Just for you ladies!

by JT UTAH

Hum, j'ai décidé de vous faire plaisir aujourd'hui, mesdames. Je suis allé chercher quelques photos de Crosby et Ovechkin torse nu ou entrain de faire leur plus sourire.

Je sais que probablement certains d'entres vous ont déjà vu cette photos, mais moi je ne l'avais jamais vu. C'est quand même rare que je cherche sur Google SEXY SIDNEY CROSBY...

Enfin, par rapport à la couverture du magazine, je m'interroge grandement sur les raisons de Crosby à poser de cette façon. Déjà qu'il se fait traiter de ''fifi'' régulièrement sur la glace, avait-il vraiment besoin de fournir du contenu diffamatoire à ses adversaires? Il devait surement être jaloux de Guillaume Latendresse d'avoir poser dans la Voix du Village.

Anyway, visitez la section PHOTOS, j'en mis d'autres.

]]> http://christophergates.wordpress.com/?p=125 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:18:17 +0000 christophergates http://christophergates.wordpress.com/?p=125 After playing their way in to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins no longer have a reason for playoff misfortune.

Experience is a valuable tool to have when it comes to the second season in the National Hockey League. Every remaining player from 2007-2008 knows what it will take to bring home the cup. Their new teammates do too.

The additions of Matt Cooke, Ruslan Fedotenko, Eric Godard and Miroslav Satan have filled up what is shaping out to be a balanced set of lines. The four also have seen time in the post-season, which should allow the entire squad to hit the playoffs in stride.

Together, they have played in 155 playoff games and scored 68 points. Godard has played in seven playoff games; Cooke in 39; Fedotenko in 53; and Satan in 56.

Janne Pesonen has also become accustomed to post-season play, having played in the post-season in Finland the last five years, going the distance to win four times (Granted the seasons are shorter and the competition is far more meager).

However before one can say that the new squad will be able to match up to last years', it is necessary to take a deep look in to what the Penguins have lost.

Free-agency has claimed former Penguins Marian Hossa, Ryan Malone, Jarkko Ruutu, Gary Roberts, Georges Laraque, Adam Hall and Ty Conklin. Together the seven have played in a combined 363 playoff games. Accordingly, they combine for 197 points in the post-season.

On any team in any league, the loss of quality numbers like those just listed could turn a contender in to a dreamer.

This difference that I see is that the Pens have players capable of picking up the slack.

We all saw what happened to Evgeni Malkin as the playoffs wore on. Now he knows what it will take and, barring injury, should be better prepared to go the distance.

Also, it's scary to see how well he played in his first long run. Same goes for Sidney Crosby. It was the first extended stretch for the two in the playoffs, and they surely impressed.

Both averaged over a point a game in the 20 playoff games Pittsburgh played, with Crosby accumulating 27 points (6 G - 21 A) and Malkin 22 (10 G - 12 A).

On top of that, Marc-Andre Fleury excelled as well. Flower posted a 1.97 goals against average and stopped better than 93-percent of the shots he faced.

By facing the toughest competition of their careers, these three have no excuses. They are impact players, a.k.a. they make the players around them better.

Sid will have new wingers to play with, and hopefully will see time with relatively the same guys throughout the entire season - something he hasn't really had the benefit of thus far in his career.

Malkin should do the same, and he can build upon the chemistry he and Petr Sykora developed.

The most glaring point to be made about the Penguins is the strength of their blue line. Pittsburgh has more capable defensemen than they know what to do with.

Kris Letang impressed virtually everybody after a disappointing camp. Combine that with the increased improvements of Brooks Orpik and Rob Scuderi, along with the addition of Hal Gill, and you have quite a stable of defensemen.

Don't forget, the most underrated and underappreciated defenseman in the National Hockey League, Sergei Gonchar, is the leader of the bunch.

Ryan Whitney struggled last season, but it's nice when a guy like Whit is your biggest concern.

The point of all of this is that the Penguins have no more need for veteran leadership - they are all veterans now. They have gone as far as one can go in one season, and have experienced everything short of lifting the cup.

They have swept teams, they have faced adversity, they have played in to the wee hours of the morning, and they have suffered through injuries. This team has done it all, and now they have no excuses.

With all that being said, I must say that it is hard to repeat a season like the Pens had last year. It took every ounce of sweat they had to get to the finals, and to ask that of a player year after year is more than a lot.

However, I feel the Penguins have the ability to do so. By simply staying healthy all season, which is never easy to do, the Penguins should be the front-runner for home ice throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

If they don't, it won't be because of moves Ray Shero didn't make. He has done everything he could so far this off-season, and the players he acquired are solid.

Time will tell, but I expect the Penguins to be champions of the Atlantic Division once again in 2009 and primed for another long run in the playoffs.

I'll be waiting in excitement to grow my beard.

Earlier this week came news that the Penguins retained 99 percent of their season ticket holders from last season despite heavy free agent losses. Had many of those fans held off another week, maybe they would've jumped that extra one percent.

ESPN, great arbiter of all things hockey, has named Sidney Crosby the best player in the sport as part of its annual ESPY Awards, mainly because it would be hard pressed to name another one. Crosby beat out Alex Ovechkin, Jarome Iginla, Pavel Datsyuk and teammate Evgeni Malkin for the award, an event so momentous it garnered him almost a quarter of a sentence on ESPN.com.

