What a shift by Couture.

Torres
- LeftCoaster

Can you phone Trev tell him to sign him?

Can you phone Trev tell him to sign him?
- VANTEL

We've met, I'll see what I can do

We've met, I'll see what I can do
- LeftCoaster

How has Letang been since coming back? I have not been paying attention to him?

Was that a aftershock from the earthquake I just felt... no wait.... Torres.

Was that a aftershock from the earthquake I just felt... no wait.... Torres.


- boonerbuck

Shouldn't you be in Mexico ?

How has Letang been since coming back? I have not been paying attention to him?
- VANTEL

Largely unnoticeable although steadily getting more ice-time and better offensive opportunities - I think they are easing him into more minutes as the series has come along (in particular, as touched on, his PP minutes have been way down as compared to when he's been fully healthy). He did have a decent game today and played the most minutes 24+ of any game previously (also had a goal and good peripherals - 4 shots, 2 blocked shots, 2 hits +1). It was a sound game, in all, and I think he'll become much more of a factor as (if) the Pens go deep into the play-offs

Edit: in the overtime game he actually ended up playing 27 minutes, fyi

Largely unnoticeable although steadily getting more ice-time and better offensive opportunities - I think they are easing him into more minutes as the series has come along (in particular, as touched on, his PP minutes have been way down as compared to when he's been fully healthy). He did have a decent game today and played the most minutes 24+ of any game previously (also had a goal and good peripherals - 4 shots, 2 blocked shots, 2 hits +1). It was a sound game, in all, and I think he'll become much more of a factor as (if) the Pens go deep into the play-offs

Edit: in the overtime game he actually ended up playing 27 minutes, fyi
- Zogg

It would be interesting to find out the cause of the stroke. Was it a fluke or was it lifestyle that brought it on?

Pens have to be looking at him and his contract very carefully, very curious.

Bite your tongue. Kunitz is the best defensive player in the history of the sport. And his offensive process is unmatched. I have serious doubts whether Crosby and Malkin would be NHL players without the legend we call kunitz.
Pens fans and pens HB bloggers consider him more god, and less man. If Babe Ruth was 10x better then his talent in baseball wouldn't match Kunitz talent in hockey
- Bieksa#3

Way to go I just choked on my martini.

It would be interesting to find out the cause of the stroke. Was it a fluke or was it lifestyle that brought it on?

Pens have to be looking at him and his contract very carefully, very curious.
- VANTEL

It seems they haven't really been forthcoming with respect to what the precise reason for the stroke was. But I agree, it will be interesting to see what happens going forward - huge contract extension last year - 7+ million for another 5 years, I believe.

Not that I'm a fan, but I do hope he is able to put his health issues behind him (still only 27 and has/should continue to be the Pens power-play quarterback, putting up significant numbers)

Edit: Pittsburgh has been quite fortunate that they have two other excellent offensive defenseman in Niskanen and Martin

It would be interesting to find out the cause of the stroke. Was it a fluke or was it lifestyle that brought it on?

Pens have to be looking at him and his contract very carefully, very curious.
- VANTEL

Heart defect I believe, he's on medication to deal with it.

Heart defect I believe, he's on medication to deal with it.
- LeftCoaster

If I was them I would be very leery about moving Pouliot then. Lifestyles you can change but if it was a fluke and happened once it can happen again and they can be screwed with a long term contract

It seems they haven't really been forthcoming with respect to what the precise reason for the stroke was. But I agree, it will be interesting to see what happens going forward - huge contract extension last year - 7+ million for another 5 years, I believe.

Not that I'm a fan, but I do hope he is able to put his health issues behind him (still only 27 and has/should continue to be the Pens power-play quarterback, putting up significant numbers)

Edit: Pittsburgh has been quite fortunate that they have two other excellent offensive defenseman in Niskanen and Martin
- Zogg

I would be nervous like that guy in Dallas. if it happens once it can happen again.

Way to go I just choked on my martini.
- thundachunk

Only business men drink Martinis and ladies . Which one are you

If I was them I would be very leery about moving Pouliot then. Lifestyles you can change but if it was a fluke and happened once it can happen again and they can be screwed with a long term contract
- VANTEL

http://triblive.com/sport...-defenseman#axzz303Po5F9g

Small hole in his heart the most likely cause.

http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/5917090-74/letang-season-defenseman#axzz303Po5F9g

Small hole in his heart the most likely cause.
- LeftCoaster

Truthfully I would move him then.

Quick looks sharp.

Truthfully I would move him then.
- VANTEL

You heartless bastard - you'd make a good GM

Quick looks sharp.
- LeftCoaster

Quick looks quick?

I would be nervous like that guy in Dallas. if it happens once it can happen again.
- VANTEL

I agree, if it's a congenital defect then there is always a chance of further issues. Having a stroke at the age of 27 is of course extremely serious but also quite unusual, as is my understanding, so I think there will always be risk involved

You heartless bastard - you'd make a good GM
- LeftCoaster

I know.

He would get a good return.

if I was Trevor I would say Letang for Edler straight up we will take your iffy contract. If it happens again it is LTIR.

I agree, if it's a congenital defect then there is always a chance of further issues. Having a stroke at the age of 27 is of course extremely serious but also quite unusual, as is my understanding, so I think there will always be risk involved
- Zogg

Do you chance the way they push their heart and hope that it doesn't happen again?

If I was them I would be very leery about moving Pouliot then. Lifestyles you can change but if it was a fluke and happened once it can happen again and they can be screwed with a long term contract
- VANTEL

I honestly thought that it would have been a career ender but since he was able to come back I think team doctors and other specialists and family all though he was good to return. Sometimes life sets you back you but never stop living because bad things happen to you. I wouldn't be worried if I were Letang. Until the Pens feel he is at 100% he will be closely monitored.

Only business men drink Martinis and ladies . Which one are you
- VANTEL

I'm all business... When it comes to the ladies.