious about removing head hits and potential season/career ending head injuries, this crap has to be stopped. If this hit happened in the OHL, Nystrom would be done at minimum the remainder of the season and playoffs. I do not believe the NHL should adopt the OHL/CHL rules for these plays as the players are adults and need to be protected somewhat less then the teens in the juniors. But we need something more then nothing. Shanny has regressed and its sad to say but suspensions were more lengthy with Colin Campbell.
- taleisyreXIII

First off, if this hit happened in the OHL, I'm not even sure it'd be suspended. If Letang's hit, on the other hand happened, it'd probably be the 8 to 10 game variety. If you find your self ramming a guy with your forearms on his numbers into the boards while he is in a vulnerable spot (being off balance) and the new path is head first into the boards, its a no no in any league.

Nystrom at no point was playing the puck. You said there was no sudden movement? A split second before Nystrom hit Letang, he made the decision to poke the puck. There was a sudden movement, contrary to what you say, because Letang made the decision at the last second to poke the puck across the width of Nystrom's body and leave himself vulnerable for th ehit. No coach would tell his young players to do this. Burmistrov dumped the puck and turned away. If you watch any hockey game in any league you will see that exact play occur dozens of times in a game and no hit will be made and if there is, just a rub out. Players let up when the player dumps the puck and turns their back. Letang had plenty of time to see this and the moment he saw the numbers, the moment any player sees the numbers, he needed to let up.

These are not the same examples at all no matter how you describe them.

First off, if this hit happened in the OHL, I'm not even sure it'd be suspended. If Letang's hit, on the other hand happened, it'd probably be the 8 to 10 game variety. If you find your self ramming a guy with your forearms on his numbers into the boards while he is in a vulnerable spot (being off balance) and the new path is head first into the boards, its a no no in any league.

Nystrom at no point was playing the puck. You said there was no sudden movement? A split second before Nystrom hit Letang, he made the decision to poke the puck. There was a sudden movement, contrary to what you say, because Letang made the decision at the last second to poke the puck across the width of Nystrom's body and leave himself vulnerable for th ehit. No coach would tell his young players to do this. Burmistrov dumped the puck and turned away. If you watch any hockey game in any league you will see that exact play occur dozens of times in a game and no hit will be made and if there is, just a rub out. Players let up when the player dumps the puck and turns their back. Letang had plenty of time to see this and the moment he saw the numbers, the moment any player sees the numbers, he needed to let up.

These are not the same examples at all no matter how you describe them.
- Lohaus

I think at this point no matter what side of the fence you are on, it is beating a dead horse at this point. Letang is concussed, Nystrom is not on the hook for any discipline. The Penguins play in Colorado tomorrow at 9 PM.

I think at this point no matter what side of the fence you are on, it is beating a dead horse at this point. Letang is concussed, Nystrom is not on the hook for any discipline. The Penguins play in Colorado tomorrow at 9 PM.
- Gunner Staal

I agree. I just watched the second clip and couldn't let it go. Anyways, sounds like Letang, while suffering concussion like symptoms, might not actually have a concussion and he said he didn't feel nearly as bad as the last one he had. Thats definitely a positive. Like I said somewhere else, the fans are the biggest losers in this. We all want to see the best play every night so hopefully a speedy recovery is in the works.

I agree. I just watched the second clip and couldn't let it go. Anyways, sounds like Letang, while suffering concussion like symptoms, might not actually have a concussion and he said he didn't feel nearly as bad as the last one he had. Thats definitely a positive. Like I said somewhere else, the fans are the biggest losers in this. We all want to see the best play every night so hopefully a speedy recovery is in the works.
- Lohaus

Here is today's article:

http://www.post-gazette.c...m/pg/12062/1213907-61.stm

I think at this point no matter what side of the fence you are on, it is beating a dead horse at this point. Letang is concussed, Nystrom is not on the hook for any discipline. The Penguins play in Colorado tomorrow at 9 PM.
- Gunner Staal

Is this poop show still going on in here?

Here is today's article:

http://www.post-gazette.c...m/pg/12062/1213907-61.stm
- Gunner Staal

Good article, but I saw my boy Dustin Jeffrey, former Soo Greyhound. Love that kid.

