Look up Penguins on Wikipedia, and two facts stand out. They are flightless birds and they lack a fear of humans. Apparently, another fact is abundantly clear: Penguins have a tough time winning, or even holding a lead.
December was a horrible month for the defending Eastern Conference champs; those bad fortunes have carried into the New Year.
Jumping out 3-0 against the second-to-last place Nashville Predators on Thursday, the Pens allowed five unanswered goals in the losing effort. This after the team had rebounded from a five-game losing streak with a win over the equally hapless Atlanta Thrashers.
What has happened to a team with talented young players who skated for a chance to win Lord Stanley’s Cup seven months ago? Who is to blame? How do they turn the losing trend around? These are all questions that leave the Pittsburgh media, team management, and the players themselves scratching their heads.
This past Tuesday, one radio talk show host spent his entire show convinced that the organization was primed to make a coaching change. Even going to lengths of posting to his station Web page the resume and qualifications of the supposed replacement: Pat Quinn.
This was the same day The Ottawa Sun errantly reported that the Senators were courting very the same man.
Consider this: Quinn has guided NHL teams to the Cup Finals, won Olympic Gold behind the bench for Canada, and just guided the Canadian National Team to the top of the podium at the World Junior Championships. What does that say? He is capable of molding young talent, while also rallying veteran pros.
The main question still remains. If the Pittsburgh Penguins keep Michel Therrien, what kind of moves will turn the team’s fortunes around?
We know that the organization remains committed to the core of the team. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, and now Jordan Staal are all locked up until the 2012-'13 season. Staal signed a four-year contract extension worth $16 million on Thursday.
Starting goalie Fleury looks tentative after returning from his groin injury, showing some hesitation in his decisions between the pipes. He seems especially vulnerable when the opposition plays the puck behind his own cage.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Pittsburgh Penguins articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete