2016 Stanley Cup Finals

[COOL MAN]

Let me kick off the Finals thread with this morning's coverage of the upcoming series. As I suspected, the talking heads are biasing thus far toward San Jose. The most consistent message I'm hearing currently is that the Sharks are deeper than the Pens after the stars, using a player like Joel Ward as an example. Maybe it's true; I'll leave it to individuals to make that determination.

Meanwhile, the following is the Sharks roster; and you'll see that guys like Burns, Thornton, Brenden Dillon and Dainius Zubrus are monsters. But they're honestly not as big (in terms of Redwood-types) as I previously thought, though nobody can deny they're still quite a bit bigger than the Pens up and down the roster. Even a guy like Hertl is a pretty big dude. BTW, if you didn't notice it during the earlier series, you'll see our old buddy Nick Spaling is playing for San Jose. Interesting he couldn't help Toronto, but he's playing from 13-14:00/game for the Cup finalists.

Forward

40 RYAN CARPENTER C 6' 1" 180 JAN 18, 1991 25 OVIEDO, FL, USA
39 LOGAN COUTURE "A" C 6' 1" 200 MAR 28, 1989 27 GUELPH, ON, CAN
27 JOONAS DONSKOI R 6' 0" 180 APR 13, 1992 24 RAAHE, FIN
82 NIKOLAY GOLDOBIN L 5' 11" 180 OCT 7, 1995 20 MOSCOW, RUS
89 BARCLAY GOODROW R 6' 2" 215 FEB 26, 1993 23 TORONTO, ON, CAN
38 MICHEAL HALEY C 5' 10" 205 MAR 30, 1986 30 GUELPH, ON, CAN
48 TOMAS HERTL C 6' 2" 210 NOV 12, 1993 22 PRAHA, CZE
68 MELKER KARLSSON C 6' 0" 180 JUL 18, 1990 25 LYCKSELE, SWE
12 PATRICK MARLEAU L 6' 2" 220 SEP 15, 1979 36 ANEROID, SK, CAN
83 MATT NIETO L 5' 11" 190 NOV 5, 1992 23 LONG BEACH, CA, USA
8 JOE PAVELSKI "C" C 5' 11" 190 JUL 11, 1984 31 PLOVER, WI, USA
16 NICK SPALING C 6' 1" 198 SEP 19, 1988 27 PALMERSTON, ON, CAN
19 JOE THORNTON "A" C 6' 4" 220 JUL 2, 1979 36 LONDON, ON, CAN
50 CHRIS TIERNEY C 6' 0" 195 JUL 1, 1994 21 KESWICK, ON, CAN
42 JOEL WARD R 6' 1" 226 DEC 2, 1980 35 NORTH YORK, ON, CAN
57 TOMMY WINGELS C 6' 0" 200 APR 12, 1988 28 EVANSTON, IL, USA
9 DAINIUS ZUBRUS C 6' 5" 225 JUN 16, 1978 37 ELEKTRENAI, LTU

Defensemen

61 JUSTIN BRAUN 6' 2" 205 FEB 10, 1987 29 MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
88 BRENT BURNS 6' 5" 230 MAR 9, 1985 31 BARRIE, ON, CAN
74 DYLAN DEMELO 6' 1" 195 MAY 1, 1993 23 LONDON, ON, CAN
4 BRENDEN DILLON 6' 4" 225 NOV 13, 1990 25 NEW WESTMINSTER, BC, CAN
7 PAUL MARTIN 6' 1" 200 MAR 5, 1981 35 MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
41 MIRCO MUELLER 6' 3" 205 MAR 21, 1995 21 WINTERTHUR, CHE
46 ROMAN POLAK 6' 0" 237 APR 28, 1986 30 OSTRAVA, CZE
80 MATT TENNYSON 6' 2" 205 APR 23, 1990 26 MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
44 MARC-EDOUARD VLASIC 6' 1" 205 MAR 30, 1987 29 MONTREAL, QC, CAN

Goalies

30 AARON DELL 6' 0" 205 MAY 4, 1989 27 AIRDRIE, AB, CAN
31 MARTIN JONES 6' 4" 187 JAN 10, 1990 26 NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, CAN
34 JAMES REIMER 6' 2" 217 MAR 15, 1988 28 MORWEENA, MB, CAN

 

[WVU82]

 

[WVU82]

 

[Euell]

I think I heard Eddie O. say last night post-game that #8 Joe Pavelski is the 2nd leading goal scorer in the NHL over the course of the last three years, trailing only the other #8 Alex Ovechkin.

 

[torontoeers]

Let me kick off the Finals thread with this morning's coverage of the upcoming series. As I suspected, the talking heads are biasing thus far toward San Jose. The most consistent message I'm hearing currently is that the Sharks are deeper than the Pens after the stars, using a player like Joel Ward as an example. Maybe it's true; I'll leave it to individuals to make that determination.

Meanwhile, the following is the Sharks roster; and you'll see that guys like Burns, Thornton, Brenden Dillon and Dainius Zubrus are monsters. But they're honestly not as big (in terms of Redwood-types) as I previously thought, though nobody can deny they're still quite a bit bigger than the Pens up and down the roster. Even a guy like Hertl is a pretty big dude. BTW, if you didn't notice it during the earlier series, you'll see our old buddy Nick Spaling is playing for San Jose. Interesting he couldn't help Toronto, but he's playing from 13-14:00/game for the Cup finalists.

Forward

40 RYAN CARPENTER C 6' 1" 180 JAN 18, 1991 25 OVIEDO, FL, USA
39 LOGAN COUTURE "A" C 6' 1" 200 MAR 28, 1989 27 GUELPH, ON, CAN
27 JOONAS DONSKOI R 6' 0" 180 APR 13, 1992 24 RAAHE, FIN
82 NIKOLAY GOLDOBIN L 5' 11" 180 OCT 7, 1995 20 MOSCOW, RUS
89 BARCLAY GOODROW R 6' 2" 215 FEB 26, 1993 23 TORONTO, ON, CAN
38 MICHEAL HALEY C 5' 10" 205 MAR 30, 1986 30 GUELPH, ON, CAN
48 TOMAS HERTL C 6' 2" 210 NOV 12, 1993 22 PRAHA, CZE
68 MELKER KARLSSON C 6' 0" 180 JUL 18, 1990 25 LYCKSELE, SWE
12 PATRICK MARLEAU L 6' 2" 220 SEP 15, 1979 36 ANEROID, SK, CAN
83 MATT NIETO L 5' 11" 190 NOV 5, 1992 23 LONG BEACH, CA, USA
8 JOE PAVELSKI "C" C 5' 11" 190 JUL 11, 1984 31 PLOVER, WI, USA
16 NICK SPALING C 6' 1" 198 SEP 19, 1988 27 PALMERSTON, ON, CAN
19 JOE THORNTON "A" C 6' 4" 220 JUL 2, 1979 36 LONDON, ON, CAN
50 CHRIS TIERNEY C 6' 0" 195 JUL 1, 1994 21 KESWICK, ON, CAN
42 JOEL WARD R 6' 1" 226 DEC 2, 1980 35 NORTH YORK, ON, CAN
57 TOMMY WINGELS C 6' 0" 200 APR 12, 1988 28 EVANSTON, IL, USA
9 DAINIUS ZUBRUS C 6' 5" 225 JUN 16, 1978 37 ELEKTRENAI, LTU

Defensemen

61 JUSTIN BRAUN 6' 2" 205 FEB 10, 1987 29 MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
88 BRENT BURNS 6' 5" 230 MAR 9, 1985 31 BARRIE, ON, CAN
74 DYLAN DEMELO 6' 1" 195 MAY 1, 1993 23 LONDON, ON, CAN
4 BRENDEN DILLON 6' 4" 225 NOV 13, 1990 25 NEW WESTMINSTER, BC, CAN
7 PAUL MARTIN 6' 1" 200 MAR 5, 1981 35 MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
41 MIRCO MUELLER 6' 3" 205 MAR 21, 1995 21 WINTERTHUR, CHE
46 ROMAN POLAK 6' 0" 237 APR 28, 1986 30 OSTRAVA, CZE
80 MATT TENNYSON 6' 2" 205 APR 23, 1990 26 MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
44 MARC-EDOUARD VLASIC 6' 1" 205 MAR 30, 1987 29 MONTREAL, QC, CAN

Goalies

30 AARON DELL 6' 0" 205 MAY 4, 1989 27 AIRDRIE, AB, CAN
31 MARTIN JONES 6' 4" 187 JAN 10, 1990 26 NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, CAN
34 JAMES REIMER 6' 2" 217 MAR 15, 1988 28 MORWEENA, MB, CAN

To be frank...I just love the header on this post lol!

