In order to win the Stanley Cup, every player on the team has to contribute their fair share. Everyone must do what the team needs them to do and more. That is the difference in this series so far. The Red Wings have gotten that type of effort. The Penguins have not. In fact, hardly any Penguin has played up to their capability to date. This is what gives us hope. The Penguins could have won either game in Detroit with a break or a bounce without playing their best game. So hopefully we will see their best tonight and get back into the series.
We could name names and call out individuals that need to step up. In reality, we need a little better from everyone. I expect that to happen. The mindset for tonight is simple. Leave the ice tonight knowing that there will be a Game 5 in Detroit. Let the Red Wings know that the Cup is not theirs just yet. I know the crowd will be pumped tonight — I can’t wait to be a part of it. That’s the view from E-11.
Note — I hate to say this, but I agree with Krundle about something. Having the ‘old guard’ ref the game the old way when the National Hockey League is trying to expand the fan base is stupid. I am not blaming the refs for the losses, I am just saying that they are taking a lot of the action and speed out of the game.
Man are you harsh! But really fair too. Kunitz playing on Crosby’s line needs to step it up. Guerin playing on Crosby’s line needs to step it up. Crosby needs to step it up and hopefully Disco Dan doesn’t get overly involved in the home ice line match-ups. Malkin, Crosby need to be playing around 24 minutes.
Screw all the Sykora, Satan, Adams horse Jumbo Baloney. Satan is playing like the reason we sent him to W/BS. But Staal needs to at least get 50% on the faceoffs – Cooke and Kennedy need to do something besides showing energy. Fedotenko is solid on both ends. Sitting Letang IMHO is a joke because he’s one of the players who is now signifying the young guns. Say it isn’t so Disco. Hopefully Disco doesn’t become the MT we all questioned for playing too conservative hockey with these kids.
Mix it up – keep the pressure on – let’s not play into the hands of the Red Wings and play in fear. I’d rather go down with all our young guns a blazing than to go down with some type of conservative type play. In fact, if they do that we will be playing right into Detroit’s hands. Disco Stu would tell you DISCO never died. (I’m just kidding about that one) Regee still rules.
Go Pens – let’s hope they open it up like there is no tomorrow.
As to the refs – they haven’t determined the outcome of the game but when you hear dem ole folks talkin about let them play – Krundle is right – that really means don’t let them play. Play by the rules and the game exposes the best talent.
If we win tonight I think it turns the series momentum around. I think a few Penguins were playing like the cup was going to be handed to them. They need to give 110%.
GO PENS!