Now that was more like it! Trade Staal

I continue to be amazed at the number of people who keep saying lets trade Staal to get a top line winger for Sid or Geno! I WAS one of those folks about this time last year, saying how could you pay 22M for three centers and have no money left for top caliber wingers for the top 2 centers..........BUT, the reality is that Jordan Staal and the third line of the Penguins is the match up HELL that nobody has an answer for when the team is clicking. It has been the most consistent line all year for the Pens, and Staal scored many clutch goals in the playoffs last year, not the least of which was the tide turning goal in the fourth game of the Finals against Detroit. He has been, along with Sid the most consistently strong Penguin player all year long, wins faceoffs, kills penalties, scores goals, and makes smart plays. He currently is in a three way tie for second in goals on the Pens with 13, is tied for third in total points with 29, and tops in plus/minus at + 11. On top of that, he will only get BETTER, as he is still in relative terms a baby. Finally, Staal is considered by many to be the best DEFENSIVE center in the Eastern Conference. In a seven game series, Staals line wears down the opponent, as it is nearly impossible to shut down the third line of the Pens with your third defensive pairing.............and your shut down forwards are committed to Crosby or Malkins line. No, Staal is as untouchable as Sid or Geno, his game is different, but make no mistake, he is a game changer in so many ways. If Caputi can make the step up to the NHL, there is help around the corner for the wingers. With Tangredi also a possibility for next season, the Pens can make a mid level deal for someone like Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Leafs or an older rental at the deadline like a Ryan Smyth or Bill Guerin type to give them enough firepower up front. Tyler Kennedy showed signs of coming along, and I have a feeling that you will see more from Kunitz after he returns from this surgery.

The play tonite of Staal, Kennedy and Cooke was great, which is a very good sign. Add to that the fact that Letang actually scored a goal, and Caputi did as well, there were some good signs for sure. A power play goal by Fedotenko did not hurt either. I am thrilled that Brent Johnson gives the Pens a REALLY solid backup that can give you a chance to win anytime he plays. ON a negative note, other than one spectacular rush, I thought Malkin continued to make stupid plays, and seems a little too much like Jaromir Jagr in his childlike behavior on that play where he lost the puck in the third period and served it right up at the blue line for Atlanta to make a rush the other way. If the hatred that flows between Philadelphia can get Malkin going again, this would be a huge step in the right direction.

If you click on the link above, you will see Staals series turning short handed goal in Game 4 of the Finals, and one ugly bald dude running down the steps to taunt a Wings fan........you may know him.