Good article, but I saw my boy Dustin Jeffrey, former Soo Greyhound. Love that kid.
- Lohaus

That knee injury has really held him back.

First off, if this hit happened in the OHL, I'm not even sure it'd be suspended. If Letang's hit, on the other hand happened, it'd probably be the 8 to 10 game variety. If you find your self ramming a guy with your forearms on his numbers into the boards while he is in a vulnerable spot (being off balance) and the new path is head first into the boards, its a no no in any league.

Nystrom at no point was playing the puck. You said there was no sudden movement? A split second before Nystrom hit Letang, he made the decision to poke the puck. There was a sudden movement, contrary to what you say, because Letang made the decision at the last second to poke the puck across the width of Nystrom's body and leave himself vulnerable for th ehit. No coach would tell his young players to do this. Burmistrov dumped the puck and turned away. If you watch any hockey game in any league you will see that exact play occur dozens of times in a game and no hit will be made and if there is, just a rub out. Players let up when the player dumps the puck and turns their back. Letang had plenty of time to see this and the moment he saw the numbers, the moment any player sees the numbers, he needed to let up.

These are not the same examples at all no matter how you describe them.
- Lohaus

First off, I have seen a ton of boarding in the OHL like Letang's and its usually just a 5, sometimes the game...even in the NHL its a minor a lot of the time. In the OHL if you hit a player in the head, accident or not, your are pounded with a big suspension. Especially the hits with a lot of speed in behind the net where you smoke a vulnerable player.

The second point. Of the two players that made any different movements, it was
Nystrom. He clearly started for the puck, and when he saw Letang in a vulnerable position he, in a split second changed course, turned into Letang and smoked his head. Really you need to watch that again. Its as clear as day!! And yes, Letang did try to poke the puck before being hit. But my point is that the level(height) of his head didnt change, dip, lower, or alter in anyway...in fact he was smoked in the chin. Nystrom actually got underneath his head and up into his chin.

That knee injury has really held him back.
- Gunner Staal

I used to always think, being a natural center, he was going to be one of those stories of a good player who just never got a crack at the biggs. He's just a smart player. I never thought he did anything exceptionally well, but he sees the game at a high level and reacts accordingly. I'd love to see him stick somewhere. He was a pretty well liked guy in the Soo during his time.

I used to always think, being a natural center, he was going to be one of those stories of a good player who just never got a crack at the biggs. He's just a smart player. I never thought he did anything exceptionally well, but he sees the game at a high level and reacts accordingly. I'd love to see him stick somewhere. He was a pretty well liked guy in the Soo during his time.
- Lohaus

Before he blew his knee up, he was starting to come on. Last year he would have received very quality minutes given our center situation was terrible. This year with the setbacks and having Malkin/Staal back most of the year, his statistics are bare bones.

He has scored some good timely goals when he has scored though.

Morning Boys

http://www.thepensblog.co...lvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

First off, I have seen a ton of boarding in the OHL like Letang's and its usually just a 5, sometimes the game...even in the NHL its a minor a lot of the time. In the OHL if you hit a player in the head, accident or not, your are pounded with a big suspension. Especially the hits with a lot of speed in behind the net where you smoke a vulnerable player.

The second point. Of the two players that made any different movements, it was
Nystrom. He clearly started for the puck, and when he saw Letang in a vulnerable position he, in a split second changed course, turned into Letang and smoked his head. Really you need to watch that again. Its as clear as day!! And yes, Letang did try to poke the puck before being hit. But my point is that the level(height) of his head didnt change, dip, lower, or alter in anyway...in fact he was smoked in the chin. Nystrom actually got underneath his head and up into his chin.
- taleisyreXIII

I've seen it enough thanks. In the end though, these conversations always go the same way, usually a group of the home fans versus everyone else. It won't change how you see it to discuss it more and I'm cool with that. I've given my opinion as a fan who has no love or hate for either player or team and given my point of view of what I saw. You can state it is clear as day, but you're invested. I see it differently. I see it the same way Shanahan does.