Other repeat winners were: Sidney Crosby (Best NHL Player), Norm Duke (Best Bowler), Floyd Mayweather (Best Fighter) and Maria Sharapova (Best Female Tennis Player).

Wow, mentioned next to a bowler! Hockey's really moving up in the world after the ESPN ombudsman said the league was being unfairly under-covered early last season. None of that, I'm sure, has to do with Jason Chung's wonderful, spot-on criticism of the Worldwide Leader's hockey coverage.
Meanwhile, a deer won Versus' "Best Victim of Barbaric Redneck Ritual" award for the show 'North American Hunters.'

Step 1: Honor a child with your captaincy!!!

Straight from the WWL: Blackhawks name Toews Captain. You got to be shitting me.

When in the hell did this practice become an option? I assume the vast majority of NHL players grew up in the same leadership environment as I did; when it comes to choosing the C, the options begin and end with the most experienced players. And now the NHL is adopting a practice that spits in the face of this successful, and logical, method. This shit is ass-backwards. Fuck grassroots development, the NHL is dictating a new definition of leadership from the top-down.

I'll admit Toews seems like a swell chap. World Junior hero, Stevie Y-comparable, Chi-town savior, whatever. This declaration is fucked. If I had been named captain of my high school team as a FRESHMEN, veteran rebellion would soon follow. And I would completely understand. Sure, these guys are more mature, older, seasoned, all that jive but the old-school (Read: Proper. In this case anyways) way is still instilled
in these guys. There's no way they ain't feeling slighted. Brian Campbell especially.

Supposedly BC, who has experience as an NHL C, took less money to play in ChiTown. Sure, he was probably excited to play with the CHI 88s, but there had to be something more to the equation, especially for a dude who made his wishes to play near home (SW Ontario) well-known. Now he has no chance of ever leading this team and is stuck with the Hawks for 8 years, assuredly receiving diminished credit the whole time. I mean, the BC era and the Toews leadership era will begin on the same October night. Raw, raw deal my friends.

Why are the Blackhawks doing this? I mean, the past experiments should be enough to dissuade. Sure, Stevie Y is the shit, but he didn't evolve into the player we all remember until Bowman showed up, and didn't deliver his first cup until he was in his late 30s. Vinny was stripped of his C after one season and was rocking the A when the Bolts took the cup in 04. Granted, Crosby led his team to the Finals in just his
second season, but I feel the lack of Free Agent action is a more telling side effect of infant captains. Sure, they resigned some important pieces but were fucking inept on the FA market. This team is once again devoid of veterans and therefore more likely to falter come playoff time. Chitown is shaping up like Pittsburgh West. Being progressive ain't worth it.

The most iconic athlete to ever play in Pittsburgh, in my mind, is Mario Lemieux. He was the most consistently great athlete for the longest period of time in the history of all of Pittsburgh's sports teams.

Also, he has done more for sports in the city than anyone else. Lemieux has saved the Penguins repeatedly, and most recently assured that hockey will stay in Pittsburgh for the long term. None of this can be said for anyone else.

Art and Dan Rooney have done a great job for the Steelers, and have made a huge impact. There's no doubting that the Steelers are the first thing everyone thinks about when Pittsburgh is mentioned.

The two have combined to build a franchise that is iconic in football lore. No team has more championships, nor can any team match the dedicated fans of the black and gold.

With all that being said, they have not dealt with the struggles Lemieux has.

Lemiuex not only battled an ailing back and Hodgkin's Disease, but he also battled the politicians of the state of Pennsylvania. He overcame empty verbal commitments and promises to finally lock in an arena deal and save hockey in Pittsburgh.

What a genius. He never gave up, and will now benefit from the arena and a sellout streak with no end in sight.

The reason Brett Favre reminded me of all of this is because he was a Mario Lemieux-like figure in my mind. That is until he decided he wanted to come back weeks away from the start of training camp.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers were finally able to move on and start a new era for the franchise. I'm sure it took Packer nation a long time to cope with Favre leaving, but they did and everything was set.

Then the aged veteran decided he was not done. And that he wanted to return. And that he wanted to be 'the guy' again. And that everyone should prepare for the opposite of what they had finally prepared themselves for. It's not the way this legend should end his career with the National Football League and the Packers.

He wants to protect his legacy. If he leaves, his legacy will never be the same. His legacy has been a team player with the right mindset. His new-found attitude reminds me more of Terrell Owens.

Look at how Lemieux handled his final comeback.

Mario came back without a 'C' or 'A' on his sweater. He let the team remain how it was. He saw it as earning his spot back. Jaromir Jagr remained the captain, and everything was harmonious.

Why can't Favre do the same? Why can't he hold the clipboard and wait for his chance to get back in the game?

Favre's actions are that of a premadonna. Kind of like an Alexander Radulov, if you will.

It's the mentality - "Well if I can't be the center of attention, I'm leaving!"

That is not the mark of a super star. Nor is it the mark of the face of a sport.

Sidney Crosby welcomes higher contracts for his teammates than the $8.7 million he is earning. He does what is best for the team.

Lemieux did the same, taking a lower paycheck to help the team stay afloat.

If Favre is a class-act, as I once thought he was, he will stay with the franchise that made him a legend. He will wait for that chance to play (considering the chances of Rodgers tripping over himself are quite high). And when he gets that opportunity, he will win and make no remarks regarding the whole situation we are witnessing right now.

This will not happen though, because there are very few Lemieux-like athletes out there.

