Welcome to the Black and Gold Society. This is your place for a fresh take on the Pittsburgh sporting world. Including extensive coverage of the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers.
So lots has been happening since I wrote my game day for the devils game, a game I'd rather not speak about after Brent Johnson couldn't recover in overtime. A game that had horrible foreshadowing for the events that took place in Boston afterward. Seeing Fleury on the ice in OT against Boston not being able to get up in time was scarily reminiscent to the night before but I digress, we won that game and I'll admit, I could watch Dustin Jeffrey score that goal in OT all day long, so join me.
Then finally, in what took about exactly a month, the Penguins won in regulation against the Sabres, who if anyone was paying attention, haven't beaten the Penguins in two seasons, 0-6. Felt good, the game was good, Neal got his first goal as a Penguin and first goal in I think 15 games or so, it was a long drought. Then, out of no where Zybenek Michalek, lets two rippers go through for goals, one was a letestu deflection, Pen's fans everywhere went ballistic. Chris Kunitz was a game time decision against Buffalo but he still came out and played hard, we now have almost all the pieces back, but are starting to run out of room on the board to put them.
Michalek vs the World. Michalek 2-0
This Injury list used to be about 40 pages long, but now it's down to about one. Arron Asham, Nick Johnson and Eric Tangradi are still suffering from concussion like symptoms along with Sidney Crosby, Crosby unfortunately hasn't been practicing, or even working out. Mike Comrie is still out nursing his hip injury like your grandparents, Malkin is well yeah we all know that, Brooks Orpik continues to miss time for a couple more weeks with his broken finger. Any Wilkes-Barre Scranton Pen's that were on injured reserve prior to March 1st, are not eligible for the AHL playoffs.
Somehow, the Penguins have stayed within 2 points of the Flyers, despite missing almost all of their players and their two biggest stars. That somehow? Well it would have to be the exceptional work ethic and coaching of one "Disco" Dan Bylsma. After capturing his 100th win he celebrated his 2 year anniversary with the Pens. It looks like we'll be getting a chance at one point to possibly celebrate half a decade of Disco's tutelage.He became the third fastest coach in Penguins history to record 100 wins, and already has won the Stanley Cup for the 'guins.
It's very obvious that he and Ray Shero have a very good working relationship, and they see eye to eye on where the team needs improvement, where it is exceptional and where to take it in the future. “Dan has very quickly established himself as one of the best coaches in the National Hockey League,” Shero said. “He has been a perfect fit for our organization since day one, and we look forward to having him leading our team for the next three seasons." Shero went on to compliment his coach even more saying, “I think what we’ve been able to accomplish so far his season, even with players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal out of the lineup for extended periods of time, is a testament to his coaching system, his adaptability, and his composure under pressure.”
Bylsma essentially was not very removed from the league before coming back to Coach after retiring as a player. Pascal Dupuis, then with the Minnesota Wild played against Bylsma in the 2003 Western Conference finals. During his 2 year anniversary moments with the team Fleury had very good words to say about his coach; “I think since the first day he came in, he’s always had the same attitude... We buy into his system and play the way he wants – (which is) always play for the next shift, no matter what happens. Just keep playing and keep playing hard. I think he showed that we can win that way, and he’s a guy that, even through tough times, stays positive.”
A key trait to have when your team is suffering as many injuries as this one, yet still only 2 points out of first place in the East. Congratulations again to Disco Dan for this new contract and additional congrats to James Neal and Zybenek Michalek for breaking their scoring droughts, and of course congrats to the team for taking 2 points in regulation time again!
Canadiens on Saturday at home in PA. Lets go Pens!
