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Conference stkhlm::hockey

Title:Hockey on ice...
Notice:Read 1.* before posting
Moderator:VIRKE::AHLGREN
Created:Tue Sep 07 1993
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:588
Total number of notes:22815

549.0. "Pittsburgh Penguins (1996-1997)" by STKHLM::AHLGREN (http://www.soo.dec.com/~ahlgren/home.html) Thu Jul 18 1996 16:58

T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
549.1CTHU26::S_BURRIDGETue Aug 06 1996 23:404
549.2Article on the net about Barrasso and MarioGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Aug 20 1996 22:2965
549.3might happenKOOLIT::R_PLOURDETue Aug 20 1996 23:093
549.4Barasso is no longer a #1 goalie in the NHLKAOFS::WATTERSWed Aug 21 1996 00:487
549.52 r's 2 s'sGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Aug 21 1996 00:534
549.6KOOLIT::R_PLOURDEWed Aug 21 1996 00:5916
549.7re: RP.....PATE::NEFFHotdog, I'll take Rabbit....Wed Aug 21 1996 01:195
549.8He's back!GRANPA::BRUMBOLDTue Sep 10 1996 23:114
549.9KDCA03::CDCUP_GREENETue Sep 10 1996 23:167
549.10Lemieux and Francis ready to goGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Sep 18 1996 20:5045
549.11OTOOA::MAJORTue Sep 24 1996 01:2910
549.12Trade EJ for a defenseman to be named laterGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Sep 24 1996 01:408
549.13Anybody out there?GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Oct 08 1996 01:313
549.14RE: -1AKOCOA::PETERSONSuffering the concequences, againTue Oct 08 1996 01:518
549.15still up in the clouds Warren??:*))OTOOA::MAJORTue Oct 08 1996 01:536
549.16Back to EarthGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Oct 08 1996 02:1116
549.17I guess I was thinking Mario might miss a gameGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Oct 08 1996 02:131
549.18All according to planGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Oct 09 1996 19:3413
549.19Lemieux hasn't turned it on yet; maybe after XmasKAOFS::WATTERSWed Oct 09 1996 21:146
549.20Hopefully, Pens are using my stategyGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Oct 15 1996 21:489
549.21big guns vs SensCTHU26::S_BURRIDGEWed Oct 16 1996 03:087
549.22WANT SOME CHEESE MARIOOTOOA::RANKINWed Oct 16 1996 17:505
549.23maybe in Schoonah countryFSCORE::PAVEZKAWhy.....Why me!!!Wed Oct 16 1996 18:504
549.24Hookers in KanataOTOOA::RANKINWed Oct 16 1996 18:574
549.25You can let him go now Bernie....and go to the box!!KAOFS::WATTERSWed Oct 16 1996 18:5811
549.26stand by your manKAOFS::B_CROOKBrian @KAOWed Oct 16 1996 19:444
549.27FSCORE::B_LEURYWed Oct 16 1996 20:049
549.28Pens Suck with a capital SMAKREL::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Oct 18 1996 20:214
549.29Guess again...PATE::NEFFI'd rather be Lucky than good ANY daySat Oct 19 1996 00:119
549.30HelpGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Oct 23 1996 21:0015
549.31OTOOA::MAJORWed Oct 23 1996 21:277
549.32Pens UpdateGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Nov 05 1996 00:2214
549.33what's the scoop with SmolzKOOLIT::R_PLOURDETue Nov 05 1996 01:269
549.34FSCORE::B_LEURYTue Nov 05 1996 01:541
549.35He's definitely on the blockGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Nov 05 1996 02:1311
549.36WHY??????FABSIX::R_LUCHT"Ten Feet Tall and Bulletproof"Thu Nov 07 1996 08:505
549.37re: -1PATE::NEFFI'd rather be Lucky than good ANY dayThu Nov 07 1996 19:385
549.38Pens 4-1 at home, 0-8 on the roadGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Nov 07 1996 20:2211
549.39This was a bad trade for the B'sDIVER1::MACHADOCrazy on a ship of foolsThu Nov 07 1996 20:489
549.40Pens suck, continued...GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Nov 12 1996 23:2111
549.41A must win for the PensGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Nov 14 1996 19:5317
549.42Face it Warren. ;*)KAOFS::WATTERSFri Nov 15 1996 00:469
549.43Not in denial - I know I'm lyingGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Nov 15 1996 01:125
549.44SORRY GUYSFABSIX::R_LUCHT"Ten Feet Tall and Bulletproof"Fri Nov 15 1996 09:214
549.45Tough lossGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Nov 15 1996 19:2314
549.46Ranford stole the game for the B'sDIVER1::MACHADOCrazy on a ship of foolsFri Nov 15 1996 21:4816
549.47Ranford and SmolzGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Nov 15 1996 22:0519
549.48Pens & Isles make a deal.OTOOA::MAJORMon Nov 18 1996 17:435
549.49re: Smolinski for KasparaitusGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Nov 18 1996 18:5912
549.50A little something for Warren from SantaKAOFS::WATTERSMon Nov 18 1996 20:3914
549.51CTHU26::S_BURRIDGEMon Nov 18 1996 20:585
549.52Applying Reverse PhyschologyGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Nov 18 1996 21:138
549.53It's the least I can do for a notes buddy :-)))STOSS1::HUGHESDTue Nov 19 1996 02:438
549.54MAKREL::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Nov 19 1996 07:154
549.55Pens win one; Beat STL 4-2GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Nov 20 1996 19:116
549.56Burns'll go to Pitts or NYR; imhoKAOFS::WATTERSWed Nov 20 1996 19:2612
549.57Hartford saves EJ - againGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Nov 25 1996 19:085
549.58Iron Mike's <hic> is a great GMSTOSS1::HUGHESDTue Nov 26 1996 02:468
549.59I can only dream of being like BoboradoGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Nov 26 1996 19:2714
549.60Twister took careful not of the hit though!!!STOSS1::HUGHESDTue Nov 26 1996 19:398
549.61I didn't think it deserved a suspensionGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Nov 26 1996 20:0810
549.62Twist is one bad dude. too bad he can't play hockeySTOSS1::HUGHESDTue Nov 26 1996 20:468
549.63IMHO, the hit was vicious.OTOOA::MAJORTue Nov 26 1996 20:526
549.64GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Nov 26 1996 20:581
549.65Pens are back on trackGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Nov 27 1996 20:159
549.66Habs unbeaten in last 4...OTOOA::MAJORThu Nov 28 1996 18:3214
549.67FSCORE::PAVEZKAHull BoundThu Nov 28 1996 18:567
549.68POLAR::RICHARDSONPatented Problem GeneratorThu Nov 28 1996 19:322
549.69Pens have stared into the abyss...GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Dec 09 1996 20:347
549.70A bump in the roadGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Dec 18 1996 19:158
549.71I was hopin' for a Pens win and an out of work KasperDIVER1::MACHADOCrazy on a ship of foolsWed Dec 18 1996 22:237
549.72Pens visit the "Keenan" CenterGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Dec 19 1996 19:409
549.73Penguin UpdateGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Jan 06 1997 20:0420
549.74KAOFS::WATTERSMon Jan 06 1997 20:129
549.75Hello?GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Jan 21 1997 21:3525
549.76;-) ;-)FSCORE::B_LEURYTue Jan 21 1997 22:0710
549.77Basking in the glow of a winning streakGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Jan 22 1997 19:0318
549.78I DO have a little of all 3 of them in me!!:*)))OTOOA::MAJORWed Jan 22 1997 19:304
549.79GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Jan 22 1997 19:375
549.80KAOFS::WATTERSWed Jan 22 1997 19:4219
549.81Ahhh, Pittsburgh in January. :^)KUTIPS::ROBILLARDWed Jan 22 1997 19:468
549.82HomesickGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Jan 22 1997 19:5714
549.83couldn't resist ;-)FSCORE::B_LEURYWed Jan 22 1997 20:585
549.84KUTIPS::ROBILLARDWed Jan 22 1997 20:596
549.85Note of the year so farGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Jan 22 1997 21:0910
549.86OTOOA::MAJORWed Jan 22 1997 22:234
549.87OTOOA::MAJORWed Jan 22 1997 22:254
549.88POLAR::RICHARDSONPatented Problem GeneratorWed Jan 22 1997 22:324
549.89A little touch of grey.KAOFS::MCCANNWed Jan 22 1997 23:4416
549.90Or lack of it!KUTIPS::ROBILLARDWed Jan 22 1997 23:445
549.91Hockey talkGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Jan 23 1997 19:0919
549.92singing the blues todayWBC::DEADYI like this resonance, it elevates me. BjorkThu Jan 23 1997 19:2415
549.93GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Jan 23 1997 19:5610
549.94A little dab will do you !!!KAOFS::GRAHAMThu Jan 23 1997 23:365
549.95Lalime's streak stops at 16GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Jan 24 1997 19:396
    Well, the Pens and Patrick Lalime's streak came to an end as they lost
    in OT to the Av's last night.  But it was Billington - not Roy - who
    got the win.  I only saw the highlights but it looked like a great
    game.  Anyone see it?
    
