The Penguins Next Step

The Penguins Next Step

Written By: Chad Revak

So what do the Penguins do now?  They lost out on the two top free agents in this year’s free agent class after making substantial offers to both of them.  Is there a plan B?  Does Shero have some magic up his sleeves to acquire another top tier winger in the likes of Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan?  Either one of those two would demand a huge return, that kind of return where I don’t know if it would be worth it to even consider it an offer.  But, knowing Shero’s past there is no doubt that he would listen or make an offer if he felt it was right.  I mean this was the guy who brought in Marian Hossa for next to nothing.  Even though the Penguins have had a tough off season so far, you could argue that they actually haven’t done that bad.  We lost Jordan Staal in a trade that brought back a very nice return, we lost out on the two big name free agents, and we lost Sullivan and Michalek.  Well first things first, Staal is a huge loss for the Penguins, but you have to look at it from a management situation.  Staal was going to walk after this season anyway.  So why not get a great return now instead of getting nothing at the end of the season.  Secondly, it hurt not to get Parise or Suter.  But, it’s not the end of the world, because the Penguins have two guys on their team that have won Hart trophies, MVP’s, and most importantly, Stanley Cups.  With Crosby and Malkin there should be no panic in any Pens fan because when you have these caliber players on your roster, you have a chance to win every year.  Sure Crosby doesn’t have that Parise type winger.  But, Dupuis, last year put up career numbers, and that was without Sid for most of the season. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again; Crosby makes every player around him ten times better. He brings out the best in players, and makes it easy for guys to score.  Free agency hasn’t been a complete loss.  The Tanner Glass addition makes up for the loss of Asham.  Virtually the same players, Glass may actually have more skill than most think.  We also apparently are stacking the WBS Pens by signing so many players to minor league contracts.  Who knows, maybe one of those guys will eventually get called up and contribute more than fans think. Where does Shero go from here?  Is he satisfied with the team right now, or is there that missing piece he is searching for?  I think, for starters, he should save the cap space for the trade deadline and next year’s free agency.  He could target players like Jerome Iginla or even bring back Ryan Malone at the deadline for a strong net front presence.  I really think we should wait until next summer, where again there will be some big fish in the free agent class.  Shea Weber and Corey Perry are a few names that come to mind that would be attractive to Shero and could address the needs of a physical d-man or that scoring winger for Crosby.  Either way, in Shero we trust, and whatever moves he does or doesn’t make, this team is still a contender for the Stanley Cup.

Zach Parise, Please.

Parise and Crosby after the 2010 Gold Medal Game.

What should the Pens do in free agency?  

Written by: Chad Revak

They have been speculated to be going all in on either Zach Parise or Ryan Suter.  These guys are the cream of the crop in this summer’s free agent class, with the next tier of players dropping off substantially.  Should the Penguins throw all their cards in on one of these guys, or settle for the likes of a P.A. Parenteau, Shane Doan, Jiri Hudler, or even the fan favorite Alexander Semin?  Alright, maybe Semin isn’t well liked around these parts of town, but there is no doubt that his offensive intangibles could benefit the Penguin’s offense.  But, this should simply be Plan B, maybe even Plan C, with a trade for Bobby Ryan, a consecutive thirty-goal scorer for three straight years, being Plan B.  Plan A should no doubt be to hook, line, and sinker Zach Parise.  Ryan Suter is an attractive piece to the Penguins, but let’s face it; our defensive depth is only growing.  Sure, the naysayers will preach about how bad the defense was in the playoffs, but there were many factors that contributed to the beat down we took from our rival Flyers. Areas like the penalty kill and power play hurt us almost as much as Paul Martin.  Simon Despres should be NHL ready for the upcoming season and they drafted two defensemen in the first round this year, which should be an indication where Shero and his staff plan to go in this year’s free agent market.  Early reports after the draft that the Penguins were going to go after Minnesota native Zach Parise, stirred up message boards, radio stations, and water cooler talk.  It’s pretty obvious as to why.  Parise, 27, is still one of the NHL’s elite wingers with all the intangibles the Penguins are looking for in a long term solution Crosby’s supposed winger problem.  Even though Crosby makes everyone he plays with that much better, putting Parise on his wing would make this combo about as deadly as Penguins teammates Evgeni Malkin and James Neal.  Combining for ninety goals, Malkin and Neal had the kind of season only one could hope for.  Imagine the possibilities for potential line mates Crosby and Parise.  Though they may not tally ninety goals, they will contribute significantly, making each other that much better. Neither player lacks playmaking or goal scoring abilities.  Parise has averaged over thirty goals and thirty assists in five of seven seasons in the NHL, with one of those seasons being lost for the most part to injury.  Stats only do so much to prove this perfect piece fitting in with the puzzle.  Also, this Shattuck St. Mary’s connection might look enticing, but don’t read too much into it considering Parise played there a few years before Sid.  Sure the offer is going to have to be right, and sure Parise will more than likely have to take less money to play here, but again the payoff for Parise, who wants to continuously contend for a Stanley Cup, is one that cannot be overlooked.  