Feel proud that you are from Pittsburgh. Feel proud that the Rooneys value merit over talent (though they are going through their own tiff right now).

And most of all, when you attend a game at the new arena, think about how great of a player and person Mario Lemieux was/is. And know that the team and environment is his doing.

Also, when you watch Favre take the field in a Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears jersey, realize that this is another moment of athletes not knowing when to call it quits.

Do you remember Johnny Unitas as a San Diego Charger? No. And no one will remember Favre's final season unless it is with the Packers.

I don't mean to preach, but it needed to be said.

The Notties (In no particular order)

Max Afinogenov, Buffalo Sabres.     Sucking is not hot, Max.  Neither is working for the Russian Mafia.

Mike Modano, Dallas Stars.  Basically, this is just leftover from the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals.  I actually do kinda like him for looking like Jon Heder's clone.  And that chipmunk face he made in that Stanley Cup Playoffs promo.

Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres.  $50 million is not attractive.  Especially not for the "Vanek Attack."  It's also not that attractive admitting on television that when you aren't playing hockey, you are playing X-box.

Brett Hull, Dallas Stars.   YOU SUCK!!!!

Drew Stafford, Buffalo Sabres.  In keeping with my whole, "Jacob is better than Edward" thing, I just have this to say: Drinking the blood of virgins is not attractive, Staffy.  I'm sorry.

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins.  Basically, Zdeno, I'm just scared of what you'll do to poor, short little Nathan Gerbe next year.  That's all.

Mats Sundin, Current Team Unknown.  Okay, Mats.  Either sign that 2 year, $20 million offer in Vancouver so that after an October game we never have to see your overrated ass again, or go to back to Sweden and never bother us again.

Dominik Hasek, Detroit Red Wings.

I refused to believe that he's really retiring, in light of all this Brett Favre drama.  But don't think I don't know what you did to get out of Buffalo, Dominik.  Don't think for a second that we all don't know.

Daniel Briere, Philadelphia Flyers.  There is nothing hot about a greasy whore.  There isn't anything hot about spearing a totally innocent guy in the balls, either.

Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators.  We know that your team was sucking majorly, Alfie, but that's no excuse for firing a puck at Scott Niedermayer's face.  Getting swept in the first round by a bunch of underaged boys isn't all that attractive, either.

Brian Campbell, Chicago Blackhawks.  There is nothing hot about greed, Soupy.  There isn't anything hot about your hair with your new 'hawks jersey either.  I hope you freeze at the Winter Classic this year.

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins.  Okay, I am fully aware that I am going to be attacked by a herd of angry Crosby fangirls.  (And angry fanboys)  And please understand, it's not that I don't like him.  I do like him.  Actually, I feel really bad for the kid.  He has no friends.  
He has no idea how to do an interview without getting an assistant coach somewhere fired.  I would totally be Sidney's friend.  I really would.  

All that said, I have to tell you, Sid.  If you have any hope of getting off the Nottie list and onto the Hottie one, you need to stop admitting that Mario talks to you about having safe sex with girls.  Very uncool.

Toni Lydman, Buffalo Sabres.   Just.....no.

Jeff Finger, Toronto Maple Leafs.  

Who are you????

Tim Connolly, Buffalo Sabres.  I'm really sorry, Timmy.  I do like you, I really do.  It's just...you're too, well, fragile for my taste.  Sorry about all this.

Mike Comrie, New York Islanders.  I am well aware that he is dating Hilary Duff.  I had to wade through a whole mess of pictures of them kissing just to find this one.  But sleeping with your ex-teammate's wife is not hot.  Infidelity gets you on the Nottie list, Mike.  

Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins.  It's his mugshot.  Need I say more?

Chris Drury, New York Rangers.  A picture's worth a thousand words.  Chris Drury, however, is not.

Sean Avery, Dallas Stars.  I don't care if Marty Brodeur is fat, and I don't care if he slept with his wife's sister-in-law.  He is still a totally badass goalie, and therefore Sean should not be waving his stick like an idiot in front of his face.  No wonder Elisha Cuthbert dumped him.

Ray Emery, Russian League.  I know that he technically no longer plays in the NHL, but I figured for him I could make an exception.  He does drugs, fights with his teammates, and had a convicted rapist on his mask.  N-O-T-T-I-E!

And that about sums it up!  I was really surprised with some of the people who ended up on this list; I guess some guys were just so ugly I blocked out their names.

The new arrangement in the National Hockey League has the Penguins playing 64 games within the Eastern Conference, and 18 more against Western Conference opponents. Every team will play every team this season.

And yes, we can finally say THIS SEASON.

Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby will meet each other early in the season in '08, as the Washington Capitals make their first visit on October 16th. The series really means nothing between them, being that Sid has a clear advantage in in the win column, however it it always fun to watch two of the best players in the league go at it.

Just two days later, be prepared for the Maple Leaf fans to make their first invasion of the Mellon Arena. If you've been to a home game against the Leafs, you know how terribly annoying the games with Toronto can be if the Penguins are losing. It turns in to a veritable home game the boys up north.

Me and my family went for my father's birthday in Crosby's rookie season when ticket sales were still struggling. There were so many of them there that it was hard to pick out Pittsburgh fans. They were so obnoxious that I took one of their flags and broke it in half. Let's just say that Geno's hat trick last year was sweet revenge.

