Get Inside MAF's Eyes (Yuck)

Awesome.

This video, from MAF's time in Wilkes-Barre during the NHL lockout season, shows what it's like for an NHL (ok, AHL) goaltender. After finding this on Youtube, I noticed that Pensburgh had a stellar post about it yesterday. Eerie. Chest bumps go their way as well.

The Kenny Loggins was a bit much, but one could easily refer to the crease as the "Danger Zone." Next time you're sitting with your buddies claiming that you could duplicate MAF's save after save after save after save, re-watch the above video and know your role.

The only question I have...would you strap on the helmet cam and face shot after shot for 7 years/$35 mil? Prior to seeing this video, I'd say yes. After watching how quickly professional hockey players crash the net, I'd most likely reconsider. A mere water bottle break can cause a scoring opportunity, and goalies have to be right back in the game even if the puck is being cycled at the far end of the rink.

A Chris Osgood helmet cam would show a Penguin breathing on him, then the camera immediately focusing on the ceiling. Get it? It's 2 months later, and Osgood is still a diver. I'm joking, but Steelers training camp is only getting me worked up for Penguins season as well. What, you thought I'd ride it out with the Buccos?

God, I miss those yellow pads.

MAF Wins...Against a Horrible Team

I told you I was pumped for MAF to start his comeback. He did me proud by dominating the lowly Norfolk Admirals in the Baby Pens' 3-1 win. Faceoff Factor has the details.

30 saves on 31 shots, with the only goal coming on a deflection? I know it was against a terrible team, but you gotta respect the win. I mean, the dude hasn't played since December. That means NO hockey.

He's got a more meaningful game against a hot Philly team on Friday. Not the Flyers...the Phantoms. Do it, MAF.

And if you're bumming over the loss to the Bruins last night, here's a 20+ year old bench-clearing video to brighten your day. Yeah, Dan Frawley gets owned/pwned about 1:30 in, but it was from known goon Jay Miller. Its easier to accept last night's loss when you see Captain Terry Ruskowski come flying in to help Frawley and destroy Miller. Take that, Boston. You may have won last night, but you got played in 86/87.

Almost Flower Power Time

MAF is about to...pet your dog.

And by pet your dog, I mean make his first AHL start in nearly two years. Now, normally I'd be pretty pissed about MAF playing in the minors, but I'll make an exception seeing as how he's recouping from a nasty high ankle sprain.

With the recent play of Ty Conklin, some people might not care about MAF's return. I am not one of those people. They'll tell you that MAF was a mere 9-8-1 before getting injured. I'd be quick to point to this stat, mentioned in the above link:

[Fleury] was 4-0-0 with a 1.00 goals against average, .955 save percentage and a shutout in his four starts before the injury.

Eat it.

And MAF's all about the team. Seriously. Listen to what he said about a possible battle for the starting spot with Conklin and his league-leading 9.26 save percentage:

“I’m not going to go there and try to steal the job back,” said Fleury. “I just want to play my best and as long as the team is winning, that’s the main thing.”

Solid. Stanley Cup > starting too early and risking a recurring injury.

Norfolk better watch their backs tonight.

Pens Sign Veteran G Conklin

Veteran goalie Ty Conklin has agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Conklin played for both Columbus and Buffalo last season.

With Dany Sabourin expected to be MAF's primary backup, Conklin will be spending most of his time in Wilkes-Barre. However, if Sabourin or MAF struggle/are injured, it will be good to have a solid veteran there to fill the void.

Conklin has a career win percentage above .500, going 30-24-6, with a 2.65 goals against coupled with a .900 save percentage. Good Wilkes-Barre numbers.

More Therrien Ahead!

Michel Therrien has a little wiggle room, now that the Pens have extended the coach's contract another year through 2008/09.

Therrien's contract was to expire after next season.

Its only a one-year extension, so the Pens are keeping Michel on a short leash. They want to make sure this past season was no fluke. I personally would've liked to see a longer extension. Michel has been a great instructor to a young team that desperately needed discipline after the Eddie Olczyk experiment.

Did you see what Michel did last year? Finalist for the Jack Adams award...in his first full season in the 'Burgh.

Remember when Eddie Olczyk posed as a coach? Remember the 47 point jump from the season Therrien replaced Olczyk to last season? Remember that its the 4th best points jump in league history?

Am I asking too many questions?

No financial terms were discussed, but a raise is likely. Therrien's old contract called for him to make $600k.

Oh, and the Pens also signed defensemen Mark Ardelan and Deryk Engelland. Both guys played in the AHL last season, and are expected to hit up the Wilkes-Barre club this season.

Penguins Sign Winger Wallace

The Penguins signed a deal with a winger, but not a high profile, 40 goal guy. Instead, the team agreed to terms on an entry-level contract with Tim Wallace, who played collegiate hockey at Notre Dame.

Wallace might be recognized by the hardcore Pens fan, having participated in rookie camp before being cut by Pittsburgh during regular training camp last season. He spent 32 games in Wilkes-Barre, scoring 14 points, as well as 19 games with the Wheeling team of the East Coast Hockey League, scoring 17 points.

After acquiring defenseman Jonathan D'Aversa earlier in the week, the Pens seem intent on continuing the youth movement that was ushered in by Crosby/Malkin/Stall/Fleury. Ray Shero is adamant about not signing a big-name winger for a one-year fix. If the Pens are going to win, they're going to win with the young guys on the team.

The Pens still could use a veteran winger, and PSaMP is hoping a deal will happen with Gary Roberts. Re-signing Mark Recchi would also be a bonus. However, Wallace may be a good fit as a backup to Roberts or Recchs, seeing as how both will enter next season (if they re-sign) as the silvertops of the group. Gary turned 41 a few days ago, while Recchs will hit the big 4-0 in February. Having a young guy like Wallace in Wilkes-Barre again will only provide an insurance plan for the old, decrepit vets (I'm kidding).