Pens role players vs theirs...well we know what our boys can do...and if they have the ability to match it? Should be a darn good series...I like our leaders better than theirs on the whole however (if Geno/Kris can keep their cool...yes i know...tall task)...if you're at all unsure of my feelings on Thornton...check the Bolts post lol...

 

[WVU82]

 

[torontoeers]

Oh...btw fellas...I just came into some coin and have a line on tickets for games 1 & 2...bout to pull the trigger. What ya think?!? :wink:

 

[torontoeers]

Believe it or not Letang was being considered as our 7th which is mildly surprising, instead it is Muzzin...And also believe it or not, folks here are a bit up in arms about that decision...from the jist I get the masses heavily wanted Letang, and then Subban 2nd...Muzzin was nowhere on the radar...obviously these folks didn't see game 5 lol...however I do like Kris in all seriousness...he hasn't played every game his best but gets abused more than any D man I've seen in recent history and keeps on tickin...we will need him at his BEST for this series....

 

[Euell]

Oh...btw fellas...I just came into some coin and have a line on tickets for games 1 & 2...bout to pull the trigger. What ya think?!? :wink:

If I thought you were serious I would have you kidnapped at the border! LOL!

 

[torontoeers]

If I thought you were serious I would have you kidnapped at the border! LOL!

Lmao...and I think my wife would too!

 

[WVU82]

 

[WVU82]

 

[WVU82]

Sidney Crosby 2015-16 Highlights

 

[torontoeers]

Well....Kessel left off the US World Cup roster? More than a few shocked up this way. Including Friedman/McLean....let's hope this ignites the fire under his arse even further! I honestly thought he'd be a lock with his playoff performance thus far. ...

 

[COOL MAN]

Oh...btw fellas...I just came into some coin and have a line on tickets for games 1 & 2...bout to pull the trigger. What ya think?!? :wink:

:gun::gun::gun::gun::gun::gun::gun::boxing::boxing::boxing::boxing::boxing::boxing::boxing:

 

[COOL MAN]

Well....Kessel left off the US World Cup roster? More than a few shocked up this way. Including Friedman/McLean....let's hope this ignites the fire under his arse even further! I honestly thought he'd be a lock with his playoff performance thus far. ...

I've been reading that John Tortorella has had a major role in the selection of Team USA; hence, the Jack Johnson, and probably Brandon Dubinsky, selections. Of course, it's no secret Torts hates the Pens more than anyone or anything related to the game, so their pass on Kessel...... regardless HOW he's playing currently.....is really no surprise.

But what's funniest (or perhaps ironic) is the individual probably MOST indifferent about the decision is Kessel himself.

 

[COOL MAN]

Believe it or not Letang was being considered as our 7th which is mildly surprising, instead it is Muzzin...And also believe it or not, folks here are a bit up in arms about that decision...from the jist I get the masses heavily wanted Letang, and then Subban 2nd...Muzzin was nowhere on the radar...obviously these folks didn't see game 5 lol...however I do like Kris in all seriousness...he hasn't played every game his best but gets abused more than any D man I've seen in recent history and keeps on tickin...we will need him at his BEST for this series....

My opinion only, but I think Letang's recent behavior......mostly during these Playoffs.......have made him a VERY polarizing figure in the game, making him (in the eyes of the Team Canada selectors) conceivably more trouble than he's potentially worth.

 

[torontoeers]

:gun::gun::gun::gun::gun::gun::gun::boxing::boxing::boxing::boxing::boxing::boxing::boxing:

LMAO....I thought that one would get your attention! No worries...all games will be seen from my living room....hahahahaha....

 

[torontoeers]

My opinion only, but I think Letang's recent behavior......mostly during these Playoffs.......have made him a VERY polarizing figure in the game, making him (in the eyes of the Team Canada selectors) conceivably more trouble than he's potentially worth.

Just one question...and likely a difficult answer...do we think Kris will keep himself composed this last round with these big Sharks bearing down on him? Cause imo this is a BIG factor...I would LIKE to think he's up for the task but unsure....eeesh....where is Daley...

