nossagog

See, this is something that MAY be a good thing for the Pens. As Polaris said, maybe TOO strick, but Iron Mike may be just what the country club needs.

Really? You would actually WANT a perimeter passing power play??? They may have had a good % power play, but it was more of because of talent rather than a power play system. Not much in net front presence, and not alot of play in the slot. Get it in deep, grind grind grind, pass the perimeter, and take a shot from the point.

I may have to take out the ears too so I don't have to listen to his presser's

I don't know, but if he becomes head coach, I may poke my eyes out. NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/11042111/pittsburgh-penguins-fire-coach-dan-bylsma-hire-gm-jim-rutherford Okay, clean sweep has been made, let's start the coaching talk. And NOOOOOOO, it won't be Pierre or Edzo.

More over, he has his work cut out for him in the next month. He needs to make some quick decisions prior to FA, to see who he can shed, and who he can sign. Will be interesting to watch the differences between him and Shero.

Whew, that was close. God knows what we Pens fans would have had to endure if Pierre would have been named. http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2014/06/06/Rutherford-could-be-tapped-for-Penguins-general-manager-post/stories/201406060201 I like it, he has some experience, 'burgh roots and is a general good guy.

Its hard to "dive" into something like this the day after a team is eliminated. I certainly don't think that any of their fans would necessarily think of this year as a "flop" since they made it to the ECF. But let's not "act" as if the players are satisfied as being second loser in the playoffs. For the most part, they have held the course with their young players, and have not tried to "buy" the cup with rentals. I don't expect to see Vanek will be back next season as he is going to "attempt to sell" his services to the highest bidder, but with experience the rest of the team can take away from this run, their future is bright.

Yeah, I figured you would understand. It was one of the last things that Uncle Gary did for us before he became a traitor.

There is still something in the rules based on the last CBA that if a player gets 3 diving penalties, he receives a suspension of some sort. I know this because, sigh, James Neal was almost at the limit this year, and was called for a dive when it was not a dive. They postgame recinded the fact that it was a dive(not sure if in the official records is just says 2:00 for referee mistake) so that he did not face suspension.

Totally by accident. My general statement was in regards to reciprocation in general. Don't go back against a fourth liner, it just justifies his existence, go for the star.

I mentioned in the rebuilding thread, if the could only move Letang, things would be good. Maybe a rebuild is in order, lets start with Letang and maybe add Martin and Fleury. Let the young defense take a year to learn.

@ruxpin @canoli Lots of great suggestions and ideas. But the real key here is the NHLPA. I'm waiting for them to step up here, well been waiting for quite some time. They're here to protect their members. But that protection should not just be in the form fighting the NHL on fines and suspensions, how does the NHLPA propose to protect the players from themselves. The NHL could try to up fines and suspensions, but the NHLPA probably will not let it. The suspensions are a joke because of the CBA. The fines are a joke, because of the CBA. The league should hand over all discipline to the NHLPA, and let them deal with it. Let's see them deal with the players that they represent, both the good and the bad. And when a lawsuit comes, let it fall on them also for not doing enough.

I've never been an eye for an eye guy. But if I was, I'd leave Prust alone. Take it out on Pacioretty and skate past Therien and make a loud comment about it just being a hockey play, just like Prust's. The Habs could care less about missing him, just ask their fans.

True, but if you're great offensively and aren't good defensively, then in the big picture, you're average.

You could never have a straight conversion table for anything like this, sadly there would have to be some discretion in the matter. As I said, it can be a factor in the decision, but not the rule.

For those in the $5M to $6M range, his current contract is $2.3M, and he was happy to get that two years ago. I just can't see teams making the jump from $2.3M to $5M very easily. Yes his agent is going to seek a big payday with his play this year, but does one year deserve that payday? Wait, I forgot we were talking about NHL GM's.

Its not the only factor, but one that must be considered. I agree, in this case it is a clear cut intent to injure, and can't be overlooked, and in itself should have merited a longer suspension.

Listening to Shanaban, I just don't understand how this is not more than 2 games. Violent contact, Contact to head, Injury on play, Prior history, doesn't commit to hit until AFTER Stepan released puck. If this doesn't cry for intent to injure and give the league a chance to make a stance, nothing does. I'm very sad, very sad indeed. I love this sport, and things like this just are aggravating as I want to see the best players play the game, not taken out by fourth line scrubs. Same could be said for Kreider on Price. The NHL has deteriorated into a league that has no problem seeing its stars abused and injured on a regular basis. I'm tired of the rules changing and the do not care attitude of player safety at the highest point of the season. This post season has had a higher degree of slashes, elbow/crosschecks to the head, slewfoots and other dangerous plays tha I have seen in a long time. I'm writing a letter to the NHL and I hope that any who value the beauty of the game will do the same.

The fact that none of those guys are on a PK, or on the ice at the end of a game with a lead should eliminate them from contention. Its become embarrassing, PK Suban winning the Norris last year made the whole awards ceremony a joke. These guys aren't even the best defensive defensemen on their own teams.

From TSN: Wonder if that is why he lost his effectiveness and spot in the Rangers series. That was probably the wrist he injured during the season.

Hey leave Mark Recchi outta that group, we drafted him in the first place.

Wait, what's your point?

Okay, I started a separate thread to see our GM skills. In some of the Pen's threads, estimates for Niskanen's cap hit somewhere next year have gone from $4M/year(me) to $6M/year Yave. Loads of people seem to think he'll be in the $5M to $5.5M range. So post you GM estimate here. Niskanen info: 27 years old 6'0" 205lbs Acquired as toss in in the deal that brought James Neal from the Stars in 2011. Last contract: $2.3M/year signed in 2012. Prior contracts for $850K/year for 3 entry level, and initial salary of $1.5M/year for 2 years. So $850K,$850K,$850K,$1.5M,$1.5M,$2.3M,$2.3M Plus's: Solid defensively, took great strides this season with all the injuries on the Pens defense, and at one point was on the top power play(when Martin and Letang were both injured). Fair speed Career year this season with 10 goals and 36 assists. Good wrist shot. Minus's: Not physical, has a hard time in front of the net. Average puck handling skills, has tendency to move puck too soon against high pressure teams. Below average slap shot from point. Prior to this year was average Probably a 3/4 pairing on most teams, maybe a top pair guy on a bad team.

Interesting enough, there is a blog on the main page that goes through some of the Pens UFA's. They state that the feeling on Megna is that he is in the mold of Dupuis, but has better hands.