In Novemeber the Penguins make a swing around some of the Western Conference, and land in Detroit on November 11th. Mark your calendars for this one. It proves to be as heated a game as any, especially since number 18 will be in red and white.

The BIG one happens February 8th. Detroit comes to town for a 3 p.m. game that will likely be on NBC. I hope to be there, and I expect an atmosphere very close to that of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The miniature Penguins, also known as the Tampa Bay Lightning, will bring their host of former 'Guins to Mellon Arena on December 23rd. As much hate as there will be against Detroit, there should be just as much opposite respect in the game against the Lightning. It'd be far to hard to boo the likes of Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts.

Western Conference teams that visit Pittsburgh are the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames.

Games against the Western Conference at home have always lack atmosphere at the Igloo. Hopefully the new schedule this season will revamp those matchups. It will be cool to watch Vancouver and Calgary come to town, teams that I haven't seen in years.

Finally, here are the Pens vs. Flyers dates:

Tuesday Oct. 14 - Flyers @ Penguins, 7 p.m.

Thursday Nov. 13 - Flyers @ Penguins, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Dec. 13 - Penguins @ Flyers, 1 p.m.

Tuesday Jan. 13 - Penguins @ Flyers, 7 p.m.

Saturday Feb. 21 - Penguins @ Flyers, 1 p.m.

Sunday March 22 - Flyers @ Penguins, 3 p.m

Mark your calendars.

*Update 7/17/08 @ 1:26 p.m.

If you have trouble reading the schedule at NHL.com, here is the version from penguins.com:

Sat., October 4^th @ Ottawa, 2:30 PM (Sweden)
Sun., October 5^th vs. Ottawa, 2:30 PM (Sweden)
Sat., October 11^th vs. New Jersey, 7:30 PM
Tue., October 14^th vs. Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Thur., October 16^th vs. Washington, 7:30 PM
Sat., October 18^th vs. Toronto, 7:00 PM
Mon., October 20^th @ Boston, 7:00 PM
Thur., October 23^rd vs. Carolina, 7:30 PM
Sat., October 25^th @ New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
Tue., October 28^th @ San Jose, 10:30 PM
Thur., October 30^th @ Phoenix, 10:00 PM
Sat., November 1^st @ St. Louis, 8:30 PM
Thur., November 6^th vs. Edmonton, 7:30 PM
Sat., November 8^th @ New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
Tue., November 11^th @ Detroit, 7:00 PM
Thur., November 13^th vs. Philadelphia, 7:30 PM
Sat., November 15^th vs. Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Tue., November 18^th vs. Minnesota, 7:00 PM
Thur., November 20^th @ Atlanta, 7:00 PM
Sat., November 22^nd vs. Vancouver, 1:00 PM
Wed., November 26^th @ New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
Fri., November 28^th @ Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Sat., November 29^th vs. New Jersey, 7:30 PM
Wed., December 3^rd @ New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
Thur., December 4^th @ Carolina, 7:00 PM
Sat., December 6^th @ Ottawa, 7:00 PM
Mon., December 8^th vs. Buffalo, 7:30 PM
Wed., December 10^th @ New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Thur., December 11^th vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 PM
Sat., December 13^th @ Philadelphia, 1:00 PM
Thur., December 18^th @ Atlanta, 7:00 PM
Sat., December 20^th vs. Toronto, 7:00 PM
Mon., December 22^nd @ Buffalo, 7:00 PM
Tue., December 23^rd vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Fri., December 26^th @ New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Sat., December 27^th vs. Montreal, 7:00 PM
Tue., December 30^th vs. Boston, 7:30 PM
Thur., January 1^st @ Boston, 7:00 PM
Sat., January 3^rd vs. Florida, 1:00 PM
Mon., January 5^th @ New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
Tue., January 6^th vs. Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Thur., January 8^th @ Nashville, 8:00 PM
Sat., January 10^th @ Colorado, 3:00 PM
Tue., January 13^th @ Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
Wed., January 14^th vs. Washington, 7:30 PM
Fri., January 16^th vs. Anaheim, 7:30 PM
Sun., January 18^th vs. New York Rangers, 3:00 PM
Tue., January 20^th vs. Carolina, 7:30 PM
Wed., January 28^th vs. New York Rangers, 7:30 PM
Fri., January 30^th @ New Jersey, 7:00 PM
Sat., January 31^st @ Toronto, 7:00 PM
Tue., February 3^rd @ Montreal, 7:30 PM
Wed., February 4^th vs. Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Fri., February 6^th vs. Columbus, 7:30 PM
Sun., February 8^th vs. Detroit, 3:00 PM
Wed., February 11^th vs. San Jose, 7:30 PM
Sat., February 14^th @ Toronto, 7:00 PM
Mon., February 16^th @ New York Islanders, 2:00 PM
Thur., February 19^th vs. Montreal, 7:00 PM
Sat., February 21^st @ Philadelphia, 1:00 PM
Sun., February 22^nd @ Washington, 3:00 PM
Wed., February 25^th vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 PM
Fri., February 27^th @ Chicago, 8:30 PM
Sun., March 1^st @ Dallas, 3:00 PM
Tue., March 3^rd @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Thur., March 5^th @ Florida, 7:30 PM
Sun., March 8^th @ Washington, 3:00 PM
Tue., March 10^th vs. Florida, 7:30 PM
Thur., March 12^th @ Columbus, 7:00 PM
Sat., March 14^th vs. Ottawa, 3:00 PM
Sun., March 15^th vs. Boston, 3:00 PM
Tue., March 17^th vs. Atlanta, 7:30 PM
Fri., March 20^th vs. Los Angeles, 7:30 PM
Sun., March 22^nd vs. Philadelphia, 3:00 PM
Wed., March 25^th vs. Calgary, 7:30 PM
Sat., March 28^th vs. New York Rangers, 1:00 PM
Wed., April 1^st vs. New Jersey, 7:30 PM
Sat., April 4^th @ Carolina, 7:00 PM
Sun., April 5^th @ Florida, 5:00 PM
Tue., April 7^th @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 PM
Thur., April 9^th vs. New York Islanders, 7:30 PM
Sat., April 11^th @ Montreal, 7:00 PM

Home games in BOLD

All start times are in Pittsburgh time.

