Penguins come up short in 5-4 loss to Lightning

The Pittsburgh Penguins showed again for the third straight game that they will not quit no matter what the score is. The Pens were down 4-1 in the third period but fought back getting goals from Crosby, Melichar and Whitney with 55.8 seconds left. In overtime they outplayed Tampa Bay but fell short in the shootout. How do the Pens have a chance in a shootout against a team like Tampa Bay with players such as Lecavalier, Richards and St.Louis. The goaltending for the third straight game was awful. Marc Andre Fleury has hit a rough spot and needs to regain his confidence. It looks like he gets too hard on himself when he gives up a goal, and then the effects of that, result in him giving up more soft goals. Hopefully he turns it around, or the Pens may be heading into next season with some goaltending issues.  

It was nice to see Sidney Crosby get back on the score sheet. He had couple bad games, but the kid just never quits. Sidney may never put up the goal scoring numbers Lemieux did, but he will get his 80 to 100 assists in the coming years. After watching him for almost a whole season, he plays much more like Gretzky in the way he posses and passes the puck. Sidney will probably get about 90 – 100 pts this year, and he’s going to just keep developing. He will carry this team on his back next season, and a jump to about 115-130 in pts next season is not out of the question. Ryan Whitney had a great game. Once he brings consistency every night, he is going to be a top 10 defenseman in this league. Tonight when they face Washington will be a big test for him. We have not seen him play like he did last night two games in a row. We are use to seeing one dominant game from Whitney, then him not show up for a couple games.

Ovechkin Vs Crosby tonight ‚Ķ 7:00 p.m. Fox sports Pittsburgh    

This trade deadline is make or break for Craig Patrick. He has a chance to save his butt by bringing in some players that will help this team for next year. Although there are rumors of the Pens possibly landing Leopold or Umberger, but with Craig at the helm expect him to trade Recchi and Leclair for whats best for them, not whats best for the team.

Penguin Rumors

  1. Mark Recchi  and Ryan Malone to Calgary for Jordan Leopold
  2. Recchi, Malone to Philadelphia for Umberger and Freddie Meyer.
  3. John Leclair is rumored to be heading to the Rangers, Kings, San Jose and Dallas Stars are very interested
  4. Another possibility is Recchi and Leclair heading to Ottawa

  The first two trade rumors seem too good to be true. Especially Leopold who is a very good defenseman. The Flames are stockpiled with defenseman so you could see them offering Leopold for some quality forwards but common now, Craig would most likely decline and send Recchi to the flyers for picks.  Mark Madden reported about Recchi and Malone going to the Flyers for Umberger. If that‚Äôs on the table, you have to make Philly throw in Meyer which also has been rumored. Malone will only get traded if he‚Äôs packaged with Recchi.

My take

  • I would like to see the Flyers deal happen because I don‚Äôt see us getting Leopold. One intriguing possibility is Recchi returning to the Pens in the off-season. He has a home here, so it would be a win ‚Äì win situation. Now the problem is will Craig be able to pull that off. I doubt it but hopefully he does. If he gets nothing for any of these players he should just quit right now. Well just have to wait and see until tomorrow.

Players around the league who most likely will be traded.

Defenseman Brendan Witt: This guy is tough as nails, mystery where he will end up

Minnesota Wild, Goalie Dwayne Rolosen. Has been traded to the Edmonton Oilers for a 1st and third round. This is a good move for the Oilers who desperately need a #1 goalie, a number 1 and a 3rd was too much for this guy.

Buffalo Sabers, Goalie Marty Biron: He has is a #1 goaltender but because of Ryan Miller is now#2.  Tampa Bay is a team that could make a run at him at the last minute.

Florida Panthers, Goalie Roberto Luongo: a top 5 goaltender in this league, but he needs a change of scenery. might land in Los Angelos in a blockbuster deal.

Bryan McCabe, Defenseman and Goalie Ed Belfour Toronto Maple Leafs. Both situations are iffy whether they get traded or not. McCabe is a pending free agent, but it’s going to be tough for the Leafs to resign. As for Belfour strong chance he lands in Vancouver.

Sergei Samsonov, Boston Bruins: Another pending free agent, who most likely will be traded. 6 or 8 teams are interested. Red Wings, Sharks, Rangers, Stars, Canadiens, Oilers and Flames

Olli Jokinen, Florida Panthers: The best player on this market, but is asking for 6 million a year so most likely wont be traded. Teams interested – Flames, Predators, Red Wings