Penguins at Hurricanes: Game Day Preview

Time for GOOD VIBES!

It’s a class act by Muller to give all the veterans a fresh start with him. The problem of course is that these lineups were ineffective under Maurice; and I doubt Muller is going to like the outcomes of using these same lineups. I don’t suggest Muller has any better option that to give respect and deference to the veterans.

I did see Muller giving Stewart shifts with Staal; and apparently Stewart may soon see shifts on the power play. I also noticed LaRose had seen somewhat lessTOI on even strength. It’s all sorting itself out. I’m excited to see what Muller can do. It may well not yield instantaneous results, but the process is sound.

the finns & skins line is restored and left alone
if Faulk is paired up with someone who matches His skill set seeing harrioson is still out
Players like Stewart & Nodle get some decent icetime to play as we know they can other than that and the canes getting rid of Kabs like shipping him off to europe this fan will be an would be content ..:-O

Letang and Michalek are out of the Penguins lineup.

As Bob reported, the Canes did not practice this morning, as they had a vigorous workout yesterday and Muller called an off-ice team meeting (Today was to be an exclusive pre-game skate event for full season ticket holders, Muller came out and apologized to the STH attendees for not having a skate. I got the impression he was not aware the event was scheduled for today). Joni Pitkanen skated this morning, as did both Cam and Bouch, but no other Canes were out on the ice.

The Penguins did have a pre-game skate, and their practice was open to the season ticket holders as well.

The Penguins skate was uptempo and they put in a full workout. Dan Bylsma is very hands-on, taking a skating role through some of the drills. Much as I expect Muller to be having seen him in practice. The Penguins game day report can be found here along with lots of photos from this morning.

I saw lots of Penguins jerseys in the stands.

First off, let me say I’ve been to Pittsbugh a few times back in the day. I was invited to visit by some friends who were eager to show-off their city. They are some of the most place-proud people I know of.
They’re not like Buffalo fan. PIttsburgh fan just wants to strut around in Pittsburgh gear and be seen by other Pittsburghers. Kinda funny / tragic.
Say something nice about Sidney to one of them and make a friend for life.

I think if someone wanted to make some easy money, they could dress hamsters in Pittsburgh jerseys and run them around in their garage. Pittsburghers would pay money to attend so they could dress-up cheer on their Pittsburgh team.

No disrespect to yins. Good people.

I checked to see if Carolyn had posted and probably missed it first, but P-Dawg is tearing up the AHL:

http://blog.timesunion.com/hockey/ex-rat-peters-selected-ahl-goalie-of-the-month/10249/

If he continues to play well, perhaps Boucher could be part of a trade, if necessary (although we don’t have Pogge anymore).

Speaking of Bouch, Chip says he’s hearing Bouch will get the call tonight.

Are Despres & Bortuzzo still playing for the Pens? If Muller can get the matchup he wants there, then it could work in our favor.