1 00:00:00,280 --> 00:00:03,160 Speaker 1: X if you're just tuning in Sydney Crosby back in 2 00:00:03,200 --> 00:00:09,920 Speaker 1: the Penguins lineup for tonight's game at Carolina Barcia scored again. Wow, 3 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:14,200 Speaker 1: they just are pooring goals in in this Barcia Newcastle 4 00:00:14,280 --> 00:00:19,239 Speaker 1: Champions League tie. Yes, Sid back in, Penguins won five 5 00:00:19,320 --> 00:00:23,759 Speaker 1: three and three without them and those players and did 6 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:27,040 Speaker 1: good without Gino two. Those players will be commended for 7 00:00:27,160 --> 00:00:32,440 Speaker 1: hanging in there like they did in those two absences. Uh, 8 00:00:32,520 --> 00:00:35,360 Speaker 1: that's not necessarily the stuff that great teams are made 9 00:00:35,360 --> 00:00:37,320 Speaker 1: out of, not a short sample like that, but that 10 00:00:37,560 --> 00:00:42,479 Speaker 1: is the stuff that great teams can develop from doing. 11 00:00:45,000 --> 00:00:48,720 Speaker 1: On yesterday's show, a caller wondered, who is the penguins 12 00:00:48,760 --> 00:00:51,920 Speaker 1: number one unsung hero. You heard Tom and I talk 13 00:00:51,960 --> 00:00:55,920 Speaker 1: about it a bit earlier as well, and to me, 14 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:58,600 Speaker 1: it's going to be Parker Watherspoon on defense or maybe 15 00:00:58,720 --> 00:01:00,000 Speaker 1: Ryan Shay also on defense. 16 00:01:00,640 --> 00:01:04,880 Speaker 2: Who'd have thought with either of them? Guys? 17 00:01:05,280 --> 00:01:09,480 Speaker 1: I mean they barely played I think Waterspoon's played one 18 00:01:09,520 --> 00:01:12,840 Speaker 1: hundred NHL games before this season, Shay. Less than that, 19 00:01:13,560 --> 00:01:18,520 Speaker 1: they weren't considered four a defenseman. Guys, who could you 20 00:01:18,760 --> 00:01:20,959 Speaker 1: excel at the AHL level and get caught up for 21 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:24,199 Speaker 1: short stretches and do okay and then go back down. 22 00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:27,120 Speaker 1: But this year they've done so much more than that. 23 00:01:27,240 --> 00:01:31,440 Speaker 1: Shay's plus twenty five Watherspoons plus twelve. Shay's moved all 24 00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:34,840 Speaker 1: over the lineup, played on both sides. Waterspoon's been a 25 00:01:34,959 --> 00:01:40,000 Speaker 1: rock as Carlson's defensive partner, has enabled Carlson to do 26 00:01:40,280 --> 00:01:42,839 Speaker 1: what he does and been a big part of Number 27 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:46,959 Speaker 1: sixty five's rejuvenation this year. Shay has twenty eight points, 28 00:01:46,959 --> 00:01:50,720 Speaker 1: by far, a career high. It's his first year as 29 00:01:50,760 --> 00:01:53,960 Speaker 1: a true NHL regular, and really that's true of Watherspoon too, 30 00:01:55,040 --> 00:01:58,120 Speaker 1: And that's how you contend for a playoff spot when 31 00:01:58,160 --> 00:02:01,720 Speaker 1: your team's supposed to suck. And let's not forget the 32 00:02:01,720 --> 00:02:03,760 Speaker 1: Penguins were projected to finish bottom five. 33 00:02:03,640 --> 00:02:05,480 Speaker 2: In the whole effing league. 34 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:09,120 Speaker 1: But you get in the playoffs because guys like Saying 35 00:02:09,160 --> 00:02:13,520 Speaker 1: Waterspoon come through like they are. The Penguins are just 36 00:02:13,560 --> 00:02:18,960 Speaker 1: a lot of fun, a whole lot of stories. We've 37 00:02:18,960 --> 00:02:22,960 Speaker 1: been talking about the ceiling for the Penguins. I feel 38 00:02:22,960 --> 00:02:24,560 Speaker 1: like they can win a round in the playoffs, and 39 00:02:24,600 --> 00:02:28,120 Speaker 1: maybe even two, but they could also still miss the playoffs. 40 00:02:29,280 --> 00:02:34,520 Speaker 1: It is such a traffic jam for second and third 41 00:02:34,639 --> 00:02:37,000 Speaker 1: in the Metro in for the wild card spots in 42 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:38,040 Speaker 1: the Eastern Conference. 