Pre-Game Talk: #58 | Rangers @ Pens | 7:00pm

[66-30-33]

Might go a long way toward explaining why they played like crap in that game.

I'm sure it was, but next game we crushed the Sabres. Let's crush the Rangers now! A win tonight puts us 1 point back of 1st in the NHL with 1 game in hand (2 Saturday when Ducks play 60th game).

 

[mpp9]

What's the logic in trading Bort? He likely has little value around the league, he's cheap, and he's on our bottom-pair. What's the incentive to trade him all of a sudden?

Letang being out doesn't make Bort untouchable, it just adds to the list of reasons not to trade him.

B/c we can call up Despres. And move Bort in a package to pick up a top 9 winger.

We need Despres' breakout pass without Letang in the lineup.

 

[Skillzz]

Just win it for Letang baby

 

[Tasty Biscuits]

Zero interest in this game, tbh. But, hey, no Kobasew. That's always nice to hear.

Well, I'm going, so I have much interest in this game... but am also happy to see no Kobasew.

 

[Waffle Fries]

Might go a long way toward explaining why they played like crap in that game.

On the reaction of the players:
Well, up until maybe yesterday afternoon, the only person in this room that knew was me and what was really going on. Jen didn’t know, the players didn’t know, I think maybe one or two players were included yesterday afternoon by Kris. So they found out this morning. Obviously they knew Kris was out and having some tests and other things, but there wasn’t any information out there. Today they found out and I’m not sure what their reaction was, totally, about the news and what the news was.

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=704186&cmpid=pit-twt-penguins

 

[Dying Alive]

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=704186&cmpid=pit-twt-penguins

Yeah, I just read that here in the timeline as well:

Friday, Feb. 7
In the morning the Pens alert the players and staff about Letang’s stroke. In the afternoon the team announces the update to the public.

“The players didn’t know, I think maybe one or two players were included (Thursday) afternoon by Kris,” Bylsma said. “So they found out this morning. Obviously they knew Kris was out and having some tests and other things, but there wasn’t any information out there. Today they found out.”

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=704184&cmpid=pit-twt-penguins

I guess we'll see how they react to it on the ice. To be honest I really couldn't care less about this game tonight, in the big picture it means next to nothing. I wouldn't blame them if their thoughts are elsewhere.

 

[Shrimper]

I assume Despres wold be back up for the first game after the break.

 

[orby]

I'll be missing tonight's game, but I have a feeling this is going to be pretty forgettable, considering the best players on both teams are probably just gearing up for the Olympics already.

 

[Griffin6612]

Come to think of it. Why the hell is the NHL playing this game, at this time? With the opening olympics airing on NBC at 7 eastern, they could have broadcaster at a much better time or date.

By the way . Just watched the live stream of the Opening Ceremonies, and they were beautiful guys. Highly suggest watching them. Had tons of aerial props that were truely impressive, and great classical Russian music and dance. I know that may not be up some peoples alleys, but I truly recommend seeing this.

Oh and its 100% less boring than the British summer open.

 

[Dying Alive]

Yeah, I'll be at the game so I'm dvr'ing the opening ceremonies and watching when I get home.

I liked the London OCs.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Between the Letang news, the Olympic break, and the huge lead in the division, I think the Pens are going to put up a stinker tonight. I just can't see how they'd be mentally focused for a game that, at this point, means very little in the grand scheme of things.

I wonder if Bylsma is going to cut down on the ice time the big guys get. This is the type of game where guys like Crosby and Malkin probably shouldn't play more than about 15 to 17 minutes, maybe more if there are a lot of PPs.

 

[MeticulouslyDishevel]

The Letang news really puts a damper on this for me. Wonder if it will affect the team.

Me too. Add in the fact that it's the last game before the Olympics and this could feel like the hockey equivalent of the last day of school before Christmas break. I'm sure a bunch of the players were taken aback when they found out about Letang.

 

[Shrimper]

I'm not really bothered about tonights game but it would be nice to see the team end on a high note in a big win.

 

[MeticulouslyDishevel]

Between the Letang news, the Olympic break, and the huge lead in the division, I think the Pens are going to put up a stinker tonight. I just can't see how they'd be mentally focused for a game that, at this point, means very little in the grand scheme of things.

I wonder if Bylsma is going to cut down on the ice time the big guys get. This is the type of game where guys like Crosby and Malkin probably shouldn't play more than about 15 to 17 minutes, maybe more if there are a lot of PPs.

Since Bylsma is coaching the US team I predict Sid and Malkin will both play about 40 minutes each.

 

[Valarukar]

I assume Despres wold be back up for the first game after the break.

He should be. Shero usually likes to carry a lot of D-men so I'd be very surprised if he isn't.

 

[66-30-33]

I'm not really bothered about tonights game but it would be nice to see the team end on a high note in a big win.

Yeah tonight is like any other night for me. Play them hard, crash the net all game, SCORE! I don't want a bloodbath, but i also don't wanna watch an emotionless game. Still a hockey game to be played and for most, it will be 2 weeks before they play again. A win tonight moves us 1 point away from 1st in the NHL in points, which given this teams season on injuries is pretty amazing. Can't say Pens have not played through advercity(sp), it's been a wild ride all season long.

 

[Le Magnifique 66]

I assume Despres wold be back up for the first game after the break.

He should, would give us a cap relief until after the break anyways

 

[Jag68Sid87]

Between the Letang news, the Olympic break, and the huge lead in the division, I think the Pens are going to put up a stinker tonight. I just can't see how they'd be mentally focused for a game that, at this point, means very little in the grand scheme of things.

I wonder if Bylsma is going to cut down on the ice time the big guys get. This is the type of game where guys like Crosby and Malkin probably shouldn't play more than about 15 to 17 minutes, maybe more if there are a lot of PPs.

If we weren't playing the Rangers, I'd think this as well. But we match up very well with the Blueshirts, we don't like them much, and in particular I suspect James Neal wants to look good tonight against Rick Nash.

I think we'll be alright tonight.

 

[Captain Hook]

I kind of expect a preseason-esque performance tonight from the star players with a lot of them just going through the motions and trying not to get hurt. Although I'd imagine all the guys that aren't going, especially those that may feel snubbed because they didn't make their Olympic team, will bust their ass out there.

 

[CrozJawz*]

Is Lundy starting tonight?

 

[Penguinzilla*]

I'm just hoping no one gets injured tonight and Crosby put up at least 3 points

 

[DegenX]

Hoping they win game #58 for #58

 

[Jag68Sid87]

Is Lundy starting tonight?

Since Talbot played last night, one would think so.

 

[Mischa]

GDT will be up within the next half an hour

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Since Bylsma is coaching the US team I predict Sid and Malkin will both play about 40 minutes each.

That would explain why Bylsma is suddenly playing Sid a lot on the PK. Maybe hoping he'll block a shot that will take him out of action for the next two weeks, but be back in time to not miss any NHL action.