I Guess It's Cool To Hate On The Penguins When They Struggle

Welcome to the All-Star break, Penguins fans. Or should I say, Penguins haters?

Your team sits at 23-21-4, 4th place in the 5-team Atlantic Division and 1 point out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The team that played for the Stanley Cup last season has 34 games to change their fate.

What I don't get is the horde of supposed Penguins fans who are constantly shitting on the team to this point. Don't get me wrong, this team has underperformed on a massive scale, but the recent good fortunes on Pittsburgh ice has seemingly created a ton of pretentious douchebag "fans." Since the team assembled their young core and created a positive outlook with a new arena on the way, the sentiment around the fan base seems to be, "win now or get booed." To which I say, "eat me."

It was only 3 years ago that the team put up the second of back-to-back 58 point seasons. 23 wins (which we currently have) was the better of the two years (23 wins, followed the next year by just 22). Sure, the current 9th place standing in the East doesn't accurately reflect the team that won the conference last year, but that doesn't mean the season is over.

I was talking to some blogging friends yesterday about the Steelers, the Super Bowl and how excited we are that our team is in the championship. I made a point that this year, we don't have the same pressures that the team faced just 3 seasons ago in Super Bowl XL. There's no Bettis' last year drama, the quest for the 5th ring noise or Bill Cowher-trying-to-justify-his-career nonsense. There's a decent percentage of the team that played in that Super Bowl, so this current group can actually enjoy being on football's biggest stage. And the fans can, too.

Now look back at last year's Cup run for the Pens and the drama that preceded the season. Crosby had a contract negotiation coming up, the team leaving-town rumors were still fresh in our minds, Geno, Staal and MAF were all looking at near-expiring contracts and the team hadn't won anything of significance in 15 years or so. Now, the team has all four guys I just mentioned locked up, a new arena on the way, and the motivation of losing in the Cup finals.

So why the hate when the team struggles?

I've been a Penguins fan for as long as I can remember, and I've never seen a perfect season. Hell, in the beginning of this decade, the seasons were as far from perfect as you could get. But now, there's hope...there's a legit future. The "fans" that have come on board in the last 2-3 years are starting to outnumber those of us that realize that a deep Cup run won't come every year. Despite our stacked lineup, the possibility of making it back to the finals in successive years was still very slim. Other teams got better, too...not just the Pens.

This year, I've heard fans boo at home losses. I've heard bullshit questions about Sid being past his prime. All because the team hasn't lived up to expectations this year. So what? If you automatically penciled the Pens into the Cup finals this year based on last year's performance, go die in a fire. Most of the largest questions concerning this team have been answered. The core has new contracts, the relocation is a thing of the past and the team has proven that it can do damage in the playoffs. So enjoy the ups AND DOWNS of a normal freaking NHL season. We're 1 point out of a playoff slot with half a season to go and still without annual Norris Trophy finalist Sergei Gonchar.

So to the current haters out there...learn to relax. Success isn't guaranteed in any sport, much less in one as physical and draining as hockey. If you think a team with the top two scorers in the league can't do damage as an 8 seed, you should go jump on someone else's bandwagon. There's 34 games left, and only a slight improvement in performance will see this team in the playoffs. Take pride in the positives, and quit overreacting to the negatives, fellow Penguins "fans."

Was Jordan Staal Given the Alternate Captaincy to Increase His Trade Value?

I hate to be this guy. I really do. But I didn't start a sports blog so I could keep my thoughts and opinions to myself.

I love Jordan Staal. At 20 years old, we couldn't ask for much more out of the kid. He scored about 75 goals as a rook, and hasn't matched that offensive total in the one-plus years since. But what he brings as a versatile two-way player and penalty kill specialist...that's unrivaled for a player so young. The dude has crazy potential, and from time to time skates like a man possessed.

Which is why his recent strong play earned him the Alternate Captaincy, along with linemate Matt Cooke, for the month of December. Therrien is switching it up all season, but Staal truly earned the A on his jersey.

So now to the depressing, rumor-filled part of this post.

