Koz: Better Late Than Never

PENGUINS 2

LIGHTNING 0

by Koz
koz@insightbb.com

Despite totaling only ten shots after two periods and playing with their backup goalie, the Pittsburgh Penguins summoned some third period lightning to... um, defeat the Lightning, 2-0 in St. Petersburg Tuesday night. For all the cheers after the Pens goal, maybe we ought to refer to it as “St. Petersburgh.” Because I was reduced to listening on Internet radio, there was a split-second after the goal I was concerned the 'Ning had scored because of the loud cheer.

The lack of goal output notwithstanding, Crosby's return was a success. After missing 21 games he was able to flash the skill with some nifty passing, several scoring chances, a breakaway developing after he kicked the puck to his stick, and of course an assist on the game-winning goal. Most telling sign might be Sidney's 22 minutes of ice-time, which was only fewer than Malkin and Gonchar.

Jordan Staal left the game early with what was announced on FSN as “bruised ribs.” There is not yet any word on how severe the injury is or how much time Staal might miss.

The Pens continue to win games they probably shouldn't thanks to third period heroics. The optimist in me says this builds confidence and chemistry. Getting points in games like this is what differentiates a top-seeded playoff team from a bubble team. The pessimist is worried about allowing 50 shots one game and failing to register more than 30 in others. Fortunately it's early March and there is time for the core players to heal and get used to one another before the playoffs arrive.

The Achilles Heel: No, I'm not talking about another Penguins injury. If the “22 minutes” was the stat of the night, an honorable mention has to go to Crosby's 11 for 15 performance in the faceoff circle. If there was one underrated thing missing during Crosby's absence, it was the toll it took on the Pens faceoff performance. With Erik Christensen (57.3%) traded to Atlanta, Crosby is now the team leader on draws at 51.3%. The Penguins are currently ranked last in the league (46.7%). For more customizable team and individual hockey stats, go to http://www.sportsnet.ca/.

Ovechkin goes for 60: After beasting out in the first period of Washington's 10-2 drumming of the Bruins earlier t his week, hockey circles are abuzz wondering if Ovechkin will reach 60 goals before the end of the season. The last time a player scored 60 or more was 1995-96. Mario Lemieux scored 69 in 70 games and Jaromir Jagr netted 62 in a full season's work.

Sharing a laugh at Petr Nedved's expense, no doubt.

Fantasy Hockey “I Told Ya So”: Those of you involved in Head-to-Head fantasy leagues will notice Crosby's return is coinciding beautifully with the beginning of the fantasy playoffs. Hope you made the right decisions with your roster regarding #87.

Did someone mention table hockey? If you're in the Indianapolis area, you've got ten minutes and are looking for an ego-bruising, swing by old Koz's apartment.

Taking on all challengers...

Ever dream of being an Olympian? Here's your chance to join the USA 2010 Olympic Curling team. You could hang out with Cassie Johnson and the other USA Curling babes...

ATTENTION DISPLACED PENS FANS: Don't forget the next two Sunday's Pens games are being broadcast nationally on NBC. Check your local listings.

Koz: Hossa Your Daddy?

by Koz
koz@insightbb.com

After listening to TSN all day, I was called into a 2:30 meeting at work. When I returned to my desk at 4:30, I had plenty of text messages waiting for me.

In some ways, the trade deadline went how I expected. The Pens picked up a fan favorite in the waiting, Hal Gill. Anyone who reminds the yinzers of Jack Lambert or some other Steelers linebacker is automatically overvalued in our city. Nonetheless, the Pens depth at physical defense has been addressed, but Gill isn't likely to make a huge difference either way.

Now for our featured presentation.

ARMSTRONG, CHRISTENSEN, ESPOSITO, #1 for HOSSA, DUPUIS

I love Colby Armstrong. His personality is refreshing and entertaining. His acting skills are beautifully atrocious.

That said, if Armstrong had the personality of Erik Christensen (which is meant with no offense), just about everyone would be on board with this. Like I mentioned a few weeks ago when the trade talks started swirling, you have to give to get. I was chatting with my mom about potential trades at the time and mentioned Christensen as expendable. His mercurial scoring prowess and shootout skill are enticing for trade bait. Armstrong's grit and streaky scoring outbursts also make him perfect for a deal, but his “fan favorite” status makes him seem untouchable to the Pens' loyal rooters.

