Dont know enough about them... but I bet they suck
- jak521

The were on Fan 590 saying it was always their dream to ref a playoff game between the Flyers and Pens and screw over the Flyers.

The were on Fan 590 saying it was always their dream to ref a playoff game between the Flyers and Pens and screw over the Flyers.
- hockeylover

ty

Yes he has. He's played about 150 percent better than he did his final two seasons in Dallas. He got in Marc Crawford's doghouse and, honestly, I think the biggest issue was that he lost confidence and decisiveness. The guy in Pittsburgh this season is closer to the one Dallas projected when they drafted him.
- bmeltzer

Agreed. I think it took getting to the offseason and settling in with the Penguins for both Niskanen and Neal to get whatever went wrong with them in Dallas out of their systems. People around here looked at Niskanen as a throw in part of the Goligoski-Neal trade and tended to forget that the guy was a first round draft pick. He's a solid 2nd pairing guy with good puck skills...he doesn't have Goligoski's offensive talent, but he's a better defender.

Shelley outplaying the dude who scrubs the poopters at Consol Energy. Slight edge Penguins.
- PLindbergh31

Jeez man, lighten up. You're always so damn hard on everybody.

The fair comparison is obviously the popcorn concessionist

I'm aware that Rinaldo can play the game, that was never in question for me. It's just that the Refs watch him closely and they make calls against him no matter the case. It's been this way all season long. Since like the hit on Drew Doughty that started a fight between Rinaldo and Penner. It was a clean hit, a fight broke out and I believe a bit of controversy came from that. I'm happy to have Rinaldo play but the playoffs are a whole different animal, especially against Crosby and Malkin. The calls WILL go the Pens way. We just have to find away to over come. I just think with all the injuries on D, dressing 7 would be a better idea for now. Way more important then whether or not Rinado plays. The stacks are just too high now.
- roenick97

So wait... you are saying dress 7 defensemen because of the refs?

poop just got really real.

ty
- OrangeBlack27

yw

He was a 1st rd guy for a reason.

Dallas ended up getting hosed in that deal!
- jak521

OMFG did they ever. All so that they could give more playing time to Jamie Benn?? THey could have gotten more.

You mean Shmatty Shmiskanen right?
- jak521

it's time.

OMFG did they ever. All so that they could give more playing time to Jamie Benn?? THey could have gotten more.
- Hextall271

I said when that deal went down that Pitt robbed them blind. I dont care if both teams got what they needed.. Pitt went in and robbed them.. made sweet sweet love to their sisters, and then ate their sammiches.

- Emperor Filonius

Yes he has. He's played about 150 percent better than he did his final two seasons in Dallas. He got in Marc Crawford's doghouse and, honestly, I think the biggest issue was that he lost confidence and decisiveness. The guy in Pittsburgh this season is closer to the one Dallas projected when they drafted him.
- bmeltzer

I can't stand James Neal. Power Forward? To me a Power Forward is the type of game Hartnell and Simmonds play. Go to the net, get dirty, mix it up, look for tips and rebounds. Even JvR is guilty of not playing this way but at least I've seen JvR drive to the net with a player on his back and score (Last year's post season). Then again, I hate the Pens and he is one.

Or, he should have played better because everybody is banged up in the playoffs.
- 12,9 and 22

There is a huge difference between being banged up, and being legitimately injured with a sport hernia or a broken foot that isn't completely healed. Limiting a players ablility to skate which is a huge part of being able to be a productive player.

Never heard of Strait. Has he played in the NHL this season?
- 12,9 and 22

He was the Pens 3rd round pick in 2006. He's seen spot NHL duty over the past 2 years as an injury fill in. Average size, OK puck skills. He's shaping up as a bottom pairing defender.

So wait... you are saying dress 7 defensemen because of the refs?

poop just got really real.
- jak521

Yeah, I guess I am saying this. Rinaldo just took a 5 minute major in the last game. A call that I don't think was deserved against him. Also, it's Crosby and Malkin. I've watched these 2 game with crap for years. They're more then likely going to get calls their favor.

EDIT

I'm also saying that we're not healthy on D. So better to be safe then sorry.

My dodge key to the series is Carle outplaying Letang. Hopefully Carle isn't a -8 in the playoffs this year.
- PLindbergh31

There are always the scapegoats for some.

Bill Meltzer ‏ @billmeltzer
Tonight's Flyers-Pens officials: Refs are Brad Watson & Mike Leggo. Linesmen are Tony Sericolo & Brian Murphy.

Cue the female doging....NOW
- Jsaquella

Could be worse.

There are always the scapegoats for some.
- MJL

I don't see how 1 defenseman is outplaying the other as a key to the game. Defenseman need to outplay the opposing team's forwards, not defensemen.....

Could be worse.
- canadianpenfan

can you say "Auger"?

STATEMENT GAME

I can't stand James Neal. Power Forward? To me a Power Forward is the type of game Hartnell and Simmonds play. Go to the net, get dirty, mix it up, look for tips and rebounds. Even JvR is guilty of not playing this way but at least I've seen JvR drive to the net with a player on his back and score (Last year's post season). Then again, I hate the Pens and he is one.
- roenick97

Neal is a very similar player to JVR. Needs to use his size to set up his finesse, but not a true power forward in the sense that it's often used.

Neal is a very similar player to JVR. Needs to use his size to set up his finesse, but not a true power forward in the sense that it's often used.
- bmeltzer

Complete agree Bill.

can you say "Auger"?
- Emperor Filonius

Him or Jackson or Peel. I hate all 3.

By the sounds of it in here the I could ref. Apparently whoever it is is just going to call penalties on the Flyers all series anyway, that would be easy.

No, actually it's not over exaggerated. Is there a conspiracy against the flyers? No of course not.
But, reputations hold far to much sway in officiating. Hartnell can blink at a goalie and get an interference call against him, while Malkin or Crosby would get the benefit of the doubt incidental contact rulings and would be the right call.
Rinaldo gets a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for a marginal 2 minute penalty because of potential issues and because of reputation. Letang does not get thrown out for that hit.
I am only using pens players for discussion not for conspiracy theories.
I am sure this phenomena happens league wide.
Crosby at one point had a reputation for diving and embellishment. He still got the benefit of the doubt. So yes refs do have different rule books for different players.
The game should be officiated fair across the board. Let Shanahan make reputation decisions
- bird_dog

It is completely and totally over exaggerated. Since the beginning of sports, superstar level players get the benefit of the doubt on some calls. It's nothing new. The role the officials play in the outcome of a game is lot of time completely exaggerated.

It was pretty obvious why the Rinaldo call was made in that game. Using that is a poor example.

What day is it?! GAMEDAY!!!!