The past 6 seasons the Pens
have been in Kansas heading into the playoffs. "Well Toto it looks like
we're not in Kansas anymore".
We've
made the playoffs every year since 2006. There's the old saying "to whom
much has been given, much is required". When you have arguably the two
best players in the world, expectations should be high. This season has been
incredibly frustrating from a fan perspective. Look at the record up to
12/31/14 and after 1/1/15. The core of this team is intact.
Everyone
asks why ? Why are the Pens playing their worst hockey since 2009 ? Well the
well oiled excuse machine has generated several "problems":
Problem
is not injuries although Pens have had their fair share.
Problem is not officiating
although there have been some horrific calls and non calls go against the Pens.
Problem is not the Pens are
not a physical team although they could use a couple of smart big physical
agitators.
Problem
is a lack of leadership on the ice and behind the bench. The game against the
Red Wings was one of the greatest examples this season of the lack of
leadership with 5 Pens in the penalty box. Total lack of discipline and
composure. Last night’s game against Ottawa was truly epic. When you are up 3-0
in the most meaningful game in years, you don’t blow it. You treat it like a
Game 7 and do everything you can to win. You don’t put in Sutter to take a
crucial faceoff with the game on the line. You block shots. And you make
decisions like employing a neutral zone trap to shut them down.
Numerous blogs employ
graphs, charts, and excellent breakdowns. No fault with any of them but this
doesn’t take a Ph.D. to discern what is wrong with the Pens.
Shero has created
problems that will take years to resolve. Hind sight is always 20/20 but if the
Pens just fired him and reigned in Byslma, we would not be at this point. But Byslma
was guilty by association. Shero was probably the worst GM the Pens had with JR
not too far behind. There had to have been better GM candidates than JR but the
reason he was hired is that they are grooming his assistant to take over in a
year or two. That's not going to work. The only move that JR did that has
worked was the Neal trade. Everything else has been an epic failure. And the
bungling of hiring MJ was a sincere joke. If you remember, JR had picked out
the one assistant coach of the Kings - but they locked him up. Plan B was
Desardins but he bolted for the Cannucks when he was told he couldn't choose
his staff. We ended up with Plan C in MJ who is great x's and o's guy but a
poor motivator. My feeling is that the Pens should have pursued Guy Boucher but
he was under contract I believe.
I'm a die
hard Pens fan through and through but there will be significant changes that
are needed to get them back on course to make a serious run for the Cup. Good
luck to them on Friday against the Islanders and hopefully in the playoffs.
Let's Go Pens !
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We moved into our new house in March and can't thank God enough for blessing us with this opportunity.
We all enjoyed seeing Victoria in December and spending time with us !
From seeing 'Winter' the dolphin in Clearwater to dinner at Maggiano's
where Jessica got to meet Victoria.
I want to wish you and your families a safe, healthy, and Happy New
Year 2015 ! May these words be part of your vocabulary in 2015: Love,
Joy, Peace, Hope, Laughter, Kindness, Sharing, and Encouragement. May
you find what you are seeking ! 