As for Esposito and #1... how many young guys (and centers for that matter) can a team have? With there already being concerns about keeping 87, 71, and 11, where did we expect Esposito to fit. With the Pens looking to make a playoff run, the upcoming #1 pick is going to be late and therefore a player several years away from the NHL roster anyway.

Marian Hossa is the goal scorer we've always wished for Sidney Crosby. He's a point-per-game player for his career and could have a career year with the Pens if they sign him for future years.
This is a great deal. What are your concerns? I'll address them.

Erik Christensen is so awesome at the shootout! -- It's pathetic for a team with the top two players IN THE ENTIRE LEAGUE to be concerned about a shootout specialist. While Sid and Geno could perform better, we also have Ruutu, Sykora, Staal, Letang... and oh yeah.... MARIAN FREAKIN' HOSSA who is 34.5% in his shootout career. Of course, shootouts don't come into play in the playoffs, but you already know that. I don't think shootout specialists can be ignored, but the team is well beyond deep in this area.

Colby Armstrong is Sid's best friend! - They are both professionals. While I'm sure it will be emotional for the Pens to lose Army, you have to give to get.

Armstrong is a good penalty killer/physical presence! - It looks like Therrien is giving some of the top guys a chance on the penalty kill. Staal, Malone, and Talbot are still three top penalty killers for the Pens, and it's not like the unit was on fire with Army anyway.

The Pens still have plenty of physical forwards with Malone, Laraque, and Roberts (if he can get over the dreaded H.A.S.).

We gave up too much! - When people say this, I assume you are referring to prospects and draft picks. The Penguins already have their top three centers who are college-aged young men. The Penguins are poised to win in the here and now. You can only have so many teenagers on your roster.

Who the hell is Pascal Dupuis? - Dupuis played with three different teams last year. But before that, he put up some decent numbers with Minnesota. He'll likely fill a third line spot. He can play on the roster now and will see some resurgence in his numbers now that he's in a better situation.

Marian Hossa sucked in the playoffs last year! - That's a bit of a small sample, don'tcha think? Most of the Penguins sucked in last year's playoffs too. In longer playoff runs with Ottawa, Hossa had 16 points in 18 games in 2003, and 10 points in 12 games in 2002. I'm not worried.

More trade reactions to come later, including perspectives on other moves in the Eastern Conference.

Meet Another New Penguin...Actually, Two More

MARIAN HOSSA

6'1", 210, 29 Years Old

RIGHT WING

26 GOALS - 30 ASSISTS

In a deal that will be debated heavily in the near future, the Penguins ended the day in grand fashion by sending Erik Christensen, Colby Armstrong, Angelo Esposito and a #1 draft pick to the Thrashers for RW Marian Hossa and LW Pascal Dupuis. Early thoughts? It's exactly the kind of bold move that a team needs to take to win a championship.

Marian Hossa [NHL.com]

Marian Hossa [Wikipedia]

Pascal Dupuis [NHL.com]

Pascal Dupuis [Wikipedia]

Some instant ESPN.com analysis:

Russo (2:58 p.m. ET): As you saw first hand, Sidney Crosby worked well with Armstrong, on and off the ice. Does this hurt the team's chemistry?

Burnside (3:05 p.m. ET): That's a very valid point. Armstrong and Crosby were best buddies. But if there's a player that's focused on doing only one thing and that's winning, that's Crosby. Don't think it's an issue.

Monday Morning Wrapup

--The Penguins must've watched the Pitt-Notre Dame game last week, because their three-goal lead against Ottawa evaporated just like the Panthers' 11-point second half lead against the Irish. The Senators rallied to send the game into OT, ultimately winning on a Daniel Alfredsson lamp-lighter with 3.2 seconds left in the extra period. Sens 4, Pens 3. Drive home safely.

Unfortunately, Sunday's effort was equally as heartbreaking, as Ty Conklin watched three goals whistle past him in the shootout of a 2-1 loss to San Jose. The blood-colored fluid dripping from the injured Zamboni proved to be a sign of things to come, as the Pens could only muster an Erik Christensen goal in regulation.

