I watched the IUP men win their fifteenth win in a row Saturday night. I fully expected the Crimson Hawks to run Seton Hill out of the gym, and during the first half it looked like they would. In the end, IUP won but wasn’t overly impressive. That says a lot about this team. Even on a night when they didn’t have their A game, IUP won.
* It was only fitting that on the night he recorded his milestone 1000th NHL point, Sidney Crosby won the game for the Pens in overtime. Crosby took a few games to finally reach the mark, but did so with an outstanding assist to his longtime teammate, Chris Kunitz. It was vintage Crosby, battling hard for the puck and making a pass that only Crosby can make. Then after a phenomenal pass from Evgeni Malkin, Crosby scored the game winner into a wide open net. I hope Pens’ fans realize how lucky we are to have a player like Crosby. He’s a once in a generation talent. And he’s also one of the really good guys. Can he make it to 2000 points? Probably not, but never count out Sidney Crosby.
* The Pens have sure had their share of injuries, and now they are really banged up on the blue line. Olli Maata’s out at least six weeks with a broken hand, and Justin Schultz could be sidelined with a concussion. This could present another opportunity for Derrick Pouliot, who has never excelled at the NHL level, but has played well in Wilkes-Barre. It could also mean the Pens have to make a deal.
* I would be surprised if Pens’ general manager Jim Rutherford does not make a deal or two before the trading deadline. I fully expect Marc Andre Fleury to be dealt, even though Rutherford would prefer to keep The Flower in Pittsburgh through the playoffs. As mentioned previously, I think it’s very possible the Pens go after another defenseman as well. Pittsburgh is a team that can win another Stanley Cup. Rutherford knows it, and so does the team’s ownership. I believe they will do whatever they have to do to make it back to back Stanley Cups in Pittsburgh.
* Andrew McCutchen sure didn’t sound happy when he talked about his move to right field this season. The face of the franchise said the team made the decision for him to move to right, even though he was under the impression he would be able to make the call when he felt it was time. The Pirates need Cutch to be happy and productive, whether he’s in Pittsburgh for the next two seasons or not. I still think he’ll be dealt, and would not be surprised if it happens before the 2017 season is over. Stay tuned.
* Kevin Colbert doesn’t talk to the media very often. In fact, the Steelers’ GM hadn’t spoken to media members since last training camp. It came as no surprise to me that Colbert says the Steelers want to sign Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell to long-term contracts. I believe the Steelers will get those deals done, and I agree with trying to do both. For the first time in a long time, the Steelers also have a lot of salary cap room.
That could also mean the team does more in free agency than they have done in the past. This is a very important offseason for the Steelers. And we haven’t even start talking about the draft yet.
* RIP George “The Animal” Steele. He was a fixture on the old Studio Wrestling filmed at the studios of the old WIIC-TV in Pittsburgh. Even though he was a bad guy in the ring, you couldn’t help but like George. I didn’t know that outside the ring he was a high school coach and teacher. RIP George, you will be missed.
