Black and Gold Game, random thoughts

I'm always hesitant to base my projections on a scrimmage, but it's the only thing we have to go on. Here are some of my thoughts the day after:

1. I thought Sutter looked great, and if he plays like this every night, Shero's a genius. Jordan who? At least Sutter can get his shots on net.
2. I liked Tangradi's play. I know a lot of people are rough on him today because he's slow and didn't score, but that's not necessarily his game. He's a big body in front of the net, he forced puck battles on the wall, and he kept the puck in the offensive zone a few times. I believe he's fifth on WBS for points and he has more PP goals than anyone else on the Baby Pens roster by a long shot. So he can score. The primary goal is to identify his role and get him to play it. Do that, and goals will come. I've always had high hopes for Tango, and if he can't fit into this Malone-esque role, I think we'll see him traded before the deadline. I'm hoping he stays.
3. Bennett looked good, but as many hockey pundits have already written, he needs to bulk up.
4. What a veteran move by Orpik to treat it like a real game by crushing Peters.
5. Morrow continues to impress me. I expect to see him again before the season is done.
6. In the words of Michel Therrien, Depres looked soft. He's another defenseman that has potential, but he's not living up to expectations. Let's see where that goes.
7. When I hear "Megna", I can't help but think of "smegma". Great SO goal.
8. It's hard to judge the goaltenders so early. Both looked shaky at times, but Vokoun was a little stronger for most of the game. The SO wasn't a fair comparison because shots kept missing the net.
9. All NHL teams have the same shortened training schedule and the same pressure of a shortened season. Fatigue will set in for anyone who hasn't been playing in another league. To me, that makes it a null argument for doing poorly. It can't be a reason why the Pens lose a lot of games early. I'm not saying they will... I'm just saying it wouldn't be the reason why we can't outplay other teams.
10. Last but not least, I missed Bob Errey and his Freudian slips. Let the Penguins drinking game - comprised almost entirely of Errey-isms - begin! (Remember, you have to finish your drink whenever he says "pickle stabber")

With the roster set for Saturday, things look good. Bring on Philly!!!!

It is hard to judge based on a scrimmage but for now its all we got. I think we will really see what they can do saturday. And I'm hopeful that it is crushing those cross state clowns in front of their fans.

I didnt get to hear Errey since we were at the game but is it wrong that I actually miss the terms "Spin-a-rama" and "Two-headed monster"?

Our goalies are only as good as our defense. Great move getting Vokoun as insurance. The goalies will probably take the longest to get back into game shape. Good news is that the other teams' goalies will be rusty also. Don't jump on Fleury if he starts slow. The goal totals should be higher at the beginning of the season.

I have a feeling that if Tangradi doesn't fit into the banging role with Malkin and Neal, you'll see either Cooke or Kennedy moved up. If that happens, Jeffrey will probably play on the third line and Tangradi will sit. I think Kennedy should probably be on one of the top 2 lines at this point anyway.

From what I've read, it sounds like Despres will get a chance to play with Letang. Pairing Martin and Orpik is being advertised as a shut down pair, but it looks like thier using Orpik's presence and defensive ability to make up for Martin's mistakes. That's why Letang was paired with Orpik previously, but since Letang has become less of a liability they have the freedom to pair him with more of a 2-way defenseman. Not sure if Despres will get a lot of playing time if he's average or unreliable though. Lovejoy seems to be the odd man out from the sounds of it, although he may be the better option if the forwards can put pucks in the net.

I think the Pens will give Tangradi and Despres about 10 games to see if they produce. If not, they'll sit or be sent down to WB/S. Although I really like Joe Morrow's ability, it's not his time yet. It's only his first year in WB/S and there are plenty of defensemen still in front of him. If the injury bug hits numerous times on the back end, then you might see him called up. Look for him to be a permanent fix in Pittsburgh once Martin's contract is up....if we are unlucky enough to keep him that long.

The good news(hopefully) is that these defensemen in waiting are closer to becoming NHL ready and the Pens are still well under the cap. We could be seeing the last of the "plug-in" wingers if they can get rid of some of their overpriced defensemen and bring up 1 or 2 from WB/S on the cheap. That should get them well under the cap to afford atleast one high-end winger if not two. I'm not going to hold my breath on this season. There is definitely a chance that we could see a Stanley Cup in June, but the next few years should be a lot more promising if this scenario plays out.

Last of all...We'll kick your arse, you Flyer Scum...Let's Go Pens!

Lemieux's too old
Lalime's too young
And on the road we smell like dung
We never shoot we'd rather pass
But even so we'll kick your arse
We'll kick your arse
Ya Flyer Scum
We'll kick your arse
And leave you numb
We'll drink to you when the cup is past
Ya Flyer Scum we'll kick your arse

Mullen's too old
Francis is slow
And when it's cold and when it snows
Jage will pull his groin a bunch
But even so we'll eat your lunch
We'll eat your lunch
Ya Flyer Scum
We'll eat you lunch
And leave you none
Yeah your a joke
And here's a bunch
Ya Flyer Scum we'll eat your lunch

Our defense sucks
Our goalie's nuts
And all our fans are drunks and sluts
Our nacho's give you leathal gas
But even so we'll kick your arse
We'll kick your arse
Ya Flyer Scum
We'll kick your arse
And leave you numb
We'll drink to you when the cup is past
Ya Flyer Scum we'll kick your arse
We'll kick your arse
Ya Flyer Scum
We'll kick your arse
And leave you numb
We'll drink to you when the cup is past
Ya Flyer Scum we'll kick your arse
Ya Flyer Scum we'll kick your arse