I don't think the world is burning, the Pens just aren't that good of a team and the coach is a big? Thats been the story for about 5 years now.
- sammy87

Just be glad it's not the late 1990s/early 2000's ... The Ian Moran/Rico Fart-a years

Just be glad it's not the late 1990s/early 2000's ... The Ian Moran/Rico Fart-a years
- chimpira

At least then, you knew the expectations were low and didn't expect much. I feel this is much worse when you have 87, 71, 58 and they're always hurt/meltdown/under achieve. Expectations are too high for the deliverable.

At least then, you knew the expectations were low and didn't expect much. I feel this is much worse when you have 87, 71, 58 and they're always hurt/meltdown/under achieve. Expectations are too high for the deliverable.
- sammy87

The fanbase is surely spoiled. And with all this talent crop and salaries there should be more than 1 CUP. Honestly, I would rather be perpetual underdogs that to be one of pre-season favorites on paper. Maybe I should start rooting for Columbus ... or Philly. Not Caps though ... even though I live in DC area.

I don't think the world is burning, the Pens just aren't that good of a team and the coach is a big? Thats been the story for about 5 years now.
- sammy87

Bingo.

The fanbase is surely spoiled. And with all this talent crop and salaries there should be more than 1 CUP. Honestly, I would rather be perpetual underdogs that to be one of pre-season favorites on paper. Maybe I should start rooting for Columbus ... or Philly. Not Caps though ... even though I live in DC area.
- chimpira

Maybe wait a couple seasons before hopping across state, imo.

Looking at the Wings younger players:

Tatar:2nd round pick, 25 goals this year.
Nyquist: 4th round pick 22goals
Abdelkader: 2nd round 19 goals
Helm: 5th round 5th round 13 goals
Pulkenen: 4th round-17 games-5 goals

Now compare Pulkenen to BB. Both drafted in 2010, BB 1st round, played 2x games this year and only 3 goals. Pulkenen played like he wanted to stay on the big club and took every chance he got to shine. BB just blended in with the other crap on the bottom 6.

Those 5 players are all drafted and developed by the Wings and playing really well. Compare that to the Pens and its BB. Thats where the forward development begins and ends. Pathetic!

Looking at the Wings younger players:

Tatar:2nd round pick, 25 goals this year.
Nyquist: 4th round pick 22goals
Abdelkader: 2nd round 19 goals
Helm: 5th round 5th round 13 goals
Pulkenen: 4th round-17 games-5 goals

Now compare Pulkenen to BB. Both drafted in 2010, BB 1st round, played 2x games this year and only 3 goals. Pulkenen played like he wanted to stay on the big club and took every chance he got to shine. BB just blended in with the other crap on the bottom 6.

Those 5 players are all drafted and developed by the Wings and playing really well. Compare that to the Pens and its BB. Thats where the forward development begins and ends. Pathetic!
- sammy87

BB is never going to look good on the 4th line and looked more productive before coaches tried to turn him into a more physical player. Maybe he isn't anything Great but I feel him and Despres both developed poorly because of the former staff handling of them.

Looking at the Wings younger players:

Tatar:2nd round pick, 25 goals this year.
Nyquist: 4th round pick 22goals
Abdelkader: 2nd round 19 goals
Helm: 5th round 5th round 13 goals
Pulkenen: 4th round-17 games-5 goals

Now compare Pulkenen to BB. Both drafted in 2010, BB 1st round, played 2x games this year and only 3 goals. Pulkenen played like he wanted to stay on the big club and took every chance he got to shine. BB just blended in with the other crap on the bottom 6.

Those 5 players are all drafted and developed by the Wings and playing really well. Compare that to the Pens and its BB. Thats where the forward development begins and ends. Pathetic!
- sammy87

Wings are the Gods of drafting... compare us to someone else

Maybe wait a couple seasons before hopping across state, imo.
- BulliesPhan87

Hehehe ... I've been "waiting" since 1984. Saw 3 Cups. And down years. What's a few more, right?

Pretty sure that was youmeanddupuis...
- Guile

I knew I'd get blamed for this lol

I found it unlikely we'd stay healthy from now and through the playoffs...so sign me up for injuries now. it increases our odds of getting healthy by playoffs. That's really twisted logic but that's how it works for the Pens.

Hehehe ... I've been "waiting" since 1984. Saw 3 Cups. And down years. What's a few more, right?
- chimpira

I mean, it's not like there's an alternative

You guys have probably the most top end skill in the east, but it'll be interesting to see if some of the more volatile pens hurt your team in the playoffs. Downie is still the one guy I can see costing the pens a game or two with how intense playoff hockey is. He's unstable and that's being kind.
- Isles_since_6

We may have the most top end skill but when top end skill can't show their talent cause the refs won't call anything when they get mugged, interfered with then it's meaningless. This is the only league that allows lesser talent to bring down the star players and get away with it. By the way, I'm not saying yesterdays game was all the refs fault but I do think they were over the top at times. Yes the Pens need to be more discipline but I do give them a little break because you see multiple infractions happening and nothing gets called. Especially when you have two of the top players in the league and they can't draw a call, I'm sure it gets really frustrating.