    Warren
549.96Usually it's TBay that stops every streakKAOFS::WATTERSFri Jan 24 1997 20:0311
    Warren,
    	I had a feeling that last night would be the night. Sure, Forsberg
    and Sakic didn't play but the Avs do have more depth than the Pens,
    who I assume were missing Lemieux, Jagr(ankle) and ???(another star
    player).
    
    Good thing Billington got the win; Roy would've gotten all the press
    had he won.
    
    
    Andy
549.97FSCORE::B_LEURYFri Jan 24 1997 20:357
    Jagr played.  The Pens were robbed on a goal that went to video.  It
    was ruled that one of their players was in the crease.  The blade of
    his skate was barely touching the semi-circle and he in no way was a 
    factor on the play.  Roy started the game but had to leave due to an
    injury to his thumb.
    
    Bernie.
549.98CTHU26::S_BURRIDGEFri Jan 24 1997 21:2011
    There was apparently a similar disallowed goal in the Boston-Ottawa
    goal the other night.  I didn't see the replay, but apparently Sinden
    lost his temper completely, pounded on the door of the video goal
    judge's booth, and said later he would be trying to see that the
    official loses his job over the incident.  It seems to me that there
    needs to be a little more discretion in applying this rule.  The
    referees ignore 90% of the serious rules infractions that happen on the
    ice; why are they cracking down so heavily on the "player in the
    crease" rule?
    
    -Stepjhen
549.99Typical NHL officiatingTIMAST::HUGHESFri Jan 24 1997 21:3016
    > It seems to me that there
    > needs to be a little more discretion in applying this rule.  The
    > referees ignore 90% of the serious rules infractions that happen on the
    > ice; why are they cracking down so heavily on the "player in the
    > crease" rule?
    
    I agree completely. I saw a game earlier this year when a player was
    pushed in the crease and stayed there after the defensman skated away.
    (he had more than ample time to leave the crease). Then deflected a shot 
    for a goal. The goal, after video replay was allowed. 
    
    In the very same game, a player had a skate on the semi-circle line, on
    the oppisite side the puck came from, had no beraing on the goal
    whatsoever and, after video replay, the goal was disallowed.
    
    Dave
549.100Flash in the pan???TIMAST::HUGHESFri Jan 24 1997 21:4815
    > Well, the Pens and Patrick Lalime's streak came to an end as they lost
    > in OT to the Av's last night.
    
    You kown Warren, I hate to burst your bubble but, I seem to recall quite a 
    few rookie goalies coming and tearing up the league at the start. In fact,
    I believe Ken Wregget was one with the Leafs and Jim Carey was another.
    
    Now that's not to say that Lalime isn't a good goalie, but pros adjust.
    I'm sure the league will find his weaknesses and exploit them just in
    time for the playoffs :-)))
    
    It's the same in baseball. A rookie pitcher comes up and tears up the
    league until the 2nd time around. Then he gets dusted.
    
    Dave
549.101Jim Craig and Ray Leblanc for Team USAKAOFS::WATTERSFri Jan 24 1997 21:567
    Dave,
    
    	You're right. Think of Steve Penney(Mtl), Blaine Lacher(Bos),
    and even to some extent Ron Hextall(Vezina in rookie year but 2nd in
    rookie voting to Robitaille).
    
    Andy
549.102FSCORE::B_LEURYFri Jan 24 1997 22:1814
    
    >>There was apparently a similar disallowed goal in the Boston-Ottawa
    >>goal the other night.
    
    I couldn't believe that the goal was disallowed.  But the third Bruin
    goal did not go to review and there definately was a Bruin in the crease.
    Also, on the front page of yesterday's Ottawa Sun they had a picture of a
    goal by Alfredsson that never counted.  This happened in the first
    period and my daughter clearly remembered the play (I didn't) and had
    commented to her boyfriend that the puck was in. The picture showed the 
    puck clearly over the goal line.  Finally, on the goal that was disallowed,
    an interference penalty should have been called 5 seconds before hand.
    
    What a mess officiating is in! 
549.103Pens NewsGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Jan 29 1997 20:1725
    Well - the Pens and Patrick Lalime (note to ESPN - it's evidently 
    pronounce La-Limb) finally lost two last week.   First the Av's game
    and then the Rangers Game.  The Rangers game was actually quite
    enjoyable for the first 30 mintues.  Pens were up 2-0 and 3-1 and
    I actually said to myself - "where's Gretzky?"  He was totally
    invisible for the first half.  Then he rattles off like 3 assists in a
    row and the Rangers stoned the Pens.  Actually, the Pens came out very
    strong and Richter (and another toenail in the crease call) kept the
    Pens from blowing the Rangers out early.
    
    But, fortunately, the Pens next played in Montreal where they won their
    first game since god knows when.  (I'd mention this in the Montreal
    topic but it has evidently been write-locked :-) )
    
    Pens play at Buffalo tonight in a good test.  It'd be nice if the Pens
    concentrated on Defense again like they did around Christmas.
    
    Pens did trade Sandstrom to the Wings for Greg Johnson.  Since
    Sandstrom is unrestricted at the end-of-the-year and seems to not
    do much in the playoffs, it seems like a good deal.  (And you can't
    question Craig Patrick.)  I don't know anything about Johnson, though.
    I hope he's a grinder.  It would have been nice to have Bob Errey back...
    
    See ya,
    Warren
549.104I wish the Pens would hustle a little more...GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Jan 30 1997 19:094
    Pens lose at Buffalo last night 3-1.  Is Buffalo this years New Jersey
    or Florida?  Hustle and Hasek.
    
    Warren
549.105600 for 66GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Feb 05 1997 19:4719
    Pens win again last night as Mario's scores #600.
    
    Here's the list:
    
    	Gretzky - 853 x
    	Howe    - 801
    	Dionne  - 731
        Esposito- 717
    	Gartner - 685 x
        Hull    - 610
    	Lemieux - 600 x
    
    It took Mario 719 games to get 600.  Wayne did it in 718.  Everyone
    else was over 1000...
    
    Mario's taking the night off for tonight's game in Montreal, however.
    Maybe the Pens can concentrate on Defense again...
    
    Warren
549.106What an amazing playerTIMAST::HUGHESWed Feb 05 1997 19:597
    >    It took Mario 719 games to get 600.  Wayne did it in 718.  Everyone
    >    else was over 1000...
    
    What an interesting stat. Too bad we won't be able to compare Wayne and
    Mario at 700 goals.
    
    Dave
549.107Pens close to 2 points behind phading philliesGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Feb 06 1997 20:3612
    Ho hum - another win by the Pens in Montreal. :-)
    
    They have now won 2 games in the last 10 days (and 2 games in the last
    9 years) there.
    
    Not much D by the Pens - even w/o Mario, but Stuuuuu Barnes' line 
    picked up the slack.
    
    Another good game by Patrick Lalime who is now 18-2-2.
    Ken Wreggett is supposed to be back soon - that'll be interesting.
    
    Warren
549.108Should be a route tonightKAOFS::WATTERSThu Feb 06 1997 20:436
    >> Pens close to 2 points behind phading phillies
    
    Flyers are playing the Habs tonight. Looks like the 'phading phillies'
    will be shining again tonight. ;*)
    
    Andy
549.109Time for Pens to win some big gamesGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Feb 07 1997 18:408
    Pens host the Wings on Fox tomorrow - or so the Post says - I'm sure
    they'll slip in a Rangers game at the last moment.  Another test for
    the Pens - they better start beating these top teams sometime.  They
    are 0-7 combined against COL, DET, NYR, PHL, or FLA this year.
    
    Next weekend is a home-and-home with Philly - can't wait.
    
    Warren
549.110Pretty funnyFABSIX::T_BEAULIEULike A steam LocomotiveFri Feb 07 1997 20:4411
Warren,

	you ever see the ESPN Jagr commercial?
	the one where the show a UN like conference
	with dignitaries talking and sharing ideas on
	communication. Jaromir bangs his stick 3X and says

	"when I bang my stick like this pass me the puck"


Toby
549.111Though, only on during hockey games it seemsGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Feb 07 1997 21:388
    Yeah, it's pretty good.  Jags definitely has a movie-star future... :-)
    
    Actually there seem to be a bunch of good, funny commercials these days
    with hockey players in them.  The out-of-work/cab driver/telephone
    operator goalie complaining about Mats Sundin or Jeremy Roenike are
    pretty good, too.
    
    Warren
549.112FSCORE::B_LEURYFri Feb 07 1997 22:1818
    There are three major advertising campaigns involving hockey players
    all very funny.
    