 

[COOL MAN]

Just one question...and likely a difficult answer...do we think Kris will keep himself composed this last round with these big Sharks bearing down on him? Cause imo this is a BIG factor...I would LIKE to think he's up for the task but unsure....eeesh....where is Daley...

You'd like to think he realizes the importance of checking his attitude at the loading dock when he walks in the arena, but he clearly didn't do that in the Conference Finals (at least not every game). We all know how he acts is directly proportional to how much he gets hit.....especially after the whistle.....and you have to believe the Sharks are (or will be) fully aware of that just as the Bolts were.

 

[torontoeers]

You'd like to think he realizes the importance of checking his attitude at the loading dock when he walks in the arena, but he clearly didn't do that in the Conference Finals (at least not every game). We all know how he acts is directly proportional to how much he gets hit.....especially after the whistle.....and you have to believe the Sharks are (or will be) fully aware of that just as the Bolts were.

100%....and I think this series hinges a whole hell of a lot on #58's demeanor on the ice...weather the storm Kris...and do your level best to distribute the puck without melting down............

 

[COOL MAN]

If you've not heard, TV for the Finals here in the States is somewhat up in the air. Here's how the basic schedule supposedly goes:

• Games 1,3,5,6,7 - - NBC Network
• Games 2 & 4 - - NBCSN

BUUUUUUUT, if either team comes out of Pittsburgh up 2-0, then.....

• Game 3 - - NBCSN
• Games 4 thru 7 - - NBC Network

The net effect is that NBC evidently wants.....or is perhaps under contractual obligation to the League.....to show EVERY possible series-ending game on the mothership.

 

[WVU82]

 

[COOL MAN]

Thus far, in the overwhelming majority of "expert" interviews I've heard over the past couple days, the Sharks are a clear favorite.....though for a reason I can't quite explain, most expect it to be a close series. That's because these same experts believe San Jose to be bigger, deeper, better coached, have a far superior defense/power play/intangibles, and even are better prepared to handle the time difference.

To this point, the ONLY interview where I've heard someone pick the Pens is t's old buddy in Toronto, former Leafs AGM Bill Watters......who prior to this has NEVER been much of a Pens fan. He picks them unless Marty Jones puts up a Vasilevskiy-level performance, at which point he thinks it's a tossup. Two others I've seen pick the Pens are Eklund bloggers Todd Cordell (Devils & Flames) and James Tanner (Coyotes). There may be others..... but thus far, those are the ONLY ones I've heard or read.

Of course, this sounds very much like the majority of the pre-series predictions for the Wales finals. But it's almost like even IF some of these guys actually like Pittsburgh's chances, they won't go on the record because the Pens are just SO universally despised around the League by cement head fans that these guys don't want the guff.

 

[COOL MAN]

Not sure what to make of this exactly.......not much, IMO......but Trevor Daley apparently left the door open slightly for a possible return to the lineup before the end of the Finals. He didn't give many details of what's going on beyond the fact he has NOT had surgery, and evidently DID concede his return is fairly unlikely. More than anything else, this sounds more like wishful thinking than anything.

Meanwhile, neither Letang nor Bonito skated today. I guess this isn't uncommon for KL, who is often excused from practice for "maintenance days", and which is how his absence today is currently being classified. As for Bonito, this is his second consecutive missed practice coming off the injury late in Game 7 after blocking that shot.

HCMS apparently said he's good to go for Game 1, but current thoughts are that his participation in tomorrow's morning skate may tell the REAL tale.

 

[torontoeers]

Thus far, in the overwhelming majority of "expert" interviews I've heard over the past couple days, the Sharks are a clear favorite.....though for a reason I can't quite explain, most expect it to be a close series. That's because these same experts believe San Jose to be bigger, deeper, better coached, have a far superior defense/power play/intangibles, and even are better prepared to handle the time difference.

To this point, the ONLY interview where I've heard someone pick the Pens is t's old buddy in Toronto, former Leafs AGM Bill Watters......who prior to this has NEVER been much of a Pens fan. He picks them unless Marty Jones puts up a Vasilevskiy-level performance, at which point he thinks it's a tossup. Two others I've seen pick the Pens are Eklund bloggers Todd Cordell (Devils & Flames) and James Tanner (Coyotes). There may be others..... but thus far, those are the ONLY ones I've heard or read.