With a combination of sharp shooting forwards as well as defensemen, Michel Therrien will have to carefully place his men amongst the two power play lines.

If I were him, or he were I, or if I knew him and he listened to the advice I gave him, this is the way the power play unit would shape out.

Line #1

Malkin - Crosby - Satan

Gonchar - Whitney

At some point, both Crosby and Malkin should be on the ice at the same time. The two have the ability to do special things together, and what better time to place them together than the power play?

Malkin will man the half-boards. That way he is able to fire his booming slap shot from a closer distance and at an angle he is familiar with.

Malkin's time on the point in the playoffs was something many would like to forget. It was also rumored that he didn't want to be playing there. With this setup, Malkin is where he wants to be and is surrounded by incredible talent.

Add Satan to the other side and you've got just as potent a power play as any in the National Hockey League. He is a sharpshooter, but being on the ice at the same time as Crosby and Malkin should provide him with so much open space that even Eric Godard could net a few.

Crosby will be Crosby, and having Malkin and Satan on his unit will allow the Penguins captain to be as creative as he wants.

On the point is Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney. I'm not going to explain why Gonchar is there because it is where he belongs. Enough said.

As for Ryan Whitney, I believe he has that ability to sneak back-door as he did two years ago. He has everyone watching and waiting for him to fail in 2008-2009. Expect that to be motivation enough for him to play his best.

If he can, then there is no weakness on this line. If he can, there is no reason the Penguins power play shouldn't be first in the NHL.

If he can't, no worries. One of the following guys will do the trick.

Line #2

Fedotenko - Staal - Sykora

Letang - Scuderi

It's hard to express how much the Penguins would benefit from Jordan Staal reverting back to the ways of his rookie season. For this line to be effective, he needs to do just that.

Kris Letang is gifted with the puck, and depending on Whitney's level of play he may be on the first unit. Regardless though, he will get his chance to quarterback the power play.

With that being said, Staal must step up and lead the line just as Letang does. Ruslan Fedotenko and Petr Sykora are no slouches, and with a centerman playing at their level, this line is also scary.

Fedotenko will be in front of the net, and Staal should do the same. I think if these guys can devote themselves to crashing the net the line will do good things.

However it's tough to predict because we haven't seen this trio together ever.

Finally, Scuderi is there to just play solid as he has so often in his career thus far.

Darryl Sydor would have normally been in Scuderi's place, and if he finds his way in to the Penguins lineup he would replace Scuderi.

Once final option would be to just pull Fleury every time and let Sykora on the line. Good things will happen...

All joking aside, whether this is anywhere near being correct or not, I don't expect Therrien to stick with any line for too long. He has a history of juggling lines, and once the power play goes through a drought expect the carousel to start.

Dupuis - Crosby - Satan

There's no need to explain why Sidney Crosby if the first line center, but there is a need for his linemates.

Satan is a great threat, and he is going to have better numbers playing with Crosby than he has in the past few seasons. He will compliment Sid well, in a similar way that Sykora and Malkin compliment each other.

These two have the potential to do great things, and this is exactly why Shero went out and got Satan. Crosby will have a capable winger to compliment him, and vice versa for a full season (cross your fingers - we all should pray that injuries don't plague this team like they did last season).

Finally, Dupuis adds good speed to the line. Also, he is used to playing with Crosby. They have some familiarity, and I think him playing with Sid gives him the potential to score 20 or more goals. He should net at least 15 on this line easily (He scored 10 in Atlanta, give the man some credit!).

The combination of a hustle guy in Dupuis, sniper in Satan and play maker in Crosby provides the line with everything that can make it a tough trio to defend.

Fedotenko - Malkin - Sykora

Malkin and Sykora stay together. There was never a question on that. They played a tremendous game together throughout the regular season last year, and also put up good numbers in the first three rounds of the playoffs.

I expect nothing less from the two, but maybe a little more.

Adding Fedotenko gives the line the ability to play a very similar game as they did last season. He is a big body, and should be able to clean up around the net.

Fedotenko has the ability to score 20 goals any season. Giving him two world class players to skate alongside makes it a guarantee.

Once again, this line offers several different dimensions just as the first line. Hopefully they can compliment each other and make me look like a genius.

Pesonen - Staal - Kennedy

This line was tough to decide on. Part of me really wanted to move Jordan Staal to the left wing on the second line. I still think that might happen during the season.

The problem is, if you move him, then Max moves to the third line and you don't have a capable center for the fourth line. I'm not sure anyone in Wilkes-Barre will be ready at the beginning of the year. This way we are not forcing anyone in to a role they are not ready for.

