Some thoughts on the game ...

It wasn't pretty, but I will take the two points. It's always a test of wills when you play Nashville with Rinne in net.

Matt Niskanen is showing why he should be kept. Nine goals on the year, six game winners. It will sting to lose him. He is our smartest two way defenseman and that includes when Letang is in the mix.

Tanner Glass played very very well. Five blocks and three of those were blasts from Webber. I'm sure that didn't feel too well. Can't question his play that much this year. He isn't skilled, but makes up for it in other ways.


Good to see Kunitz back in the boxscore with a goal. It seems like it has been a while since we saw him pot one for the Pens. While that line got points tonight, I really think a winger for Sid is the priority.

Roman Jossi for Nashville might be the most improved player, or one of them in the NHL. He didn't do as much for me last year. He looks like a stud now. Maybe I'm off my rocker, but that pairing of Jossi and Webber looks to be as good as Webber and Suter.

First time I've really watched Gaustad in the face-off circle. He is impressive. That might have been the best game I've seen him play.

On to the west coast. This won't be easy in the least.

Ryan,

From a purely theoretical view, you are absolutely correct, but I think we all know that Shero doesn't work that way. He's simpl not going to trade the Pens most tenured player midseason...plus I wold have a huge effect on lockerroom chemistry as Orpik is one of the few vocal leaders on the team. So you are right, aint gonna happen.

I really don't know the value of Orpik. I know that defensemen are perceived as hot commodities right now - see Doug Murray last year -two second rounders for a physical but slow blueliner. Do you expect that type of return for Orpik based on the return for Murray last year? I don't think you get a good impact prospect.

I would be all about trading him if not for the injuries. He isn't returning next year either. He can't. The extension of Letang basically took his salary. With Letang and Martin out and by trading Orpik, you have Niskanen, Maatta, Scuderi, Despres, Bortuzzo and Engelland. If one of those go down, you only have two options - both in the AHL and I believe one of them is hurt.

Tough call. I do agree though, once Scuderi was signed, Brooks became redundant.
- Oneonta Penguin

i worry that he somehow gets extended. i cant see why the numbers would rationally allow it, but thats why i worry. it will occur at the expense of something else.

Some thoughts on the game ...

It wasn't pretty, but I will take the two points. It's always a test of wills when you play Nashville with Rinne in net.

Matt Niskanen is showing why he should be kept. Nine goals on the year, six game winners. It will sting to lose him. He is our smartest two way defenseman and that includes when Letang is in the mix.

Tanner Glass played very very well. Five blocks and three of those were blasts from Webber. I'm sure that didn't feel too well. Can't question his play that much this year. He isn't skilled, but makes up for it in other ways.


Good to see Kunitz back in the boxscore with a goal. It seems like it has been a while since we saw him pot one for the Pens. While that line got points tonight, I really think a winger for Sid is the priority.

Roman Jossi for Nashville might be the most improved player, or one of them in the NHL. He didn't do as much for me last year. He looks like a stud now. Maybe I'm off my rocker, but that pairing of Jossi and Webber looks to be as good as Webber and Suter.

First time I've really watched Gaustad in the face-off circle. He is impressive. That might have been the best game I've seen him play.

On to the west coast. This won't be easy in the least.
- Oneonta Penguin

agree with every one of these. i absolutely love jossi. and yeah, i would like to see a winger for crosby but im out of realistic but tempting options.

and i would like niskanen as well. but how much are you willing to plunk down to find out just how valuable he is long term? say 5 years, 27 mil?

agree with every one of these. i absolutely love jossi. and yeah, i would like to see a winger for crosby but im out of realistic but tempting options.

and i would like niskanen as well. but how much are you willing to plunk down to find out just how valuable he is long term? say 5 years, 27 mil?
- stayinthefnnet

It's all up to Niskanen. I think he is worth at least 4 million. Whether others go above that, I have no idea. He has made a pretty significant jump in one year. He wasn't terrible in the regular season, but ...

Does Niskanen like Pittsburgh enough to give the Pens a discount? I have no idea. God knows he can put up some big numbers here ... bigger than 90% of the teams out there.

I hope Shero at least called LA about Justin Williams. He would be perfect on Sid's wing.

Other items ...

Ales Hemsky with both of Edmonton's goals tonight versus Ottawa and this is a big game for the Senators.

