Puckin’ Awesome, Shan. (lame I know but my titles are a work in progress)

On my mind today: Crosby hype, talks of a Winter Classic in the Burgh, what to expect after the break (first game March 2^nd) aaaannnd finally hockey transactions.

Crosby Hype. Since Sidney Crosby hit the hockey scene it has been nothing but attention for this world wonder. The young kid from Canada has been getting media attention since the young age of just 14. Writers and hockey critics from all over were calling this phenom “the Next One.” Four years after his first choice first round draft pick to the Pens Sid is dominating the hockey universe, winning the most coveted trophy in the world Mr. Lord Stanley himself at the fresh age of 21. He is the youngest captain to ever do so.

This is all stuff you know. You’re all more than aware. I’m just going to do my part as a Penguins fan and add to the hype. If Crosby and Team Canada win the gold he would have won the Stanley Cup and the gold medal in the same year. That is absolutely mind blowing. He’s like a fine wine, getting better with age. He is first in the league with 42 goals (more than Ovechkin), 36 assists and is a +9. He is easily going to surpass a 50 goal season. And to think… JR would want Alexander Ovechkin to be his captain over Sid hmmm someone still remembering being a Flyer? Still got the crush in their blood? (During an interview with Sasha before the CAN vs RUS game JR said he would want Alex over Sid to be his captain out of anyone in the world. gag)

A.O. to be his hypothetical captain?! For real?  Sasha fierce who hasn’t done much other than fancy goals and hurt his knee? Granted I’m talking out of my ass [a little] Ovechkin is incredible putting up points like crazy his aggressiveness is intimidating. (So is his crooked nose and missing tooth) He’s an awesome player but his showboating, arrogant attitude, leading hits with his knee to injure players (flashback to Gonchar’s injury and Sasha’s own injury earlier in the season)makes him much less of the leader he is supposed to be and more of a media whore who happens to play hockey. I won’t be getting into it much more because there are other things to touch upon, but this won’t be the last time I talk about it. This time it’s about Crosby and his continuing greatness. Bring on the backlash.

Winter Classic 2.0 for the Pens? To lightly elaborate on the Crosby vs Ovechkin there have been rumors around the league that there would be a second classic for my beloved Pens versus the Caps. I don’t think this is a fantastical idea for a few reasons. The first and most important would have to be that there are other teams who have not experienced playing the Classic. The Penguins have gotten to experience the first Winter Classic against the Sabres and won it in O.T. (Crosby with the GWG) Isn’t it a bit overkill to be Stanley Cup champions, Sid and Flower possibly medaling, the opening of the Consol Energy Center AND having ANOTHER Winter Classic game IN Pittsburgh? It’s a little much and possibly biting off more than they can chew. However, I think that it is more than a rumor and wishful thinking between bloggers more than anything else. Truthfully, we don’t need it and will play another Classic when it’s rightfully our turn again.

March 2^nd Penguins vs Sabres. Hey speaking of the Sabres we play them on March 2^nd. What an awesome matchup to come back to after the 2 week Olympic break. I love Miller, and he is going to be on fire after these past two weeks. He has just completely taken over and been the star, and the Pens will have to take note, crash the net and be aggressive on offense. Lately the guys have been having trouble answering to goals and staying on the board. The biggest and most aggravating problem: the powerplay. You would think with all the talent they have they could dominate the powerplay, however Pittsburgh is ranked 26/30 teams with a 16.5%. That is horrible! As great as the team is, the powerplay kills them. They are either passing too much, too little or never shoot enough. If that isn’t the biggest killer for us on the 2^nd I’m not sure what else will be. Miller will be the biggest component of the game, all eyes will be on him, and what better than to beat the Pens after such a successful run in the Olympics? What better for the Pens to shut him down? It’s still kind of early for a prediction for a score. I’ll get back to you on that one. LET’S GO PENS!

Update on Hockey transactions in the league:  March 3^rd is the trade deadline for those who forgot. Courtesy of The Hockey News: The Sens sign Ryan Shannon to a one-year contract, Calgary signed Rene Bourque to a 6 year contract extension, Cal Clutterbuck (lol I like that name) signed to a 3 year contract extension.

CANADA vs SLOVAKIA at 9:30 EST (GO CANADA GO!)

USA advances to Gold Medal Round (HELL YEAH!) to be played Sunday at 3:00 EST.

And as always LET’S GO PENGUINS!!!