However, if Jeff Taffe signs with the Pens this all will probably change for me. Kris Beech doesn't give me a sense of security, but I do believe Jeff Taffe can play a season on the fourth line.

Also, my hopes are that Janne Pesonen is the real deal and that he is in fact ready for the National Hockey League. His stats have drastically improved in his last few seasons, which makes me think this is his time. I'm not going to waste his talent on the fourth line - it's his time to prove himself.

Tyler Kennedy rounds out the third line. He and Staal have played together, and as you might be able to tell familiarity and chemistry are huge in my mind.

The line should again be tough to defend because of its speed. Scouts rave about Pesonen's speed. Tyler Kennedy impressed all the doubters before the playoffs by showing he is capable of handling that kind of environment. He got through it because he was just flat out faster than most players on the ice.

Now stop.

And as many of you are running through Vanilla Ice or M.C. Hammer lyrics I ask that you look at those three lines and try to find a more balanced and threatening team offensively. There is no such team in the Eastern Conference.

Cooke - Talbot - Godard

Moving to the fourth and final line, try and tell me you'd like to go up against the three men listed above. If you do, you're lying.

All three have the ability to get under opponent's skin. They also can back up their talk.

I'm not sure I like Cooke on the fourth line, but given the rest of the player talent on the Pens I don't believe it is right to place him anywhere else. I believe he could net 10 to 12 goals on another line, but there are other men that can do more and they deserve to see more ice time.

Also, we rarely saw Jarkko Ruutu playing with Sid or Malkin. If Cooke is Ruutu's replacement, then this is where he fits.

I know we are far away from the opener in Stockholm, Sweden on October 4 against Ruutu and the Senators. However, this passes the time.

There are only 75 days until the 2008-2009 season starts, and it is never too early to start preparing.

In the coming days there is a possibility that the Penguins will sign Jeff Taffe. If/when that happens, I'll may be coming out with 'Just Call Me Coach Therrien Part Deux.' Oddly enough, his presence changes things around a lot as far as the lines go.

Until then, enjoy and let me know what you think. I plan on coming out with defensive pairings in the coming days, as well as why experience is not a crutch for losing in the playoffs anymore for the Pens.

President Chops released a statement, “We wanted a name that would catch people’s attention and spark discussion, not just in Iowa but nationally as well."

Holy vampire pig, you got my attention. It's certainly different. I think it may scare the children.

I have no idea what he said, my mind was focused on that dead animal sitting atop his hockey hair.

Janne Pesonen is officially under contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Finnish winger signed a one-year contract today. Ray Shero had this to say about Pesonen (Penguins.com):

“Pesonen is a quick, skilled player that has had much success in the Finnish Elite League,” said Shero. “We look forward to watching him perform at his first NHL training camp.”

The contract is a two-way contract, allowing him to be sent between Pittsburgh and its AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Since the initial announcement of him becoming a Penguin, I have had more time to research him. What I've read noted his exceptional speed and hands. Given that plus his size, 5-11 and 180 pounds, Pesonen reminds me alot of former Penguin Martin Straka.

If Pesonen gets the chance at some point next year to skate with Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby his point total could surprise many around the NHL. However, I'm not sure if he'll get that chance. As (Insider on Pittsburgh Sports) noted, contract talks seem to be getting more serious between the Penguins and Jordan Staal. Also, there is talk of Staal moving back to the left-wing.

The Penguins have also had internal discussions about using Jordan Staal as a winger on the top 2 lines when the season begins.

Staal scored 29 goals from the left wing in his rookie season. If he moves back to that position, Pesonen's chances at playing with either Malkin or Crosby are little to none. Nevertheless, his stats indicate that he is playing the best hockey of his career and this is his time for a shot in the NHL.

Furthermore, I'd love to see Staal back on the left wing. If his numbers show a significant improvement in the first month or so of the season next year, then it was worth it. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

PENS SIGN BEN LOVEJOY

Shero also inked defensman Ben Lovejoy to a one-year entry-level contract (Penguins.com). Lovejoy (6-2, 210 pounds) led Wilkes-Barre in plus/minus with a plus-16. He appeared in 72 games during the regular season and recorded 20 points (2 G, 18 A).

Lovejoy also appeared in all 23 of the Baby Pens' Calder Cup Playoff games. He totaled 10 points (2 G, 8 A).

The year before joining the Baby Pens, Lovejoy played for the Norfolk Admirals. He saw time in five games and went pointless while recording six penalty minutes.

Lovejoy attended and played college hockey for three years at Dartmouth and one final year at Boston College (WBS). He recorded 54 points in in 96 games (11 G, 43 A). In one year at BC, Lovejoy played in 22 games and recorded six assists.

The Chicago Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings will play in a makeshift arena just like the one seen at Ralph Wilson Stadium last season when Pittsburgh and Buffalo played.

Reportedly, Chicago and Wrigley Field beat out Yankee Stadium and New York for the second installment of the Winter Classic. Yankee Stadium is in it's final season of existence, and my guess is that Wrigley Field was chosen because Yankee Stadium is already getting the benefits of this years' MLB All-Star Game.

I find it odd, though, that Wrigley Field was the ultimate choice.

Chicago and Detroit will be a great game to showcase. Detroit is coming off a Stanley Cup run, and will most likely be the favorite to repeat in '08-'09. Chicago will look to build upon a surprising season where it finished with 88 pts., the highest total since 96 pts. in 2001-2002.