Plan A: Zach Parise, Ryan Suter

Plan B: Trade- Potentially for Bobby Ryan, Iginla, or Setoguchi

Plan C: Shane Doan, Alexander Semin, PA Parenteau

Plan D: Steve Sullivan, Ray Whitney

The Art of the 3

The Original "3 Goggles"

The 3 Goggles started with Rudy Fernandez and teammate, Patty Mills.  Fernandez started off as a shaky three point shooter and Mills joked with him that he couldn't see the basket.  When Fernandez started knocking them down, he would look at Mills with those goggles proving he could shoot with them on.  The celebration became a trademark for those Portland Trailblazers and sparked a national phenomenom.

The 3 Cigar

James Harden took the 3 Goggles celebration and adapted it to form his own celebration  After every three, Harden would blow threw his hand signifying he just smoked you with a tray.  The beard does it all.

The Flick

The greatest three point shooter of all-time, Ray Allen, is subtle and smooth with his three point cele.  Just a flick of the wrist holding out the number three, and boy have we seen this a lot.  Jesus always had the smoothest J.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Not to be outdone by his teammate James Harden, Russell Westbrook called upon Clint Eastwood for his three goggle celebration.  He takes the goggles in each hand, blows them out like a gun, and puts them each back in there holster.

The 3 Wings

Hedo Turkoglu has pretty much lost his ability to play basketball, but his three point celebration still survives.  Both hands raised with the goggles outstretched is a simple way to celebrate the tray.

The Star Trek 3

Dirk does his own thing with his fingers that makes his celebration unique.  He looks like he has alien hands or octopus arms, who knows really, but it is something to call his own.

The Shocker

JJ Redick made this little number popular back during his days in Durham.  He made the most 3 pointers in NCAA history by the time he left Duke.  I'm sure he used the shocker both on and off the court.

The Shurg

Sir Altitude did it all.  Michael Jordan made six first half tray's in this 1992 playoff game against the Trailblazers.  Apparently, one reporter told MJ that Clyde Drexler was a better three point shooter than he was before that game.  Rule #1- Never doubt Michael Jordan, you will either get hurt or embarrassed.  The Shrug remains my favorite three point celebration of all-time.

Pens/Flyers: Game One Reaction

Jakub Voracek scores the game winner in overtime.

Pens need adjustments if they want to win series.

By: Dave Molitierno

An instate rivalry, with more animosity than any other series in the NHL, got off to a hard fought battle last night.  The Pens came out surging and got off to a 3-0 lead after the first period with goals by Crosby, Kennedy, and Dupuis.  The remainder of the game was controlled by the Flyers, led by the Penguin killer, Danny Briere, and Brayden Schenn.  The Flyers fought back to tie the game half way through the third period, and went on to win in overtime off of poor defense by the Penguins.  Jakub Voracek found himself an open back door to cap the 4-3 victory for the Flyers.

Let’s talk about the areas the Penguins need major focus on (in no particular order) going into game 2 vs. the Flyers Friday night at Consol Energy Center.

First off, let’s not get carried away with the ability of the Penguins offense through the 2^nd and 3^rd periods.  Yes, they definitely did not play well, and struggled to create opportunities and find the back of the net, however you’re talking about the leagues number 1 offense through an 82 game season (3.44 goals/game).  They will be fine, and will bounce back for game 2.