My buddy Tony at The Confluence wrote that the Penguins have yet to find a legit scoring winger for Sid. Ray Shero has done a remarkable job assembling a ridiculous core of centers to go with a sturdy blue line and a franchise goalie who always seems to be backed up by a proven vet. The one thing lacking is the wing.

In that post, there are a good number of comments with readers speculating on what will happen, given that the team has a decent amount of trade bait and hardly any cap space to work with. It seems like the only options are to hope a young guy like Luca Caputi matures quicker than hoped, or to package a few guys for the chance at a mid-to-higher tier scoring winger.

Earlier in the season, the "Trade Staal!" chorus could be heard everywhere. He couldn't score and was looking lost. Those chants have quieted with his recent output, and should be silenced forever with Therrien bestowing the A to Staal's jersey. But is it all part of a plan?

Right now, Staal's market value is the highest it's ever been. He's finding the back of the net and is really putting together some solid shifts. However, if you were an opposing GM, which player would you look at? The young kid who sometimes plays to potential and other times still seems not ready for the bright lights? Or the former #2 overall pick, in his third season at just age 20 who dons an A on his jersey? Which guy is gonna bring the Penguins the most in return?

Staal is a Second Line-caliber center who plays on a checking Third Line due solely to the talent above him in Sid and Geno. I'm all for home-grown talent, and kinda can't wait to see if guys like Caputi (or even Janne Pesonen), could be that star on Sid's line. But due to the situation that Staal is in, it could be in the best interest of the team to package Staal and a defenseman or prospect to a talent-starved team in hopes of a young, scoring winger.

Which is why that A on Staal's chest might mean more than originally thought.

Sidney Crosby is Good at Soccer, Too

Last season, there were a ton of articles that chronicled how the Pens and other teams got loose before big hockey games. I'd search for those articles, but I'm a lazy piece of shit.

However, I found a picture that I remember seeing last year. It shows Petr Sykora, Jordan Staal, Ryan Malone, Evgeni Malkin and Max Talbot('s little face behind Sykora's mouth) partaking in a little soccer action before a game. And you thought I was shitting you about the hockey/soccer articles.



Now, we see that Sid has soccer skillz as well. Watch him dribble the hell out of a soccer ball.



And why wouldn't Sid be good at soccer? For all you Sid haters out there, he already has the diving part down pat (amirite, amirite?).

Mike Zigomanis Makes the Penguins a Complete Team

15 or so games into the season, and the Penguins' savior has been the unlikely Mike Zigomanis. Last night, he cemented his position as unsung hero.

If you missed the game, the Pens rallied from a 5-2, final period deficit to win 7-6 in OT. Tons of fans and writers are going to slobber over Jordan Staal...and rightfully so. He snapped out of a season-opening slump to record his second career hat trick. All three goals were scored in the third period, and he exerted his will over Pavel Datsyuk in the extra frame, sneaking up from behind, stealing the puck, and setting up Ruslan Fedotenko for the game winner.

But there's more to hockey than just passing, shooting and scoring. Faceoffs won and lost are a massive deal in today's NHL. After a goalie stoppage, the puck stays in the attacking zone, so winning faceoffs allows you to keep the attacking pressure on if its in the opposition's zone, or allows you to gain possession to force the puck out of your own zone. This came into play last night.



Observe the above picture. The quality is shitty, since I stole it from the Youtube video at the top, but it shows the Pens in the attacking zone, down a goal, with an empty net and 30 seconds left on the clock. Sidney Crosby had just put a shot on net, and the clock stopped when Detroit goalie Chris Osgood covered the puck. With no room for error, the Pens needed to win this exact faceoff, to keep the puck in the zone and save as much time as possible for a last shot to tie the game. Mike Zigomanis calmly took to the circle, and won the faceoff back to the point. After a shot and scrum, Jordan Staal tapped in a rebound for the hat trick and the equalizer.

Wow, Nick...one faceoff win. Big deal.

No. You'd be hard-pressed to find a reliable faceoff man in Black and Gold over the past 6-7 years. When Ray Shero brought in Ziggy after the first week of this season, we knew we were getting a reliable forward who would score a handful of goals. We weren't sure if we were getting this:



That's the leaderboard for faceoff percentage in the entire NHL. Ziggy has a full one percent lead over noted faceoff man Rob Brind'Amour.

