ruxpin Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 You know, for all the crap people are giving this signing, this may turn out to be pretty good for the Pens.Granted, Steve Downie IS the poster boy for not-so-good decisions on the ice, but underneath all the garbage is a pretty good 2nd/3rd line type player.When he first ended up in Tampa Bay, he was what most people expected: a complete hothead, always looking for a fight, taking penalties at the most inopportune time, and seemingly more concerned about who was "out to get him" rather than helping his team win.Over time, playing with certain personalities who really cared about the game, Steve Downie actually became a good, reliable offensive threat....while still being a sandpaper type player and picking the right times to stick up for his teammates.And I've often read how Rick Tocchet was credited with helping him along.Also, playing with the likes of Steve Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier, and Marty St. Louis at the time could have helped because Downie, regardless of people's opinions on him, IS a proud guy and I could see Tocchet talking into his ear telling him he could be every bit as good as those guys on the ice if he wanted to be.Downie gets traded to the Avalanche, where he continued his good play, but somewhere along the way, for reasons I am not anywhere near knowing why, he seemed to have reverted to his knucklehead ways....and the Avalanche simply were not gonna coddle him, saw him as expendable, and off to Philly he went.Back in Philly, he seemed lost quite frankly. Yes he got injured, but he just seemed like he didn't know where he fit in or what he was supposed to be doing out there.Well deserved criticism can be leveled at Downie for whatever his issues in Philly were (concussions aside), because he IS a professional, IS talented, and should act as such.But see, the thing is, Steve Downie just seems to me like the kind of guy who needs some sort of authority figure to take an interest in him and guide him.Steve Downie is NOT a leader, he is a classic follower. For better or worse and however people want to take that...that is who he is near as I can tell.To get the most out of him, it appears one has to basically treat him like a rebellious teen (yes, I know, it sounds ridiculous, but hey, it is what it is), and make him see that doing certain things a certain way is for his own good, and in the process, he can be a big help to his team.There aren't too many people in the NHL who are gonna treat Downie with those kinds of kid gloves....nor should he really expect that.But for whatever reason, Rick Tocchet did.And perhaps, using the same type of psychology on the guy as he did in Tampa, except this time, using Crosby, Malkin, Kunitz, etc as models, he and the Pens coaching staff can once again get GOOD hockey out of Downie while at the same time acquiring themselves a guy who can do the dirty work so guys like Sidney Crosby don't have to....... i.e., deal with the opposition's agitators and goons.Bottom line for the Pens:It's a one year deal and quite cheap at that. Pens have nothing to lose.If Downie is STILL an idiot, then the Pens can scratch him as was suggested, then let him walk at season's end and be none the worse for wear.But if Downie gets his head screwed on straight (well, about as straight as a guy like him can, anyways), then the Pens have themselves a really good player that can fill the offensive roles (as well as the pest and fighting/roughing roles) of departed players such as James Neal, Joe Vitale, and Derek Engelland...all in one package.IMO, classic case of low risk, high reward.I have nothing to add but just wanted to say I really liked this post. And now back to bbashing Downie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxpin Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 @jammer2But charges were not laid, as stated by the police in Canada. Apparently, Giroux wasn't either Oh my God that was awesome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilldoc Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 The Crosby, Bettman and Regis comments are all spiteful joking and not based on anything but wishful thinking. Apparently, Giroux's actions were wishful thinking as well, but factual. LOL Claudia the Arse Grabber Giroux... wow... I'm really going to enjoy this for quite some time. Yes it is all joking and that is why this is all said in fun. And yes it will be fun for a while. And you should enjoy it for awhile....we dish it out pretty good...we should be able to take it. Like everything else...it will eventually pass. Personally, I can careless as I don't take it personally. Enjoy the fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxpin Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 For all the Downie haters out there, for whatever reason, his arrival on the 3rd line with Couturier and Read just "happened" to be the same time that the Flyers pulled out of their funk. They moved Max "I am pouting" Talbot because he thought he was too good to play on the 3rd/4th line. When Downie plays with even a little control, he is really strong in the corners with puck possession and a decent passer too. I agree with TFG, low risk, high reward potential. If someone is going to get the most out of him, Tocchet is the guy.I went to Staples today to get, of all things, a stapler. On the way to the store and even the walk in it was hotter than hell and not a drop of rain. I wasn't in but a few minutes and when I came out with my stapler it was pouring and thundering and lightning. Clearly, it was dry without the stapler but pouring once I got it so obviously my stapler caused the thunderstorm. It had absolutely nothing to do with the pressure front coming in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaris922 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Yes it is all joking and that is why this is all said in fun. And yes it will be fun for a while. And you should enjoy it for awhile....we dish it out pretty good...we should be able to take it. Like everything else...it will eventually pass. Personally, I can careless as I don't take it personally. Enjoy the fun. it's all in fun bud. Honestly, if Giroux came out tomorrow and said he's homosexual it really woulldn't change anything BUT the Crosby jokes. Funny thing would be if they both did, and we learned they've been in a relationship for three years. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I went to Staples today to get, of all things, a stapler. On the way to the store and even the walk in it was hotter than hell and not a drop of rain.I wasn't in but a few minutes and when I came out with my stapler it was pouring and thundering and lightning.Clearly, it was dry without the stapler but pouring once I got it so obviously my stapler caused the thunderstorm. It had absolutely nothing to do with the pressure front coming in. You ended Parents career, killed Lindbergh and are now causing monsoons in Amish country. Damn you Ruxpin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxpin Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Yes it is all joking and that is why this is all said in fun. And yes it will be fun for a while. And you should enjoy it for awhile....we dish it out pretty good...we should be able to take it. Like everything else...it will eventually pass. Personally, I can careless as I don't take it personally. Enjoy the fun.Almost have to wonder how personally Giroux "takes it." 