43 00:02:39,240 --> 00:02:41,320 Speaker 2: The Penguins are still kind of a mystery team. 44 00:02:42,639 --> 00:02:46,160 Speaker 1: But they're in a bad division and in a bad conference, 45 00:02:46,200 --> 00:02:50,440 Speaker 1: and that should bode well. But again, I'm trying to 46 00:02:50,480 --> 00:02:54,160 Speaker 1: be very I'm tempering my remarks, trying to rein in 47 00:02:54,240 --> 00:02:56,679 Speaker 1: my hope. I hear people saying they could win the 48 00:02:56,720 --> 00:02:59,160 Speaker 1: Stanley Cup. They can't win the Stanley Cup. They could 49 00:02:59,200 --> 00:03:01,639 Speaker 1: win a couple series. That's the ceiling. But then again, 50 00:03:01,680 --> 00:03:03,480 Speaker 1: when you win a couple series, who knows. But I'm 51 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:05,640 Speaker 1: just telling you what I see, and I'm trying not 52 00:03:05,720 --> 00:03:08,440 Speaker 1: to assume too much. I will say it's a lot 53 00:03:08,480 --> 00:03:10,880 Speaker 1: better team than we thought it would be. They are 54 00:03:10,919 --> 00:03:14,399 Speaker 1: where they are on merits. They're not a young team. 55 00:03:14,440 --> 00:03:17,880 Speaker 1: It's not like the rebuilding process is arriving early. They 56 00:03:17,919 --> 00:03:23,839 Speaker 1: only got Chinnakoff and Kindle, who were young guys doing 57 00:03:23,960 --> 00:03:27,400 Speaker 1: very much as skater. Shillo Offs is twenty four in goal. 58 00:03:28,240 --> 00:03:30,760 Speaker 1: I think he might have a brighter future than I anticipated. 59 00:03:31,120 --> 00:03:35,200 Speaker 1: Kindle's eighteen Chinocoff's twenty five. McGroarty ain't been what they 60 00:03:35,200 --> 00:03:38,720 Speaker 1: hoped yet. Coyven ain't been what they hoped yet, although, 61 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:41,960 Speaker 1: as I've said, much to my chagrin, Barcil scored again. 62 00:03:42,040 --> 00:03:45,400 Speaker 1: My god, as I said, much to my disappointment, I'm 63 00:03:45,400 --> 00:03:47,240 Speaker 1: sure his two and their's. 64 00:03:47,680 --> 00:03:50,280 Speaker 2: Coyven looks like he might be that four A player 65 00:03:50,280 --> 00:03:51,400 Speaker 2: we were talking about. 66 00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:56,080 Speaker 1: But he's only twenty two. He just plays really small, 67 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:58,680 Speaker 1: so we'll see how it works out. So your thoughts 68 00:03:58,720 --> 00:04:01,440 Speaker 1: on any or all of that? Eight three three four 69 00:04:01,520 --> 00:04:06,200 Speaker 1: one two wxdx. We've been talking about the Connor Griffin debate, 70 00:04:06,240 --> 00:04:10,800 Speaker 1: which really isn't a debate at all. Everybody is wondering aloud, 71 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:15,640 Speaker 1: actually not wondering aloud, acting as if it's a possibility. 72 00:04:15,680 --> 00:04:19,960 Speaker 1: The Pirates signed Griffin to a long term extension, and 73 00:04:20,040 --> 00:04:22,800 Speaker 1: according to John Parada, the Pirates and Griffin aren't evenen 74 00:04:22,800 --> 00:04:28,080 Speaker 1: talking about that. So the local stooge media the usual suspect, 75 00:04:28,160 --> 00:04:33,839 Speaker 1: you're trying to wish something into existence. Hey, you know, 76 00:04:33,880 --> 00:04:36,160 Speaker 1: the Pirates, if you want to prove you're not what 77 00:04:36,279 --> 00:04:38,480 Speaker 1: you've always been, Yes, sign Griffin to a long term 78 00:04:38,520 --> 00:04:40,680 Speaker 1: deal if he'll do it, which I doubt I would 79 00:04:40,680 --> 00:04:44,440 Speaker 1: hope he'd be more ambitious than that. But the Pirates 80 00:04:44,440 --> 00:04:48,680 Speaker 1: aren't suddenly going to change their whole spending and contractual philosophy. 81 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:51,960 Speaker 1: And Connor Griffin isn't going to betray his talent and 82 00:04:52,080 --> 00:04:56,040 Speaker 1: ambition by committing to Pittsburgh a more of enfranchised for 83 00:04:56,120 --> 00:05:00,640 Speaker 1: how many years just to get paid now by way 84 00:05:00,680 --> 00:05:02,760 Speaker 1: of eating up a few years of his free agency. 85 00:05:03,200 --> 00:05:04,440 Speaker 2: He's just not going to do that. 86 00:05:04,839 --> 00:05:08,440 Speaker 1: The guys who do that are guys like Reynolds and 87 00:05:08,560 --> 00:05:11,520 Speaker 1: Keller and keep Brian Hayes, who have no real faith 88 00:05:11,520 --> 00:05:14,359 Speaker 1: in their abilities because they aren't in a class with 89 00:05:14,400 --> 00:05:17,279 Speaker 1: the abilities of Connor Griffin. They'll sign that long term 90 00:05:17,320 --> 00:05:19,799 Speaker 1: deal because honestly they don't have the guts to see 91 00:05:20,200 --> 00:05:23,080 Speaker 1: what their talent will merit if they get the free agency. 92 00:05:24,320 --> 00:05:27,240 Speaker 1: I think Connor Griffin feels pretty good about that, as 93 00:05:27,279 --> 00:05:31,960 Speaker 1: does Paul Skins so A three three four one two WSDX. Also, 94 00:05:32,440 --> 00:05:35,360 Speaker 1: I'm told by a Steelers insider I know insiders too, 95 00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:40,000 Speaker 1: that Aaron Rodgers isn't jerking. 