John Toperzer: Game 1 Observations & Crosby return poll Team could lose James Neal & Jussi Jokinen for Game 2

Great first game. Penguins should be ready for a response. I doubt the Isles stay off the board. We saw a little bit of stuff that'll happen if the Isles go down a few goals and don't feel in game too. Got a bit chippy and maybe a bit dirty. Not too bad though.

@MolinariPG: Jokinen, injured later in Game 1, is on the ice for practice.

@MolinariPG: Jokinen, injured later in Game 1, is on the ice for practice.

- HopintheCordoba

Yeah, I'm not as concerned about Jokinen as I am Neal. However, I do expect one of the Islanders to have to answer to Murray in game 2

Yeah, I'm not as concerned about Jokinen as I am Neal. However, I do expect one of the Islanders to have to answer to Murray in game 2
- Killian

Completely understand. Good to have Jokinen back though either way. Glad it's not serious. Neal has tremendously bad luck right now along the boards. Might want to start using his frame a bit more to protect himself.

@MolinariPG: Orpik is coming onto the ice for practice.

Couple of assessments from last night:

Eaton was a stud last night! Beau has a bright bright future ahead of him! That is the most hitting I've seen from Cooke all year (I loved it). And Matt Martin is a D-bag (which means he's doing his thing).

Completely understand. Good to have Jokinen back though either way. Glad it's not serious. Neal has tremendously bad luck right now along the boards. Might want to start using his frame a bit more to protect himself.
- HopintheCordoba

Not that Neal is not very valuable to this team but I really think having Jokinen back for game 2 helps the team more than Neal... especially if Crosby sits out again.

Bennett will take regular shifts on the Malkin line or Jokinen himself could fill in... but to lose Jussi's faceoff skill on the PK and PP would hurt this team more than people realize.

With that said I read a report from Mark Madden saying neither injury was "bad" which is good because after watching the replay of Neal's ankle buckling, I would have bet it was a high ankle sprain.

@pgshelly: James Neal, Paul Martin missing from #Penguins practice. And Crosby has not returned.


@pgshelly: And Crosby is back on the ice.. #Penguins

@MolinariPG: Orpik is coming onto the ice for practice.
- HopintheCordoba

James Neal and Paul Martin missing at practice. Crosby just joined teammates

Not that Neal is not very valuable to this team but I really think having Jokinen back for game 2 helps the team more than Neal... especially if Crosby sits out again.

Bennett will take regular shifts on the Malkin line or Jokinen himself could fill in... but to lose Jussi's faceoff skill on the PK and PP would hurt this team more than people realize.

With that said I read a report from Mark Madden saying neither injury was "bad" which is good because after watching the replay of Neal's ankle buckling, I would have bet it was a high ankle sprain.
- Yonk1216

His faceoffs are definitely big. With the PP opportunities though its hard not to want Neal out there. Have to admit Iginla and Letang did a nice job without him there. Malkin is always capable too.

James Neal and Paul Martin missing at practice. Crosby just joined teammates
- Killian

Anybody have anything else on this? I really hope it's just a maintenance day because the guy looked GREAT last night.

Bennett is with Malkin and Iginla. Crosby with Kunitz.

Anybody have anything else on this? I really hope it's just a maintenance day because the guy looked GREAT last night.
- kill.monsters

No added details yet.

Bennett is with Malkin and Iginla. Crosby with Kunitz.
- HopintheCordoba

My guess on Neal since no one asked? High ankle sprain

Anybody have anything else on this? I really hope it's just a maintenance day because the guy looked GREAT last night.
- kill.monsters

Martin joined practice late.

My guess on Neal since no one asked? High ankle sprain
- Deadstar

4 week minimum. I have been bit by the high ankle sprain before. You are helpless until the strength comes back.

Shero picking up Jokinen for a song should be enough for GM of the year let alone what he gave for Iginla...(frank)ing mastery.

Phew!
@pgshelly: Martin just joined #Penguins practice,a few minutes late. Only Neal missing now.

Shero picking up Jokinen for a song should be enough for GM of the year let alone what he gave for Iginla...(frank)ing mastery.
- AdamFrench

Still at a loss for why Canes couldnt wait until offseason to deal him. Not only did they get nothing for him but they are paying a good chunk of his cap as well.

Still at a loss for why Canes couldnt wait until offseason to deal him. Not only did they get nothing for him but they are paying a good chunk of his cap as well.
- Gunner Staal

So weird, guy is a solid 2nd liner at worst. You guys have some of the sickest depth out there. Absolutely nuts

Phew!
@pgshelly: Martin just joined #Penguins practice,a few minutes late. Only Neal missing now.
- HopintheCordoba

Eggscellent. Aside from the Neal part, of course.

Playoff hockey is great. Last night only the Pens played it. My honest opinion is that the Isles just can't match this roster. Maybe the worst roster I've seen in the playoffs in the last couple years. You take JT away you take the offense away. You can't win with only one real threat.

Still at a loss for why Canes couldnt wait until offseason to deal him. Not only did they get nothing for him but they are paying a good chunk of his cap as well.
- Gunner Staal

It just doesn't make sense to me. In addition to what seems to be a poorly managed situation, has been really impressive here. I just don't get it. Oh well. Shero Magic, baby!