Of course, this sounds very much like the majority of the pre-series predictions for the Wales finals. But it's almost like even IF some of these guys actually like Pittsburgh's chances, they won't go on the record because the Pens are just SO universally despised around the League by cement head fans that these guys don't want the guff.

LOL...ole Billy....IMO this series matchup reminds me an awful lot of the Craps...the Sharks are BIG and skilled yet...not so fast! I think the good giys speed will give them fits in this series...I am not sure that SJ has seen the type of speed the Pens can bring all playoff...both the Craps and Fish have won well...JACK SHIT in their history, and I think that says something. I think SJ has maybe 1 or 2 who have ever been to a Cup final? I think the Sharks D is just a hair better than the Craps but as I say...the speed. They may not have an answer for it....if this sounds a bit 'homer' I'll admit some of it is lol...but I honestly look at these guys no differently than the Craps...and we know what happened there....

 

[COOL MAN]

LOL...ole Billy....IMO this series matchup reminds me an awful lot of the Craps...the Sharks are BIG and skilled yet...not so fast! I think the good giys speed will give them fits in this series...I am not sure that SJ has seen the type of speed the Pens can bring all playoff...both the Craps and Fish have won well...JACK SHIT in their history, and I think that says something. I think SJ has maybe 1 or 2 who have ever been to a Cup final? I think the Sharks D is just a hair better than the Craps but as I say...the speed. They may not have an answer for it....if this sounds a bit 'homer' I'll admit some of it is lol...but I honestly look at these guys no differently than the Craps...and we know what happened there....

I read this morning that, from nhl.com and NHLN, 17 of 21 "experts" polled picked San Jose. And I'd honestly be OK with that if (as I posted previously) I wasn't convinced a fair number are doing so simply because they can't stand the Pens. And the fact all those Toronto guys are stuck watching their favorite whipping boy play a major role makes it THAT much worse.

You want to drive the NHL media toward mass suicide, then pray for Kessel leading the team to the Cup and winning the Smythe in the process. Of course, with the Writers casting the votes, the likelihood of Kessel winning the award......at least saving a Pens sweep, and PK leading the team with 10 goals in 4 games.....is, to my way of thinking, virtually impossible.

As for ESPN's hockey staff, 7 of 10 pick San Jose (though none in less than 6 games).

 

[torontoeers]

I read this morning that, from nhl.com and NHLN, 17 of 21 "experts" polled picked San Jose. And I'd honestly be OK with that if (as I posted previously) I wasn't convinced a fair number are doing so simply because they can't stand the Pens. And the fact all those Toronto guys are stuck watching their favorite whipping boy play a major role makes it THAT much worse.

You want to drive the NHL media toward mass suicide, then pray for Kessel leading the team to the Cup and winning the Smythe in the process. Of course, with the Writers casting the votes, the likelihood of Kessel winning the award......at least saving a Pens sweep, and PK leading the team with 10 goals in 4 games.....is, to my way of thinking, virtually impossible.

As for ESPN's hockey staff, 7 of 10 pick San Jose (though none in less than 6 games).

I heard this AM that Vegas has the Pens as a slight fave? I'm sure this can be read into several different ways but....what do they know that the talking heads dont lol?....is this simply your average betting fan's thoughts on display or is something else driving this force...Vegas just trying to generate action? I'm never quite certain what influences these lines on a day to day basis frankly....and likely never will lol....

 

[torontoeers]

I'd like to hear this by series end and x 2....'Joe WHO?'

 

[COOL MAN]

I heard this AM that Vegas has the Pens as a slight fave? I'm sure this can be read into several different ways but....what do they know that the talking heads dont lol?....is this simply your average betting fan's thoughts on display or is something else driving this force...Vegas just trying to generate action? I'm never quite certain what influences these lines on a day to day basis frankly....and likely never will lol....

Strictly speaking, Vegas could't give two shits who's better or (for that matter) who wins. .As is the case for every line a casino puts on the Board, their goal simply is to ensure money bet on the game (or series) is split as close to 1 for 1 between the competitors as they can possibly make it.

