GAME DAY: Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins - 7:00pm ET - Wed. Dec. 23rd, 2009

SpezDispenser wrote:

Gohan wrote:
You definitely aren't giving Fleury enough credit. He's at worst #3 on that list. I'm not sure if you realize jsut how good a shot he has at backing up Brodeur at the Olympics.

By default IMO. Ward has been shaky and injured, but I would take him over Fleury. I know Fleury won the Cup, but I've never been able to shake the feeling that he's beatable at any given time.

I don't know...you're right obviously, no one wins a cup by accident (Osgood), but...you know where I'm coming from I'm sure.

Yeah I hear you. I can see how you would feel that way about Fleury. I'm not sure he'll ever shake that image...

Gohan wrote:
It's only shocking because you're a Sens fan that isn't used to $7+ million centres making their wingers better.

That's part of it for sure, Crosby and Malkin are the best of the best and Staal should be a 2nd line center on any team, but you'd figure teams would have found some way to shut them down and thus, shut down the Pens. It's really quite odd.

Gohan wrote:

SensGirl11 wrote:I just looked over their lineup again...still dont' get it. Anyone?

What's to get? They're as well rounded as any team in the league: their defense is solid from top-to-bottom, anchored by a perennial all-star; their goaltender is a front runner for the most competitive Olympic team in the world; their top-3 centre positions are filled out better than any other team; they have lines with chemistry; and they put in a consistent effort, rarely taking all their skill for granted. Add in a coach that they like and seems to get the best out of them, along with a young core with the weight of historical comparisons and present day expectations on their shoulders, and you've got what looks like a modern day dynasty.

I'm not sure where the question mark is?

I realize that they have 2 of the nuttiest superstars in the league, and that's awesome for them. I'm still not sold on Fleury, but that's just me, he did impress me in the playoffs last year for sure. I just am not sold on him beyond that, but that doesn't matter, because he has something we don't. They have no wingers. They have the best top 3 centers in the league which is great, but no one to pass the puch to really. Gonchar is awesome, Letang is really getting much better. Other than that...they're okay defensively, but not any better than most teams. I don't know...I still don't see where they are so damned good. But, they are, so that's all that counts I guess. Everything just seems to work for them. The hockey Gods love that team, that's for sure.

It's not that odd though...

You can't shut down Malkin. He shuts himself down.

Crosby is relentless and is now scoring goals.

And even if you succeed in shutting those two down, Staal comes in and rapes your third pairing.

I guess we could say that it is the perfectly built team of the league. The new Detroit maybe? Or is that pushing it?

Gohan wrote:It's only shocking because you're a Sens fan that isn't used to $7+ million centres making their wingers better.

The Pens seem to have great chemistry across all their lines as well as having no single glaring weakness.

I guess some would have argued the same about us in 06-07. We had a sick top line, followed by a pretty damned good 2nd line and then the rest were "fillers"...probably not the right word. but, it worked...until the Finals of course.

SensGirl11 wrote:I guess we could say that it is the perfectly built team of the league. The new Detroit maybe? Or is that pushing it?

I'm not sure there is a perfect build. The past 4 Cup winners have all been built in a different mould and the emerging powers are again constructed differently.

If I were to put my money behind one build, it would be either LA or CHI, but even then there are holes to be filled.

SensGirl11 wrote:I guess some would have argued the same about us in 06-07. We had a sick top line, followed by a pretty damned good 2nd line and then the rest were "fillers"...probably not the right word. but, it worked...until the Finals of course.

It's all about the right place at the right time with the right people... we'll see if it continues...

shabbs wrote:

SensGirl11 wrote:I guess some would have argued the same about us in 06-07. We had a sick top line, followed by a pretty damned good 2nd line and then the rest were "fillers"...probably not the right word. but, it worked...until the Finals of course.

It's all about the right place at the right time with the right people... we'll see if it continues...

You must write The Keg commercials in your spare time.

SeawaySensFan wrote:

shabbs wrote:

SensGirl11 wrote:I guess some would have argued the same about us in 06-07. We had a sick top line, followed by a pretty damned good 2nd line and then the rest were "fillers"...probably not the right word. but, it worked...until the Finals of course.

It's all about the right place at the right time with the right people... we'll see if it continues...

You must write The Keg commercials in your spare time.

No, but I did work there once...

I posted this on the Boston GDT, but it applies here as well. Apparently Murray has sent a letter to the NHL about the officiating. The Boston game was the third time we drew zero penalties this season. Expect more of the same in Pittsburgh unless Gregson is at the game.

wprager wrote:I posted this on the Boston GDT, but it applies here as well. Apparently Murray has sent a letter to the NHL about the officiating. The Boston game was the third time we drew zero penalties this season. Expect more of the same in Pittsburgh unless Gregson is at the game.

The refs will stick it to us even more for "whining".

SeawaySensFan wrote:

wprager wrote:I posted this on the Boston GDT, but it applies here as well. Apparently Murray has sent a letter to the NHL about the officiating. The Boston game was the third time we drew zero penalties this season. Expect more of the same in Pittsburgh unless Gregson is at the game.

The refs will stick it to us even more for "whining".

Meh. We'll see. This is the path the complaints should have taken in the first place... via Murray. But, enough of blaming the refs, let's Diddling get this win and have a Merry XMAS!

SpezDispenser wrote:

SensGirl11 wrote:I just looked over their lineup again...still dont' get it. Anyone?

1.Crosby
2.Malkin
3.Staal
4.decent puck moving D
5.Fleury is good enough

More like one of the best in the league (The combination of the top 4 I mean)
Fleury should be N. 2 or 3 on that list IMO.

Also, if you guys think Pitts' wingers are not good enough, then ugh...

I seriously want to know, what exactly does Fleury need to do to convince? He basically eliminated Philly last year and went to the Finals TWO times in a row.

Underrated:
- Jordan Staal'S shutdown + counter attack ability
- Tyler Kennedy's shot