News Article: Malkin Opens up about 18-19 season

[JTG]

Re: Kessel

I'm honestly pretty shocked about that, but it makes sense, I think.

And Russians (and Slavs in general) tend to have a hard time opening up, and the language barrier doesn't really help. I'm glad we have Galy for that, if nothing else-- kind of like Jagr and Hrdina in the early 90s. I feel for Geno. Соболезнование, товарищ!

I think Galchenyuk and Malkin are going to be quick friends. Hopefully Geno is able to pull out Galy's potential and Galy can help Geno get back to where he once was.

 

[Peat]

My point is a team like Toronto or Washington focuses a ton of its efforts on Russia or turning over every stone.

Or team doesn’t. I don’t think that is a critique towards a Russian bias rather an allocation of money and time.

Fair enough - but given that we could focus effort towards Russia, and that doing so would increase the chances of having a few people who our 2nd most important player can talk to stress free, it seems to me that maybe we should. I get we can't be super totally on top of everything but it's an option we have.


And while getting a Russian doesn't equal getting Geno's best friend for life, the communication thing is big. Having a few options where its not an issue takes the sting out of it. Hell, I allegedly speak the language as all of you and I still get frustrated by the communication barrier in the States at times.

 

[TooManyHumans]

Malkin being back on top of his game would be so huge for this team. We'd instantly be contenders and one of the favorites if we tweaked our blueline. Ok, maybe dumping JJ is more than a tweak but you get the point. Topflight motivated Geno=wins.

 

[Allie Kitsune]

I think at this point, I'm just hoping that Angry Geno = The Geno who torched Tampa and stared Lasers through them afterwards.

And unrealistically hoping he can keep it up for a full season.

 

[Zine]

Saying that Penguins should draft more Russians for Malkin is laughable. Not all Russians get along just like other players from the same country. Just because Malkin is friends with Radulov or Kovalchuk doesn't mean hes close buddies with Ovy, Kuznetsov, or any other Russian player.

Countrymen don't need to be BFF to provide a solid support system for eachother. Simply having someone who speaks your language and shares your culture can make all the difference.

Imagine going to the KHL and being the sole North American on Magnitogorsk. Would having 1-2 other Americans on the team do wonders for your comfort level?

 

[Gurglesons]

Fair enough - but given that we could focus effort towards Russia, and that doing so would increase the chances of having a few people who our 2nd most important player can talk to stress free, it seems to me that maybe we should. I get we can't be super totally on top of everything but it's an option we have.


And while getting a Russian doesn't equal getting Geno's best friend for life, the communication thing is big. Having a few options where its not an issue takes the sting out of it. Hell, I allegedly speak the language as all of you and I still get frustrated by the communication barrier in the States at times.

Seems silly to base something as hit or miss as drafting on such a specific need. And even if you are saying we should’ve used our later picks. Most years until recently we only had 3 - 5 draft picks.

Sure, I’d prefer if they would have taken a chance with Panarin or Radulov, but at the same time our team really can’t take those type of cap risks even if it did work out.

 

[Turin]

Crosby: constructed in a lab to create the perfect franchise center/captain.

Malkin: defected from RSL to come to Pittsburgh, only causes problems in 13th season after 3 Cups despite being overshadowed the entire time. Responds to public question of him by getting into great shape to win again.

Mitch Marner:

Two good ones for sure. Will never get anything better.

 

[EvGeno]

I wonder if the family part will be the same for Geno this year (wife and son gone)...

 

[ColePens]

When this era is over... we are going to look back and realize we lived in the golden era. Just remember that. You don't actually have to wait for the time to say "the good ole days." We are living them. Eat it up.

 

[2wayPlay]

Any update on one Jack Johnson?

 

[Son Goku]

Can't wait for Geno and Chucky putting in work together this season. Both coming in extremely motivated for their own reasons and i think offensively they should mesh well together. As far as i know Galcenyuk also speaks Russian.

Im expecting a career year for Chucky and a top 3 season in the last decade for Geno. Kessel won't be missed to be honest, at least in term of team success this upcoming season.

Or that's the way i see it. People are sleeping on the Pens so hard this year.

I agree. I really like our roster this year we are VERY deep. A lot of young hungry forwards who are looking to prove themselves. Also, we gained a LOT of speed.

 

[2wayPlay]

When this era is over... we are going to look back and realize we lived in the golden era. Just remember that. You don't actually have to wait for the time to say "the good ole days." We are living them. Eat it up.

I think you are confusing us with Patriot fans Cole. Now that’s a golden era

 

[66-30-33]

Any update on one Jack Johnson?

He had bacon, eggs, sausages and hash browns for breakfast. Basically he's staying now, JR likes his choice of breakfast.

 

[Andy99]

Any update on one Jack Johnson?

Still here, talking about his great new #3 and smiling like the butcher’s dog....

 

[Coastal Kev]

There should be a relatively big trade coming up soon though....

 

[The Greatest 101]

Why not talk something about his most common linemate Jack Johnson?

I read the full article. I’m kind of glad Phil’s gone, but I don’t think the the coming season will be much different as the last one if the defense corps remains the same. Also not sure how he’s going to solve his family stuff if his wife doesn’t want to live in Pitts. It will only get worse.

 

[Son Goku]

He had bacon, eggs, sausages and hash browns for breakfast. Basically he's staying now, JR likes his choice of breakfast.

He should go hang out with Niskanen so he can try his eggs :')

 

[KIRK]

Any update on one Jack Johnson?

@ColePens and Geno both told JR they'd lose their **** if Johnson were traded, so JR decided to keep Johnson.

 

[Jacob]

I'd like to hear what, if anything, Johnson did differently this offseason in order to get back to something close to what he was a few years ago. We heard from Geno, now him.

 

[SHOOTANDSCORE]

I'd like to hear what, if anything, Johnson did differently this offseason in order to get back to something close to what he was a few years ago. We heard from Geno, now him.

I think they said he was dropping some weight and improving his agility and foot speed.

 

[Jacob]

I think they said he was dropping some weight and improving his agility and foot speed.

That's good. He's pretty damn heavy.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Saw this embedded in the Pensburgh article with regards to Malkin and our defenders. Sample sizes are small but results are definitely curious.

 

[SHOOTANDSCORE]

That's good. He's pretty damn heavy.

I tried to remember where I read that but no luck.

Hopefully he was successful and it helps.

 

[Ginormousthumbs]

I think they said he was dropping some weight and improving his agility and foot speed.

Awwww....yeah. Jack is back!

 

[66-30-33]

He should go hang out with Niskanen so he can try his eggs :')

Or the egg god himself, Paul Martin.