    The one with all of the goalies is a Nike campaign although Nike is
    never mentioned, we just see the now famous checkmark at the end.
    
    Lays Chips has a campaign with Mark Messier, also very funny.  A fan
    says to Messier "I bet you that you can't eat just one" to which
    Messier responds "and if I loose?" and the fan responds "then I get an
    hour of your time".  Next scene, Messier walks into the dressing room
    of the fan's oldtimer team called the Pilons.  And it goes on from
    there.   
    
    Finally, the NHL has its "Coolest Game on Earth" campaign featuring
    Keith Tazckuk, Adam Oates, Vanbiesbrouck (sp?), Messier and Gretzky 
    among others.  My favorite is the Oates commercial.
    
    Bernie. 
549.113good onesKAOFS::WATTERSFri Feb 07 1997 22:298
    >> My favorite is the Oates commercial.
    
    	Have you seen the Tkachuk one? Hilarious.
    
    I like the Nike one that has a Blackhawks goalie working at a BK or
    MacDonald's (is he Darren Pang?). Classics.
    
    Andy
549.114cracked me upFABSIX::T_BEAULIEULike A steam LocomotiveSat Feb 08 1997 01:489
	good dig on Png they other nite during the Pens/Habs game

	Patrick Lalime already has more career wins than Pang !

	I think it was Barry Melrose


	Toby
549.115Pens now 0-8 against top teamsGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Feb 10 1997 23:2012
    Pens played another entertaining Saturday afternoon game only to lose
    in OT.  This time to the Wings.  Good things these games don't count
    until April...
    
    And a Good thing Wreggett's coming back - Lalime needs a little rest.
    And the injury bug is starting to hit the Pens hard.  
    
    Looks like a 6-team race in the East, with star-laden PIT, NYR, PHL
    being joined by hard-working NJ, FLA, BUF.  The rest of the pack will
    be fighting for 7 & 8.
    
    Only 60 days (28 games) or so until the playoffs start...
549.116Pens beat Florida 4-2GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Feb 19 1997 19:2412
    Pens did two things last night that they rarely do:
    
    - beat an over .500 team (Florida)
    - came from behind to win
    
    I just wanted to enter this, because I know Andy's following the Pens
    record against good teams pretty closely.
    
    Joey Mullen's long march to #500 may soon end, as he scored #499 last
    night.
    
    Warren
549.117Had to throw in a wrench!KAOFS::WATTERSWed Feb 19 1997 19:377
    >>    - beat an over .500 team (Florida)
    >>    - came from behind to win
    
    
    	Yeah! But can they do both of these ON THE ROAD???? :*)
    
    Andy
549.118Another lost weekend for the PensGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Feb 24 1997 18:5911
    Well - the Pens have definitely re-entered SUCK mode.  And their next
    few games are against DET, NJ, NJ, BUF, and PHL.  We could really use
    a few games against the Caps or Montreal :-)
    
    Wake me when the playoffs start - of course I'm not very optimistic
    since the Pens have no game-plan.  I figure I'm a good 20-30 years
    younger than EJ, so I hope to outlast him - that's my only hope at
    this point.  Too bad Mario will be long gone as well.
    
    Sigh,
    Warren
549.119Just to let you all know I'm not aloneGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Feb 28 1997 01:3990
Penguins fans find good reason to boo

By Gene Collier
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
-------------------------------------------------------------

That sound similar to BOOO-ing at the Penguins games, until now a hackneyed
vocal tribute to center Stu (STOOOO!) Barnes, has evolved into the real
deal, and it doesn't exactly require an auditory expert to make the
distinction.

The STOOO! sound is oddly melodic, something you could probably coax from a
yardful of earnest beagles. The BOOO-ing is of two unmistakable types.

There's a low, edgy hum of BOOOS that literally translates to "You mean I
paid up to $85 a ticket for this?"

And there's a louder, about-to-boil BOOO that literally translates to "Hey
Johnston; YOU SUCK!"

For an extended translation of the second type, you can check the Saturday
Sports Mailbag section in One of America's Great Newspapers' Great Sports
Section.

Every time it even appears as though the Penguins can be beaten with
regularity, the hockey afflicted immediately roll out the E.J. guillotine.

It is strictly a symbolic exercise, of course, because anyone familiar with
the franchise's management model knows that as long as Mario Lemieux
remains Active Legend and Chief Operating Officer, any heads that role will
not even resemble that of Grandpa Munster.

Tuesday, in a move that will surely rattle the organ-I-zation to its very
foundations, Penguins general manager Craig Patrick demoted Dave Roche and
Tyler Wright to Cleveland and called up left winger Jeff Christian.

Oh yeah, if there's anything that can pick the Penguins off the ice after a
1-6 pratfall, it's a bold exchange of Lumberjacks.

The possible acquisition of Boston Bruins critic and star center Adam
Oates, energetically rumored around the club's fabulous Frosty-plex
training center, would help the Pittsburgh branch of Aging Forwards R Us
almost as much.

Out on the ice, Johnston whistled the club through an unusually busy
practice. Some of the fellas were on all fours when E.J. finally got off
the throttle and delivered a lengthy talk on, among other things,
accountability.

"The players gotta be accountable to each other," Johnston said later. "You
can say as much as you want, but that's what it comes down to. Something
has seeped in since the All-Star break. Things we were doing automatically
prior to that, we're not doin.' "

Accountability is not the hot concept with this club that it is with others.

Accountability for winning, which in most places ultimately seeps to the
coach and general manager, has for all of this decade affixed itself to the
athletes on the sometimes rickety principle of wildly superior talent.

This team, the gospel goes, should be able to win regardless of who the
coach is.

Unfortunately, it's designed that way right down to its on-ice systems.

If we can go back to Stu Barnes just for a minute (that's STOOO, not BOOO),
you can note that Barnes was acquired with Jason Woolley from the Florida
Panthers during the last "coaching" crisis, and though neither will ever be
confused with Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr in terms of natural ability, both
are a lot less removed from the Stanley Cup final.

The 1995-96 Panthers, you'll recall, ejected the Philadelphia Flyers and
these Penguins from the playoffs last spring, and did it with an entirely
different design. "Florida, Philly, us, Buffalo, we're all different,"
Barnes was saying after practice. "Philly's more of a bruising team, where
Florida has to have everybody play hard every night to be successful, and
Buffalo's like that, too. Here, there is so much unbelievable talent up
front that there's a big difference.

"When you have the kind of great talent that can make a difference, you've
got to give Mario and Ronnie Francis and Yags (Jagr) and Petr Nedved the
freedom to take advantage of other team's mistakes. When you don't have
guys like that that you can count on, you've got to play the more
complicated systems."

The system around here is to let the stars be stars, act like stars, and
feel like stars, and to ride that karma along as many income streams as
possible. It infuriates the purists, but it is better at this late stage
than dropping the blade on E.J. and finding yourself star-crossed.
549.120Hey Warren, Keenan's available...WBC::DEADYI like this resonance, it elevates me. BjorkFri Feb 28 1997 18:2412
    re. -1 
    
    	Warren are you sure your pen name isn't Gene Collier? ;) Actually
    there's some hidden truths in that column. The last thing the Pens'
    owners want right now is a coach/star battle. And any incoming coach
    would probably start kicking some hinies into shape. A stronger coach
    would most likely conflict with Mario's ego.
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred
    
549.121Keenan and Mario, it boggles the mind...TIMAST::HUGHESFri Feb 28 1997 18:426
    > -< Hey Warren, Keenan's available... >-
    
    Fred, Thanks for the good laugh this morning, I needed that:-)))
    
    Dave
    
549.122Of course, Mike was relatively sane in 1987RTOMS::SHERMANSThe former MUNDIS::SSHERMANFri Feb 28 1997 19:347
Actually, it was reported that Mario and Keenan got along very well
together back in the 1987 Canada Cup.

It was also reported that Wayne Gretzky and Keenan got along well in
1987, which shows you how much things can change in nine years.

Steve
549.123'd love to see it thoughTIMAST::HUGHESFri Feb 28 1997 19:4212
    > Actually, it was reported that Mario and Keenan got along very well
    > together back in the 1987 Canada Cup.
    >
    > It was also reported that Wayne Gretzky and Keenan got along well in
    > 1987, which shows you how much things can change in nine years.
    
    I actually hit reply before I read the 2nd part. And that is very true.
    But Mario has a bigger ego than Wayne (IMO) and they wouldn't last long
    together.
    
    Dave
    
549.124at least Mario is better than Wayne in somethingGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Feb 28 1997 20:3312
    > But Mario has a bigger ego than Wayne (IMO) ...
    
    Well, maybe, but that's like saying that Mt Everest is bigger than K2 ...
    