I'm telling you though, flat out, if I was Letang and I did what he did and got hit the exact same way, I'd be the first to say I screwed up and I should have both left the puck and braced myself for the hit. That'll be my last comment on the matter because we're just going to continue going round and round.

Before he blew his knee up, he was starting to come on. Last year he would have received very quality minutes given our center situation was terrible. This year with the setbacks and having Malkin/Staal back most of the year, his statistics are bare bones.

He has scored some good timely goals when he has scored though.
- Gunner Staal

Thinking of former Hounds, I'm actually more surprised the impact Kennedy has had in his career, especially considering that Jeffrey hasn't been able to crack it. Kennedy was a good player and all, but Jeffrey just seemed more destined to be a pro.

I've seen it enough thanks. In the end though, these conversations always go the same way, usually a group of the home fans versus everyone else. It won't change how you see it to discuss it more and I'm cool with that. I've given my opinion as a fan who has no love or hate for either player or team and given my point of view of what I saw. You can state it is clear as day, but you're invested. I see it differently. I see it the same way Shanahan does.

I'm telling you though, flat out, if I was Letang and I did what he did and got hit the exact same way, I'd be the first to say I screwed up and I should have both left the puck and braced myself for the hit. That'll be my last comment on the matter because we're just going to continue going round and round.
- Lohaus

Sure I am invested!! I want this kind of hit out of the game!! I want to watch players like Crosby, Letang, Giroux, Pronger, Horton, etc etc. I may be a pens fan sure, but I am a fan of the NHL first and foremost. I pay and give time to see the best players in the world playing my favourite game. I dont care who hits who in this situation. I want it gone period. My best friend is a flyers guy to the point that he bleeds orange and he said 20 games minimum. The point I am tryin to make, is this doesnt belong in the sport. I made that point the night of the hit and I will never waver on this. I dont care if Crosby hits Subban like that...its not right!!

And yes, Letang did try to poke the puck before being hit. But my point is that the level(height) of his head didnt change, dip, lower, or alter in anyway...in fact he was smoked in the chin. Nystrom actually got underneath his head and up into his chin.
- taleisyreXIII

The level of his head does change, by a lot. If Letangs stays verticle Nystrom catches him the chest. Letang is 6'0, Nystrom is 6'1. Even in a skating position that puts them at the same size. In order for Nystroms bicep to hit Letang in the face their has to be some change in level.

No clue who this guy is... Anyone watch the OHL much?


Penguins Sign Forward Adam Payerl to a Three-Year Entry-Level Contract
Thursday, 03.01.2012 / 2:25 PM / News

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Adam Payerl to a three-year entry-level contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

The deal begins with the 2012-13 season and runs through the 2014-15 campaign.

Payerl, 20, is currently in his third season with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In 57 regular-season contests this year, Payerl has established career highs with 20 goals and 44 points – both of which rank third on the Bulls – and 102 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-3, 216-pound Payerl, who will turn 21 on Sunday, played some of his best hockey of the season in February, tallying seven goals, four assists and 11 points in 12 games, including a three-game point streak (2G-2A) to finish the month.

A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Payerl has split his five OHL seasons between Belleville and the Barrie Colts. In 302 career regular-season contests, Payerl has notched 58 goals, 82 assists, 140 points and 299 penalty minutes. He’s added one assist in 10 career postseason contests. Prior to this season, Payerl’s best year came in 2009-10 with Belleville when he had 17 goals and 43 points in 67 games with the Bulls.
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=619994

edit - according to hockeyfights.com, he leads Bellevue in fights. Not bad for a 20 goal scorer.
- rival22

I've sort of found this kid to be that big bodied winger who you always wanted to see work a bit harder, hit a bit more, be a bit more intense. I've noticed that a lot this year in him though, maybe the Pens staff has as well. How he translates though, I'm not sure. Kids like him often need to make the jump to the enxt level because when you are bigger and stronger than most of your competition, you tend to not have to challenge yourself as much as you need to. Time will tell but he's a kid who is probably worth the chance on. I think he's made a developmental leap in his game this year, but thats just my opinion.