First Area of Focus:

Special Teams – The Penguins were 0-3 on the powerplay with only 5 shots on goal.  With star power like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, improvement is much needed.  An effective tactic to focus on is getting back to the basics of what worked in the season, Steve Sullivan.  Sullivan isn’t the guy that will bury goals for you, but he’s the man on the point that can move the puck, and quarterback the powerplay.  Putting him back on top is needed right now.  Umbrella should be as follows:  Sullivan on top quarterbacking, Letang on the left side with Crosby low, Malkin on the right side with Neal low/in front.  Special teams can make or break a team.  The Flyers took advantage of the lone Penguin penalty to tie the game, and in turn went on to win.

Second Area of Focus:

Pens D - Let’s face it, the Pens D looked awful defensively.  The OT winner was simpy no defensive zone coverage.  Kris Letang yet again got caught staring at the play and tried using his skill to pick Carle’s soft shot low to Fleury’s pads.  By doing so, he turned a routine save by Fleury, into a misplayed deflection right into a game winning one timer for Voracek.  Kris Letang, and the Pens D, have to change their defensive side of the game, or this will continue to happen.  If they can, there isn’t a team out there that can compete with them.  Effective tactics to focus on are gap control, and picking men up in the defensive zone, while keeping your head on a swivel to watch the play. 

Third Area of Focus:

Coaching – The 2010-2011 Jack Adams Award Winner, Dan Bylsma, didn’t look like himself last night.  To go hand in hand with the Pens D focus, this belongs to Dan Bylsma to make that adjustment.  Also, going into overtime the Penguins had the two best players in the world sitting on the bench, while watching Jordan Staal’s line start the overtime period.  We all understand matchups during regulation, however when overtime is in play, you need to immediately maximize your best players early, and often.  It’s not a battle of a game, it’s the battle of the first to score.  Bylsma isn’t dumb, he will adjust, but the Penguins got outcoached and outworked from the 2^nd period on.  Effective tactics to focus on are maximizing your star players, and make necessary on ice adjustments to opposing team to gain back momentum.

Hockey is a chess match, and there are plenty of moves left of this 7 game series.  How the Penguins adjust to start Game 2 is still yet to be determined.  What they need to remember though is it’s not only the adjustment for the start of game 2, but it’s the game time adjustments that will win the game for the Pens.  The instate rivalry is just warming up, look for big things to come.

Our Sweet 16 Preview

Anthony Davis with his eye on the prize.

Syracuse vs. Wisconsin
I think this is the one team in the bracket Cuse did not want to see.  Wisoncsin shoots the 3 just as well as anybody in the country and we all know that's one thing a zone defense can give up.  Wisconsin is also rumored to start playing a zone defense to force the Orange to shoot the 3.  It seems that whoever makes the most 3's will win this game. 
Prediction: Wisconsin wins 67-62

Cincinnati vs. Ohio State
The key matchup in this game revolves around Yancy Gates vs. Jared Sullinger.  Gates has been underrated this season, but he hasn't faced a guy who works as hard as Sullinger does.  Sullinger has a big game while Craft, Buford, and the underrated Deshaun Thomas all score in double-digits.
Prediction: Ohio State wins 71-61

North Carolina vs. Ohio
Ohio's run ends here.  D.J. Cooper is a great guard and was one of my players to watch throughout the tournament.  If Ohio has any chance, he must dominate this game.  Carolina was my pick to win it all this season and I don't see the road endng here.  Their frontcourt is too big and just too talented for Ohio.  Carolina wins big even if Marshall does not play.
Prediction: North Carolina wins 77- 62

Kansas vs. North Carolina State
Kansas showed a ton of heart at the end of the Purdue game.  They trailed throughout the whole game, but never faltered.  The intensity on Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor's faces showed me all I need to know about this group.  Not only do they love to win, but they hate to lose, a danegous combination.  CJ Leslie and Richard Howell must dominate the inside for NC State to have a chance.  I've been doubting NC State all year and may still be in some way.  However, I believe this game will be closer than expected.
Prediction: Kansas wins 73-70