    Meanwhile, Pens lose to the Wings 4-1 w/o much of a fight.  Predictable.
    
    	(Boy, Shanahan has really calmed down and is playing well.)
    
    I figure the Pens need to win 5 of there last 21 games to make the
    playoffs so I'm not sweating yet.  But they sure suck now.
    
    Warren
549.125EJ goneCTHU26::S_BURRIDGEMon Mar 03 1997 21:1520
March 3, 1997

Penguins fire Johnston

CANONSBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Eddie Johnston was fired as coach of the Pittsburgh
Penguins today following eight losses in nine games and a disappointing
season despite a wealth of talent.
 General manager Craig Patrick will take over the team, which is second to
Buffalo in the Northeast Division. Penguins assistant coaches Bryan Trottier
and Rick Kehoe coached at practice this morning.
 The team is 31-26-5 and sandwiched two slumps around the 14-0-2 start of
rookie goalie Patrick Lalime.
 The Penguins will likely make the playoffs but have strugged despite having
the NHL's two top scorers in Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, who will miss
one month with a groin pull. The Penguins also have the league's
12th-leading scorer in forward Ron Francis.
 The Penguins acquired Darius Kasparaitis from the Islanders to bolster
their defence but lost defencemen Chris Tamer and Neil Wilkinson for much of
the season to injuries.
 Pittsburgh lost 6-3 to New Jersey on Saturday and has lost four in a row.
549.126Hal a F&^* ing Lu YaGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Mar 03 1997 21:331
    My heart just stopped - call an ambulance
549.127Will they replace him w/ Keenan? :*)KAOFS::WATTERSMon Mar 03 1997 22:486
    Upon getting in here and reading Stephen's note (.125), I noticed that
    there was also a ".126"; somehow I just knew who replied to the one I
    was reading. :*))))
    
    
    Andy
549.128POLAR::RICHARDSONPatented Problem GeneratorMon Mar 03 1997 23:031
    How about Pat Burns?
549.129Hope has been restoredGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Mar 03 1997 23:3215
    Well,  I got my heart started again - thanks for all your cards and letters.
    
    Wow - I feel like I just won an Oscar but I don't have my acceptance
    speech ready because it was totally unexpected.  I guess I should go
    back and look at Dave's notes after Keenan was axed on what to say...
    
    But this can only be good.  EJ was clueless and if it's Craig Patrick
    or whomever he brings in - it'll be good.   I've sent him my resume...
    
    I'll start my own rumour, though.  Last time Patrick brought in Scotty
    Bowman.  Maybe this time he should get the next best thing - Al Arbour
    - he's free right?  But, I think he'll stay with himself unless there's
    no progress in a couple of weeks.
    
    Warren
549.130:-)))TIMAST::HUGHESTue Mar 04 1997 01:0610
    Congatulations Warren, I've experienced the euphoria and it lasts a
    long time. My head is still in the clouds (although it's posible I was
    born like that).
    
    Funny though, so far all the names that have been mentioned have been
    ex-Blues coaches.
    
    Keenan gets my vote.
    
    Dave
549.131:*)KAOFS::WATTERSTue Mar 04 1997 01:166
    Red Berenson?
    Brian Sutter?
    One of the living Plager bros?
    
    
    Andy
549.132Hopefully GhostBoy will be nextDIVER1::MACHADOCrazy on a ship of foolsWed Mar 05 1997 19:076
    	Congrats Warren. Every morning I get up and check the paper to see
    if the B's have fired Kasper yet. I guess I just have to keep the same
    kind of faith that you've displayed all these months. 
    
    Barry
    
549.133You Boston guys haven't even begun to suffer :-)GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Mar 05 1997 20:2116
    > all these months
    
    Well I'd say Years - since Jun 22, 1993 - to be exact.
    
    Then there was his first stint in the 80's (but I didn't really have 
    anything to compare against since the Pens had always sucked back then).
    
    His record in 93-94, 94-95, 95-96 - three years of disappointing playoff
    losses.  Out-coached, Out-strategized each time.  Which came on the
    heels of 2 CUP's where Bob Johnson (and Scotty Bowman I guess) enforced
    a system that worked.
    
    So - now there's some hope for the playoffs.  Although I hope they
    don't have to play NJ - they seem to have their stuff together again.
    
    Warren
549.134Hopeful and/or DeludedGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Mar 06 1997 19:3912
    The Pens are now 0-2 in the post EJ (for good I hope) Era - but things
    are looking better - considering they lost to the two top teams in the
    East right now (BUF & NJ) and w/o Jagr and Lemieux.
    
    The shots on goal against are down and there seems to be more effort.
    And in fact, they should've had at least a tie with Buffalo last night
    but Nedved had the old "toenail in the crease".
    
    So, look for the Pens to break their losing streak against the slumping
    Phils on Saturday and rebound and win the cup.
    
    Warren
549.135TIMAST::HUGHESThu Mar 06 1997 21:1711
    Warren,
    
    I thought you might be interested in what the St. Louis paper had to
    say about the Pens situation.
    
    "Patrick will hire someone who presumably will do more than stare 
    blankly at the ice."
    
    Is Jagr out for the season???
    
    Dave
549.136GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Mar 07 1997 01:2012
    >    "Patrick will hire someone who presumably will do more than stare
    >    blankly at the ice."
    
    Now that's not fair - He'd occasionally stare up and down the bench, too.
    
    >    Is Jagr out for the season???
    
    I have no idea - reports are conflicting - you never know with these
    hockey injuries - these guys are so secretive about injuries.  He could
    use a rest, so I not worried for now.
    
    Warren
549.137I'd go with TrotsRTOMS::SHERMANSThe former MUNDIS::SSHERMANFri Mar 07 1997 18:477
Will Patrick coach the team for the rest of the season, or does he want a
new coach in place for the playoffs?

FWIW, even back in his playing days with the Islanders, I had the hunch that
Bryan Trottier had what it takes to be a successful coach in the NHL.

Steve
549.138It's Patrick for nowMAKREL::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Mar 07 1997 19:1512
    > Will Patrick coach the team for the rest of the season ...
    
    Sounds like it - he said he didn't want to "train" someone new!?!??
    
    But, Trottier wouldn't have to be trained.  I think if he was going to
    go with Trottier, he would have done it right away.  He has Rick Kehoe
    too, who seems to be a good assnt coach.
    
    I think Trottier would be good too - although he had to file bankruptcy
    a year or two ago, which makes you wonder about his management skills...
    
    Warren
549.139Pens Pound Phading PhlyersGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Mar 10 1997 18:577
    Pens broke their long losing streak with an OT win (first of the year)
    against that team from the East.
    
    Obviously this is the turnaround game of the season and they might as
    well start putting the Pens names on the cup right now.
    
    Warren
549.140No Trades Yet?GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Mar 18 1997 23:0011
    Just checking in to see if Andy announced any trades that need to be
    verified yet :-)  Today is the trade deadline, afterall.
    
    Pens trade rumours all seem to center on Petr Nedved, who's rumored to
    be going to Vancouver (Trevor Lindon), San Jose (Owen Nolan), and
    Calgary (Dave Gagner).  All a bunch of pipe dreams, if you ask me.
    
    Doesn't look like anything's happened yet. Time for someone to make
    something up...
    
    Warren
549.141Here's my version of a dream Warren...:*)OTOOA::MAJORTue Mar 18 1997 23:477
    re -1:
    
    	Habs traded Shane Corson and Murray Baron to the Blues for Pierre
    Turgeon...:*))
    
    Ray.
    
549.142FSCORE::B_LEURYTue Mar 18 1997 23:521
    Pens have traded Richard Park for Roman Oxiuda (sp?).
549.143I'd like to see itWBC::DEADYI like this resonance, it elevates me. BjorkWed Mar 19 1997 00:268
    My version of a trade..
    
    	Caps trade Brendan (nit)Witt and Chris Simon to Chicago for Tony
    Amonte. 
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred
549.144Under the wireGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Mar 19 1997 00:316
    Well, looks like the Pens got Eddie Olczyk from LA for Glen Murray.
    Seems pretty good, Eddie O always seemed to be a good goal scorer.
    
    Looks like Florida picked up Kirk Muller - for a prospect...
    
    Warren
549.145Pens / Rangers on ESPN2 tonightGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Mar 25 1997 00:1616
    Slow day I guess...
    
    Pens have 10 games left.  3 tough ones (Tonight @NYR and two with Florida)
    And 7 ones against teams below 500.  So they should make the playoffs.
    But can they move up past the Rangers and Florida? - doubtful.
    That would leave them playing NJ or Philly in the first round.
    NJ would be tough (and boring), so... Bring on Lindros - That would be fun.
    For once the Pens would be the underdogs and the other team will be the
    underachievers.  :-)
    
    Did anyone hear anything about the rumor that Lindros missed a couple
    of games this year because he was too drunk or hungover to play?
    Someone told me that some Philly radio station started it and are
    now being sued.  Must not be true then, nevermind.
    
