On Friday morning the Pittsburgh Penguins' ownership group flummoxed the hockey world when it canned former GM Ray Shero and decided to retain embattled head coach Dan Bylsma.
The move to keep Bylsma doesn't make sense. None whatsoever.
The usual rule of thumb in the NHL is that the GM fires the head coach and the owners fire the GM. Then, the new GM doesn't have to have any blood on his hands when he his new head coach.
Will the new interim GM Jason Botterill earn the permanent GM job, or, is he just a space holder right now? Botterill was hired and groomed by Shero. Is he safe in Pittsburgh or will he join Shero in his next NHL city? For now, Botterill will get his scouts will evaluate the talent in the organization and get ready for the NHL draft.
I'm hearing that the Pens will speak with Boston Bruins AGM Jim Benning, whose fingerprints and DNA are all over the successful drafts and development of the Bruins' young stars. The Penguins would love their organization's depth of skill to resemble that of Boston's.
Will the Pens try to make a hard charge at Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock? He knows a thing or two about winning with Sidney Crosby. The Red Wings will have to negotiate a new contract with Babcock. If they are not willing to pay their head coach north of $3 million per season, then Lemieux may have a shot at wooing Babcock to Pittsburgh.
Mario Lemieux, where are you?
“Ray is a good person who made a positive impact on the Penguins and the Pittsburgh community,… Lemieux and Burkle said in a joint statement. “We thank him for his contributions to our organization, and especially for his key role with our 2009 Stanley Cup championship team. We wish all the best for him and his family.…
On this day, Shero takes the bullet for his team's repeated playoff failures the past five seasons. His failure to draft and develop prospects from within was also a major reason whey he was turfed. If Shero would have fired Bylsma last spring after his team was spanked by the Boston Bruins, perhaps he'd still have his GM job today.
“We feel it is time to move our franchise in a new direction,… Lemieux and Burkle said. “We share the disappointment of our fans that we have not had success in the playoffs over the past five seasons. We believe that new leadership in the general manager’s office will bring a new approach and new energy, and help us return to championship form.…
Lemieux and Burkle said that one of the first duties of the new general manager will be to evaluate the entire hockey operations department, including the coaching staff.
Shero was hired by the Penguins in May, 2006.
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Buffalo Sabres center-winger Cody Hodgson might want his GM Tim Murray to make trades for Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nazem Kadri and Washington Capitals winger Troy Brouwer.
Hodgson and his Team Canada teammates are killing it right now in Minsk at the IIHF World Championships.
Hodgson potted a hat trick in yesterday’s 6-1 win over Denmark. On Friday, CoHo scored two more goals in the 6-1 saucing of Italy. Hodgson now has a tournament-leading six goals. He also has an assist on his ledger.
"I wouldn’t have expected that coming in to it. But the most important games are the ones coming up," said Hodgson. "I’m playing with some good wingers right now. It seems like we’re generating a lot of chances as a line and on the power play. Hopefully it continues."
Joel Ward, Jason Chimera, Kyle Turris and Brayden Schenn also scored for Canada.
Goaltender James Reimer was solid when called upon, saving 21 shots in the game.
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Was Zenon Konopka suspended for taking an over-the-counter supplement?
NHL sources say Zenon Konopka was suspended for taking DHEA, an over-the-counter supplement recommended to him by non-team doctors.
— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) May 16, 2014What Is DHEA?
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by your body's adrenal glands. These are glands just above your kidneys.
DHEA supplements can be made from wild yam or soy.
Scientists don't know everything DHEA does. But they do know that it functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Precursors are substances that are converted by the body into a hormone.
DHEA production peaks in your mid-20s. In most people production gradually declines with age.
DHEA supplements are used by some people who believe they can improve sex drive, build muscle, fight the effects of aging, and improve some health conditions. But there isn't much evidence for many of these claims. And the supplements have some risks.
Here's a rundown of what science actually knows about DHEA supplements and what you need to know about their safety.
Testosterone and estrogen production also generally declines with age. DHEA supplements can increase the level of these hormones. That's why a number of claims have been made about their potential health benefits.
Those claims range from benefits such as: Building up the adrenal gland Strengthening the immune system Slowing natural changes in the body that come with age Providing more energy Improving mood and memory Building up muscle strength
Source: Web MD
The Niagara-On-The-Lake knuckle chucker issued this statement after his 20 game suspension was announced on Thursday afternoon.
I deeply regret that I have tested positive for a prohibited substance in violation of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. I accept full responsibility for this error. As a professional athlete I am responsible for what I put in my body, and I am to blame for this mistake.I want to make it clear that this violation occurred because I ingested a product that can be purchased over-the-counter and which, unknown to me, contained a substance that violated the program. Unfortunately, I did not take the necessary care to ensure that the product did not contain a prohibited substance. I want to stress, however, that I did not take this substance for the purpose of enhancing my athletic performance.
I apologize to my teammates and to the Buffalo Sabres organization, as well as to my friends and family. I have learned a great deal from this experience, something I hope to be able to share with younger players. I will accept this suspension and continue to work hard to prepare for the 2014-15 season