The only question that can be posed is, why Wrigley?

There is a much bigger venue in town that would surely be filled to capacity should the game be played there. That venue is Soldier Field.

Soldier Field seats approximately 61,500 fans (Ballparks.com). This is more than 20,000 more than Wrigley, which seats only 41,118 (Ballparks.com). More seats means more revenue. It also means a better atmosphere.

The atmosphere plays such a huge part in these outdoor games because the Winter Classic might be the number one tool to lure fans back to watching hockey.

Last year's game was everything the NHL could have asked for and then some. A record crowd of 71,217 witnessed the face of the 'new' NHL win it in the last shot of a shootout...money in the bank.

The momentum created from that game needs to be sustained this year.

Wrigley Field is one of the most famous parks in the country, and it has history and lure. However, a football field is fashioned better for a hockey rink. The long sidelines and symmetrical square/oval shape means good viewing for the fans at the game, and a better background setting for the TV audience.

My fear is that it will look like I'm watching the Emerald Bowl in San Francisco's AT&T Park. The setting is terrible, and the way the cameras are positioned shows the outfield fence where there were seemingly no fans.

If the game were played at Soldier Field, it would feature several tiers of fans completely surrounding the spectacle that is the Winter Classic. Also, it would allow for more Red Wing fans to attend the game. If you remember the game in Buffalo, then you probably remember there being quite a few Pens fans in attendance, and there cheers were definitely heard when Sidney Crosby netted the winning goal.

The drive is only about four or five hours between the cities, an easy trip.

Nevertheless, the game will be another sight to see. Surely NBC and the NHL will do everything possible to make this game as outstanding as it predecessor. It might actually be pretty cool to watch the players come out of the the same dugout as Andre Dawson and Ryne Sandberg.

The best the NHL can ask for is that both teams come in playing like they did last year, and we know how hard that can be to predict, especially with the Blackhawks.

Bear in mind that the announcement has not officially been made, so all of this could change. But it appears that the announcement will be made this week that Wrigley Field will be the venue.

My brother also pointed out some guy going old school wearing a Minnesota Northstars shirt, and then on Flight of Fear some kid was wearing a New Jersey (or New Joisey, as my brother and I like to say) Devils shirt, but I shrugged my shoulders at him.  I just thought the chances of my brother happening to put on one of his Pens shirts today and all that's gone down this year between them and Detroit, we found a Detroit Guy walking around King's Island.  Priceless.

The addition of the two former Islanders adds two potential 20-goal scorers to the lineup, as well as fills the very vacant wing position. Before Thursday, Pascal Dupuis was the lone left-winger under contract that will likely start next season.

For those fans that don't know much about the two, I will try to give you an idea of each player.

Satan is the better known of the two, having played 13 seasons in the NHL. Of those 13 seasons, he has played at least 60 games in 12, proving his durability throughout the course of an NHL season.

The Slovakian winger, who turns 34 at the beginning of this coming season, showed point-scoring consistency before landing on the Island in 05-06. Forgetting his third season where he only played in 12 games, Satan has averaged 27 goals and 56 points per season.

However, being a part of an Islander team that struggled to compete seemed to drag Satan down. His first season in blue and orange produced 66 points, an improvement on his final season in Buffalo. Years two and three were less impressive, with Satan compiling 59 and 41 points respectively.

One would think that Satan would be placed on Sidney Crosby's right wing, leaving the left wing still up for grabs. Regardless of the third line mate, Satan will benefit greatly from being on the ice with Crosby, becoming a 25-goal scoring threat again.

As for Fedotenko, he is a 20-goal threat with the right line mates.

Over his seven NHL seasons, Fedotenko has averaged roughly 18 goals and 34 points a year. His shining moment came as a member of Tampa Bay's 03-04 Stanley Cup winning squad, scoring 12 goals and adding two assists in the championship run.

In the first post-lockout season, Fedotenko rode his playoff momentum and scored 26 goals en route to 41 points.

As was the case with Satan, Fedotenko produced mediocre numbers for the Islanders. In his one season in Long Island, Fedotenko scored 16 goals and registered 17 assists. He also missed the last 11 games of the season with a knee injury.

What can't be overlooked is the post-season experience of the two. Fedotenko knows what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, and Satan has played in over 50 playoff games. Now that the Penguins have success and experience in th post-season, players with the same only compliment the young squad.

The signing process is far from over, and many holes still exist on the depth chart. Two left wing spots are still vacant, and the departure of Jarkko Ruutu, Georges Laraque and Ryan Malone takes away from the grit factor the Pens had in 07-08.

Also, Jaromir Jagr is still on the market and rumor is that Pittsburgh and Edmonton are the front-runners in talks (tsn.ca).

Sather doesn't want to invest $4M per on Avery for four years? The cap is $56.7M this season. If it increases by a conservative 8 percent a year, it will hit $71.4M at the conclusion of the contract. That means that Avery will account for between 7.05 and 5.6 percent of the cap throughout the life of the deal.

-Larry Brooks

The fact that Sather is letting his personal beef with Avery come before the success of the Rangers makes me throw up in my mouth. I can't even fathom Sather's reasoning for letting him walk into free agency. What possible logical explanation or plan can he have for this? I sure as hell can't think of one. Does he forget that Avery at one point played on the teams top line with Dubinsky and Jagr, and helped provide offense when the team was sputtering. Avery is known for antics and w.e else you may call them, but he is a very underrated hockey player. He can score, he can make plays, he can penalty kill, he can be on the power play, and be successful all why being the biggest asshole in the league. WHERE ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO FIND THAT IN A PLAYER?! He is a very very valuable asset to ANY team, nevermind the Rangers who with the exception of Orr don't have another gritty bag full of knuckles type player. I DONT F----- UNDERSTAND IT!

