Penguins/NHL
Off-Day Buzz: Crosby Skates
The Pittsburgh Penguin were off today and not practicing but it wasn’t an off-day for Sidney Crosby.
Recovering from a concussion suffered in Monday’s Game 3, Crosby skated in full gear this morning and it wasn’t just a casual skate.
“I can confirm Sid skated today and is in the process of rehabbing,” head coach Mike Sullivan said during a conference call. “We’ll just leave it at that. He’s day to day and keeping each day as it comes. We rely on our medical staff and they’re good at what they do. He’s in the [rehabilitation] process right now and will continue to be, and it will be a day-to-day situation.”
This doesn’t mean by any means that Crosby is going to return this series but no one with the team is ready to rule it out just yet.
The optimism continues.
There was talk inside team circles just prior to Game 4 that Crosby was doing so well, one source close to the situation said don’t be surprised if he’s cleared for full practice with the team on Friday.
We will see tomorrow if that’s the case.
Things are trending in the direction to match the Penguins initial optimism on Tuesday that Crosby would return in a timely fashion.
— As the Capitals are coming up small in so many critical areas, few see Barry Trotz surviving as Capitals coach, unless the team storms back to win the series or at the very least pushes the series to seven games.
The Daryl Sutter to Washington rumors could hit full steam by Saturday night.
— Jake Guentzel with 8 goals in his first nine playoffs is legendary stuff.
The others who did it per Elias Sports Bureau:
Maurice Richard – 12
Mario Lemieux – 11
Wayne Gretzky – 9
Jake Guentzel – 8
— Quick update on the Sabres GM search. It’s finishing the closing stages and there’s been momentum building towards Jason Botterill in the past couple days.
The NHL is more involved in this hiring process than they normally are and there’s been a push from top league officials for the Sabres to hire Botterill that’s helped him emerge as the believed front-runner. They want the Sabres to get this right and that’s a compliment to Botterill he’s being recommended by those with the league who are advising the Pegula’s in the search.
However, as of this morning, Buffalo was still weighing 2-3 final candidates and no firm decision has been made.
Is Bill Guerin the wildcard in all of this?
Though there is said to be some pushback from those involved because of his inexperience, NHL sources say Guerin made a major impression on the Pegula’s during the interview process.
Calgary to circle around Matt Murray again?
In surveying NHL folks for a feature to be posted next week, the consensus is Marc Andre Fleury’s brilliant play in the playoffs hasn’t changed much regarding the Penguins long-term situation as other decision makers believe the Penguins will and should look at Fleury’s play as an anomaly and that you don’t keep a soon to be 33 year old goaltender over a 22 year old franchise goaltender.
That said, one plugged in source [hide] brought up the Calgary Flames who love Murray and tried to acquire the young goaltender multiple times last season, a couple instances prior to the 2016 trade deadline before Murray even established himself as the No. 1 goaltender and then again at the draft where the Flames are said to have approached the Penguins about being willing to put the No. 6 overall pick in play for Murray.
That’s how much they like him.
What if Calgary puts defenseman Dougie Hamilton in play for Murray, a right handed defenseman the Penguins hold in very high regard and would be great insurance long-term for Kris Letang?
“They may listen,” the source said of the Penguins entertaining inquiries about Murray if Calgary comes calling again this summer. “Nothing would surprise me. Jim’s always willing to take a gamble……They have the Jarry kid coming up and they like [Filip] Gustavsson a lot. They’re well positioned if Jim and his staff decided to change direction.”
The Penguins are not even out of the second round yet and there’s still a long ways to go where things could snow ball for Fleury but what a fascinating lead up it will be to the expansion draft if Fleury leads the Penguins to the Cup.
He’s not waiving his no movement clause to be exposed, that’s for sure. [/hide]
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Yoda reproduced?
Sam is “the virginal one”
Save Sid for game 6 if necessary. Try squeaking this game without him.
