Downie Waived

[clefty]

Remember when he got a misconduct for being checked into the boards after scoring by Byfuglien?

 

[WayneSid9987]

Remember when he got a misconduct for being checked into the boards after scoring by Byfuglien?

Heh.
I do.

As for the OP.
LOL no, why?

 

[Penguinator]

Remember when he got a misconduct for being checked into the boards after scoring by Byfuglien?

...or when we lost a single game vs habs last season because Markov pushed him on Price and he ended up getting the penalty, yelling in the box, punching the glass outta frustration (then habs scored).
etc. etc.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

Grit means nothing when you get 17 penalty minutes every time you sneeze.

The way Downie is targeted by the refs is a disgrace...and a dealbreaker.

 

[MetalheadPenguinsFan]

I like the guy but nope, too much of a liability.

 

[Le Magnifique 66]

I actually liked him last year but he took too many dumb penalties and we can't afford his stupidity down the stretch. No for me

 

[Your Boy Troy]

For entertainment purposes? Sure, why not? This team is not a legitimate contender. Would prefer someone a lot bigger and tougher to fill that type of role. I would take ECHLers who play with a pulse over Porter.

 

[flaneur]

Surprised by how much I liked Downie when he was on the team... but definitely a hard no on picking him up. While he was on the team it felt like the pens had two opponents (the other team and the refs) to play against every night.

 

[pensfansince88]

too many dumb penalties, no thanks

 

[#66]

Not wanted or needed. The Pens need legit toughness.

 

[T1K]

Nope

 

[Le Magnifique 66]

Not surprising, he cleared

 

[AquaticBirdman]

As a hockey player I've always liked Downie. I feel that his actual skill-set has always been sorely underrated and undervalued due to his negative history.

That being said, he's just too much of a risk to have on the roster. His reputation has made him a target for refs every single time he steps on the ice, which only makes it that much more difficult for the team as a whole. It's unfortunate that he is experiencing such difficulties at just 28 years old, however I suppose he has only himself to blame for all those years of questionable conduct.

 

[madinsomniac]

Sullivan might kill Downie... then we would be left with Tocchet for the duration of the season, so it may not be the best plan

 

[Penguinator]

Sullivan might kill Downie... then we would be left with Tocchet for the duration of the season, so it may not be the best plan

Silver lining would be getting a top pick and see Tocchet fired for failing to make PO.

 

[Extra Texture]

I wish I could say yes. Downie could still be an effective NHLer, but the refs have literally decided to kibosh his career at this point. It's not even that he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt, but rather that phantom calls are made against him in practically every game.

That is basically it in a nutshell.

I never cared much for the guy and all his antics, but the fact that he basically never gets the benefit of the doubt, ever, with officials is pretty pathetic to watch. I dont know why he doesnt give it a shot in Europe. I'm sure he's sick to death of watch his team basically get handicapped by having his name on the roster. Its pretty pathetic by the officials, even if they dont like his attitude who gives a ****? The guy has been punished for stuff he didnt do enough for one career. As someone said here, its a disgrace.

The sad thing is I liked some of what he brought last year. And he demonstrated (last year and before) that he wasnt a worthless player, skill-wise. Take out the obvious bias against officials and I felt like he only crossed the line a few times. They just made it up the other half of the time.