This Dude's Hair Is The Key To The Penguins' Season

I don't want to get ahead of myself and start making claims that "THE SEASON IS TURNED AROUND," but in this instance, it's acceptable.

We have huuuge games coming up this weekend against Philly and Washington, and if we can scrape a few points out of these contests, then hopefully the Pens can pull back into the playoff picture. The Pensblog pulled out Hacksaw to re-ignite the team...I'll point to someone that was at the game last night.

This dude watched the Pens beat the Canadiens first hand, and his hair will be the spark that helps the Pens make the playoffs. Or it'll be the the reason we crash and burn epically. I still haven't decided.

But if you thought I'd go a day at PSAMP without mentioning a dude with a coif this sweet, then you really don't understand what PSAMP is all about. Good for Bylsma for getting the guys to play well, good for Sergei for getting on the board, good for Geno for flying around like a madman last night. But good for this guy for bringing that hair to the arena.

We all appreciate it.

I'm an idiot.

h/t to Nate for the screengrab

Georges Who?

Don't get me wrong, I had a massive man-crush on Georges Laraque during his tenure with the Penguins. Probably still do, despite him playing in Canada now.

However, some recent fights by Penguins newcomers Eric Godard and Paul Bissonnette will help fans get over BGL pretty quick. Check out the two destroy Riley Cote and Matt Bradley respectively in the past two games.

Monsters.

The Prince of Wales Needs Saved From Ottawa

The Prince of Wales Trophy (next to our boy, Stanley) is going to be in the Civic Arena.

Let that sink in.

He has been stuck in Ottawa since last year.

Only two words need spoken.

Go Pens.

WooHoo! Flyers Win!

Megadeth rules! Woooooooooo!

Cros-by Su-ucks!

The Flyers are "alive and swell," baby!

I don't know where I heard it, but I think Game 5 is this Sunday on NBC.

That dude who brings like 30 signs to the games behind the net is the man. Its like he knows what's gonna happen!

Pink, popped-collared shirts are fantastic.

3 more wins til the finals, baby! Briere's gonna own!

(/blatant trip on a Penguin) Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

I need to buy some Dockers.

And some Edge Shave Gel.

We're only down because Timonen and Coburn are out. No, I've never heard of Mark Eaton.

Wooooooooooooo!

Championship.

All Fake Legs Need Penguins Logos

Albert Guilianelli rules.

As if you needed any more evidence that Pittsburgh sports fans are absolutely insane about their teams, watch that video to understand the lengths gone to profess the local love.

That's a prosthetic leg. Adorned with a massive Penguins logo. And a captain's C on the back. Man, I want one of these and I luckily have both of my legs. Maybe a third leg...I'm gonna stop while I'm ahead.

Props to WTAE for the video.

Listen close at the beginning of the video. Jake Ploeger gives a healthy chuckle after saying "do do."

One more video before I let you go. Check out the Pens, specifically BGL, Ruutu, Malone and Geno taunt the hell outta the stunned Philly fans after the crushing Game 3 win.



Go Pens.

Flyers Fans > Penguins Fans

Every now and then, I like to apologize to you, the reader. I know this blog covers all Pittsburgh sports, but I find myself focusing on the biggest/funniest/most interesting topics of the time. I'd love to break down the Pirates' recent 6-game winning streak (which was just snapped in the nightcap of last night's double-header), but my schedule is so jammed that I rarely have time to offer more than one sports story a day. Please accept my apologies if you only care about the Pirates. Not just because my coverage of them has been spotty so far this season, but because the Pirates suck, and any Buccos fan deserves an apology.

So if you're a regular PSaMP reader, you've probably noticed that the Penguins have pretty much dominated the majority of my recent writing. Same thing happens during football season with the Steelers, and once hockey season is over, you can bet on a number of Pirates posts.

But hockey season isn't over. Last year, I had just started PSaMP, and the playoffs were over as quickly as they began. Being two short wins from the Cup finals this season hopefully justifies my plentiful Penguins posts. And Game 3 in Philly is tonight. Its impossible to NOT get caught up in the emotion, whether you're a fan or some dumb blogger.

Home-ice advantage is huge. That might be a generic-ass statement, but it needs to be reinforced in light of the series switching to Philly ice tonight. The Rangers only win of the series came at home, and we'd be foolish to expect anything more than a split of the next two games in Philly. Fans have a way of pumping up the home team, creating momentum or absolutely deflating the visiting team's collective psyche. Why do you think the white-out worked in both Game 1s against the Rangers and Flyers? The fans were excited, and transferred that emotion to the players. It was a genius move by the organization, knowing that in spite of the immense talent on the team, the pre-series layoffs would sap the players of that game-ready attitude. The fans helped bring the Pens back from that early 3-0 deficit in Game 1 against New York. As soon as that 3rd New York goal was scored, you could hear "Let's go, Pens" resonating throughout the entire arena. It resulted in two quick goals that ultimately decided which team was going to keep momentum.

