The Tradewinds Finally Blow Through Pittsburgh

Well I have been speculating for a couple weeks about potential trades the Pens could do to strengthen their front line with all the injuries.  I figured after watching another hard fought game come down to a few bad bounces and a player out of position dictating another L at the hands of the Capitals was a good opportunity to make my opinions known about this trade.

First, I am sad to see Alex Goligoski leave the team.  However, from the standpoint of game impact, this was really the ONLY guy that was expendable.  As I've stated before, Gogo was the only player that really didn't fit in the defensive scheme of the team.  He was the guy that prior to last year, was bounced between the AHL Wilkes-Barre Scranton "baby" Pens team and the NHL squad.  After Gonchar left, there were some big shoes to be filled and he just didn't step it up enough.  With the emergence of Letang, the always solid play of Orpik, and the better than expected contributions from Michalek and Martin, Alex found himself relegated to PP and PK duties, as well as third and fourth line play.  Again, I'm sorry to see him go because I was a fan but it's not about fandom at this point.  It's about going deep in the playoffs.

In return, the Pens picked up from Dallas, James Neal and Matt Niskanen.  Wow!!  What a trade.  The Penguins finally get a guy that can score on wing.  I never thought I would live to see the day but here we are.  Neither of these guys were on my radar but I'm not complaining at this point.  A bit about Neal...he has size, strength, isn't afraid to fight, AND can score.  21 goals so far with 39 points isn't too shabby.  If he can duplicate last years 55 point performance, I think we will make out on this one.  Plus, he is only in his third season.  He's only 23.

As for Niskanen, he is 24, in his 4th season and is a scrappy, stay-at-home style defenseman.  Coming out of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, he wasn't necessarily known for his goal scoring prowess but he doesn't need to be.  He put up 35 in his best year so far.


For your viewing pleasure I give you a potential preview of the first day in the locker room...

Another Trade Post...Two In One Week!!

So Casey from Drop The Gloves and I have been going back and forth for awhile with potential trades.  I am still not sure what has been sent between us but I know I still owe him some tobacco sized goodness.  It's almost ready to send out, I swear. 

At any rate, I received a package from him in the mail today with a handful of stuff I'd like to share.

First up were some 2009-10 Champs that I still needed for my set.  Despite busting 3 boxes of this stuff plus a blaster for good measure, I have still not put a full base set together.  Apparently I am not the only one since the same scenario seems to pop up with other collector's too.  He sent me 22 base cards and also this:

and this:

There were also a few Marquee Rookies from 2007-08 OPC and also 2008-09.  My favorites in the little package had to be the Pens cards he threw in that included:

1993-94 Upper Deck World Junior Championships Sergei Gonchar (R)

There is nothing that I would like more than to see the Pens lock up Sarge for the rest of his career.  I think regardless of his nonexistence in the waning months of the season, he is still the leader of the power play and a general in the locker room. 

2003-04 Bowman Chrome Ryan Malone (R)

This is one trade that I never agreed with and still don't to this day.  When the Lightning picked him up (along with Gary Roberts) for next to nothing, it was a sad day.  Malone was the only Pittsburgh born player to ever play for the Penguins and was a second generation Penguin as well.  His dad, Greg, played for the Pens from 76-85 when he was traded to Hartford.  Ryan was third in scoring in the year before the lock-out and up until he took a few injuries in the 2008 playoffs, I expected him to be a Pen forever.  Shows what I know.

2008-09 Black Diamond Alex Goligoski Rookie Gems

Alex is probably the heir apparent to Sarge is he is going to leave for greener pastures.  He is a tough defenseman having come out of the University of Minnesota and playing in the AHL.  At least he is locked up through 2012. 

Also in there were some lesser known (heck, even not known at all) Pens that I believe I don't have in my team collection yet, including:

Thanks Casey!!