Marquette vs. Florida
In my opinion, this is the game to watch of the 8 games.  If you like run and gun offense, this game will not dissapoint.  Florida has domianted this tournament so far, but have been tested very little.  They gave Kentucky a scare in the SEC tournament, which may have been the best game they played all year.  Bradley Beal has really come into his own and along with Patric Young, this team can be very good.  Marquette is lead by Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder.  Crowder is the X-Factor in this game because if a big man guards him, he'll shoot the three, but if a guard guards him, he'll take him into the low post.  If Crowder dominates, Marquette wins.
Prediction: Marquette wins 82-76

Michigan State vs. Louisville
Michigan State has been quietly one of the great teams this year.  Something about Tom Izzo and March just makes sense.  His teams always perform in March and this year is no different.  Sparty will look to slow this game down agasinst the Pitino Press.  If they are successful, Louisville does not stand a chance.  While I love Chane Behanan inside, him and Gorgui Dieng will have their hands full with Draymond Green, Derrick Nix, and Adreian Payne. 
Prediction: Michigan State wins 69-57

Xavier vs. Baylor
Xavier is about to zip Baylor up this game.  Xavier seems to be on a magical run with Tu Holloway finally playing like he had before that fight with the Bearcats.  Kenny Frease has also shown some spark playing inferior oppenents down low.  Frease vs. Quincy Acy will be the matchup to watch in this game.  For Baylor, it all depends on which Perry Jones III will show up.  He may be the most inconsistent player in the history of the NCAA who is always described as a lottery pick.
Prediction: Xavier wins 66-59

Kentucky vs. Indiana
The Sequel will end differently than the first matchup. Anthony Davis barely played in that first meeting due to foul trouble and scored only 6 points.  Terrance Jones only scored 4 points and had 6 turnovers in that game as well.  Davis and Jones will not let that happen again.  Indiana loves playing in Bloomington and will not have their home crowd to feed off the time.
Prediction: Kentucky wins 83-65

Shero, Make the Call.

Pens Trade: Paul Martin, Eric Tangradi, and a 1st round pick
Pens Receive: Jarome Iginla

Iginla has 23 goals and 24 assists this season and would be a major asset for the Pens.  The Pens will have to give up a lot for Iginla and even though hes a UFA after this year, its worth it.   Also, the Pens could get rid of Martin's contract in the process so even if Iginla would leave after this year, it would essentially free up cap space. 


Pens Trade: Tyler Kennedy and a 2nd round pick
Pen Receive: Ales Hemsky

Hemsky is having a down year by his standards, but he would add tremendous skill to this team.  He would be a rent-a-player and that's why I think the Pens could make this deal happen. Also, he would be another scoring wing the Pens always desperately need. 



Pens Trade: Eric Tangradi
Pens Receive: Bryan Allen and a 4th round pick

Bryan Allen may not be a well known name, but hes a 6'5" solid defenseman.  He remains +2 on an awful Hurricanes team and already has accumulated 130 blocked shots.  He's a younger, more versatile Hal Gill and everyone seemed to want him back.  He would be a rent-a-player too, but I think giving up Trangradi in this deal would work out well for both sides involved.



Pens Trade: Eric Tangradi and a conditional 3rd round pick
Pens Recieve: Paul Gaustad

Gaustad is a gritty in your face player.  He would be asset for the Pens PP in front of the net and he has an underrated scoring touch.

The Revolution, Jeremy Lin

I've never been so Linsane about a subject, never been so Linstantly in awe with a sports figure, and never been constantly rooting for someone to succeed.  Jeremy Lin has taken us all on ride in not only a sports story, but a human story.  This is the "American Dream" in essence, where this unknown Asian kid, breaking stereotypes, who constantly overcame the obstacles and achieved tremendous success, overnight, in the greatest city in the world.  I have never rooted for any NBA player in my life like I am rooting for Jeremy Lin.  I hold my breath for every shot he takes hoping it touches nothing but net.  Their is something about this kid that everyone roots for.  If you have been watching these games, you see the fun his teammates are having watching him succeed.  Professional athletes rarely smile throughout games, but this Knicks team is constantly grinning.  Thats the craziest part of this story.  How this kid can change the game back to the game at the park, the game they grew up playing, and having fun with.  If Pittsburgh ever had an NBA team to call their own, it is these New York Knicks and its Jeremy Lin.


Let's Go Knicks.