PensBurgh

Sidney Crosby: The Identity Crisis, pt. 2

2012-05-16T18:29:17Z

I wrote a piece on Sidney Crosby in January when the uncertainty surrounding his return to NHL ice consumed Pittsburgh Penguins fans. I talked about how his identity as the Face of NHL hockey took a backseat and he became the Face of the NHL's Biggest Problem It Loves Ignoring. Crosby returned later in the season, averaging an unearthly 1.68 points per game as the Pens cruised into the playoffs.

But something wasn't right with Crosby.

Despite his points per game average, Crosby was playing, well...average. There were times when flashes of brilliance would move fans to ooh and ahh, like they once did, but those moments became foreign. Crosby wasn't exuding the "just-try-and-stop-me" swagger's he owned since he learned to play the game.

The long and winding road back to the NHL for a player like Crosby who missed a significant amount of time, isn't going to be a walk in the park, no matter how easy he makes it look. For all we know, the questions could all be answered when Crosby returns after a full training camp and preseason, playing as if the concussion never happened.

However, another concern entered the picture: the Pens weren't the same when Crosby returned the second time. Their record speaks otherwise—the Pens went 14-6-2—but the dynamic of the team was very different than before. As if someone poured water over the well-oiled team, the chemistry was off. This is very interesting because adding a player like Crosby should only improve a team. Now I am not making the claim that Crosby's presence in the dressing room made the Pens worse; we have no way to prove it nor do I believe it. However, something about Crosby's return fiddled with whatever magic was happening among the Pens that made them look unstoppable and the overwhelming favorites to win the Cup.

Dare I say, Crosby was in the midst of another identity crisis?

This new identity crisis no longer focused on Crosby's health, but his place on the Pens. Imagine the difficulty returning to a team that has, for the most part, not missed you.

Remember how hard Crosby worked to become the goal scorer Pittsburgh desperately needed a few seasons ago? Last season, Pens were no longer desperate and it was because of the consistent firepower from Evgeni Malkin and James Neal. There was no shortage of leaders on the team. Everything was fine.

Bring Crosby into the picture and what happens? His goal-scoring mentality was replaced with a pass-first mentality. His usually crisp passes were missing their targets. His timing wasn't on point. His spark, barely flickering. If the fans could feel this off-beat Crosby, then the rest of the team certainly did as well. I remember everyone asking, "What's up with Sid? He doesn't look like himself." The uncertainty exuded by Crosby had a domino affect on the rest of the team.

Obviously this is not a good thing, but if Crosby can have a strong negative affect on the team, then the same can surely be said of the opposite. Whether people like it or not, Crosby is the anointed leader of the Pens. He isn't going anywhere; the Pens will flourish or disintegrate by his stick. See the playoffs for proof.

This summer should be filled with soul searching for the Pens, especially Crosby. He needs to figure out his place on the team and do it. Most importantly, he needs to re-embrace his leadership position.

And I don't see any problems with him doing either. Crosby's work ethic has been lauded his entire life, but there was something about his exit interview that made me feel there would be more to this season to just getting back in the swing of things. As we all know, Crosby decided against representing Canada at Worlds and here was his reason:

"I feel pretty good. (But) the last year and a half has been tough," Crosby said. "It's been tough to stay healthy. I think the best thing to do is to give myself a full summer for to get ready for next year and have a full season."

The letdown of this season will be a great motivation for Crosby to get back to his usual form. I also wouldn't be surprised if he decides to tape a picture of Claude Giroux or Daniel Briere celebrating a goal near his workout area, just like he did with Detroit after losing to them in the Stanley Cup Final in 2008. And imagine what his numbers will be if 1.68 points per game was the result of average play? Scary...for the opposition, that is.

Is it not almost a blessing that the Pens lost to the Flyers, of all teams? The opportunity this gives Crosby and the rest of the Pens as they prepare for the start of the season is endless. Their anger and frustration should be as well. For that reason, I do not foresee this team having difficulty finding motivation.

Who the motivated bunch will be after free agency? Well that's another story.

The Penguins recently posted this on their Facebook page. Regardless of how this postseason went,...

2012-05-16T18:07:42Z

The Penguins recently posted this on their Facebook page. Regardless of how this postseason went, what Malkin did in 75 games was special and we're so lucky to have him on our team.

See Jimmy's post below and VOTE FOR HIM!

Vote Malkin for NHL13

2012-05-16T15:59:18Z

Two more days left in the EA Sports contest for the next cover. As you probably know, fans are voting on players tournament style, and in the quarterfinal Evgeni Malkin is up against Scott Hartnell.

Personally, I think Pittsburgh has done enough losing to Philadelphia this spring, so let's see to it that Geno can advance to the next round (and hopefully wind up as the coverboy). Here's the link. Do it. Here's the link.

Go Geno. Go Pens.

Looking Forward to the 2012 NHL Draft; Who Might The Penguins Be Targeting?

2012-05-16T00:47:40Z

The 2011-2012 Pittsburgh Penguins season came to a disappointing end this spring at the hands of our cross-state rivals. After a week or two of hashing and rehashing (lots of hash) the various issues that caused the Pens' early demise, it is time to start looking forward to next season: and it starts right here, at Pittsburgh's very own Consol Energy Center, with the 2012 NHL draft.