If the Pens remain a slight betting favorite.....which I believe has been the case since the series first went on the Board.....it's simply because more money is flowing their direction. My guess is that's mostly from bettors East of the Mississippi which I'd guess are probably larger in sheer numbers than those from West (who I myself assume are betting virtually exclusively on San Jose). I admit I have no idea what direction money from Canada bettors is flowing.

Meanwhile, speaking of Joe WHO, you'll note the media has been extraordinarily careful not to bring up a single detail surrounding his loss of the Sharks "C". Beyond the fact he is playing pretty well right now.....and that absolutely everyone (save Mike Milbury) adores that damned beard......the Sharks organization is equally fortunate that Joe Pavelski has probably been the best player in the entire playoff field thus far.

 

[torontoeers]

Strictly speaking, Vegas could't give two shits who's better or (for that matter) who wins. .As is the case for every line a casino puts on the Board, their goal simply is to ensure money bet on the game (or series) is split as close to 1 for 1 between the competitors as they can possibly make it.

If the Pens remains a slight betting favorite.....which I believe has been the case since the series first went on the Board.....it's simply because more money is flowing their direction. My guess is that's mostly from bettors East of the Mississippi which I'd guess are probably larger in sheer numbers than those from West (who I myself assume are betting virtually exclusively on San Jose). I admit I have no idea what direction money from Canada bettors is flowing.

Meanwhile, speaking of Joe WHO, you'll note the media has been extraordinarily careful not to bring up a single detail surrounding his loss of the Sharks "C". Beyond the fact he is playing pretty well right now, the Sharks organization is equally fortunate that Joe Pavelski has probably been the best player in the entire playoff field thus far.

Interesting. ...that clarifies it a bit better for me....
And yes...I am growing weary/ nauseous of hearing the over the top love fest for that complete jerk off Thornton. ...by the exact same talking heads who happily threw his ass under the bus for years....

As for the Kessel take up here CM? Leaves morons and media are using every excuse in the book to discount what he's done on the ice while still offering backhanded type 'praise'....I reminded a few of them the other day for Pens fans of one thing...'Thanks for paying Phil a little bit of coin on the Pens road to Stanley! He's actually turning into quite the bargain! 'LMAO....wax poetic about the 'future' all ya like folks, some of us choose to live in the here and now!!!!

 

[COOL MAN]

Interesting. ...that clarifies it a bit better for me....
And yes...I am growing weary/ nauseous of hearing the over the top love fest for that complete jerk off Thornton. ...by the exact same talking heads who happily threw his ass under the bus for years....

As for the Kessel take up here CM? Leaves morons and media are using every excuse in the book to discount what he's done on the ice while still offering backhanded type 'praise'....I reminded a few of them the other day for Pens fans of one thing...'Thanks for paying Phil a little bit of coin on the Pens road to Stanley! He's actually turning into quite the bargain! 'LMAO....wax poetic about the 'future' all ya like folks, some of us choose to live in the here and now!!!!

I read a piece over the weekend (can't seem to find it this morning).that mentioned, while Kessel is regrettably (my word) playing reasonably well right now, one of the top developments of this past season was the fine haul (again, my words) the Laffs got in exchange for Kessel.

While it accurately mentioned the Pens #1 this year could now be no better than one ahead of their own #2, they neglected to point out its at least a full dozen (perhaps more) spots lower than they were expecting/praying for back at the New Year. The same piece also "credited" the Laffs for only being forced to keep $1.2 million of his deal.

 

[torontoeers]

I read a piece over the weekend (can't seem to find it this morning).that mentioned, while Kessel is regrettably (my word) playing reasonably well right now, one of the top developments of this past season was the fine haul (again, my words) the Laffs got in exchange for Kessel.

While it accurately mentioned the Pens #1 this year could now be no better than one ahead of their own #2, they neglected to point out its at least a full dozen (perhaps more) spots lower than they were expecting/praying for back at the New Year. The same piece also "credited" the Laffs for only being forced to keep $1.2 million of his deal.

I just 'love' this kind of junk science whomever puts on deals like this! The Pittsburgh Penguins and Phil Kessel are now playing for the Stanley Cup! How this fact doesn't sink into some pretty darn thick skulls is beyond me....and perhaps GMJR deserves credit in foreseeing the ability to put a player miscast in Toronto on his 2nd or as is presently the case 3rd line, and yet I dont hear enough accolades thrown his way for the decisions via trade and coach changes up here...

