Crosby Returns To The Ice, Finally!!!

Or that's what I would be saying if it were actually true.  But alas, it's another day of speculation and conjecture on the subject by the media, the fans, the team, and of course the man himself.  No he will not be in the lineup on Friday as it was rumored.  No he will not be in the lineup at all this weekend.

I think the latest fuel that's been added to the fire was yesterday's trade of Mark Letestu to the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Are the Pens clearing a roster spot?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  But I do know this...Ray Shero up to this point in time has been a trading/waiver wire/drafting genius.  Until he screws up royally, I trust he knows what's best. 

Mark was a decent guy for most of his Pens career but this year has just stunk up the joint.  Plus with Staal, Malkin, some injured guy, Jefferey, Adams, Vitale, etc., playing time would be at a premium on the front lines.  He claims he is happy about the trade.  Wouldn't you be?  Going from the best team in hockey to the worst team in hockey.  I know I would.  Um, wait a minute.  What?  Oh, yeah that's it.  He wanted more playing time.  Well he's guaranteed to get it in Ohio.  I'm pretty sure he will turn out to be a decent contributor as well.  He even already has a goal in his first game.

In return, the Pens got 4 felt tip markers, a broken Ouija board, and some half eaten Jell-O pudding cups.  Sounds fair to me.  I mean, that's more than they got in the Jagr trade.  Just kidding.  They got a fourth-round pick in next years draft, which, by the way, will be held in Pittsburgh.  The team now has 8 picks in the 2012 draft.

Hey, maybe this means Tangradi will get a phone call.  What's that you say?  He did get the call?  Why yes.  Yes he did!!  Don't blow it this time, kid.  You are the leading scorer on WBS, 12 points in 12 games, top 10 in scoring in the AHL, don't let it go to your head.  Work for it!