To put this into perspective, its like the Steelers finally having an O Line to compliment their offensive weapons. Its like the Pirates finally having their pitching and bats working at the same time. If you follow either of those teams, you'll understand the importance of faceoffs to the Pens.

Shero has done an amazing job putting together a nucleus of young forwards and defensemen in front of a franchise goalie, but faceoffs have always been our Achilles heel. One faceoff win last night showed the hockey world that Ziggy's faceoff stats were no fluke. The game was on the line, and he calmly did his job. And with that one faceoff win, Ray Shero looks like even more of a genius.

Shero and the Pens put the NHL on notice that they're becoming that complete team that can hang with anyone. Especially the defending champs.

But who woulda thunk that Mike Zigomanis would be the difference?

Jordan Staal Is A Golfer

(h/t to Bleacher Report and Net News Ledger)

Following the Happy Gilmore standard for getting people interested in golf, the Freedom 55 Financial Thunder Bay Hockey Celebrity Golf Classic, held this past weekend, used hockey players as a means of upping the cred of the tournament. My only question, why didn't the tournament invite Chris Simon? They missed a golden opportunity, what with "most time spent in the penalty box" and "taking off a skate and trying to stab someone."

Pittsburgh's own Jordan Staal, seen on the far left, was present at the tournament. This picture signifies a change in PSaMP, where I can only give you grainy pictures where you can barely make out the subject. Stay tuned next week, when I find the world's first camera phone and use it to take you inside the Pirates' locker room.

Jordan's brothers Eric and Marc played in the event, as did NHLers Mike Richards, Alex Auld, Patrick Sharp and Taylor Pyatt. The golfers bid at the beginning of the day on which athlete they wanted golfing in their group. Eric went first, with a bid of $1,500. Whore. Well, in the best sense of the term "whore." The tourney has raised over $50 grand over the past two years for cancer research. Cancer in Thunder Bay is about to be murdered, thanks to time donated by the classy NHLers.

Trevor Letowski was also there. Good thing the organizers didn't invite Colby Armstrong.

My only question, did Jordan use the NHL's hockey stick putter? Since Jordan's still a year away from contract negotiations, I'm gonna guess the $115.00 asking price might be a bit too steep.

Who Will Be The Penguins' Alternate Captains?

I've told you before that I call my writing style at PSaMP "stream of consciousness sportsblogging." When I give you the MPotD (or CMPotD), I have no idea what I'm going to write about later that day regarding sports. Ill flip through the blogosphere, check some newspaper websites, Google News, Youtube, emailed tips from readers, whatever it takes to find something that sparks my interest. I can count on one hand (maybe two) the amount of times in the 15 or so months of PSaMP's existence that I've actually prepared a post prior to the day it gets published.

Writing like this can really stress me out at times, but I've been able to give my two cents on topics that I wouldn't have thought of had already prepared something. Case in point, this morning, I got my daily Pensblog read, which linked to Pens Nation (which is now making its way to the Wild Ass Links in my sidebar). On Pens Nation, their sidebar has a ton of information that you usually don't find on blogs: team captains, HOFers, free agents, trophy winners, etc. It was in looking at the team's current captain/alternate captains list that I came to a realization, could we potentially lose 75% of our alternates?

Sergei Gonchar is locked up. There is no way he loses the A next season. The other 3 might not even be in Pens unis next year. Ryan Malone seems to be on his way out. Pensblog asks if the $2.5 mil Sydor is owed next season could be better used elsewhere. Would Sydor be traded or let go? Gary Roberts made $2.5 mil this year, and could potentially retire or seek a one year contract for a similar amount elsewhere. As much as he's loved in Pittsburgh, these are the truths in hockey that fans have to understand.

That makes Gonchar the only sure alternate. Who gets the other 3 spots if Roberts, Sydor and Malone don't return and the team figures on keeping 4 revolving alternates?