Here's another interesting tidbit from Larry Brooks

Would the Rangers sign Malone for $4.5M per over five or six years if given the chance? You bet they would. Yet, in the three seasons since the lockout, Malone, playing almost exclusively with either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin as his pivot, recorded 126 points (65-61) in 218 games - six more points in two more games than Avery (48-72), who assuredly was not playing with talents remotely equal to the Pittsburgh pivots.

What more needs to be said? Whats the Rangers record with and without Avery in the lineup? Did he or did he not get 'fatso' off his game during the playoffs? How many goals did he have in the playoffs again? How often does he get players to retaliate and take penalties?

RE-SIGN AVERY !!

Picture provided buy Tournament of Logos

http://nhllogos.blogspot.com/

When he was drafted Crosby was regarded as the next Wayne Gretzky and had a mile of hype. Despite the fact that Crosby is a few hundred miles away from even seeing any of Gretzky's records, the NHL still acts as if he is.  They market him, they wipe his ass, they market him some more. They act as if he is the only player in the NHL worthy of praise. Nevermind the fact that it can be argued he isnt even the best player on him team, Evgeni Malkin. I'm not saying Crosby isnt a good player, because that would be a bold faced lie, but he is not the only young noteworthy player in the league. Why doesnt the NHL give Vinny Lecavalier or Ryan Getzlaf or how about the other star on the Penguins, Evgeni Malkin for any sort of marketing campaign? Gary Bettman is trying to force upon every hockey fan that Sidney Crosby is the savior to the NHL. He's going to ram it down every fans throats until eventually, everyone will be sick of him.

It disgusts me, but back to this 6th best athlete nonsense...

In his short career what exactly has Crosby done that is leaps and bounds above other NHL players?  Yeah he's won a Hart Trophy, true. However, he wasn't even the best rookie and didnt win the Calder (rightfully so). He hasn't won a Stanley Cup and despite all the assists he racked up during the playoffs, he wasn't the reason his team made it as far as it did. What makes him more athletic than any other NHLer? Is he more athletic than Danny Heately, Henrik Lundqvist, Zdeno Chara, or Martin St. Louis? How can you measure such a thing??

The list itself puts him four places ahead of Alex Rodriguez, who quite possibly has a REAL shot at being the best player to have every played the game. It is not outside the realm of possibility for A-rod to shatter Bonds tainted record. Crosby has spent three years in the NHL, they would be successful for any ther player, except him. The expectations are unfair to Crosby, its unrealistic to believe he will actually be as good as the Great One. Yet nobody notices, the league and the media still acts as if he is. He is no more than an average superstar, which for anybody else would be a huge success for their career.

I know that the Wall Street Journals opinion on sports, means about as much as Vogue's opinion on the matter, even before this bullshit lists. But that fact that Crosby has been given another accolade and more praise that he doesn't deserve, makes me sick.

Marian Hossa told the Pittsburgh Penguins he intends to test the National Hockey League free agent market, and the Slovakian forward expects to attract lucrative offers once bidding begins July 1.

Marian Hossa will become a FA July 1st. Those poor penguins, first they get SPANKED in the finals, Malkin is attracting ridiculous offers from his native Russia, Sidney Crosby's playoff beard is barely thicker than a prepubescent boy, and now Hossa looks to be a goner. It's too bad that Gary Bettman and Co. can't help them out.

My dream would be for Crosby to be the only star on that team, then it would FINALLY be banged into the thick skulls of the media and dumb founded hockey fans that he is no more than an average superstar ( i know thats an oxymoron guy) incapable of carrying a team for any significant time. Crosby is nothing special and if I keep hearing him mentioned in the same breath as the greats I will have no choice but to drop kick the first person i see wearing his jersey when the Rangers play that team who i will not mention at the Garden next year.

Yeah so i will take any shot at Crosby and the Penguins i can.

Back on track. It'd be interesting to see if the Rangers will make a play for Hossa, after his performance in this years playoffs in which HE NOT CROSBY lead his team through the playoffs.  I think he would look nice in Ranger blue playing alongside Gomez.

Ainsi en transigeant Evegny Malkin au Lightning les Penguins pourrait mettre la main sur le 1er choix, Steven Stamkos eux qui n'ont aucun choix de 1ere ronde en 2009.

Également le Lightning pourrait ajouter dans l'échanger un joueur tel que Dana Tyrell leur 1er choix 2007,  leur choix de 2e ronde de 2009 et le défenseur Shane O'Brien.

Très logique comme transaction.

As much as i would like to shoot the shit about the playoffs and how I despise Sidney Crosby,  i do realize that its June and i should probably move on and talk about the issues at hand, the draft tomorrow and free agency.

...But one more thing I am almost positive that in a few years a Tim Donaghy style scandal will break out involving Gary Bettman and the Pittsburgh bleeping Penguins...

Besides the draft tomorrow I am also looking forward to seeing Sidney Crosby compete in the Beijing Olympics for the Canadian High Diving Team.

Ill leave on that statement, otherwise ill keep bitching