Expecting a win tonight isn't wrong, since we're Pens fans, but we need to understand that the home team is counted on to hold serve. I don't care what seed we are compared to the seed Philly is, we're the underdog on the road. Whatever those fans throw at the Pens, orange shirts, collective chants, its going to give Philly a boost not seen in Games 1 and 2.

Unless this video captures exactly how lonely Flyers fans are pumped Flyers fans are for the game (h/t to the MYFO crew at Deadspin today):



Holla atchur boy, indeed.

This game is huge, and I fully expect that these two guys will provide the inspiration needed for the Flyers to tighten up this series.

Let's go Fly-ers!

Go Pens.

"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.

Fear The Playoff BTM: Part 2

The BTM is growing.

That's Bad Teenage Moustache, for you Philly fans.

Game 2 starts soon. Can the Flyers withstand another BTM-lead assault? I'd like to think not.

Go Pens!

Other Philadelphia Statues To Deface

What with all the furor over who is going to deface (or already has defaced) the Rocky statue in Philly, I'm proposing a few less famous statues that would look good in a Pens uniform. Besides, everyone knows Rocky is a target of Pens fans.

Imagine Philadelphians waking up to see Crosby or Malkin jerseys adorning every statue in their city! I'm giddy about the possibility.

Here's a list of other potential targets. Have at it, Pens fans.

Jeanne d'Arc. Could use a little black to go with that gold.



Lafayette. Could use a little gold to go with that black.



Iroquois. Then, maybe we can distinguish what the hell this thing is.

Thomas Fitzsimons. Dude looks like he could use some protection from acid rain.



Frank Rizzo. Why make a bet with a current mayor when you can get at the former.



Ben Franklin. And then make him look like he's engraving the Penguins' names on the Cup.

Is Georges Laraque The Difference?

What the hell kinda awful picture is this?

If you ask me, this barely visible mashup of colors and shapes could very well be the tipping point in the upcoming Eastern Conference Finals series.

Its from a fight that happened just over a month ago. Riley Cote decided to fight BGL, despite having lost to him earlier in the season. While this fight was a shade above a draw in favor of BGL, Georges landed a left that sent Cote's helmet flying 30-some odd feet down the ice. Video is provided below, so you know what I'm talking about.



Even if you're a casual Pens fan, you've probably seen this video.

With the Flyers expected to play wanna-be-goon Cote to matchup with the likes of Hal Gill and BGL, a fight might be what gives either team the decided advantage. We've been fortunate to follow a sweep with a 5-game series win. Expecting another sweep, or even a quick series, would be foolish. As much as I'd like to see an absolute dissection of the Cryers, I'm fully prepared for a series that goes 6, maybe 7 games. This isn't me doubting MAF or the ridiculous display by our defense, just me trying to stay level-headed in spite of the recent playoff success.

So what happens if the series is knotted up at 1s or 2s? Would we sit back and hope our offense comes through in the clutch? That's a good aspect to have in your back pocket, but with guys like Cote and Hartnell wearing orange, borderline-dirty play might keep the offense in check.

Which is why guys like BGL might play a bigger role than originally thought.

That April 2nd fight allowed BGL to get in Cote's head (and nearly knocked that head off). Sure, Cote is pretty fearless and will fight anyone, but his inexperience (compared to guys like BGL) causes him to bite off more than he can sometimes chew. Should the two players fight in order to sway momentum, Cote goes into the brawl knowing that the last time the guys tangled, Cote's helmet went into orbit. Sure, hockey players are tough, but something that extraordinary has to leave some doubt in a guy's mind.

Now, that was a lot of speculation put into print, but my point is this:

- Expect a tight/physical series
- Momentum will be key
- Cote is going to get a decent amount of ice time.
- Its the Eastern Conference Finals, teams will be playing desperate
- BGL is 2-0 against Cote this season
- Fights are rare in the postseason, but could Cote make a Holloweg-esque dumb move and battle BGL?

Oh, and this:

Go Pens!

The Flyers Suck

Are you pumped for the Pens/Flyers series? You should be.

I figured that Flyers fans (much like Patriots, Browns, Rangers or any other Pittsburgh rival fanbase) would be trolling Google to find instances where their team is mentioned in a negative light, so I plan on exercising my right to bash, should any Flyers fans (pictured below. Nice Hollister bag, douche) find this.



Philly sucks and is stupid.

The Flyers are idiots, and I think several players are having relationships with each other.

Your city can't win shit.

Go boo Santa.

Go throw batteries.

We hate you.