Geno Gino. Apparently, its spelled with an I rather than an E. I'll still use Geno as a tag on posts mentioning Malkin to keep consistency, though. If the Pens don't trade the kid (I'm sick of hearing that nonsense, bullshit rumor), he'd have to be next in line to don the A. With Sid out this past season, Gino was the unspoken captain of the team, elevating his play to heights unseen. The weight of the A should ensure his continued upward progression by adding team responsibility.

Hossa. If he is indeed in line for a contract from Ray Shero, I'd imagine Hossa getting an A to go with the money. He could be a captain on several lowly clubs, a notion that might've scared potential suitors prior to this year's playoffs. He showed that he can perform with the spotlight on, and should proudly wear the A.

Sykora, Staal or Fleury. The last alternate is a tough one. I've ruled out any big name free agent (hinging on a potential Hossa contract), seeing how the tight money issue should nullify any chance of acquiring a free agent worthy of wearing the alternate's A. Long term contracts for both Staal and Fleury are still a thought for the future, as would be the addition of an A to their jerseys. Staal is still young, and could be an option down the road if Shero can find money for a contract for Staal. Fleury has played well, but his name might be a stretch. If its Sykora, that would make a Canadian captain and 4 European alternates (provided Gino and Hossa join Gonch).

Also, adding Gino would officially signal the new era of Pens stars. Prior to Malone getting the A this season, Mark Recchi joined Sydor, Gonch and Roberts. It was all about veteran leadership and experience. What with making the playoffs the past two seasons and suffering incredible heartbreak both times, I think the young stars have gained the experience to begin a new era of Pittsburgh dominance on ice. Giving Gino an A to compliment Sid's C would effectively tell the rest of the league that there's no more excuses revolving around youth inexperience, and our young stars are leading the way.

So, any thoughts on who might back up Sid in 08-09? I know I picked three forwards in Gino, Hossa and Sykora, but would a blueliner accompany Gonch?

Or will Shero find a way to keep as many of the current alternates as possible?

Fear The Playoff BTM: Part 3

How do I even begin to describe my current emotions following last night's win?

Praise Sid? Thank God that the presence of Sydor might have changed our luck? Worship Brooks Orpik? Point out to Chris Osgood that goalies with the lead don't flop?

Nah. I'll chalk it up to the Playoff BTM. Home ice might have had something to do with the win, or maybe the whiteout. I think the BTM stepped it up huge, scoring early so Detroit was unable to keep up their puck-control nonsense. It seems the BTM does well when challenged, or when the team's back is against the proverbial wall.

Sid could have easily had a hat trick (or more), if not for the pipes playing about as well as Chris Osgood last night. No matter the case, a win means the BTM has a longer shelf life, and more importantly, means that the Pens are still alive.

Sure, I'd like to see a few other players step it up, like Geno (who played better last night), Hossa (he scores on Saturday. Write that down) or Jordan Staal (sure, he's been playing possessed, but he's missed on several finishes). The BTM can only do so much by itself.

Which is why its nice to have a flower in your corner.



What a win. I've been waiting for that feeling since 1992.

Go Pens!

Condolences To The Staal Family

Condolences from a heavy-hearted blogger must go to Jordan Staal and his family. Staal's grandfather passed away on Sunday, and Jordan's immediate schedule after getting the news included playing Game 2, attending a funeral in Canada, then playing in Game 3.

That ENer at the end of Game 2 must've been emotional.

Death is a hard thing to deal with. When we see athletes take the field/ice/court/etc., we assume that they're focused on one thing, executing to the highest level their skill allows so that the fans can enjoy a win. Knowing the darkness that must have clouded Jordan's thoughts before playoff hockey games during this difficult time is unbelievable.

I don't mean to liken Staal's ENer or his play in Game 3 to, say, Brett Favre playing well after his father's passing, but the strength and mental toughness needed to contribute to a playoff hockey game is something that you and I cannot fully understand. I know how your energy is sapped away when you are given fatal news, and being able to compartmentalize that pain enough to produce on the ice is a feat worth applauding.

Staal had a free pass to miss some games, or even had a legitimate excuse for poor play.

He didn't need any of that. Hockey might have been the help he needed.