If he can play he plays. This idea of “saving him” is stupid. Why cool him off of we don’t have too? Playing him in any game comes with the same risks… are we gonna bubble wrap him going forward?
If he is ready for game 5 end it now as opposed to letting them gain momentum and cooling him off
The notion is asinine. This isn’t a team you fuck around with.
I see a different washington team than you guys are seeing. I see hardly any effort out of ovechkin, Oshie is getting blasted all over the ice, and the rest of the team can’t score. IMO, series ends tonight whether Sid plays or not. Play a trap the first 10 minutes, after Fleury puts up a 0, Washington gives up.
Maybe you’re just not watching the games, and the fact that our defense,en have trouble even getting the puck out of the zone.
They’ve badly outshot the Penguins in every game. Pens have won off of great finishes and goaltending. So I agree, we are definitely not watching the same teams. OV is off but there are a few names creating concern
I know half of you on this board don’t even watch other NHL games then pens only pens game and even at that some turn off half way thru. But in case some missed ducks game last night. What a come back. Hey zero how is getzlaf going?
Hey moron, please tell me where I said Getzlaf was crap!
You said he is overpaid when i said Parise, Ryan is a fraud. And good job spreading false rumors that I missed the 3rd period when I was the one making fun of you Bandwagons but it’s much expected from morons from this site to turn things on you when it’s them typical liberal, Democrat strategy .now go hump trudeau
This is funny coming from the guy that missed the third period comeback in game 3. Sam the bandwagon man!
The virginal bandwagon man at that
i can’t wait until all of the cultists around here heads explode when sullivan announces murray is starting round 3. it’s going to rule.
YOu ready to bet, pincushion?
He’s in the discussion for the Conn Smythe, he’s not coming out.
You guys realize your comments are the sole reason he posts this stuff, right? He needs attention somehow. His wife is too wrapped up in Fleury and no one else takes him seriously. I think it’s kind of comical, and pathetic for that matter.
Just when you thought this retard couldn’t possibly prove how much more of a moron he was he’s now arguing for an unnecessary goalie change as opposed to just being happy we have experienced insurance. You’re an oxygen thief!
Murray is not reliable
Wilson will be running people left and right. He almost killed Kunitz.
If it plays out how it should then he should put the Caps in a bad spot allowing the Pens to cash in and end their season!
If you ask me it just means there is a reason to have a Sestito in the line up for the 1st regular season or even pre-season game next year… so that’s something to look forward too lol. In the playoffs, too much on the line.
the caps are really dumb and it’s a good thing for the pens. if they would just play hockey instead of running around trying to kill everyone, they’d probably win the series. they are idiots.
The guy calling for the pens to abandon hockey and “even the score ” claims the caps would win if they just played hockey. Honestly, if you tried to write this kind of dumb in a movie, nobody would go see it. Completely not believable.
Is he even aware as he types how bad it’s gonna look? What a mook lol
I think the answer is right in front of us. The moron doesn’t care or doesn’t want them to win.
i’m not calling for the pens to abandon hockey. i’m saying somebody needed to level niskanen immediately after he sticked crosby. you can’t let your captain get abused.
It’s funny watching the yoda word salads degrade into full potato as he struggles with MAFs solid play and the Pens getting the job done right by worrying about what’s on the score board. #yodapotatowordsalad
Its clear yoda posts things he knows is inflammatory simply to get a reaction….no ones that stupid unless its on purpose……not sure what thrill you could get out of it but i mean to each there own… i enjoy calling you a dumbass and seeing you be wrong, so no skin of my d1ck
HEY, the only dyck skin yoda is interested in wears 29!
if sid plays tomorrow night, he never had a concussion and they were just taking precautions. if sid does suit up, i’m giving it a 50/50 shot he will get his head smashed again while his teammates don’t stick up for him as they observe like a bunch of scared school girls. i love the pens, but i absolutely hate the pens for not sticking up for their captain.
they did they won for him….any update on the headhunting last game?…anymore injuries?…dumbass
I thought Guentzel was gonna get taken out last game.