    Warren
549.146some gossip, from Fort Coulonge...OTOOA::MAJORTue Mar 25 1997 00:3817
    Hi Warren
    
    	I was in a hockey tourney this weekend, and one of my teammates was
    Chris Therien's (Flyers dman) uncle. He spent a few days in Philadelphia
    this winter, and met a lot of the players on the Flyers, including
    Lindros and Leclair. The rumor around the team is that Lindros would
    like to finish his career in NY w/ the Rangers, and that he's not too
    happy in Philadelphia, primarely because of the reporters (i.e.. your
    rumor, etc). Therien's name was mentionned at the trading deadline,
    and it seems he was just dying to be traded to the Leafs, where GM
    Fletcher had promissed his agent a multi-million $$ deal for him...
    
    Therien is 6'5", 237 lbs, and according to my friend, he's bigger than
    Lindros...
    
    Ray.
    
549.147hopefully not a future Cap...WBC::DEADYI like this resonance, it elevates me. BjorkTue Mar 25 1997 01:0910
    re. -1
    
    	I wonder if Lindros really thinks the writers in NY are different 
    than the writers in Philly? He's had a hard time living up to
    expectations that were forced (IMHO) upon him in his trade. perhaps he
    just wants/needs a change of scenery. 
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred
549.148Any news????KAOFS::WATTERSTue Mar 25 1997 01:157
    Speaking of Lindros.
    
    Did Rich Pilon (NYI) get suspended for the low (yet legal) hit on
    the Big E that kept him out of the Avs game? Apparently, they were
    looking into suspending Pilon for the Kasparitus-type hit.
    
    Andy
549.149Yet legal ??KDCA03::CDCUP_GREENETue Mar 25 1997 19:216
    I don't see how clipping someone is considered a
    legal hit no matter who you are!!
    
    
    
    Chris
549.150OTOOA::MAJORTue Mar 25 1997 19:539
    I also thought it was a legal hit on Lindros. I'd call it a hip check,
    as opposed to a clip. Also, Lindros wasn't hurt by the hit. He injured
    himself when the player's bench door opened while he was falling to the
    ice, and his leg got caught in the opening.
    
    I don't think Pilon deserved a penalty, and even less, a suspension...
    
    Ray.
    
549.151KDCA03::CDCUP_GREENETue Mar 25 1997 22:167
    Oh my mistake, I didn't realize you can just clip 
    a guy as he is skating down the side without the
    puck.
    
    
    
    Chris
549.152OTOOA::MAJORTue Mar 25 1997 22:325
    I might of missed that detail, Chris. I didn't know Lindros didn't have
    the puck.
    
    Ray.
    
549.153KDCA03::CDCUP_GREENETue Mar 25 1997 22:494
    Well he didn't!    :)
    
    
    Chris
549.154makin' a little room for myself...WBC::DEADYI like this resonance, it elevates me. BjorkTue Mar 25 1997 22:508
    It was a classic low-bridge, however, as was mentioned Lindros didn't
    have the puck. Pilon should have gotten an interference call for it. As
    a smaller player myself, I'm a big proponent of going low, not at the
    knees, on the big guys. It's one of our few equalizers :)
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred
549.155Aren't rumors a bad thing?GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Mar 25 1997 23:145
    Lindros was probably too drunk to get out the way :-)
    
    Warren
    
    P.S.  I know, it's not true.  Sue me.
549.156Battle to see who loses to NJ in first roundGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Mar 26 1997 23:3912
    Big game in Montreal, tonight?
    
    Pens now "own" the Habs in Montreal, so I'm confident :-)
    
    
    Mario has not scored a point in his last 3 games.  
    
    Trivia Question:
    
    When was the last time Mario did not score a point in 3 straight games?
    
    Warren
549.157FSCORE::PAVEZKAHull BoundThu Mar 27 1997 01:255
    Answer to Trivia -
    
    Never!
    
    pete
549.158Never in his 12 yr career. WOW!!!KAOFS::WATTERSThu Mar 27 1997 01:327
    >>Answer to Trivia -
    >>Never!
    
    I'll second that.
    
    
    Andy
549.159Pens domination of Montreal endsGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Mar 27 1997 20:5031
    Well, Mario got his pts/game average back in line with 5 points last
    night (2g, 3a) but the team was shellacked in Montreal 8-5.   Nice
    ovation by the Montreal Fans, however, for Mario.  I didn't think 
    Montreal fans had any class :-)
    
    Pens still suck - and since EJ isn't around any longer I guess
    I'll have to blame it on injuries.  Doesn't look like the Pens are
    ready for the playoffs at all...
    
    Since Jagr is out and Mario is in a funk, the goal scoring race is
    sure tight this year.  Here's the current standings:
    
    	Leclair	 48
    	Selanne  47
    	Lemieux  46
    	Shanahan 46
    	Tkachuk  46
    	Jagr	 45  in 57 games
    	Bondra	 43
    	Hull	 41
    
    Of course, Mario still seams to have a handle on the Points race:
    
    	Lemieux  110
    	Selanne   98
    	Leclair   93
    	Gretzky   90
    	Jagr      87
    	Kariya    87
    
    Warren
549.160Mario Le Magnifique was magic in Le Centre Molson!OTOOA::MAJORThu Mar 27 1997 21:5618
    Went to my first ever game in Le Centre Molson last nite, which
    coincided w/ Mario's farewell to the Montreal fans, and it was quite
    the treat!!! In a typical "win/win" situation, the Habs beat the Pens
    8-5, after scoring 4 goals on their first 5 shots on net.
    
    However, after the Habs took a 5-0 lead in the first, Mario Le
    Magnifique took over, getting 3 assists in all Pens goals in the
    second, and scoring both Pens goals in the 3rd...His first goal, scored
    w/ less than 2 minutes left in the game was followed by an immense
    standing ovation that only Hab greats such as Richard, beliveau and
    Lafleur ever got!!! Also, after being named the game's 1st star,
    Lemieux got another standing O, skated accross the ice to shake hands w/
    Habs President Corey. Mark Recchi and Shane Corson (games 2nd & 3rd
    stars) also shook Lemieux's hand. Lemieux then skated back waving to
    the fans...a moment of magic!!!
    
    Ray.
    
549.161I'm all mistyGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Mar 27 1997 23:2811
    Wow, great report, Ray.  Of course, these emotional moments may
    actually make it harder for Mario to renege on the retirement plans.
    
    I just saw the highlights which just showed Mario's points and - oh
    by the way - Montreal had 8 goals to win.  Could you tell if it was
    Lalime or the Pens Defense that was terrible?  (Unless of course it
    was just Montreal being too good)
    
    I see Darius K. welcomed Koivu back from his injury...
    
    Warren
549.162OTOOA::MAJORThu Mar 27 1997 23:5910
    From my point of view Warre, I don't think Lalime should take all the
    blame for the Habs quick goals in the first. Their defense did look
    suspect, and out of place on a few goals...
    
    BTW, being a "romantic" type, nothing will ever replace a hockey game
    in the MTL Forum, but I have to say the Molson Center is pretty nice,
    and very big!! last nite, over 21,000 people were in attendance...
    
    Ray.
    
549.163That Ray guy; he's a lonely guy eh? Maybe tooo lonelyKAOFS::WATTERSFri Mar 28 1997 00:017
    RAY!!!
    
    What's so 'romantic' about a hockey game??????
    Don't count on going to any game (NHL or JR) w/ me from now on.
    
    
    Andy
549.164Earth to Andy, Earth to Andy, come in Andy :-)))TIMAST::HUGHESFri Mar 28 1997 01:1811
    > What's so 'romantic' about a hockey game??????
    
    What are you nuts??? I take my wife on a date, they dim the lights
    before the players come onto the ice, a couple of ice cold frosty
    Budweisers, hot dogs and nachos for dinner, a bunch of millionaires on 
    ice skates carrying sticks??? 
    
    Andy Andy Andy, maybe you should marry this girlfriend of yours. Then
    you wouldn't ask such dumb questions :-))) 
    
    Dave
549.165Good time for a vacation; I'm gone til Apr 8th. See ya!KAOFS::WATTERSFri Mar 28 1997 04:189
    Duh! Geez, Dave. I just didn't know. 
    I just thought 'romantic' was being polite before 'doing it'; like
    "You wanna do it?". :*)))
    
    
    Thanks again, Oh! WeISEr guy.
    
    
    Andy
549.167Could it be "Beware the Penguins" time again?GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Apr 02 1997 01:146
    Pens catch the Rangers with 6 games to go.  And the Pens "should" win
    most of them - espically with Jagr and Company back.
    
    Starting to look good for the Playoffs?  Maybe...
    