As I pass along my condolences, I also give Jordan Staal a higher level of respect than the level at which he's already earned through his accomplishments in his first two years in the NHL.

Your youth is offset by your strength. As a Penguins fan, I am truly appreciative.

"Mike Richards Is The Best Two-Way Player Of His Generation"

That title, is a rough transcript of the praise given to Mike Richards by Joe Beninati and Darren Eliot in last night's Game 2 between the Penguins and Flyers.

That's some pretty high praise, if you ask me.

To recap, Mike Richards just completed his third year in the league, and offensively, he has put up 141 points in 211 career games. I don't remember if it was Beninati of Eliot who uttered that line, but I was taken aback when I heard it. I usually tune out the whoever is calling the game, but this quote was heard loud and clear. Thanks to The Pensblog for the update on who actually was calling the game.

So Mike Richards, who has done squat in this league, is now the best two-way player of his generation, being players aged 25 and under.

Hockey minds get their panties in a bunch whenever praise is given to Sidney Crosby, despite the fact that he's actually accomplished something in the NHL. A scoring title and a plethora of trophies should be more than enough to back claims of Crosby's skill. Which is why I'm appalled that there's no attention drawn to this fantastic quote from the Versus broadcast of Game 2.

Offensively, Mike Richards has scored 28 goals in his best (current) season. Jordan Staal, in his rookie campaign, scored 29. Plus, Staal is regularly called on to kill penalties. I'd argue that Staal is a better two-way player than Richards. Case in point, the empty net goal scored to seal last night's win. No, Richards wasn't involved, but Staal's defense was highlighted. With one less guy on the ice and nursing a one-goal lead late in the game, Staal showed more desire to get the puck than anyone wearing orange, while the Flyers controlled the puck. Your team is losing, you've brought an extra attacker on the ice, and you get beat by a kid on a team who DOESN'T NEED to score. If I was a Flyers fan, I'd be outraged at that pitiful display.

It can even be argued that Sid plays good defense, despite everyone understanding that he's an offensive force. Therrien has used him to kill penalties, albeit to hopefully create shorthanded opportunities, but he's out there. Also, the way he uses his lower-body strength to protect pucks can be seen as a defensive maneuver. We always hear about how teams with the lead like to dump and chase in order to keep the other team from gaining momentum, and to finally wear them out. Sid's ability to protect the puck with his stance and leg-strength is just as defensive a move as a dump and chase tactic. The other team gets worn down trying to fight the kid (another one in this "generation"), and Sid can take time off the clock playing this defensive style.

Mike Richards is a good player. I want to take nothing away from what he's accomplished and the way he is dedicated to defense. But any hockey fan should be disgusted at the unwarranted praise given by the Versus broadcasters. Richards is clearly one of the top young talents at playing offense and defense, and he should be commended for his efforts. But to use the term "the best" to describe Richards is disturbing...

...at best.

Best. Penguins. Preview. Ever.

Don't care who you are, Wallace and Gromit will kick your ass.

Back to the point, Pensblog absolutely dominated their Penguins season preview. I nearly cried.

Even if you don't read Pensblog (and if you don't, you suck), any season preview means the season is about to start. I'm expecting big things from Sid and Co. this season. Every hockey "expert" can go eat me with their New York Ranger-bandwagon-jump-on-ing (sorry, that was the best I could do). Ooooh...they got Chris Drury, they should be the favorite to win the East. Bullshit. Last I checked, we still have the reigning league MVP (and Gary Roberts...and Georges Laraque). Sure, Drury makes the Rangers better, but its sick how the "experts' are already foaming at the mouth over New York.

Last I checked, they had the bottom-rung Staal brother. Pens have Jordan "Upped My Cred By Getting Arrested" Staal. End of argument.

Those of you who haven't been around these parts since PSaMP was founded (all of you) don't know that the Penguins were the muse for this blog. PSaMP was born out of my overflowing emotions as the team announced that they wouldn't be leaving Pittsburgh. That caused me to create this blog and write the first (shitty) post. And during those formative times, all I covered was the Pens. Pirates season hadn't started, the Steelers were a distant memory, and the massive strides made by Sid and Co. filled my every thought.