Secondly, Phoenix is up 1-0 on Vancouver, however the game shouldn't be that close ... outshooting Vancouver 26-12 in the third. It's amazing how a head coach can go polar opposite in his coaching style.

http://espn.go.com/blog/n...king-calls-on-ryan-kesler

It's all up to Niskanen. I think he is worth at least 4 million. Whether others go above that, I have no idea. He has made a pretty significant jump in one year. He wasn't terrible in the regular season, but ...

Does Niskanen like Pittsburgh enough to give the Pens a discount? I have no idea. God knows he can put up some big numbers here ... bigger than 90% of the teams out there.

I hope Shero at least called LA about Justin Williams. He would be perfect on Sid's wing.

Other items ...

Ales Hemsky with both of Edmonton's goals tonight versus Ottawa and this is a big game for the Senators.

Secondly, Phoenix is up 1-0 on Vancouver, however the game shouldn't be that close ... outshooting Vancouver 26-12 in the third. It's amazing how a head coach can go polar opposite in his coaching style.
- Oneonta Penguin

if shero could get niskanen to sign for a number starting with 4, i would be really upset that he hasnt done so already. i cant see him taking a lesser deal than what Carle got the other year

http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/29451/canucks-still-taking-calls-on-ryan-kesler
- Deadstar

I personally think we aren't getting him. I feel like if we were going to get him we would have already. Pouliot was probably the sticking point, I don't care what Rossi says, I don't think the penguins were willing to deal him.

My dark horse pick for a trade here tomorrow: Legwand or Jagr.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/29451/canucks-still-taking-calls-on-ryan-kesler
- Deadstar

How about both?

I personally think we aren't getting him. I feel like if we were going to get him we would have already. Pouliot was probably the sticking point, I don't care what Rossi says, I don't think the penguins were willing to deal him.

My dark horse pick for a trade here tomorrow: Legwand or Jagr.
- SuperHenderson13

Devils aren't selling (sans Brodeur)

I think we get Kesler and Kassian tomorrow.

Devils aren't selling (sans Brodeur)
- Ryan_Wilson

Agree. The Devils have zero incentive to deal Jagr. The Devils are pushing for a play-off spot and are only two points out of the final spot. You trade Jagr, you have no hope getting one of those spots. He has been the offensive catalyst from the start.

Devils aren't selling (sans Brodeur)
- Ryan_Wilson

don't kill my dream damn it!

I have been saying that since the beginning of the year and catching flack for it all the time. With the signing of Scuderi and Maatta playing like a top D, Orpik is a gonner. No way do you keep this guy and let Nisky go, but some people just do not get it. You have to use your head not your heart when these situations arise. I have had discussions with people who want to sign him to another 4 year deal. All I say to that is Are you freaking out of your mind. Young legs are needed on the Pens blueline and the sooner the better.

How about both?
- Ryan_Wilson

Do you think Pittsburgh will place both Martin and Letang on LTIR in order to free up the space? I'm almost positive the cap becomes null in the playoffs if a person is on LTIR and returns right?

I think we get Kesler and Kassian tomorrow.
- Deadstar

I think he goes to Philly. They have the more attractive pieces that Van wants. If so, they'll be a tough out in the playoffs.

hes so overrated its gross

A nighttime blog? Wow...

Yes, trade Orpik please... Under normal circumstances that wouldn't happen, and with Letang & Martin hurt, it definitely won't.

Why isn't Niskanen extended?
- rival22

Lol the fact that he'll probably be asking for 5-6 million per over 5 or 6 years ... Which he will get on the open market

I think he goes to Philly. They have the more attractive pieces that Van wants. If so, they'll be a tough out in the playoffs.
- madmike71

Kesler to Anaheim or Philly is my guess. Both have the pieces that Vancouver wants (young forwards)

I think we get Kesler and Kassian tomorrow.
- Deadstar

Wasn't really a fan of Kassian from his time in my neck of the woods

I think Anaheim gets Kesler... Didn't think #17 would accept but apparently he may, they got the better pieces and I don't think Philly is a fit.

Kesler to Anaheim or Philly is my guess. Both have the pieces that Vancouver wants (young forwards)
- Oneonta Penguin

If he goes to the Ducks it almost wouldn't be fair.

Wasn't really a fan of Kassian from his time in my neck of the woods
- Ryan_Wilson

Hes not really good but an upgrade over our bottom 6 wingers.

Sutter doesnt get the credit he deserves. I know you reiterate it often, but his linemates are a disaster.

That being said, he wont be worth the pay raise he will get this offseason.

hes so overrated its gross
- njdevil35

Broduer in the last few seasons?

Wonder if orpik could land a 1st rounder. If he could the that's a no brainer. Then Flip that 1st to sweeten a deal