Polaris922

Jeff Skinner... but realistically speaking.. maybe LaRose and a pick or two along with him. They really don't have much on their roster worth going after.

Go Kings!

Right but again, short of Neal they're all in that boat. Crosby gets Kunitz and Dupuis, and their numbers climb. If Staal is such a hockey talent, it shouldn't matter who he plays with. I don't consider Hartnell a hockey talent by any means, but Giroux sure made him better this year. I would like to see them trade away Staal for a legitimate scoring winger to play beside Crosby. Then bring in a good defensive center to shut down opposing number one's.

I gotta tell you guys, as a Pens fan I was always worried more about Bob starting than Bryz. And I liked Bryz in Phoenix. I think the contrast in playing style from Phoenix to Philly is what you're seeing with him there. Phoenix was more a defense first organization. I've always wondered how a guy like Brodeur would do elsewhere when defense isn't first... the mind wanders...

Neither are Crosby's though... Great centers make better wingers. I understand you only play so many years though and have to fulfill your dreams while you can.

I doubt they'll move Crosby at this point because of the impact on the franchise here. I understand the concussion issue and what if the next hit retires him, but I think the public relations of it almost requires they hold on to him. And though I totally agree with your opinion of Malkin, you don't let a repeat scoring champion walk either. Bye bye Staal if a trigger has to be pulled. He can be unhappy at third line, but with Bylsma the third line plays almost as much as the first.

Thanks for replying. I hear this a lot from people I just don't see what that comment is based on. It's been a debate topic here. I watch every game of the season and I can't begin to count the number of goals scored against Staal's lines because of his lack of effort. He CAN be great defensively, but at other times he's a lot like Malkin in that he gets lazy defensively.

I don't think it's devoid... Tells me I'm not the only one seeing it this way. Lol

Actually not many Pens fans talk about refs individually anymore. I don't like or dislike any as individuals now, just the way the league's enforcing or not enforcing in general annoys me these days. We all hate the clutch/grab crap, but the refs seem to ignore it as a whole these days. The days of individual referee hatred seem to have passed here for now.

What do people really think of Jordan Staal? There's a lot of hype about this guy. People rave about his defensive play and scoring ability. He gets a lot of attention, with recent rumors of Edmonton trading the number one pick for him... I think he's the most overrated player to wear a Penguins uniform since perhaps Peter Nedved. He had a great playoff series against the Flyers goal scoring wise, but factor in the five goals scored primarily because of his blown assignments in the first three games and he doesn't look so spectacular anymore. Or maybe his poking the puck to Talbot for a goal rings a bell? I don't think Staal is all that. He was plus 11 for the season which puts him one higher than Engelland and Kennedy, but not anywhere near Selke levels. 25 goals in 62 games is good though, but Dupuis is paid much less and managed to outplay Staal in every aspect of the game. I think the Pens hype him up too much based on a great rookie season and if the Oilers are crazy enough to make that trade is take it in a heartbeat.

The first column really slams him hard... The second seems to tear into him then hopes for him to be a fixed fellow. Guess we'll be watching the off season closely for news of him.

Fraser was one of the worst refs I can remember. He's absolutely vilified here in Pittsburgh, with maybe Devorski a close second. The Penguins have often been a team with skilled players, from Lemieux, Francis and Jagr through Jagr and Kovalev, now with Crosby and Malkin. Playing teams like the Devils who practically drag everyone to a stop through the years has been frustrating as can be. It seems the NHL wants things to be so competitive that they allow lesser talented players to just bear hug and hold on to all-stars every game, from any team. It's disgusting to watch and I think it keeps the game from growing in popularity.

I agree. I don't care what fans get on whom obviously not my team, but in the straight hockey talk of it I think he's already more skilled than Hartnell and can get better given time. As for the 6.3 mill for Kane there are a few players I would rather have for the money, but I also wouldn't be paying JvR that yet either. It will be interesting to see how JvR performs this year if he can stay healthy.

Clutch + Grab = Suck

It's all good. I figured I jumbled it up is all. Sometimes the mind moves faster than the fingers, and vice versa.

The piquing was in regards to my summary of the entire team's play. Obviously Quick has been steady for them and tough all season. I appreciate the stats and no offense taken, I just meant how the Kings barely made the playoffs then caught fire.

Two very different players I guess in my eyes. I don't know that the Hawks are too worried about his rap sheet. He's young and too skilled for them to trash him over it. One dimensional perhaps, but it's a very good dimension. I don't argue JVR could become a great power forward, but that's been said of many players, and most don't live up to that potential. We'll all be watching I think...

And agreed about Carter & Richards doing well because of not suffering the limelight. They won't get minus on the PK though so your number isn't skewed. The Kings just have a whole team mentality right now. Everyone is accountable!

Any word on Gagne's return? Forgot about Williams. And my opinion of Hextall wouldn't be welcome here. Lol

I agree about potential but my point was simply that he's not there YET. The true gamble is whether his heart is able to live up to his potential. Barring any recurring injuries if course, which I don't wish upon anybody. I'd take Kane over JVR right now. Give it a season or two though and that may reverse.

And Gretzky proved not all great players can be great at managing or coaching a team either. You guys see more of Berube since he retired, think he has what it takes?

I know you guys are fond of the Flyers West nickname because of Richards and Carter, but the Kings have so much more than just these two going for them. Kopitar, Briwn, Doughty, Quick... Even their role players are having major impacts on the game. And look at how well Quick is making reflex saves! Talk about piquing at the right time!

Not even up for Johnson. Flyers would have to add something to sweeten the pot.

Kane is a much better player than JVR regardless of any off ice distractions. I'm hoping he outgrows them, but on talent, production, success... He's head and shoulders ahead. I think JVR is a good player and may yet become a great power forward, but he's not intimidating to other teams yet. He barely gets any mention outside of Flyers channels. I think it's another example of team media hyping up a player more than he deserves as of yet.

I understand listening to parents. I'm sure they were a major influence, but most 18 year old boys think they know everything, and certainly a star in his own right at that point. I can't believe this was a case of mommy and daddy said to do it.