Daniel Briere sucks and has a dumb face.

You signed the lesser of the two Sabres free agents, and we just dispatched of Drury in 5.

Pittsburgh rules.

Ben Franklin sucks.

Our mascot skates faster than Derian Hatcher.

Rocky uses steroids.

MAF > Biron.

Ryan Malone > R.J. Umberger

Marvin Harrison tries to shoot people in your city.

I'd probably punch a Mummer.

Tigger (pictured at the top of this post) is your biggest fan.



BethRawks, what is your take on the Flyers?



Done and done.

Penguins Win Atlantic!

By way of their 4-2 win over the Flyers tonight, your Pittsburgh Penguins are Atlantic Division Champions!

Next up, the Eastern Conference top seed for the playoffs.

Go Pens!

Helping People Rules UPDATED

Another Friday...another half-assed post because my mind is focused directly on the weekend.

Awesome win by the Penguins...despite the fact that the Islanders announcers are the most biased I've heard recently. Highlights are below...I love every time Georges Laraque scores. The video doesn't show his trademark "Jump-Into-The-Glass" celebration, though.

You can find me elsewhere on the web today, and I'll use this post merely as a connecting flight, of sorts.

Last week, I took part in One For The Other Thumb's inaugural spinoff of SI's Pop Culture Grid. I'm back again this week. Check out my answers to cool questions.

Also, my good buddy Sean is going to a Devils/Flyers game in Philly this weekend. He asked a buncha cool bloggers who he should root for, seeing as how they're both division rivals of the Pens...and the outcome of this game could totally alter who the Pens play in the postseason.

UPDATE: My sister, Sheena Beaston, has a brand new interview with yours truly. Now, she runs a music blog, but blood rules allow for a sportsblogger to be interviewed on a music blog.

Make sure to check out Sean's post, Cotter's Pop Culture Grid and Sheena's interview as well.

Pens game highlights should be under these words.

Great Weekend

Yes, that's the Grand Canyon. Explanation coming.

If you're a Penguins fan (and I hope you are if you visit PSaMP), this past weekend really made you step back and say "Sweet," or "Kickass" a bunch of times. Considering how Philly started the season and the way the Pens stumbled outta the gate, the current standings in the Atlantic Division should blow your mind.

Currently, the Penguins are 3 points ahead of the nearest competitor, New Jersey, in the Atlantic. Before the weekend started, we were tied with Philly for the lead. Two wins in two days (one of 'em against Philly), couldn't have come at a better time. And it couldn't have happened to a better more-hated team.

What makes this even better is the emergence of Geno. How can a Rookie of the Year emerge the following year? Well, if the consensus best player in the league goes down with a high ankle sprain and all you do is score 8 goals and 13 assists in the 10 games without said player...then you've arrived. Its even better when the team goes 6-2-2 during that 10 game stretch.

So yeah, with all the positioning going on in the Atlantic lately, a 3 point lead is like the Grand Canyon (see, I got to it). Now, with Sid and MAF returning in the forseeable future, its time to lengthen the gap.

Paul Holmgren Is A Joke

I happened across an article the other day at Delaware Online, the website for the Wilmington News Journal. Wilmington is a suburb of Philly, and the article talked about the massive contract given to the still-unproven Mike Richards. The title: Richards' Deal Forces Flyers To Get Creative.

He gambled that Richards, who missed 23 games last season due to a sports hernia and a separated shoulder, would remain healthy throughout the rest of his Flyers career.

He gambled that Richards, whose career high in points before this season was 34, would continue to develop as a point producer and eventual captain.

And he gambled that the NHL salary cap, which has climbed from $39 million to $44 million to $50.3 million since the end of the NHL lockout, would continue to escalate.

Assuming there are no significant roster changes, the Flyers have committed roughly $44 million to next year's payroll.

All indications point to the NHL salary cap rising to about $55 million next season.

Theoretically, that would leave the Flyers about $11 million in cap space to re-sign unrestricted free agent defenseman Jason Smith and restricted free agents Jeff Carter, R.J. Umberger, Randy Jones and Riley Cote.

Can they do it?

"We're going to have to be very creative," Flyers president Peter Luukko said.

Paul Holmgren is a joke. He gave so much money to Mike Richards...banking that the player will get better and become the eventual Captain.

Remember when the Sid contract talks were going on? Sid could've asked for $10+ mil a year, and Ray Shero would've blabbed the same sob story that the Penguins would have to get creative sign Geno, Staal, Esposito, etc. down the road.

If Shero ever based his contract negotiation style on pure hope and speculation, he'd be run out of Pittsburgh. His contract was given to the reigning MVP, and he negotiated a deal that left room for the other young talent.

In conclusion.

Smarts > Hope.

Shero > Holmgren.