You didnt see? He was carried out on a stretcher and is still listed as touch and go for survival. #yodaknew
They stuck up for their captain. By winning the game. You utter moron.
#stanchsupportswomenshockey
Five. Thousand. Dollars. Pusssy.
Why do you hate women?
Because he likes French Canadian men.
“he never had a concussion” – #Dryodaknows
nuero-scientist rutherford knew this concussion wouldn’t impact crosby’s career. that’s because he never had a concussion. who cares though. it’s irrelevant. having him sit out a game or two after that cheap shot was the right call.
Wait, so the GM of the teams the guy in the room talking to the player and the team Drs offered an insight that you, as one of the dumbest fucken fans on the planet, believe you can rival from your living room? My god you just keep sliding further down a rabbit hole.
Alright so after a small search there are rules about false disclosure of injury. Teams cannot give false information regarding player health, while the injury itself doesn’t need disclosure any info presensted such as timelines etc cannot be false. The FACT that the Penguins announced that Crosby was concussed means he was absolutely concussed. Wrong again you fucken retard!
if the saint is able to hold it together because his ritalin is working wonders, it’s going to be incredible when sullivan starts matt murray next round. the cries will be heard all over the city and i’ll looooooooooooove it!
Well that shows how much of a dumbass you are..and i looooooove it
I’ll bet you $5k if that’s how it unfolds, Fleury starts. Five. Thousand. Dollars. Put your money where your cock holster mouth is.
Crosby says he “feels good,” and won’t rule himself out tomorrow.
Did anyone check with a PPG employee.
The irony is he has only missed the one game if he plays so it might be a good idea to circle back to that kid
Additionally, good news in the sense that Murray will soon be back to replace Jarry on the bench too.
murray will start vs the senators or rangers if the saint doesn’t melt down this round. sullivan knows the saint is a clown.
Five. Thousand. Dollars.
Guys hasnt played in how long? You know what… I hope he does get a start. See him get lit up in that game due to rust so it would be one more thing we can throw in your stupid fucken face
To be clear… I, unlike you, would hope that IF the team needs to go to Murray he can come in and shut the door. My worry is the rust! It is the exact reason you dont shut down the guy that has basically stole all three wins vs the Caps to go with the guy who has so far shunned your advances so you have not had the time to miss his cockk so much it turns into hate
Crosby and Sheary both seem to be full participants in practice
Sid practicing. Full contact jersey. Taking line rushes with Guentzel and Hornqvist. Encouraging.
Seems like if he wakes up tomorrow with no issues, hes playing.
So huge if that ends up being the case.
That’s crazy, would love to be a fly on the wall in the Caps locker room when they got this news lol
Sammich the virginal bandwagon… now that you can keep your TV “closed” for awhile care to chime in?
I said it made sense to trade Murray for a top pairing Dman four months ago. Its exhausting being ahead of “plugged in sources”.
The idea of Murray being the choice has been tossed around by many, the return was the rationale why. Fleury’s great performance here and yet another injury to Murray are why more have started to lean in that direction. Months ago it made a lot less sense.
I said trade Murray last year halfway through the playoffs. His value was at it’s peak. Now he has a higher cap hit and has proven even more he has injury issues. Expect a smaller return.
the saint plays good for a round and a half and everyone wants him for life again. it’s so silly. the implosion will be coming. it’s just a matter of time. pens are probably going to lose this series. they’ve been outplayed so bad and their luck is due to run out. plus after letting their captain get his head smashed in and they all watch and do nothing like a bunch of chicks, they deserve to lose anyway. they are a cuntry club.
Blow it up
All hail!!!!!