    Warren
549.168Penguins crossing the pond ???VYGER::PIRRIEAWill things be better tomorrow???Wed Apr 02 1997 15:0511
    Hi,
    
       can anyone confirm or deny a rumour I heard at our play-off final
    last Saturday.
    
    Penguins are looking into setting up a sort of farm team over here
    (UK) playing in our Superleague.The team would probably be based in
    London although somewhere in Ireland was also mentioned.
    
    
    Al
549.169News to meGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Apr 02 1997 20:109
    Hi,
    
    I seem to recall some kind of European Farm team (more of a team that
    the Pens had an "interest" in) but I thought it was in Scandinavia or 
    something.  I haven't heard anything about a team in the UK - but I'll 
    include that question in my daily report to Craig Patrick and let you 
    know :-)
    
    Warren
549.170Article from a Pittsburgh PaperGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Apr 03 1997 21:4577
Lemieux unhappy after talk with Burke

By Sam Ross Jr.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Mario Lemieux and the man whose policies have been given partial blame for
Lemieux's decision to retire, shared a room Tuesday. It was the Penguins
locker room, and fortunately, the two weren't alone.

NHL vice president Brian P. Burke was at the Civic Arena to hold a meeting
to discuss anything and everything on the players' minds. He holds these
meetings with each league team and has four to go. Judging from the look of
disdain on Lemieux's face as he left the meeting, and his brief comment
regarding its merit, Burke told the team largely what he'd told the media
beforehand. Basically, Burke likes the way the NHL game is officiated and
if Lemieux retiring early to escape what he perceives as rampant clutching
and grabbing is a consequence, so be it. "Obviously no one would like to
see officiating be a factor in Mario's decision," Burke said. "But . . . I
don't think a league can tailor a standard of officiating for one player."

Lemieux is not the only star player to complain publicly that the NHL
tolerates too much wrestling in the name of playing defense. The league
seemed interested in hearing what Lemieux had to say when he had an
off-season audience with Burke and commissioner Gary Bettman. Lemieux came
away unimpressed.

Last season, there has been a professed emphasis on eliminating obstruction
of players without the puck, and for awhile more penalties were called.
Eventually, the game returned to its previous state. This season, the
philosophy has changed to loosening the officiating by eliminating what
Burke calls "marginal" calls. "I think it's fair to say the marginal call
in hockey is a very dangerous thing in terms of how it affects the outcome
of a game," Burke said. "It leads to multiple calls. It leads to player
frustration. Basically we felt, after great study of this with some owners
involved, managers involved, some coaches involved and some officials
involved, that that was the biggest single problem in the game. That has
resulted in a dropoff in scoring, but it also has resulted, I think, in
when you watch an NHL game now, we're finding out who the best team is on a
given night, not who has the best power play."

Burke speaking Tuesday sounded remarkably like Flyers general manager Bobby
Clarke speaking just more than a year ago. "You can't right now, tell who's
the better team," Clarke said then. "You are just able to tell who had the
better power play and penalty kill because there are so many penalties
called. I mean poor (Karl) Dykhuis puts his stick out against Ron Francis
to keep him from going to the net, and it gets called. That's not a
penalty. The way the rules are now, it's great for Mario or Wayne Gretzky.
But it's not hockey. Not NHL hockey, anyway."

Clarke and others like him, including Boston GM Harry Sinden, have gotten
their way. Burke has bought their line of thought over that of Lemieux.
While the NHL avoids making marginal calls, even at the expense of scoring,
it will maintain its strict stance on players in the crease. The sometimes
controversial rule, which has become more noticeable this year because
video replay judges are being allowed to review the calls, makes no
distinction between a player in the crease having no impact on the play and
one interfering with the goalie.

The reason, said Burke, is that when there was room for interpretation,
players pushed the envelope. "We feel the players have adjusted very well
to this," Burke said. "Early in the year, we had guys crashing the net,
goalies getting knocked on their cans, goals being disallowed. Now, the
players seem much more conscious of that blue paint, and that's working
from our perspective."

The only refinement planned is to attempt to amend the rules to make the
video replay judge able to call down to the referee to correct an erroneous
call. Now, the referee must request that help. "We had a game this year
with the Rangers and Dallas," Burke said. "First period, Adam Graves has
one skate in crease. The referee goes upstairs. The goal is disallowed. It
was the proper call. Third period, Benoit Hogue has one skate in the
crease. The referee elected not to go upstairs and the goal stood and it
shouldn't have."

Burke said a goal is disallowed, on average, only once every 5.5 games.
"It's nowhere near as big an issue or an item as people think it is."
    
549.171FSCORE::B_LEURYFri Apr 04 1997 01:4919
    >>Basically we felt, after great study of this with some owners
    >>involved, managers involved, some coaches involved and some officials
    >>involved, that that was the biggest single problem in the game.
    
    Too bad they didn't include the paying customer in this study.
    
    I have to agree with the "in the crease rule".  To me it's like the
    offside rule.  You're either offside or not and nobody seems to have
    a problem with this.  There is no argument of "well he might have
    been offside but he was way on the left wing and we came in from the
    right side to score so he had no impact on the play".  However, where the 
    intepretation is bad is that there has been "in the crease" calls made when 
    players entered the crease AFTER the puck went in the net.  And there
    is always the issue of players being pushed in the crease and somehow
    goals are disallowed.   
    
    I still hate the hooking and the clutch and grab. 
    
    Bernie.
549.172FSCORE::PAVEZKAHull BoundFri Apr 04 1997 02:2613
    
    "I still hate the hooking and the clutch and grab."
    
    
    
    Bernie, a couple of things come to mind
    
          .....Practice what you preach!
          .....He who casts the first stone....
          ..... He who lives in glass houses.....
    
    
    pete ;-)
549.173FSCORE::B_LEURYFri Apr 04 1997 21:053
    re: -1
    
    what WHAT WWHHAATTT!!!
549.174Stand by your man...KAOFS::B_CROOKBrian @KAOSat Apr 05 1997 01:131
    Bernie "hasn't held a man in long time..."
549.175Final weekGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Apr 07 1997 20:0215
    With 4 games left, the Pens, Rangers, and Panthers are in a little
    race for 4,5,6 in the East.  The Loser has to play Philly or NJ so
    there's alot at stake.  Right now, I see both the Pens and Rangers
    catching the Panthers (who are in quite a funk).   Which would
    set up a Marquee matchup which would be sure to be the ESPN "A" game
    every night.   Even thought the Rangers owned the Pens this year,
    I think the Pens can take them in the playoffs.
    
    Of course, the Pens still have to win these last four games:
    Boston, @TB, @FLA, @Boston.  Very doable.  If they win all four, they
    get 4th place.
    
    And - oh by the way - Mario made it official - this is it :-(
    
    Warren
549.176time to win these games-in-handGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Apr 09 1997 00:1413
    Pens host the Bruins tonight.  I hope the B's rest Jim Carey tonight
    for his sake.  Let's just say his record against the Pens is less than
    spectacular....
    
    Pens still have a shot at cathing Buffalo, if they win 4 and Buffalo loses
    it last three (B's, Sens, Caps).  Ummm - Nevermind. :-)
    
    But they still have a good shot at fourth.  Though I was surpised the 
    Rangers came back to beat Philly last night (w/o Messier).  I guess 
    Lindros is  going into playoff mode early. :-)  
    You're a class act, Eric baby.
    
    Warren
549.177Lindros did score, so bring on the playoffsKDCA01::CDCUP_GREENEWed Apr 09 1997 00:578
    I'd say your a class act Warren by no means :)
    
    
    Lemieux will likely get his 50th tonight and
    maybe even Jagr seeing as its only the Bruins.

    
    Chris
549.178DELNI::GILBERTWed Apr 09 1997 01:436
    
    Lindros is a pr!ck in the biggest way.  Cross check in the teeth at the
    buzzer makes him a majorly marked man thursday night.  Beukaboom
    Tikkanen and Churla are licking their lips....
    
    mmmm.....
549.179Beukaboom,Churla,Tikkanen, I don't think so:)KDCA03::CDCUP_GREENEWed Apr 09 1997 16:408
    That's a good one mmmm..... :)
    
    Lindros was retaliating, did you expect him to
    just leave it alone??
    
    
    
    Chris
549.180We'll get our answer tomorrow...DELNI::GILBERTWed Apr 09 1997 21:3610
    
    
    No, I don't expect him to leave it alone but a crosscheck to the teeth
    is just askin' fer trouble.  I'd definitely pay extra to see Churla and
    Lindros square off!
    
    Game is on ESPN thursday - we'll see....
    