- Guile

Hahaha...the rules of Jinx are that if I knock on wood it's all good. I knocked on wood so we can blame these injuries on Bylsma, Fleury, Scuderi, Adams, or Sutter.

We may have the most top end skill but when top end skill can't show their talent cause the refs won't call anything when they get mugged, interfered with then it's meaningless. This is the only league that allows lesser talent to bring down the star players and get away with it. By the way, I'm not saying yesterdays game was all the refs fault but I do think they were over the top at times. Yes the Pens need to be more discipline but I do give them a little break because you see multiple infractions happening and nothing gets called. Especially when you have two of the top players in the league and they can't draw a call, I'm sure it gets really frustrating.
- Guins6687

My main issue is the complete lack of consistency in reffing. Some games (see every game we play against the metro/california teams/Bruins) the after the whistle garbage is completely allowed and ok and we are expected to play through it. Then all of a sudden we're in a game where the refs are calling everything by the book and they're taking a hard line on the after the whistle stuff.
The degree of change on what is a penalty from game to game is way too high.

I loved the explosion of emotion this weekend, I realize we lost both games and got utterly dominated in one. I still liked the raw emotion, especially from Tanger. We need a few more games like this, just to grow as a group; Downie is the team MVP.



F Sutter
- nbartley9

Bartley just figured it out.........the team with the most raw emotion wins the Stanley cup.......

U learn something new everyday

Looking at the Wings younger players:

Tatar:2nd round pick, 25 goals this year.
Nyquist: 4th round pick 22goals
Abdelkader: 2nd round 19 goals
Helm: 5th round 5th round 13 goals
Pulkenen: 4th round-17 games-5 goals

Now compare Pulkenen to BB. Both drafted in 2010, BB 1st round, played 2x games this year and only 3 goals. Pulkenen played like he wanted to stay on the big club and took every chance he got to shine. BB just blended in with the other crap on the bottom 6.

Those 5 players are all drafted and developed by the Wings and playing really well. Compare that to the Pens and its BB. Thats where the forward development begins and ends. Pathetic!
- sammy87

Throw Riley Sheahan in there as well [12g/ 33pts] - drafted 2010, R1 #21. One selection behind BB.

IMO, the Pens (under Shero + management) bought into the value of puck moving d-men. The team stock-piled them w/ the intent of moving them for other (f) assets. At the same time, the same brain trust thought acquiring top 6/ F-depth would be of no concern... who wouldn't want to play w/ #87 or #71 (and challenge for Cup every year)? No need or time to develop F prospects, when they could simply be rented. In the meantime, many teams have developed their respective draft picks and have achieved balanced rosters through ELC's. Note to management....

My main issue is the complete lack of consistency in reffing. Some games (see every game we play against the metro/california teams/Bruins) the after the whistle garbage is completely allowed and ok and we are expected to play through it. Then all of a sudden we're in a game where the refs are calling everything by the book and they're taking a hard line on the after the whistle stuff.
The degree of change on what is a penalty from game to game is way too high.
- stackthepads

I agree completely. Look at the games especially against the Flyers. You can expect all kinds of after the whistle stuff all game long but there is never a hard stance on it during those games. But the moment the Pens retaliate they're getting called for a penalty. Thing that's frustrating is that's not the type of game the Pens play but they're forced into not only by the Flyers but the refs as well because they won't call anything. I get Pens could be more discipline but if it's frustrating for us fans to see this stuff going on imagine how frustrating it is for the players when they're taking the abuse and virtually can't do anything about it.

I agree completely. Look at the games especially against the Flyers. You can expect all kinds of after the whistle stuff all game long but there is never a hard stance on it during those games. But the moment the Pens retaliate they're getting called for a penalty. Thing that's frustrating is that's not the type of game the Pens play but they're forced into not only by the Flyers but the refs as well because they won't call anything. I get Pens could be more discipline but if it's frustrating for us fans to see this stuff going on imagine how frustrating it is for the players when they're taking the abuse and virtually can't do anything about it.
- Guins6687

I hate that this sounds like a Pens vs the league scenario, but it really is a very accurate account of what happens. It is perfectly fine until the Penguins react. I'm actually shocked the Penguins do not flip out more often than they do.

It is a witch hunt based on a team wide reputation of complaining and showing up refs that has been around for years. Heck even Fraser is blogging about it. But its been pretty consistent for 50 games now.

Oh well, busy watching this nail biter between LA and Ari. (frank)ing boring as (frank). This is not hockey, its freaking soccer with hugging!

THANKS NHL!

I hate that this sounds like a Pens vs the league scenario, but it really is a very accurate account of what happens. It is perfectly fine until the Penguins react. I'm actually shocked the Penguins do not flip out more often than they do.

It is a witch hunt based on a team wide reputation of complaining and showing up refs that has been around for years. Heck even Fraser is blogging about it. But its been pretty consistent for 50 games now.

