Giving you news, analysis, and predictions for all Pittsburgh sports. Follow me on twitter @Justin_Broyles9
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Steelers Bring Back Cotchery
The Steelers have brought back WR Jericho Cotchery on a 2 year contract. The contract specifics are currently unknown but I'll give my quick opinion on it. I really like this move because it adds to an already stellar WR corps for the Steelers. Cotchery is a reliable target that can be a slot or 4th WR depending on the package. Most of all he brings the veteran leadership to the young WRs that was lost with the retirement of Hines Ward. With the prospect of adding another young wide out through the draft this deal makes a lot of sense. I really like this signining and I'm eager to see how often and how Cotchery will be used in this new offense. Follow me @Black_YellowMan on Twitter for updates.
Pens v. Flyers Game 1
What to watch for tonight in the matchup. The first thing I'm watching for is what team can control their emotions tonight and stay light headed. Whichever team gets too heated tonight over what has happened in the past few meetings is going to cause more penalties and give the other team more opportunities to score. Specifically I'm watching for Joe Vitale to see if anyone tries anything else even after his fight last game. I'm also watching for defense on both sides. I think this series is going to be a high scoring affair and whichever team is able to support their goalie better is going to win. The last thing I'm watching is the offensive stars. I'll be watching Sid of course to see how he does early but I'm really going to be watching the Malkin and Jagr matchup. I think their leadership is going to carry both teams and whoever is able to be better offensively and help his supporting cast, that team will win the series. PREDICTION: PENS 3 FLYERS 2. Don't forget the game starts at 7:30 on ROOT Sports. Follow me on Twitter: @Black_YellowMan for updates (I'll also live tweet the action)
Keys To Bringing the Cup Back to Pittsburgh
It's that time of year again Pittsburgh fans, Pens Playoff Hockey. Those are some of the 3 best words for Pittsburghers. I'm gonna take a quick, vague look into what I think the Pens have to do to win the Stanley Cup.
1. Defense Wins Championships
If the Pens want to compete for the cup this year and live up to the expectations they need to be more sound defensively. I'm specifically calling you out Paul Martin. Martin is supposed to be a top defender on this team and isn't living up to that contract we signed him to 2 years ago. He needs to be more consistent and be a factor. This of course has to go along with guys like Orpik, Z, and Letang playing at the level they have been. This all has to fall into place because a good defense needs to back up Fleury who has historically been eradic throughout the playoffs and makes the overall team better.
2. Capitalize on Opportunities
This is plain and simple, if you get the Power Play opportunities you need to take advantage. The Pens have a firepowered offense but the defense is floundering. They need to be able to alleviate some pressure on them and Fleury and the best way to do that is to get a lead built.
3. Fleury Power
I've mentioned it above, Fleury is far from stellar in the playoffs. I don't have stats in front of me so I can't really say how many goals he gives up during the playoffs per game but I'd guess it was close to 2. He needs to carry his momentum from the regular season and I think he'll be fine, just don't let him go on a long losing streak or he'll lose confidence quickly.
4. Leadership
This is the most important in my eyes. Malkin needs to step up and take control of this team and lead them through the playoffs. He needs to lead by example and play lights out and give 110%. Sid also has to be Sid and give his team a chance to score. Finally, someone needs to step up this playoffs and be the big surprise contributor. It was Max Talbot in 2009, and the Pens need that guy. I look at Pascal Dupuis for that role. He's got an 18 game points streak and I think he'll carry it through into playoff play.
Overall I think the Pens will get these tasks done and the Cup will be coming home to Pittsburgh.
Follow me on twitter: @Black_YellowMan
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Wassup
Hello folks, welcome me nicely to the blogging world and follow me on twitter @Black_YellowMan for updates
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