    
    -Mike
549.181Ulf deserves everything he gets and more!KDCA03::CDCUP_GREENEWed Apr 09 1997 23:366
    It was Ulf Samuelson that Lindros retaliated against.
    I would think most NHL fans would like that show.
    Lindros should of took his head right off :)
    
    
    Chris
549.182Lindros needs to chill (or pick his spots better)GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Apr 10 1997 00:1115
    I was wondering when Ulf would get dragged into this discussion...
    I guess some people do deserve to have their teeth knocked out at
    the final buzzer.  Good think for Lindros it wasn't Leetch back
    there, or we'd be talking suspension.   Poor Ulf :-)
    
    But, really, Lindros is still a man-child.  He can dish it out but
    he can't take it.  Not that this is a rare trait in the NHL :-)
    But I can see Lindros pulling a Dale Hunter at some point and getting
    so frustrated that he'll lose it and do something really sick.  And we
    see it doesn't take much to get him frustrated.
    
    Flyers would be better off if Lindros stayed in the bar for the 'offs :-)
    
    Warren (hoping Chris finds the humor in this - still hope the
            Flyers and Pens meet at some point.  Would be alot of fun!)
549.183KDCA03::CDCUP_GREENEThu Apr 10 1997 01:1612
    I don't know if I would go as far as saying Lindros
    will eventually pull a Dale Hunter. I do agree that
    Lindros loses it at times... but when you have dozens
    of guys in the league trying to take the big guy out, 
    he is going to lose it by retaliating. Kind of like 
    Lemieux Warren. The only thing different is that Lindros
    takes care of things himself where as Mario takes it to 
    the refs. (whine, whine)
    I would like to see the Pens meet their rival Flyers also
    
    Chris  (also hoping Warren sees the humor:)
    
549.184I respect Lindros more as time goes byDIVER1::MACHADOCrazy on a ship of foolsThu Apr 10 1997 19:4035
    	In most instances, a crosscheck to the teeth is reprehensible...
    except in the case of Ulf. This guy has dished out so many cheap shots
    over the years and for the most part gotten away with so much that all
    I can say is that he who lives by the sword dies by the sword. Please
    understand that I'm not one to enjoy another human beings suffering,
    and I don't even enjoy Ulf's suffering... I just don't feel badly about
    it.
    
    	As far as Lindros is concerned. When he came into the league I had
    no respect at all for him. He's proven himself to be real deal however,
    no matter how much growing up he seems to need to do. Don't forget his
    still relatively young age and the enormous amount of pressure he is
    under. I wonder how many of us could handle that kind of pressure and
    life under constant scrutiny at all times, no matter where we went. 
    I can understand him getting fed up with people constantly running at
    him. Face it, every time he's on the ice he's a target for every rookie
    that wants to make a name for himself. I respect the "frontier justice"
    mentality more than the "retire when the league doesn't give me my way"
    way of thinking. 
    
    	There was a game MANY years ago when Phil Esposito butt ended an
    opponent in the ribs so badly that the guy ended up not playing the
    rest of the game to go to the hospital. Seems as though the butt end
    went between two of the guys ribs and bruised? his lung or something to
    that effect. When asked about it in the newspaper the next day Espo
    answered "These guys are hanging all over me out there in the slot, I'm
    getting punched, speared, and slashed constantly. If the ref's don't
    want to call the penalties fine, people are going to start getting
    hurt. I'm sick of the abuse I'm taking." Of course I'm paraphrasing.
    This happend over 20 years ago, but still, you get the jist of what he
    was saying. Nowadays a player goes straight to the ref and whines. I
    guess I just like the old days and Lindros seems to play in that style.
    
    Barry
    
549.185I still consider him baby for the way he trated QuebecTIMAST::HUGHESThu Apr 10 1997 22:0714
    > But, really, Lindros is still a man-child.  He can dish it out but
    > he can't take it. 
    
    I don't get the opportunity to see Lindos very much. I've had tickets
    to see him against the Blues 3 times and have only seen him play once
    live. However, I was impressed by how much he didn't retaliate and take
    bad penalties for his team. Maybe is was just that game but people were
    hammering him from all angles (and all elbows) and he took the abuse,
    fought it off and did his job. 
    
    Oh, BTW, the 1st time I saw him live he crosschecked a Blues player
    from behind and got a game misconduct less than a minute into the game.
    
    Dave
549.186Pens should tank the final two so they play PhillyGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Apr 11 1997 20:0411
    I still hate Dino!
    
    The Pens can still get fourth by winning their final 2 (@FLA and @BOS).
    But the TB game, which they lost 4-3, should've been one a team on a
    roll should win.  Fortunately, nobody else seems to be on a roll.
    
    And the playoff race is still pretty tight.  All we know now is that
    Buffalo will be seeded #2 in the East and Detroit will be #3 in the
    West.  All the other spots are up for grabs with only 1 or 2 games left.
    
    Warren
549.187Is it still possible?RTOMS::SHERMANSThe former MUNDIS::SSHERMANFri Apr 11 1997 20:474
Personally, I'd like to see the Pens face the Rangers.  Wayne and Mario
have never faced each other in the playoffs, and this is the last chance.

Steve
549.188Wayne vs Mario - wish it could be a cup final, thoughGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Apr 11 1997 21:0711
    Steve,
    
    Yes, the Pens and Rangers meeting is still very possible.
    It requires the Pens beating Florida tonight and getting a win or tie
    against Boston on Sunday Night.  While the Rangers must get a win or tie 
    against TB in their last game.  (Florida would lose all tiebreakers)
    
    And it would be a good series, I think.  It would help if Messier
    stayed injured, though :-)
    
    Warren
549.189I'd hope for everyone to be healthyRTOMS::SHERMANSThe former MUNDIS::SSHERMANFri Apr 11 1997 21:103
Thanks, Warren.  What's wrong with the Moose?

Steve
549.190GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddySat Apr 12 1997 01:104
    Messier has a deep "charly horse" - I can't imagine him missing any
    playoffs games with that...
    
    Warren
549.191I guess Mario vs Wayne will be the conf. finalsGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Apr 14 1997 02:3215
    Pens vs. Flyers in Round 1 - Oh my - Careful what you wish for, eh?
    
    Pens (and Rangers) lost and Pens then went and lost to Boston.
    Meanwhile the Flyers couldn't beat MTL.
    (Rangers have to go to Florida)
    
    Well, I can't see the Pens winning in Philly and I can't see Philly winning
    in Pittsburgh.  So down to game 7 - anything can happen.
    
    Easily the most attractive game on TV (in the states at least) so, 
    I hope to get to watch all the games at least. 
    
    C'mon Pens - make those Flyer Fans greene with envy
    
    Warren
549.192He won't miss games as long as the leg is attachedRTOMS::SHERMANSThe former MUNDIS::SSHERMANMon Apr 14 1997 17:4218
>   Messier has a deep "charly horse" - I can't imagine him missing any
>   playoffs games with that...

Thanks again, Warren.  That is presumably the injury suffered as a result
of a (perfectly legal) hip check into the boards by Slava Fetisov about
two weeks ago.  Curiously, somebody on another team (I don't remember who)
was injured almost identically the following night.

John Davidson has been saying the league should seriously consider banning
below-the-waist checks.  There have been a number of players injured
recently by knee-on-knee collisions (including the master of the knee
check, Darius Kasparaitis:  as ye sow, so shall ye reap), but players
are so much bigger these days, even the classic hip check has a high
potential to injure.

It makes sense to rest Messier.  Without him, the Rangers are toast.

Steve
549.193All the pressure will be on the FlyersGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyWed Apr 16 1997 22:2136
The Philly series is the first series in which the Pens have been the away
team (underdog) since they won their last Stanley Cup.  So, watch out Philly!
(And we won't even mention the fact that EJ is gone - so maybe the Pens can
 actually react to change during the game!!!)


Pens Playoff Record in the 90's

96   Beat  Washington 4-2
     Beat  Rangers    4-1
     Lost  Florida    3-4 (7th game, tied in 3rd period)

95   Beat  Washington 4-3
     Lost  New Jersey 1-4 (who went on win the cup - Mario Did Not Play)

94   Lost  Washington 2-4 (Still shocked about it,Mario had Cancer,played anyway

93   Beat  New Jersey 4-1
     Lost  Islanders  3-4 (7th game in OT)

92   Beat  Washington 4-3
     Beat  Rangers    4-2
     Beat  Boston     4-0
     Beat  Chicago    4-0 Stanley Cup Champs

91   Beat  New Jersey 4-3
     Beat  Washington 4-1
     Beat  Boston     4-2
     Beat  Minnesota  4-2 Stanley Cup Champs

The ONLY other time the Pens and Flyers have met in the Playoffs 
was in the second round of 89 where the Flyers won 4-3.  (Mario
had 5 goals in one the games, however, those were the days...)