--Pitt continued their slide into mediocrity with a 75-73 loss against Louisville. The Cardinals became the first team to win twice at the Pete (other than Pitt, of course). Sam Young and Dejuan Blair each scored 20 for the Panthers, who dropped their third in a row for only the second time under Jamie Dixon. After a 15-2 start, the Panthers are 4-6 in their past 10. Not the way you want to enter the month of March.

--King Pryor's Jeannette Jayhawks won the WPIAL title with an 82-68 win over Beaver Falls. With 39 points, 24 rebounds, 10 blocked shots, and 6 assists, I think it's safe to say that Pryor had something to do with the victory.

--The Red Sox signed Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal, thankfully killing off any hopes of the Pirates bringing him to town.

--The PG had a great story on the 1988 Pitt Panthers and their upset loss to Vanderbilt in the tournament.

--Sidney Crosby adds "Two-Time Dapper Dan Sportsman of the Year" to his resume, while Pitt women's basketball coach Agnus Berenato wins the female honor for the second time in three years.

--Cy Young candidate Byung-Hyun Kim arrives at Pirate camp:

--New American Gladiator female champ Monica Carlson has an interesting past

The Amazin' Pens

The Penguins just keep finding new ways to win...blown leads that give way to shootouts, fierce comebacks that lead to shootouts...the key is getting to the shootout, because that seems to be their comfort zone these days.

On Tuesday evening, the Team That May Be Relocated (come on, Vegas? Seriously?) erased a three-goal defecit en route to a 5-4 overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators, the Penguins' 8th shootout win of the season. The Pens are 5-4 in overtime games, and 8-5 in overtime games extended into a shootout. That's 22 of 66 games this season that have gone beyond 60 minutes. If this were an old team, I'd be worried at all the extra effort in acquiring their 81 points. But given the fact that the Pens are the second-youngest team in the league, I'll take the wins and the "character building", thank you very much.

Tuesday's game was a roller-coaster, but ultimately the pros outweighed the cons:

-Sidney Crosby continues to make me believe he's really an alien from the planet Krypton named Kal-El as he scored his third shootout goal in the last four games.

-Jordan Staal, who scored a total of 28 goals in juniors last year, lit the lamp for the 26th time, including his NHL-leading 7th of the shorthanded variety.

-Erik Christensen scored AGAIN in the shootout. They're becoming as automatic as extra points with this guy.

-Gary Roberts added a goal and his usual grit, making Ray Shero's initial deadline move look like a great one with each passing game.

-Jocelyn Thibault came out of the bullpen and did a solid job in goal, including a perfect shootout. *CORRECTION: Thibault actually did give up a goal, which I completely forgot in the euphoria of another shootout win. My apologies to Dean McAmmond, who scored the goal, and the Mondesi readers, who I grossly mislead with my sudden Thibault Mania. Thanks to Wes for pointing this out.

If you plan on watching, the Pens' next shootout victory will be Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils. 7:30 start time, with the shootout scheduled for 10:30.

The Afternoon Killer

Deshea: "I'm innocent!"

Aaron Gray is one of approximately 89 players on the Big East first team. Seriously, have you ever seen an honorary team so deep?

Pirate Cuban defector Yoslan Herrera is among their first cuts. Also sent to the minors: first round picks Bryan Bullington, John Van Benschoten, and Brad Lincoln.

Shelly Anderson elaborates on the Erik Christensen goal celebration

Are the Pirates the baseball equivalent of Ghost Rider?

One thing PC users can do that Mac users can't: shut the F up

The Ron Artest Mug Shot is now online

Peyton Manning is not above getting paid for a sweet 16 party appearance.

Here's a conspiracy theory on the new uniforms several teams will sport this week


For the anti-Yankee contingent, here's a page full of "Yankees suck" jokes

Dwyane Wade is getting up again

Did you know Bonnie Bernstein almost died in October?

Here's a study linking tooth brushing to seizures. This is great news for the residents of (___________) insert redneck state of your choice here.

In honor of today's Borat DVD release, here's a deleted scene of Borat getting a massage

DON'T FORGET TO SEND YOUR INTERESTING LINKS TO mondesishouse@gmail.com and enter the weekly prize contest!