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxpin Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 You ended Parents career, killed Lindbergh and are now causing monsoons in Amish country. Damn you Ruxpin!LOL I guess we shouldn't talk about the time I beat an elderly nun with a loaf of seeded rye bread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilldoc Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Almost have to wonder how personally Giroux "takes it." LOL!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 @ruxpin Seeded? You evil bastard! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaris922 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Forgive and forget?http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SHeh3tyUL10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B21 Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Forgive and forget?http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SHeh3tyUL10 Kinda has to now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanflyer Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 He's a POS, but now he's your POS what a waste of a 1st round pick. So, the jettison neal (equally a douche) and get another douche. Hmmm, money money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaris922 Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 (edited) what a waste of a 1st round pick. So, the jettison neal (equally a douche) and get another douche. Hmmm, money money.I guarantee you if Tocchet can't keep him playing like he did in Tampa he'll be jettisoned. Only good side is he's got the potential to be dirty in defense of Sid rather than against him. Lol Edited July 3, 2014 by Polaris922 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nossagog Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 I guarantee you if Tocchet can't keep him playing like he did in Tampa he'll be jettisoned. Only good side is he's got the potential to be dirty in defense of Sid rather than against him. Lol We'll see. I don't really like this signing, but maybe they think they can temporarily rehabilatate him. If he can stay out of the box, not bad. If he's the Downie that can't stop doing stupid things, what a waste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samifan Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 If he can stay out of the box, not bad. Trying to get Downie to stay out of the box is like trying to get Giroux not to grope a male police officer on Canada Day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nossagog Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Trying to get Downie to stay out of the box is like trying to get Giroux not to grope a male police officer on Canada Day! When you put it that way, damn we're in trouble. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanflyer Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Only good side is he's got the potential to be dirty in defense of Sid rather than against him. Lol yeah, so we call him Neal light and cheaper?? WTF is Rutherford thinking on this move (other than money). Crap, at least Neal can score. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaris922 Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 yeah, so we call him Neal light and cheaper?? WTF is Rutherford thinking on this move (other than money). Crap, at least Neal can score. I have to think this has Tocchet's name all over it. As TFG said the only good games in Downie's career are under Tocchet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanflyer Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 I have to think this has Tocchet's name all over it. As TFG said the only good games in Downie's career are under Tocchet. good point. I dont hate the guy, but I just think he was / is never a first round pick. Combine his poor skating with his poor brain and its a miracle he is playing in the NHL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaris922 Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 (edited) Steve Downie on protecting Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin: "I can guarantee there won't be any liberties on those players this year."— Pittsburgh Penguins July 04, 2014Downie: "Whatever team I've played on, I like to go out my way to stick up for my teammates. Every team needs a couple guys like that."— Pittsburgh Penguins July 04, 2014 Edited July 4, 2014 by Polaris922 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanflyer Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 my wife just gave me the same black eye for laughing too loud!! Send a bag of peas for me please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Steve Downie on protecting Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin: "I can guarantee there won't be any liberties on those players this year."—Pittsburgh Penguins July 04, 2014Downie: "Whatever team I've played on, I like to go out my way to stick up for my teammates. Every team needs a couple guys like that."—Pittsburgh Penguins July 04, 2014 Let's see....Cooke and Neal are in the west, so the Pens rarely see them, and Downie is on their own team...ya, they're pretty safe from cheapshots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaris922 Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Let's see....Cooke and Neal are in the west, so the Pens rarely see them, and Downie is on their own team...ya, they're pretty safe from cheapshots. Hartnell is in Columbus now, Pronger still out, Briere moved along to the West... but there's still RInaldo and Rosehill to think of... you're not out of the race yet! Interesting thing is.. under Tocchet... Downie had a 22 goal season in Tampa. I still despise the guy, but it will be funny watching him victimize the Flyers' lineup with his cheap shots and then score a goal on a feed from Crosby. Seriously though.. I think if he isn't squared away he'll be out fast. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxpin Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Hartnell is in Columbus now, Pronger still out, Briere moved along to the West... but there's still RInaldo and Rosehill to think of... you're not out of the race yet! Interesting thing is.. under Tocchet... Downie had a 22 goal season in Tampa. I still despise the guy, but it will be funny watching him victimize the Flyers' lineup with his cheap shots and then score a goal on a feed from Crosby. Seriously though.. I think if he isn't squared away he'll be out fast. The season he scored 22 in Tampa, I think 15 of them came against the Flyers. Enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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