Now, with the '07-'08 season about to start, all I can do is bow to Pensblog for giving such an amazing preview. Well done.

Oh God, its time.

Mike Lange Is Coming Back!...To Radio

Scratch my back with a hacksaw, Mike Lange is returning to the Penguins. I know this is semi-old news, but I needed to touch on it.

I'll be the first to admit that Steigy and Errey combined don't make up half of Mike Lange. Mike Lange is Pittsburgh Penguins.

I was stunned when he was fired from FSN Pittsburgh prior to last season. He signed on to broadcast the radio-version of the games shortly after. Honestly, that was a horrible move by FSN. There was even an online petition to keep Mike Lange.

In Pittsburgh, we have the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. Each team has had a signature announcer who basically defined the team. The Pirates had Bob Prince. The Steelers had Yoi-tacular Myron Cope. FSN denied Mik Lange a chance to continue his claim as "Voice of the Penguins." The guy called games for 30 years, and is a Hall of Famer (he won the Foster Hewitt Award in 2001).

I'm happy that Lange will be back, at least in radio-only version. Many a Steelers fan would mute the television to hear Myron Cope's radio broadcast, and I tended to do the same with the Pens games last year. Steigy and Errey aren't all that bad, but I'd rather listen to Mike Lange and Phil "The Old Two-Niner" Bourque. Plus, Steigy and Errey comment on Jordan Staal's "long stick" way too much.

Lange's deal is for one year, and he said he hasn't entertained offers to join television crews elsewhere. Lange was hoping for a multi-year deal, but plans to just take it one year at a time.

Its unfortunate that FSN "beat him like a rented mule."

Jordan Staal's Mug

Since we're on the topic on sports and mug shots, here's underage drinker Jordan Staal's booking photo from his wild bachelor party experience in...Minnesota?

According to a Cook County Sheriff's Office news release, that office began receiving complaints of "screaming, yelling and playing loud music" around 12:30 a.m. because of the party at the Lutsen Resort and Sea Villas. Sheriff's deputies issued multiple warnings to be quiet, under threat the group of about 20 might be "removed from the property, issued citations, arrested and/or deported from the country."

Had Jordan Staal been deported, I would've lost it. That would be tooo funny, being deported for a bachelor party. That would be a bragging point.

Apparently, Jordan and his broter, Eric, were sleeping while the party was still going on. They were all kicked out around 3 A.M.

The group then began "harassing passing motorists," and were promptly arrested. Several dudes fled into the woods. Jordan Staal didn't

He was released shortly after booking. His brother Eric, the bachelor in question, was held overnight.

Never a dull moment with those crazy Canadians.

BREAKING NEWS: Jordan Staal Arrested

Shortly after I remark how slow the sports day has been, Jordan Staal goes and gets himself arrested.

Eric Staal was also arrested in a busted bachelor party. It was for Eric. They were among 14 dudes arrested for disorderly conduct and obstruction of the legal process.

Jordan, who is still 18, was cited for underage drinking.

More on this tomorrow.

Pens Ink Crosby!

Rejoice, Pens fans! Sid's not going anywhere!

Crosby inked a 5 year/$45 mil deal to stay with the Pens.

With collective bargaining, Crosby was able to demand up to $10.06 mil a year, but settled for a cool $9 mil a year. It'll give Shero a little wiggle room to help re-sign guys like Geno, Staal and MAF over the next 2 to 3 years.

This has turned out to be a legendary offseason for Shero. First, he re-signs Whitney to a 6 year deal, has a former top prospect fall into his lap at the 20th selection, signs Cup-winning veterans like Sydor and Sykora, brings back young contributors in Christensen and Talbot, then inks the regining MVP to a contract extension. At a bargain, mind you.

Well done, Ray Ray. You too, Sid. I'm gonna go be happy for a while. See you in a bit...

Sidney Crosby is Cooler than You

Yeah, the above picture is one of the reasons why. But also because he is a team player.

The guy knows that Ray Shero wants to start talking contract extension. Sidney Crosby wants to start talking contract extension as well. Sid's selling point is that he's the best player in the league. As the best player in the league, he's bound to ask for the most money in the league, right? Right?