Get this John Shannon -'The Joe Thornton story is a great one, this guy is a team player who has never complained' ?????? WTF???? Scott Morrison 'How do ya not root for a guy like Joe Thornton, after all he's been through?' ??????? WTF????? I gotta shut this $hit off....this CM officially qualifies as head spinning bafflegab!

For the record Chris Johnson- 'I've been around Phil Kessel quite a bit over the years and I'm not sure I've ever seen him so emotional as after that game 7 win over Tampa Bay, surrounded by around 20 family and friends' ....
And also from Johnson ' I dont see San Jose being able to keep up to the Pens speed for 7 games, much like Washington. The D isn't as strong without Daley but the Pens forwards help out extremely well in their own zone.... I'm taking Pittsburgh'

 

[COOL MAN]

I just 'love' this kind of junk science whomever puts on deals like this! The Pittsburgh Penguins and Phil Kessel are now playing for the Stanley Cup! How this fact doesn't sink into some pretty darn thick skulls is beyond me....and perhaps GMJR deserves credit in foreseeing the ability to put a player miscast in Toronto on his 2nd or as is presently the case 3rd line, and yet I dont hear enough accolades thrown his way for the decisions via trade and coach changes up here...

Get this John Shannon -'The Joe Thornton story is a great one, this guy is a team player who has never complained' ?????? WTF???? Scott Morrison 'How do ya not root for a guy like Joe Thornton, after all he's been through?' ??????? WTF????? I gotta shut this $hit off....this CM officially qualifies as head spinning bafflegab!

For the record Chris Johnson- 'I've been around Phil Kessel quite a bit over the years and I'm not sure I've ever seen him so emotional as after that game 7 win over Tampa Bay, surrounded by around 20 family and friends' ....
And also from Johnson ' I dont see San Jose being able to keep up to the Pens speed for 7 games, much like Washington. The D isn't as strong without Daley but the Pens forwards help out extremely well in their own zone.... I'm taking Pittsburgh'

The Kessel media narrative continues to be "he hasn't had to be a leader in Pittsburgh/they haven't had to depend on him", which is about as hollow a pair of "compliments" as anyone could possibly extend his way. The Toronto media crowd clearly is committed to ensure whatever he accomplishes can be rightfully explained away (by whatever standards they so choose).

All the commentators feel the Sharks defense will squash the Pens forwards sooner rather than later. Even Eddie Olczyk was talking that way with Matt Barnaby......who himself is convinced this series a complete and total physical mismatch; which doesn't seem to jive at all with his prediction of Sharks in six.

Barnaby even thinks SJ has a fairly clear advantage in goal; and while Crosby and Company are decent enough, they can't possibly hope to compete with the SJ thoroughbred road-graders.. Of course, Barnaby picked against the Pens in both the Craps and Bolts series, and has little reason to change his mind. I don't know who he picked in the Blues/Sharks series.

Meanwhile, it's interesting to realize to what extent the win over the Craps has lost its luster for the Pens over the past two weeks.....and the Bolts have been totally dismissed by the media as a woefully undermanned opponent......but now the Penguins will see what it's like to play a real team. The now borderline-incredible Sharks apparently have a class edge on everyone, certainly the Pens. Funny how everyone has conveniently forgotten how an equally (if not more) physically out-manned Nashville beat them 3-straight at home.

The problem is that the more you hear this continued broken-record kind of "analysis" from people who claim they know what's going on, it does start to take some effect.. BTW, the Pens even got taken to task this morning because they supposedly came off at Media Day yesterday as far more serious compared to the loosey-goosey Sharks.

 

[torontoeers]

Where is WVRON with the crystal ball motivational speech?!? Ron...we NEED this opener tonight....tell us some good news!!!

 

[WVU82]

Tonight.
Game 1.
NBC.

 

[WVU82]

Is it 8:00PM yet?

 

[WVU82]

Tonight's Memorial Day hat and jersey.

 

[torontoeers]

LET'S F'N GO PENGUINS!!!! YEAH!!!!:boxing:

 

[torontoeers]

Just heard from Hrudey re: Letang's comments? 'I need to control myself out there, I want to be the best Defenseman on the ice this series'.....well....if you can Kris....this increases your chances markedly! Be composed!!!