The series between the Penguins and Washington Capitals is not over, though it feels like it after the Pens won Games 1 and 2 on the road. The Caps, who have won the President’s Trophy two years in a row, now have to win four of the next five and at least two games in Pittsburgh to advance to the next round. I don’t see it happening, even though I once witnessed the Penguins blow a 3-0 lead to the eventual Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders in the 1970s. There have been times in the opening two games when the Pens were completely outplayed and looked like they could get blown out. Yet somehow they have hung in there and put together impressive offensive production when they needed it. Sidney Crosby continues to amaze with his play at both ends of the ice. Just when I think I’ve seen it all from Crosby he makes a play that leaves me shaking my head. The youngster Jake Guentzel is playing out of his mind, not like a rookie experiencing his first ever NHL playoffs. And when Phil Kessel decides to shoot, rather than pass, goaltenders beware. The Pens suffered some injuries in Game 2, most notably to Patric Hornqvist. Losing him would be a major blow for the Pens. Hopefully the injured guys will be back as the Pens try to continue their playoff dominance over the Caps.
• Marc Andre Fleury has been tremendous in net for the Pens during this playoff run. He’s a major reason why the Pens are up 2-0 against the Caps. Fleury looks like the guy who took the Pens to back to back Stanley Cup finals earlier in this career. He’s making big play after big play and looks so relaxed in goal. I find it hard to believe he won’t be the guy all throughout this playoff run, even if Matt Murray is able to come back. The Flower is the story of these Pens’ playoffs. Hopefully there are a few more chapters to be written for this Penguin’s all-time great.
• The Steelers drafted for need. They may say they went with the best athlete available, but their selections say otherwise. They got the pass rusher they coveted in round one, a speedy and physical wide receiver in round two, a couple of much needed cornerbacks, plus a quarterback they really like in round four. Some of these guys will an impact, and some may take a few years to develop. It’s possible a few of these guys won’t make it at all. Critics are asking why the Steelers didn’t draft more players who have a chance to contribute right away. That’s a fair question, for sure. I’d like to the think the Steelers’ brass knows more about this stuff than we do, even though many Yinzers will tell you otherwise.
• What I don’t understand, and never will understand, is why the Black and Gold took a long snapper in round six. I think that was a wasted pick. They could have signed one as a free agent after the draft. You mean to tell me there wasn’t a guy on the board who could have helped out more at some other position? The Steelers have made some surprising and questionable picks over the years. This is one of their all-time head scratchers.
• The best story of the draft, and not just because it involved the Steelers, was the selection of James Conner in the third round. I wrote previously that I was hoping he’d end up as a Steeler, but didn’t think it would happen. When the former Pitt Panther’s name was called it set off a celebration all throughout western Pa. While some called it a sentimental pick, it was anything but that. The Steelers drafted Conner because he’s a heck of a running back that will be a fine addition and backup to Le’Veon Bell. His hard running style and toughness near the goal line is exactly what the Steelers needed. I love the pick, and hope Conner ends up being one of the greatest Steeler draft picks of all time.
• The return of the suspended Martavis Bryant is good new for the Steelers. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Steelers can count on the talented wide receiver. I’d like to believe that Bryan has learned his lesson, and knows that one more failed drug test and he is out of the NFL forever. That said, he still has to prove he can be counted on, both to stay clean and to produce for the Steelers. There’s no question Bryant can help the Steelers’ offense. Let’s hope that is the case.
• The highlight of the weekend series for the Pirates was the dazzling pitching performance of Ivan Nova. The Pirates were able to bring him back as a free agent, and at a very reasonable cost. All Nova has done is pick up where he left off last year. Broadcaster Steve Blass, he of the complete game in Game 7 of the 1971 World Series, was giddy while talking about Nova during his complete game mastery of the Marlins on Saturday. He was not alone. Nova has been tremendous for the Pirates.
• I’m beginning to wonder how long the Pirates can keep Tyler Glasnow in their starting rotation. The young righty has yet to win a game. More frustrating is the fact that he’s not eating up many innings. In his recent start against the Cubs, Glasnow only lasted 3 1/3 innings and threw 89 pitches. That won’t get it done in the big leagues. Glasnow has the talent. Unfortunately, it’s yet to translate into any success at the major league level.
• Gift Ngoepe is a great story for the Pirates. Ngoepe became the first African to make it to the major leagues when he debuted against the Cubs last week. Ngoepe toiled in the minors for nine years without giving up. That’s a story in itself. Then after making it to Pittsburgh he singled in his first at bat. Ngoepe soon became a fan favorite, myself included. Way to go, kid!
• ESPN made news for all the wrong reasons last week. The sports giant let go of at least 100 people, including many big names and long-time employees. It was ugly and it was sad, and that’s being kind. I feel for everyone who lost their job. ESPN is still a giant, generating revenues of more than 8 billion dollars a year in subscriber fees for its ESPN channel. It’s safe to say they make a few billion more when you add in the fees generated by their other networks. And that is before they have sold their first commercial or digital ad. While the company is still making a ton of money, they are guilty of overpaying for the rights to many of their properties, such as the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA and college sports. The results are the numerous job losses to good, hard working and talented people. I wonder if any of the highly paid ESPN executives took a pay cut? Fat chance.