Negotiations are going to be tough, mainly because Sid is so talented. If the Pens don't get a contract in place, Every other team would be willing to pony up for the best player in the league. But the Pens want to keep the ridiculous core of young talent together, which could be damn near impossible.

But Sid knows this. In the collective bargaining agreement, Sid could ask for the max contract available, which would be 20 percent of the salary cap ceiling of $50.3 mil. That would come to $10.06 mil over four years. But if Sid does that, then you can kiss Geno, Jordan, MAF and/or Angelo goodbye. Ryan Whitney just got $24 mil over 6 years. Signing him was a priority. Sid is a bigger one. If Shero doesn't play his cards right, the Pens can have a huge problem on their hands.

Sid's made it completely clear that he'd be willing to take less money to give Shero wiggle room in signing the other young stars over the next few seasons. MJ had his Pippen/Rodman/Paxson/Grant/Kerr. Gretzky had his Messier/Anderson/Fuhr/Coffey/Moog. Even a Derek Jeter had his Brosius/O'Neill/Posada/Williams. Sid can't do it alone, despite his stake as best player in the game.

But Shero can't come with a number that's too low. I know that Sid has an unstated loyalty to Pittsburgh and his housemate Mario Lemieux, but don't try to tell me the best player in the league wouldn't try to get more money elsewhere if he felt purposefully slighted by Pittsburgh. We'd be dumb to believe that. Shero has to make a lot of people happy, including us bloggers, so that the team has a legitimate shot at bringing a Cup back to the Steel City in the near future.

However, it is nice to know that Sid is aware of the complications of having so many young (potential) stars on the team. If he wants to win a Cup, his best chance of doing so is with this group in Pittsburgh. Teams rarely assemble the type of young talent that the Pens currently have. Yes, it took some really awful years to get the top-notch talent, but that's in the past. The future is where the Pens need to look. Sid's already looking there. Hopefully both sides come up with a feasible figure to ensure a happy working future for the MVP and the organization.

Malkin Wins Calder!

Evgeni Malkin, superstud rookie from your Pittsburgh Penguins, won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's ultra-cool, sweet-ass, gnarly, spectacular rookie of the year!

Malkin beat fellow teammate Jordan Staal, as well as Colorado forward Paul Stastny. Malkin celebrated by continually looking dumbfounded and confused. Malkin received 120 of 143 votes. Stastny came in 2nd and Staal was 3rd.

Pittsburgh and Sidney Crosby were denied the Calder last year, with the award going to phenom Alexander Ovechkin. Malkin made sure to finally bring the award back to Pittsburgh. And by Pittsburgh, I mean Russia.

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).

Despite Good Play, Pens Drop "Must-Win" Game 4

I'm officially running out of negative adjectives to describe the 3 playoff losses so far. Yesterday's game felt right. The team actually played the 2nd period, but was unable to use to the momentum swing to score more than one goal. Jordan Staal buried a shot right in front of Emery, but the Pens could not find the back of the net again, falling 2-1 in what was viewed as a must-win game.

Its tough to take the loss last night, because the Pens were able to put themselves in a position to possibly win and even up the series. The Senators scored on a fluke goal just over 3 minutes into the game. The Pens battled to tie the score (See? Rebounds, a result of shots on goal, can lead to goals. Amazing!) but were not able to capitalize on having Volchenkov in the box in the 3rd, and that same Volchenkov came back to put the 30 foot winner past MAF.

Is it possible for the Pens to rattle off 3 straight wins? Most definitely. The Senators have just won two in a row, so they have put themselves in a position to win 3 straight games. The Penguins need to go back to Ottawa as a different team in game 5. Reassess game 4, focus on all the positives, and play with some desperation.

