Sunday, January 11, 2009

So, look

I don't need to tell you that there are reasons for things. Nobody knows how to lug the puck and set up the PP? Really, Ryan Whitney? Whats with your 10% success rate of keeping the puck in? 

Miroslav.. you took a shift last night that consisted of jumping over the boards, putting yourself offsides (Penguins turn the puck over, it goes deep), proceed to backcheck at "Jamie Pushor" speed through centre ice, gliding to the left corner whereupon you leaned on a guy a little bit, then you skated across the goal and went to the bench.  

I could point the finger here or there on the ice, but I only have one question at this point; and after yesterday's loss, I doubt I need mention you, my appreciated reader, need be deadly serious with yourself when asking.

When was the last time you thought to yourself: "The Pens won that hockey game because we outcoached them"? When is the last time, if at all, you heard an analyst attribute a Penguins victory to Therrien and Co. out-thinking, out-matching, and out-coaching? The question is:

With the players we have, at this stage in their careers, I demand that the answer at least be "occasionally".