Therrien puts his stamp on new Penguins
 
The Hack
He comes with a system. He has the discipline to make it work. He understands the problems and has answers for all the questions. "He" is Michel Therrien and as Mark Recchi says "He is a bad ass".

         Like the former regime,Thirrien is in the midst of a 4 game losing streak. But unlike Eddie Olcyzk's staff, he recognizes what needs to be done and that it will not be a quick turnaround. The players had stopped listening and even worse, stopped playing for Edzo. Trust me, if that disrespect accures under Therrien,some heads will roll.

         Right now he is getting a feel for the roster. He immediately brought up two players he felt were part of a solution. Michel Ouellet and Tomas Surovy. They bring a knowledge of what he expects. Plus they know how to finish in the offensive zone.

         He named Sidney Crosby as an assistant captain and put him back at center where he belongs. It is no secret that Sid has been a leader on the ice since his debut. Edzo didn't want to overexpose the kid. Therrien has put him in a position to win or lose games. This is a huge commitment to a rookie but I agree with the move. He needs to be on the ice in every situation. Therrien will give him this chance.  YES!

         Therrien noticed the team as a whole was out of shape. This will take time to condition a complete roster. He believes the defense has been weak and needs to play better. With the neutral zone trap being implemented, the forwards will be in a better position to help on defense thus protecting them from 2 on 1 breaks.

         Now from here on, everyone will be accountable. GM Craig Patrick threatened to make trades if the coaching moves didn't shake up the team. Well, maybe if the talent isn't as good as advertised the GM might have to accept some accountability.

 

NOTES:

 

Mario Lemieux hasn't felt well since training camp, a fact lost on all the media in town. I guess there was a reason why he looked sluggish and  ready for retirement. Once the doctors find the right dosage for his heart arithmia don't be surprised if you see another classic Mario comeback...........Brooks Orpik has a broken bone in his foot, Rob Scuderi has been recalled.... Sidney Crosby was left off the Canadian Olympic team. Do you think it is a coincidence that Flyer coach Ken Hitchcock made the decision???........Sergei Gonchar is the only Penguin going to the Olympics..........The new arena deal has taken a upward turn. If the state gives the slot license to the team or its partner, they promise to build a new building on the old  St.Francis Hospital site and demolish the Mellon Arena and put up a business/ resedential/ entertainment complex that will occupy all of the space. This will keep the team in town indefinately, stay tuned.