I remember them like it was yesterday. I just turned 15 when the 2003-04 season ended. The Pens were the laughing stock of the league, and I was still a diehard fan. Hearing the name Jeff Toms brings bad memories, even if he wasn't the problem.
He went on to coach in the USHL after ending his career with St. Louis. Two years ago he joined Chicago's AHL affiliate, the Rockford Icedogs, where he's an assistant coach.
Speaking of old failed former Penguins, Sebastein Caron got a loss last night for the Tampa Bay Lightning. But what really made me happy was Stamkos was held without a goal.
I was just thinking about our lack of puck poise the other day. Lo and behold:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Til the End of Time
While most of us would like to forget the "dark" seasons, there were undeniably some bright spots. And I think many people have forgotten or overlooked the brief stint that Jeff Toms had with the Penguins.
Now I know many of you are asking yourselves, "What does this have to do with anything?" Well my friends, the answer is maybe everything. Toms could be the final piece to the Cup puzzle that is so close to fruition.
The current Pens squad is filled with talented forwards, yet is lacking some grit. Toms would fill that role perfectly. It is unfortunate that this 6'5" winger has never actually delivered a body check, but his ability to shield the puck with his immense frame while wearing down opposing forwards is simply unmatched in today's NHL. And talk about a forward who dominates the corners... put him on a line with Crosby and watch the magic unfold. I wouldn't be surprised to see them both make Canada's Olympic squad if the Pens are smart enough to add the talented Toms to the roster.
The last time Toms played in NA he absolutely dominated with San Antonio-- I think he could do even better with the Pens this season. He also was a clutch performer during his brief time with the Pens, once scoring a goal versus Buffalo to tie the score at four all.
I will admit that Toms' did not exactly dominate during his time with the Pens. But I think that was a result of him playing on a crap team. Put him on a quality team and look out.
While most of us would like to forget the "dark" seasons, there were undeniably some bright spots. And I think many people have forgotten or overlooked the brief stint that Jeff Toms had with the Penguins.
Now I know many of you are asking yourselves, "What does this have to do with anything?" Well my friends, the answer is maybe everything. Toms could be the final piece to the Cup puzzle that is so close to fruition.
The current Pens squad is filled with talented forwards, yet is lacking some grit. Toms would fill that role perfectly. It is unfortunate that this 6'5" winger has never actually delivered a body check, but his ability to shield the puck with his immense frame while wearing down opposing forwards is simply unmatched in today's NHL. And talk about a forward who dominates the corners... put him on a line with Crosby and watch the magic unfold. I wouldn't be surprised to see them both make Canada's Olympic squad if the Pens are smart enough to add the talented Toms to the roster.
The last time Toms played in NA he absolutely dominated with San Antonio-- I think he could do even better with the Pens this season. He also was a clutch performer during his brief time with the Pens, once scoring a goal versus Buffalo to tie the score at four all.
I will admit that Toms' did not exactly dominate during his time with the Pens. But I think that was a result of him playing on a crap team. Put him on a quality team and look out.
Good idea or no?
Jeff, how have you been? Looks like it's been a few years since you played professionally.
I can probably get you a phone number for somebody in the org, but I can't pull any strings for ya.
Remember when we traded Jan Hrdina and got back Dan Focht? Good times.
Do not remind me of that dark day.
Focht might have been the worst defenseman...no, possibly the worst player of the x-gen era.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zen Arcade
Whoa there, how dare you insult the great Ramzi Abid by leaving him out of that trade?
The sad thing is I was actually excited that he was coming back this way in that deal. He looked really good against the Pens. Then again, who didn't?
I block that part of the trade out too. Didn't we also get some other ham-and-egger as a thrown in? Was it Lefebvre or maybe Dupont?
I was pissed when that trade went down. Hrdina had finally learned how to shoot the puck, and although he was down slightly for his 24 goal/59 pt season the year before, he looked like he would be a steady, two-way player who would get you 50 pts a season and be more than reliable in the faceoff circle. I found at a restaurant in Hawaii via ESPN's bottom line ticker. First time it rolled by, I thought maybe he was injured. A friend that I was with looks over and said "Dude, I think they just traded Hrdina". I look back and tell him there's no way. A few minutes later, I look up and there it is, Hrdina and Leroux to PHX. I can't print what I said, mostly because every other word would be filtered.