Oh well, busy watching this nail biter between LA and Ari. (frank)ing boring as (frank). This is not hockey, its freaking soccer with hugging!

THANKS NHL!
- Sell My Monkey

1-0 its over. lol

I hate that this sounds like a Pens vs the league scenario, but it really is a very accurate account of what happens. It is perfectly fine until the Penguins react. I'm actually shocked the Penguins do not flip out more often than they do.

It is a witch hunt based on a team wide reputation of complaining and showing up refs that has been around for years. Heck even Fraser is blogging about it. But its been pretty consistent for 50 games now.

Oh well, busy watching this nail biter between LA and Ari. (frank)ing boring as (frank). This is not hockey, its freaking soccer with hugging!

THANKS NHL!
- Sell My Monkey

Yeah I read the article Kerry Fraser wrote and left a comment. As far as I can tell he's never liked the Pens. I remember the Lemieux incident when he came flying out of the penalty box after Kerry. That just shows you how much the refs think they are above the game and want to be out front and noticeable. I've never seen another league do anything like that to one of it's Super Stars but I guess it's not surprising since the league as a whole doesn't care about most of it's star players.

I hate that it's Pens vs the league scenario as well but it's become just that. I think the organization believes that as well. Even though in post game interviews with players and coaches after this last game seem like they were trying to take the high road but also seem like they wanted to say more but bit their tongue.

I think this team needs to miss the playoffs to really fix some of the issues that have been lingering for years - that "untouchable" feeling where no one has any discipline. Have you actually seen the new coach yell just once - during an arguable call or otherwise? He seems to only talk to players off the ice. He has that Public Accountant Look. And look at other coaches - Boudreau, Trotz, Babcock, Lavy ... I want to see G-d Damn emotion on the bench. Helmet bashing, yelling type of stuff.
- chimpira

I think you should see a doctor about getting sedatives before your head explodes.

I guess I am not sure about if it's really being handled, per se. This was the first post-game where he said that there seemed to be a problem. But when I am mad about something, you will hear it my voice. You will be convinced that I am freaking mad about it and won't tolerate it. HCMJ - I just don't see the fire and anger. Hopefully I am wrong but he doesn't seem like a disciplinarian.
- chimpira

Yeah but this is the NHL not the kindergarten class you teach. You can't scream at adults like you can to kids, you'll find most arnt even scared of you they just think you're a giant DB. But you seem like the classiest kind of former highschool bully grown up to be wife beater type there is it's just that no one wants to see some maniac having a tantrum every 20 seconds as the leader of the team. The coach should be an intelligent, calming, voice of reason for these players not some raving, druling lunatic.

I don't think the world is burning, the Pens just aren't that good of a team and the coach is a big? Thats been the story for about 5 years now.
- sammy87

So take you negativity and 50 cents and call someone who cares what you think. If you're a fan of the team then be a fan, if not there's always WWF wrestling.

Looking at the Wings younger players:

Tatar:2nd round pick, 25 goals this year.
Nyquist: 4th round pick 22goals
Abdelkader: 2nd round 19 goals
Helm: 5th round 5th round 13 goals
Pulkenen: 4th round-17 games-5 goals

Now compare Pulkenen to BB. Both drafted in 2010, BB 1st round, played 2x games this year and only 3 goals. Pulkenen played like he wanted to stay on the big club and took every chance he got to shine. BB just blended in with the other crap on the bottom 6.

Those 5 players are all drafted and developed by the Wings and playing really well. Compare that to the Pens and its BB. Thats where the forward development begins and ends. Pathetic!
- sammy87

I hear the wings are looking for new fans so take chimpira with you and don't look back. Except I'm convinced you're a person who's not happy unless they are complaining and miserable. What do they call people like that, rhymes with itch.........?

Yeah I read the article Kerry Fraser wrote and left a comment. As far as I can tell he's never liked the Pens. I remember the Lemieux incident when he came flying out of the penalty box after Kerry. That just shows you how much the refs think they are above the game and want to be out front and noticeable. I've never seen another league do anything like that to one of it's Super Stars but I guess it's not surprising since the league as a whole doesn't care about most of it's star players.

I hate that it's Pens vs the league scenario as well but it's become just that. I think the organization believes that as well. Even though in post game interviews with players and coaches after this last game seem like they were trying to take the high road but also seem like they wanted to say more but bit their tongue.
- Guins6687

I have no proof but it sure does seem like Kerry Fraser has had a vendetta against Mario Lemieux since the beginning of time.

I did not watch the game, had to work, but the Pens do complain too much. Whether it is warranted or not you just can't do it. There were many times I walked onto a playing field, basketball or baseball, and knew we battling extra men. And I know I'm not the only one. I can remember the night before one game our coach even sat us down and told us every year we go to this particular school we'd get cheated so expect it, keep your mouth shut and play the game. They beat us by 30, the bad part is the officials didn't need to cheat us but they did anyway.