Georges Laraque was not in the lineup last night, and the same fate beset Erik Christensen. Christensen being benched was almost a given, seeing how the young forward has digressed lately, and his play has slipped. Laraque not being in the lineup, is a travesty. What was the point in picking up the guy, if he's benched for 3 of the 4 games so far in the series, and only skated for a total of 5 minutes in game 1? Sure, Gary Roberts' contributions have been impeccable, and the 40 year old (soon to be 41 year old) nut has been throwing his body at any Senator he can. However, Big Georges can bring that physical play, while giving guys like Roberts more of a chance to score rather than carrying the bruising load. As much the Roberts acquisition has been applauded by the league and anyone who watches the Pens, the acquisition and use of Laraque leaves more to be desired. Let him play, and skate him alongside Crosby on the first line to start the game. Why, you may ask? Well, its one combination the Penguins haven't tried, and at this point in the series, we need to scrap whatever we've been doing. Plus, guys like Volchenkov and Phillips are constantly on the ice with Crosby, so lets send a message early that the Pens can play physical, too. (I know this will never happen. I also know that Laraque doesn't have the speed, skill or stamina to play alongside the top line all game. I'm just making a point that Laraque needs to play, and more than just 5 minutes.)

Enough with that, time to check back in with the Buccos. Its been awhile since I mentioned the Pirates, mainly because I've been mad about the St. Louis sweep, the Torres blown saves, the Bonds homers, and the rainout of Jack Robinson day in the 'Burgh. With that being said, ADD Laroche hit a homer, and the Pirates beat the Redbirds 6-1. Gorzo got his revenge against the Cards, and lowered his ERA to 1.33. Gorzo had a chance to get the complete game, but was pulled in favor of Matt Capps, who recorded the final two outs. This win comes on the heels of a 3-2 win on Monday, in which Torres was given another chance to blow the game in the 9th, with Pujols on and the bases loaded. King Albert popped out on a well thrown sinker, as Salomon righted the closer ship. So the Bucs have a 2 game winning streak, and are now back to .500, sitting at 6-6. Tonight is an 8:05 start in Milwaukee (What? Are we the Indians or Angels?) and Paul Maholm will try to earn his first win this season. I hope Paul can follow up the two excellent starts by Ian Snell and Gorzo with a quality outing himself.

Some Losses Leave A Bad Taste In Your Mouth

this was one of those losses. leading 2-nill in the 9th inning, "previously 4 for 4" salomon torres decided to emit shades of jose mesa (or mike williams...ew). torres let 2 runs score in the ninth, blowing his first save of the year. the buccos hung around until the 12th, but paulino couldnt hold on to a jason bay throw on a sacrifice fly, and the cards prevailed 3-2. bautista homered, and the pirates squandered a quality outing by gorzo. having never faced pujols before, gorzo got sir albert out 3 times to end innings (read that last line again)! why is this important? uh...take a look at alberts numbers against the pirates entering this season (thanks to albert pujols club). its losses like this that have me wondering if the buccos can take that next step, and actually compete in the central this year. if not, us loyal fans can settle down and take in another long, hard-to-watch season.

enough with the past, and on to the future. the pens are about 7 1/2 hours away from their first playoff game since 2001. i sometimes feel a little weird, because im way too pumped for the second season to start. with the success the pens had this season, as well as the whole arena/kansas city/las vegas ordeal and the maturation of staal, geno, maf and sid, the playoffs are basically the icing on the cake. i do agree with ray shero, though, that the pens cannot be satisfied by simply being in the playoffs, and must be prepared for a long run (get that playoff beard going larrybrownsports! i want pictures...just kiddin). ottawa has been somewhat shaky (im being nice by saying somewhat) in the playoffs in the past few years, and bryan murray isnt necessarily the most playoff-savvy coach (dude has never made it out of the 2nd round, in the pros and in the minors). that doesnt really mean anything this year, but its good to know.

scott burnside of espn.com wrote a story about sid that was both compelling and rich (thanks, ron burgandy). it actually made the front of espn.com (what?...hockey news on espn? you gotta be kidding). this comes only days after scotty picked the sens to win the series in 5 games. way to straddle that fence, scott! (side note: another reason to get angry at espn: the first time i clicked on espn.com today, the site crashed each site i had open, and i had to completely rewrite this entry. looks like espn has changed tactics from bashing sites on espn radio to crashing browser windows.)

thats all for now. mpotd will be coming up soon. i know you cant wait. neither can i.