#TearItDown
So which team, exactly, is your new favourite? You can fuckkoff to that page anytime now you whiny little bitch . The irony of you calling out the Penguins for going out to win games as opposed to acting like a bunch of children with revenge on their minds in a playoff game is thick. You’re a far bigger bitch than what you assume of this team right now. Yoda logic: If Pittsburgh loses its 100% on MAF despite what he has done but I also want them to go out and play like cavemen circa 2012 so we can… Read more »
I honestly think that’s what he wants – don’t win the game, go for revenge, and when they lose, he gets to blame MAF. Ta-daaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Trade Murray and get a team that looks like this with a potential top NHL defense:
Crosby (8.7), Guentzel (.734), Sheary (3) – Malkin (9.5), Kessel (6.8), Rust (.64) – Bonino (3.5), Hornqvist (4.25), Sprong (.6925) – Sundqvist (.7), Wilson (.625), Kuhnhackl (.625) with Rowney (.6125) and Sestito (.6)
Letang (7.25), Dumoulin (3) – Hamilton (5.75), Schultz (4) – Maatta (4.08), Cole (2.1) with Ruhwedel (.625)
Fleury (5.75) – Any backup (1)
Assuming the cap goes up to like $75.5 million as projected, that leaves you $1 million to play with throughout the year.
You’re likely losing one of Matta, Cole or Schultz though….
Schultz is an RFA – so the protection won’t even apply to him – I actually think the rules say that Vegas gets a few days advantage to talk to RFAs before any other team does. I’d have to go back and look at the rules, but I’m pretty sure that’s the case.
UFAs I know are on that list but I didnt think RFAs were
without looking up the rules either, i also was under the impression that rfa’s could be signed by vegas under the same rules that apply to their current team
D and yoda are rooting against the Pens.
I would absolutely trade Murray if it meant a greater return. Fleury can probably compete at a high level for another 4-5 seasons and that is way more than enough time for Jarry/Gustavsson to develop.
That said, not sure how much more of a return Murray would fetch over an elite goaltender, with a reasonable cap hit, fresh off a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy win.
The plugged in source is just bogus. The Pens as is already have to sort out what to do with all their expansion eligible defenseman. Adding another one just further complicates things.
What do they have to sort out exactly?
Do they protect 3 or 4? What to do with Maatta if they protect 3? Adding Hamilton means they have to decide on another defenseman. Not to mention Cole might be our best defenseman these playoffs, do you leave him unprotected?
If you had Hamilton, you’d protect Letang, Hamilton, and one of those other 3, and take your chances. You’re not NOT making that deal because you might have Las Vegas do you a favor and take Maatta.
Terrible asset management in that scenario.
As opposed too? Good chance they lose a blueliner either way. This way you have a built in, better replacement.
I’d love an explanation myself. Because you’re GOING to lose a player. I dont’ know how GAINING a top pairing d-man, especially when the one you DO have never plays, is ever a marginally bad asset management, let alone “terrible.” There’s a good chance they want Maatta to be the one selected. And again, come hell or high water, you’re losing a player.
As opposed to not doing that. There’s far better options than trading Murray for a defenseman, only to lose a different defenseman shortly thereafter.
So then just lose the defenceman and have to search for one to replace him anyway? I’m not arguing Murray vs Fleury here but I am trying to understand the concern about losing a defenseman when that is incredibly likely anyway.
I really have no idea what you’re getting at. If you’re arguing that protecting Maatta and Dumoulin is better than protecting Hamilton and Dumoulin, I’ll disagree with you.
Since the 2013-14 playoff season, Marc-Andre Fleury has posted a .923 postseason save percentage. Now, here is a list of the previos 4 Stanley Cup winning goaltenders and their save percentage that postseason:
2016: Matt Murray, .923
2015: Corey Crawford, .924
2014: Jonathan Quick, .911
2013: Corey Crawford, .932
Shouldnt an “anomaly” be inconsistent with what is standard? I dont know who these made up “decision makers” are, so ill just call them Will, liam, Dee and Polly. And Will, liam, Dee and Polly seem to not know wtf theyre talking about. #CapsIn5
Knocked this one out of the park.
Caps in 5?