I'm off tomorrow and the playoffs can't come soon enough. Figured I'd start a thread for our Art Ross winner and more than likely, League MVP. Merge it if you'd like Mods.
The stat that sticks out most to me is 32 goals in the final 39 games. Games where he took this team on his back following our 6 game losing streak.
It's tough to compare to Sid's performance the year before, but I'd say it was just as dominant offensively. No wonder everyone hates us. We have the two best players in the world, AINEC.
He lead the Pens to home-ice advantage against a very deep and skilled Philly team. It could turn out to be a big factor if the Pens are able to get by Philly in Round 1.
My only frustration with him is turnovers. Especially on the PP. He seems to make the wrong pass far too often causing an odd man break the other way. Aside from that, what can you say. He is amazing, best player in the league in my opinon save for his teammate.
How many more years are he and Sid signed for anyways???
If all goes well these playoffs, Ray should soon break out a pen and some contract extensions I think. We have Neal locked, so why not Sid and Geno?
Sid is able to be negotiated with this upcoming year, Geno the year after. I heard an interview with Madden last week, and he asked Sid about his long term plans. And Sid said definately, here in Pittsburgh. He was building a house here now, and sounded like the contract would be a mere formality. I expect the same with Malkin the year after.
Penguins veterans value Cup more than big dollars
By Chris Harlan, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, April 9, 2012
It's not always about the money. Sometimes it's about the Cup.
Arron Asham came to that decision two summers ago. The free agent winger might have earned more elsewhere, but after 10 seasons, four teams and no Cup, Asham went where he could win.
"I want a Stanley Cup," said Asham, who reached the Finals and lost with the Flyers in 2010. "And I thought my best chance was here in Pittsburgh."
But his story isn't unique.
The Penguins roster is dotted with veteran players who either signed or re-signed with thoughts of engraving their name on the Stanley Cup or adding it once more.
And some did so even for less money.
"With the way this team is built in the salary cap era, we go to these veterans and say, 'Hey, listen, we've got an opportunity for you to win,'" said general manager Ray Shero, who considers it a selling point only a few teams can make. "And then they've got to balance the most money they could get somewhere else versus maybe taking less to come here."
It's a sales pitch that works. Most teams chase after similar role players, especially penalty killers and guys with speed, toughness and character. The potential to win a Stanley Cup with the Penguins can help close the deal when adding veterans like Steve Sullivan while retaining Pascal Dupuis and others under the salary cap.
"If you like your role and you like being competitive, you like playing in Pittsburgh," Shero said.
My only frustration with him is turnovers. Especially on the PP. He seems to make the wrong pass far too often causing an odd man break the other way. Aside from that, what can you say. He is amazing, best player in the league in my opinon save for his teammate.
Agree.
On his PP's turnovers, i mostly blame his position (and the position of some of his teammates too) and the fact he sometimes keeps the puck way too much with unnecessary moves, which gives the defense the time to cut his passing options.
Sid is able to be negotiated with this upcoming year, Geno the year after. I heard an interview with Madden last week, and he asked Sid about his long term plans. And Sid said definately, here in Pittsburgh. He was building a house here now, and sounded like the contract would be a mere formality. I expect the same with Malkin the year after.
Penguins veterans value Cup more than big dollars
By Chris Harlan, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, April 9, 2012
It's not always about the money. Sometimes it's about the Cup.
Arron Asham came to that decision two summers ago. The free agent winger might have earned more elsewhere, but after 10 seasons, four teams and no Cup, Asham went where he could win.
"I want a Stanley Cup," said Asham, who reached the Finals and lost with the Flyers in 2010. "And I thought my best chance was here in Pittsburgh."
But his story isn't unique.
The Penguins roster is dotted with veteran players who either signed or re-signed with thoughts of engraving their name on the Stanley Cup or adding it once more.
And some did so even for less money.
"With the way this team is built in the salary cap era, we go to these veterans and say, 'Hey, listen, we've got an opportunity for you to win,'" said general manager Ray Shero, who considers it a selling point only a few teams can make. "And then they've got to balance the most money they could get somewhere else versus maybe taking less to come here."
It's a sales pitch that works. Most teams chase after similar role players, especially penalty killers and guys with speed, toughness and character. The potential to win a Stanley Cup with the Penguins can help close the deal when adding veterans like Steve Sullivan while retaining Pascal Dupuis and others under the salary cap.
"If you like your role and you like being competitive, you like playing in Pittsburgh," Shero said.
Was this Geno's finest season? I know he had the 113 point season a few years back but this year he was dominate plus he reached a career high in goals and game winning goals. He should add some nice hardware to his trophy case this summer. Let's hope Malkin can keep it going in these playoffs.
I would give Malkin an A for the season, maybe even a A+.
Was this Geno's finest season? I know he had the 113 point season a few years back but this year he was dominate plus he reached a career high in goals and game winning goals. He should add some nice hardware to his trophy case this summer. Let's hope Malkin can keep it going in these playoffs.
I would give Malkin an A for the season, maybe even a A+.
It's been his finest season by far... with scoring going down every year since the lockout, what he did this season was nothing short of amazing.
It's been his finest season by far... with scoring going down every year since the lockout, what he did this season was nothing short of amazing.
Yeah it's pretty close to the tear Crosby was on last year. What you say about scoring getting worse and worse can't be understated. I mention it a little too often but for some reason everyone likes to pretend it's not an issue. 12 points ahead of the next best point getter and he played what? 68 games? Unbelievable.