Warren
549.194Pens lose 5-1GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Apr 18 1997 20:2113
    As expected and planned, the Pens lose game 1 to the hated Flyers.
    (Can't let the Flyers know what's coming)
    
    Bright Spots:  Wreggett looked good
    		   Jagr looked healthy
    		   Garth Snow????
    		   Lindros got his best game out of his system
    		   Pens always lose game 1
    
    It would be nice if the Pens won game 2, but I don't see them winning
    in Philly until Game 5.
    
    Warren
549.195Hope it's not another stupid question ;-)FSCORE::PAVEZKAHull BoundFri Apr 18 1997 20:264
    I heard that Jagr re-aggravated his groin injury and would likely miss
    the next game.  What's the news out of Pittsburgh?  
    
    pete
549.196No wonder he's quitting hockeyKAOFS::WATTERSFri Apr 18 1997 21:096
    I watched most of this game (and bits of Sens-Sabres, Habs-Devils)
    and I must say that I can't believe how much hooking and holding is
    done on Lemieux. UNBELIEVABLE!!! There should be a penalty on him on
    most every shifts he takes. 
    
    Andy
549.197Just so he's back for Game 3GOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyFri Apr 18 1997 21:137
    > Jagr re-aggravated his groin injury ...
    
    Yeah - I just heard that too.  One of the Flyers hooked him at the end
    of the game.  But, you never know with hockey injuries.
    Noboby ever tells the truth.
    
    Warren
549.198And, BTW, Lindros still sucksGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Apr 21 1997 21:4414
    Pens played better in Game 2 and will surely win tonight in Pittsburgh
    where the Flyers have won once in this Decade (give or take a few years).
    
    Pens need to win both games so there's NO possibility that Mario's
    career ends in Phucking Philadelpha.   If the Pens lose tonight, I say
    they should just cancel game 4 and honor Mario instead. (Evidently,
    Mario still has constant back pain and gets back massages in between 
    periods to help him get through the game.  Of course, if Mario LOVED
    THE GAME more, he wouldn't need that and would be coming back next year.)
    
    At least I'll be comforted by the fact that there is no way the Flyers
    would get past the Devils. (Not to mention the Panthers.)
    
    Warren
549.199Turn out the lights, MarioGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Apr 22 1997 19:5920
    Oh well....
    
    Flyers sure are a physical team.  Although you wouldn't think they
    would have to resort to slashing and hacking and holding as well.
    Boy, they are an easy team to hate.  Broad Street Bullies II.
    They are CONSTANTLY hitting and slashing.  It's hard to take.
    But, I guess this is what the NHL is these days... Sigh.  There's always
    the World Cup and maybe the Olympics will be fun to watch.
    
    No way Mario cost them the game with his little slash - Pens were
    already toast.  When No One Else on the team besides Mario and Jagr
    can generate any offense, forget it.
    
    Craig Patrick should stick to being a GM...
    
    Hopefully, next year, the Pens will be able to buy a decent 2nd and 3rd
    line with the $11 million they won't be paying Mario.  Maybe throw in
    a decent coach.
    
    Warren
549.200Lights still onGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyThu Apr 24 1997 18:3516
    Pens let Mario play at least one more game by Beating the Flyers 4-1
    last night.  Am I the only one who had to reach for a hankie at the end?
    Would be a very sweet sendoff, if it is Mario's last homegame.
    
    Pens actually brought the whole team last night.  And they were nastier
    than usual - going after Snow and Leclair especially.  Lindros was
    NOWHERE.   It's funny that Snow can even complain about getting leveled
    after the stuff he pulls.  He's worse than Hextall.  But Mario beat him
    like a rented mule, as Mike Lange would say, and Flyer fans should be
    worried about their future - if not in this series, in the next for sure.
    
    And the Pens actually played defense and remembered to sit on a lead.
    
    Too little, too late?  Well, if Pens can somehow win Game 5 on Saturday...
    
    Warren
549.201I wouldn't count them out yet.POLAR::MAJORThu Apr 24 1997 19:367
    Warren,
    
    	If there's one team (or player) that can come back from an 0-3
    deficit, it's the Pens...followed closely by the Habs, that is...:*))
    
    Ray.
    
549.202KAOFS::WATTERSThu Apr 24 1997 20:1412
    Warren,
    	
    	I'll tell you why the Pens won this game. HATCHER! 
    This guy is finally playing like he did in the World Cup; he's throwing
    his weight around on the big Flyer forwards AND they've got him
    screening Snow on the PP. 
    
    If that was Mario last game in Pittsburgh, he went out the right one.
    Scoring on a breakaway w/ that patented wrist shot up high. Gotta luv
    it.
    
    Andy
549.203Pens will come back as long as they play sh'edFABSIX::T_BEAULIEULike A steam LocomotiveFri Apr 25 1997 01:5215
    
    Warren,
    
    		how about that shot Hicks gave Snow last nite?  pretty
    dirty if you ask me seeing how Snow never saw it coming. The 
    interference call was a joke the Pen Player (forget who) was in the
    crease!  I'm not making excuses for Snow but Koharski should have
    his pay docked for that one.
    
    Super-Mario's goal was a beauty.... he'll be missed  not the least by
    Jaromir. hope he's getting used to the rough stuff cause when Mario is
    gone next year he'll be getting ALOT of it.  Nedved's goal was a beauty
    too!
    
    Toby
549.204Mario will always be LemieuxGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Apr 28 1997 21:2613
    As feared, the Penguins as a team, did not show up for Game 5
    As feared, the Penguins are as deep as my daughters' wading pool
    As feared, Mario's career ends in Philly.
    As feared, the Philly fans were able to act human & give Mario a nice hand.
    As feared, the Mario era ends without another cup...
    
    Oh well.  I can't quite bring myself to congratulate Philly, though.
    Or Say something like "the better team won".  How about:
    "The team which bent the rules better won".  (Too bitter? Maybe.)
    
    See ya on the golf course in two weeks, Eric.
    
    Warren
549.205Early retirement handed to Lemieux by LindrosKDCA03::CDCUP_GREENEMon Apr 28 1997 22:4113
    > Oh well. I can't quite bring myself to congratulate Philly, though
    > or I can't really say the better team won.
    
    
    O.k Warren, I will say it for you.
    
    THE BETTER TEAM WON.  YEHAW !!
    
    I t didn't take much effort for Philly to dispose of the
    one line team. They just didn't have what it takes.
    
    Chris
    
549.20666- Had to carry his team and 1/2 his opponents on his backKAOFS::WATTERSMon Apr 28 1997 23:0111
    Can't say Lindros impressed me in this series. Brind'Amour though
    is something else; he was the sparkplug. 
    
    Snow showed that if any team can sustain pressure on him, he's not
    a Ranford/Brodeur/Joseph/Roy goalie. Pitts didn't have the horses
    on D to compete w/ Philly's strong forechecking. 
    
    How'bout the press conference given by Lemieux after the game; he made
    sure the refs weren't left out. :*)
    
    Andy
549.207More Bitter RamblingsGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyMon Apr 28 1997 23:3430
    Good Points Andy.   If the Pens could've gotten, I don't know, 5 more
    shots on goal - they would've won I think - Snow wasn't anything special.
    Lack of chances and Brind'Amour's goals were the difference...
    
    Re: Mario and the refs..
    
    I happened to be watching part of the Bulls-Bullets game yesterday
    (I know, I know, NO basketball talk in this conference, sorry...)
    Jordan scored 55 pts, seemingly at will, and the Bulls won.
    
    So I was thinking, if this was the NHL, Michael Jordan would have a
    designated person constantly holding on to his jersey and a few others
    would come in to swat his arms and legs plus an occasional elbow to
    the face.  And he'd be forever bumped, whether he has the ball or not.
    And in the last quarter or OT, they would even allow him to be tackled.
    Instead, in the NBA, the rules actually favor the superstar to no end.  
    No Zone Defense, Traveling is OK, No Moving Pics, etc.  Wuss City.
    
    So the question is:  Is this better?  
    
    I guess not, since I find the NBA to be dull to no end and the NHL to be 
    the best spectator sport around.  But on the other hand, I wouldn't mind 
    the talented players to be given back an edge over the "work ethic" teams 
    that seem to do so well these days.
    
    I guess my outlook would be different if I followed a team without any
    talented players (like NJ,BUF,FLA or the Flyers :-) ), but right now I'm 
    bummed.
    
    Warren
549.208:)KDCA03::CDCUP_GREENEMon Apr 28 1997 23:565
    I was hoping that the whining would stop once
    Mario retired :)
    
    
    Chris
549.209At least give me a few days, ehGOBUCS::COOLEYMegan and Michelle's DaddyTue Apr 29 1997 00:163
    I have yet to begin to whine :-)
    
    Warren Paul Jones
549.210Are the Pens looking to get a #1 pick overall in '98?KAOFS::WATTERSThu May 15 1997 01:487
    Warren,
    
    	What's this I've been hearing about Jagr being SOLD to the Kings 
    for $16M. ???????
    
    
    Andy