Madden had this exact discussion on the radio today. He, of course, was his usual obnoxious self by dismissing callers who offered opinions.

It's a multitude of reasons. Like you say, a lot of people aren't working in town these days. My wife now works from home.....likely never to fully return to the office. There's been multiple "incidents" near her office and nobody feels safe. Even the men. I used to meet her in town at her parking lot and walk up to the arena all the time. Don't think we'll be doing that anymore.

Leisure/discretionary spending is facing a major correction if they don't get inflation under control. Everybody is taking a major pay cut.

I also think the pandemic has changed behaviors. People have gotten used to staying home and watching TV.
- madmike71

An excellent statement. Seems like every company in my area is looking for help. Some really good jobs. But nobody wants to work.

Beginning to wonder how some folks are paying their bills.

A lot of teams are wishing they had taken a flier on POJ. It would be criminal if our offseason had included a multi year Kappy extension and a POJ trade to just give him away.

Side note, attendance was under 16,000 last night. That has to be a Crosby era low (well probably except his rookie year). A lot of teams have lower attendance so it shouldnt be a shock we arent selling out games, but damn, that is a low number. For those in Pittsburgh like me, curious why you dont go at all or as much? Ticket prices? Construction going on nearby that makes it a pain to get there? Lack of a good atmosphere?

My reasoning is i dont work downtown anymore. when i did, it was common for me to catch a game with co-workers or family that met me down there. Now, Im never downtown. I still make it to 4-5 regular season games
- SuperHenderson13

That and the Pens are pretty boring. A Crosby goal, and a good Archibald shift but no rivalries to speak of, no chance of fireworks. There’s little to no storylines outside of Pens vs whoever anymore that will draw in the non hockey person. That and the pens sleepy style of play doesn’t really push ticket sales.

An excellent statement. Seems like every company in my area is looking for help. Some really good jobs. But nobody wants to work.

Beginning to wonder how some folks are paying their bills.


- Leafsmart

I don't completely agree with the 'nobody wants to work' narrative. The numbers came out yesterday and unemployment in the US is at 3.7%. Pennsylvania is at 4%. Quite a few people are like myself, retired/unemployed. I am retired (Postal Service) and took a seasonal job (golf course), which I am now unemployed.

I do believe there are a number of people who have no desire to work. I just think it's small. Participation rate in the States is at 61%, of which 30% are of retirement age.

Obviously some of the 30% still work, me as an example, it just can't be all that high. Many people in my age group and higher probably did retire during the pandemic and have not seek work since.

I don't completely agree with the 'nobody wants to work' narrative. The numbers came out yesterday and unemployment in the US is at 3.7%. Pennsylvania is at 4%. Quite a few people are like myself, retired/unemployed. I am retired (Postal Service) and took a seasonal job (golf course), which I am now unemployed.

I do believe there are a number of people who have no desire to work. I just think it's small. Participation rate in the States is at 61%, of which 30% are of retirement age.

Obviously some of the 30% still work, me as an example, it just can't be all that high. Many people in my age group and higher probably did retire during the pandemic and have not seek work since.
- Thunderbolt

Get a job bum.

Get a job bum.
- Grinder47

Haha. I'm happy receiving the Social Security that I paid into and the government promised would be here when I chose to collect.

POJ the most noticeable player on the ice so far...even looked great on that PP.

Pp2 looks super much better

Yes Rust, yes...

That’s the Rusty from last year! Nice goal!

POJ the most noticeable player on the ice so far...even looked great on that PP.
- Pags

Two games in which Letang isn't available and POJ steps up. Not a coincidence.

Rust with the sweet goal! Haven't seen that in a while.

So who had Kappy and Rust scoring the first 2 goals? Now all we need is a seeing eye Dumo muffin lol

So who had Kappy and Rust scoring the first 2 goals? Now all we need is a seeing eye Dumo muffin lol
- Pags

Make that 3.

Nice play Geno .. Kap with two PP goals Hahaha what alternate reality is this?

Hahaha. Nice look Geno

Make that 3.
- Thunderbolt

Yup, and just heard it's seriously chilly in hell tonight.

Nice play Geno .. Kap with two PP goals Hahaha what alternate reality is this?
- MattStrat

Technically only 1 PP and that was with 1 second left lol

Hahaha. Nice look Geno
- Thorny87

Great pass my Malkin. A lot of good so far. Really hope they keep it up.

Lot of right place right time for kap so I’m not gonna crown him just yet. Hopefully that goal for Rust invigorates him. Cannot believe the first line hasn’t scored yet, they’ve been all over it.

Binnington is a wanker

I'll take it, but brutally wrong call there.

Edit, never mind f'n moronic NHL rules.

Should be a rough or interference. Gonna be nothing.

Very curious as to why we have not put Tanger on LTIR to use the ACSL to carry a 23rd player for now. Last time he missed 2 months so even if this was a lesser occurrence, I still figure he'll miss the 24 days/10 game limits.

Kharma right there.

And whatever has been Rust's issue, he looks to be himself tonight.

Technically only 1 PP and that was with 1 second left lol
- Pags

I thought the first one was in dying seconds as well haha

Well... He has 2 PPers now hahah

I thought the first one was in dying seconds as well haha
- MattStrat

Was 2 seconds late, but there's the 2nd lol