I am not going to review all of the top prospects. Barring a trade of Jordan Staal, the Pens don't have to worry about the top 15 picks or so. Below, I will introduce you to 5 players that should be on Ray Shero's radar as the Pens turn to pick approaches.

Disclaimer: I am no draft expert and I will not claim to be. I did a few hours reading, researching stats and watching highlight clips to come to my conclusions below.

Zemgus Girgensons

Ht/Wt: 6' 2"/175 lbs
Position: C
Team: Dubuque (USHL)

The Latvian native came over to the US 2 years ago and has become an excellent 2-way player. Girgensons averaged better than a point per game this season and also put up a +17 rating. He has the ability to play in all game situations and is not afraid to mix it up along the boards when needed. Still has room to grow skating-wise, and also has plenty of space to fill out on his somewhat lanky frame.

He did recently suffer a season ending broken jaw, but that does not sound like something that would be a long term issue.

A bit of a project player at just 18 years of age, he has a commitment to play at the University of Vermont starting in 2012-13.

Slater Koekkoek

Ht/Wt: 6' 2"/183 lbs
Position: D
Team: Peterborough (OHL)

A big 2 way defender with a booming shot that looks like a prototypical Power play quarterback. A smooth, accurate passer who can quickly jump into the rush, Koekkoek can also play physical in his own end and take minutes against the opposition’s scoring lines. Koekkoek put up 5 goals and 18 points in just 26 games this year. His -7 rating is likely a product of playing for one of the worst teams in the OHL.

Having just turned 18 in February, Koekkoek is probably a few years away from NHL action.

Tomas Hertl

Ht/Wt: 6' 2"/200 lbs
Position: LW
Team: Slavia (Cze)

Currently playing in the Czech Extraliga, Hertl is already getting a taste of professional hockey overseas. The 18 year old Czech can play both Center and Wing.

Hertl is noted for being very strong on the puck in the offensive zone, and makes up for a lack of great speed with a knack for getting into the dirty areas to make plays. Plays a bit of a Chris Kunitz type game, if you are into comparisons.

Nicolas Kerdiles

Ht/Wt: 6' 1"/183 lbs
Position: C
Team: USA U-18

A powerful 2 way Center whose primary strength is controlling and distributing the puck in the offensive zone.

While not likely to become a 30 goal scorer at the NHL level, Kerdiles has the potential to be an excellent number 2 center given a few more years to develop.

Backchecks hard (wouldn’t we love to see that!!) and plays defense energetically. And he’s an American, so bonus points for that. Committed to play for University of Wisconsin next year.

Scott Laughton

Ht/Wt: 6' 0"/170 lbs
Position: C
Team: Oshawa (OHL)

A gritty 2 way Center can be described as explosive both in his skating and his checking. Is unafraid to drive the net and take a knock to make a play. The Ontario native seems to project best as a 2nd line Center, and averaged nearly a point per game this year while racking up over 100 PIM.

WBS Penguins Fall Short in Game Seven, Season Over

2012-05-13T01:37:42Z

WBS Penguins Fall Short in Game Seven, Season Over

A tough way to end the season, but coming back from a 3-1 deficit to send this series the distance can't be overlooked.

A lot of promise and potential in these WBS Penguins that fans in Pittsburgh should pay attention to over the summer and into next season!

Nothing Beats Playoff Hockey, Game Seven!

2012-05-12T21:25:10Z

Down 3-1 in the best of seven series, the Penguins top minor league affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL) has battled back and forced a Game Seven tonight at 6 p.m. EST against the St. John's IceCaps in Newfoundland, Canada. The winner moves onto the Eastern Conference Finals and will travel to Norfolk for Game One Thursday night in Virginia.

This has just been an incredible series. The Penguins and IceCaps split the first two games in St. John's before playing three straight overtime games in Wilkes-Barre. The IceCaps won Games Three and Four, pushing the AHL Penguins on the brink. But after a double overtime winner from Simon Despres in Game Five and an impressive 4-2 win in St. John's last night in Game Six, this series gets decided on one game. Game Seven.

Follow @H_P_Hockey on Twitter for updates all night, including a post game recap of all the action. I'll post it to the fanshots section on the right side column (off the main page).

Looks like you can watch for free here. Have heard mixed reviews on the free stream. You can buy a stream for 10 bucks on the AHL Live if it doesn't work.

Penguins Force Game Seven with 4-2 Win Tonight

2012-05-12T00:51:52Z

Penguins Force Game Seven with 4-2 Win Tonight

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have forced a winner-take-all Game Seven tomorrow night at 6 p.m. EST after a 4-2 win over the St. John's IceCaps. Only fitting the series comes down to just one game. A truly Grade A series.

After the teams came out for the third period tied at two, the Penguins got a greasy goal from Zach Sill, tipping a puck past Eddie Pasquale early in the third period, giving the Pens a 3-2 lead. Paul Thompson beat Pasquale with 3:30 to play on a nifty backhander to make the 4-2 final.

UPDATE: Highlights of tonight's game attached to recap!

WBS Penguins Game Five Highlights

2012-05-09T08:50:12Z

For those Penguins fans in hockey withdrawal:

Watch some highlights of tonight's thrilling double overtime game from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins courtesy of the team.