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Pittsburgh's success
Topic Started: Wed Apr 1, 2009 10:35 pm (14 Views)
Deleted User
Deleted User

Crosby and Malkin are 3rd and 1st overall in scoring, respectively. Obviously those two are getting it done (Cindy has a 12 game point streak too). But both players have been scoring all season. That's nothing surprising.

That being said- Gonchar is certainly not a slouch right now. And is it really a coincidence that the Pens were floundering at the bottom of the standings while Gonchar was injured only to get red hot after his return (well it took a few games for him to get back into shape after being off the ice for months).

The exact same argument can be made for the coaching change- and it's a great counter-argument to make. But I really think that Gonchar's veteran presence and credibility within that locker room was something the Pens were really missing. Just 'cause Gonchar is terrible defensively doesn't mean their defense wasn't dependent on him.

So instead of getting all the credit to the coach (which would contradictory considering what happened to Therrien) shouldn't it be attributed to the players, and moreso Gonchar than he's given credit for.
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Deleted User
Deleted User

Gonchar is a big part of it, they really missed him on their powerplay and on their transition game.

I've read some things that actually suggest that the players purposely played below their abilities in order to get rid of Terrien.....I don't believe that for a second, but interesting.
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Deleted User
Deleted User

Yes he should. Gonchar is like their Lidstrom. At the same time, they don't have many quality veteran offensive defensemen. Whitney was just a joke. Letang is still somewhat raw on both ends. They have that Goligoski kid but he still bounced from WB to Pitt.

Pens playing below their abilities to get rid of Therrien wouldn't surprise me one bit though.
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