Art Vandelay: Should There be Changes in the Penguins Future?

Here at PenguinPoop we are taking a hard look at whether or not the Pittsburgh Penguins organization needs to make any changes.  Fifth up is Art Vandelay.

Art Vandelay

Undisciplined, Outclassed, and Out Coached

This past Sunday the Pittsburgh Penguins fell to their bitter rival the Philadelphia Flyers 4 games to two. Going in to the series I predicted the Penguins would win in 6 because they would be more disciplined. I was wrong it was the Pittsburgh Penguins that were outclassed by the Flyers. There were 3 Pittsburgh Penguins that were suspended for actions during game 3. Their actions could have been prevented if they simply would keep their cool and played hockey. In game 6 the Penguins were out coached. The Flyers game plan was simply if Bryzgalov is not going to stop the puck for us, the team will. The Flyers blocked 40 shots in game 6 and 116 in 6 games. Hate to say it “Outstanding”.  The Penguins had a great game plan throw as many shots at the net. The law of averages says the more shots more goals. The Penguins were out coached. Disco Dan and staff should have realized the Flyers were doing an outstanding job protecting Bryzgalov, and their net. The Penguins should have done something else to try to get shots on net. Bryzgalov finished the game facing 30 shots. I do not know about you, but I can only recall maybe three shots on net and Geno scored on one of them.

With the CBA expiring, the NHL and the Pittsburgh Penguins will have their challenges this offseason. With a possible lockout looming and uncertainty around the salary cap General Manager wants to extend Sidney Crosby’s contract as well as hopefully give an extension to Jordan Staal. Jordan Staal is represented by Bobby Orr’s management group. I would think we would know what direction the Pens are going with Staal by as early as the NHL Amateur Draft this June, and by the latest by the start of training camp.  After Ray figures out an extension with Sid, and what direction they are going with Staal (which I think the Penguins need to keep the big three together for as long as possible), this Penguin Poop writer feels that the Penguins Organization must address their defensive shortcomings, a backup goaltender, as well as possibly Disco Dan adjusting “His System that he likes the players playing”.