Polaris922 Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 Maybe he's been reading our thoughts here... http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=639937&navid=DL|PIT|homeThe work that Eric Tangradi has been doing this summer has manifested itself on his 6-foot-4 frame.Because while the big winger remains powerful and strong, his physique is noticeably leaner than it’s been in the past.“My body fat is as low as I’ve ever had it in my career,” he said. “I really paid attention to my diet this summer. I had a meeting with my trainer in the beginning of the summer and we really took my off-ice training to a whole other level with a lot more explosive exercises as far as heavy lifts. I think it’s definitely helped me on the ice so far. I feel great.”Tangradi, who returns to his native Philadelphia during the offseason, drives up to New Jersey to work with trainer Kevin Neeld in his brand-new, hockey-centric facility that the Penguins forward calls “amazing.” He’s even added some aquatic exercises to his regimen.“It is unbelievable how difficult it is,” he said of being in the pool.Tangradi is just as motivated on the ice, skating twice weekly with Los Angeles Kings assistant coach John Stevens, who used to work in the Flyers organization and who also returns to Pennsylvania in the summers.“I haven’t really had skates like that in Philly in my whole career,” Tangradi said. “To be able to go out with an NHL coach twice a week and really work on my game has helped me a huge amount. I think I’ve taken leaps and bounds this summer that I haven’t in the past.”He’s been focusing on quickness and explosiveness, especially in his first step – things he spoke with the Penguins coaching staff about at the end of the season.“I definitely made an effort to work on my first step,” he said. “I think last year at times I showed it’s not an issue, but to really take it to another level can help me in the corners as far as spinning off D-men and really getting going again.”Earlier this summer, head coach Dan Bylsma mentioned Tangradi’s name as a possible candidate to fill a top-six forward role this upcoming season.Moving to one of Pittsburgh’s top two lines would be “a great thrill” for Tangradi, but he knows that spot won’t to be handed to him.He knows having any spot on the Penguins lineup will be something he has to fight for. And that’s what’s driving him to the gym, the pool and the arena during these warm summer months.“I think it would be a great thrill,” said Tangradi of a top-six role. “It’s definitely something I would have to earn. I know I’ve shown that I can play a bottom-six role. Going into this camp, I’m going to just try to be myself. I’m not going to try to be someone I’m not. If that awards me a top-six job, great. I’m confident that I can play in it, but I also know that I fit in on the bottom six as well.”Plus, while Tangradi’s offseason has been enjoyable – he’s excited about the results he’s getting from training, he stood up in his older sister Heather’s wedding and has been spending time on the golf course and the ball park – it’s been too long.“You want to play till the middle of June and that didn’t happen this year,” Tangradi said. “Just preparing for another big season. If I have a good camp and do the things that I do, I might be able to get some more minutes that I had in the past.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguins-66 Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 (edited) Why wasn't he working on his conditioning, health and skating before this offseason? Like, during the last three seasons?Anyway....While I will never confuse Eric Tangradi with Pavel Bure when it comes to skating ability, his skating doesn't bother me nearly as much as his lack of physicality and intensity. With his size and frame, I would love to put Joe Vitale's heart inside Tangradi's chest. Again, I'm not holding my breath. Hopefully that winger comes sooner rather than later. Edited August 18, 2012 by Penguins-66 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaris922 Posted August 18, 2012 Author Share Posted August 18, 2012 Why wasn't he working on his conditioning, health and skating before this offseason? Like, during the last three seasons?Anyway....While I will never confuse Eric Tangradi with Pavel Bure when it comes to skating ability, his skating doesn't bother me nearly as much as his lack of physicality and intensity. With his size and frame, I would love to put Joe Vitale's heart inside Tangradi's chest. Again, I'm not holding my breath. Hopefully that winger comes sooner rather than later.They touted him as the next NHL power forward... I'm waiting to see the power part. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B21 Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 Some guys just take a little longer to "get it". If that ends up being the case with Tangradi, it solves a big problem for the Pens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DinahMoeHumm Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 Some guys just take a little longer to "get it". If that ends up being the case with Tangradi, it solves a big problem for the Pens.Very true. Now, let's hope it happens this season! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 Once lazy, always lazy, if he did not work hard to say in good shape, odds say he will revert back to his old ways once he gets a roster spot secured. Sure, some Leopards change their spots, but it is rare. Good work ethic and staying in shape is something that is instilled in you as a youngster, something you have or you don't....in most cases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguins-66 Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 (edited) Once lazy, always lazy, if he did not work hard to say in good shape, odds say he will revert back to his old ways once he gets a roster spot secured. Sure, some Leopards change their spots, but it is rare. Good work ethic and staying in shape is something that is instilled in you as a youngster, something you have or you don't....in most cases.Plus, it's not like Tangradi is playing in the local beer league and is surrounded by lazy examples/leaders...He goes to work and witnesses one of the hardest working players in all of sports (#87) on a regular basis. He has seen Malkin bring Kadar to Russia with him during the last two offseasons. While Letang had a career-high 50 points in 2010-2011, that didn't stop him from tweaking his training regimen during that particular offseason in order to better his game. But, when it comes to Tangradi, I'm not sure if it's laziness or simply a lack of skill and knowledge. I have no idea. I just find it strange that he has waited until now to finally start improving himself. It's not like a top-six job spot just recently presented itself when Parise decided to sign with Minnesota. The job has been there for the taking, especially for a touted prospect like Tangradi.For our sake, I wish the guy all the best, but time is ticking and the excuses can only last for so long. Edited August 21, 2012 by Penguins-66 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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