96 00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:40,479 Speaker 2: The Steelers around. 97 00:05:40,520 --> 00:05:43,000 Speaker 1: He's legitimately not sure if his body can stand up 98 00:05:43,040 --> 00:05:46,159 Speaker 1: to another season at forty two. You know, it's funny 99 00:05:46,160 --> 00:05:48,680 Speaker 1: though he always says he wants to avoid the limelight, 100 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:52,440 Speaker 1: like once he's done playing, will disappear. I think even 101 00:05:52,480 --> 00:05:55,600 Speaker 1: if his body tells him he shouldn't play, he will 102 00:05:55,640 --> 00:05:59,040 Speaker 1: play to remain in that limelight that he lies about 103 00:05:59,440 --> 00:06:04,159 Speaker 1: trying to avoid. Like I said, eight three three four 104 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:07,400 Speaker 1: one two w tax. Also, we talked about the US 105 00:06:07,520 --> 00:06:13,080 Speaker 1: losing the Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final, and 106 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:15,560 Speaker 1: I was surprised to learn because I don't follow that. 107 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:19,200 Speaker 2: The only reason that we followed it like we did. 108 00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:23,839 Speaker 1: This year's World Baseball Classic is because we were fresh 109 00:06:23,880 --> 00:06:26,760 Speaker 1: off all that flag waving from Olympic hockey and we 110 00:06:26,800 --> 00:06:29,760 Speaker 1: wanted to keep that going. And might I add that 111 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:34,360 Speaker 1: all these sports are making a big mistake minimizing their 112 00:06:34,440 --> 00:06:40,440 Speaker 1: leagues to promote international sports because fans now they think 113 00:06:40,480 --> 00:06:43,720 Speaker 1: international sports, whether it's hockey now baseball, they think that's. 114 00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:45,000 Speaker 2: The real version of the game. 115 00:06:45,040 --> 00:06:47,400 Speaker 1: They think that's the most important version of the game, 116 00:06:48,560 --> 00:06:51,559 Speaker 1: and perception equals reality. So maybe that actually is the case. 117 00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:56,680 Speaker 1: But to be blunt, did the US choke? Is that 118 00:06:56,800 --> 00:07:01,200 Speaker 1: unfair to say or is it accurate? Three hits? Three 119 00:07:01,279 --> 00:07:04,160 Speaker 1: hits in Venezuela starting pitcher was a guy who had 120 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:06,560 Speaker 1: an ERA over five last year for Arizona. 121 00:07:06,880 --> 00:07:09,120 Speaker 2: Eri like that. I'm surprised he's not on the Pirates 122 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:13,440 Speaker 2: one O five nine the X, because that's what you 123 00:07:13,560 --> 00:07:17,560 Speaker 2: got to do, all right. I think you're onto something 124 00:07:18,240 --> 00:07:23,720 Speaker 2: the ex at one five nine and we're just tuning in. 125 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:27,880 Speaker 1: Sidney Crosby back in the lineup for the Penguins tight 126 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:32,240 Speaker 1: at Carolina. All the lines are as they prefer, with 127 00:07:32,360 --> 00:07:39,440 Speaker 1: Sid centering, Keel and Rust Gino and China Coough on 128 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:43,960 Speaker 1: either side of Novak Kindle between the ten Towers, Brazos 129 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:46,320 Speaker 1: back as well, and of course twenty six goals scorer 130 00:07:46,320 --> 00:07:51,200 Speaker 1: Anthony Mantha and uh Lizat's out, gonna be out for 131 00:07:51,240 --> 00:07:55,640 Speaker 1: about a month. Uh Door moves to center. He's between 132 00:07:55,800 --> 00:08:00,800 Speaker 1: a Chari and uh Will Chamberlain. So those are good 133 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:05,720 Speaker 1: lines and they've worked this season. I'm bothered about Lazatte 134 00:08:05,920 --> 00:08:08,800 Speaker 1: being out for the PCM for the faceoffs, but that's okay. 135 00:08:08,880 --> 00:08:10,200 Speaker 2: Just let's did take the faceoffs. 136 00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:17,200 Speaker 1: That'll work out, just fine. Your thoughts on where the 137 00:08:17,200 --> 00:08:19,560 Speaker 1: Penguins go from here? What is their ceiling? I think 138 00:08:19,560 --> 00:08:22,000 Speaker 1: they could win a couple of playoff series. I think 139 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:23,920 Speaker 1: they'd have to get the right matchup. I think they 140 00:08:24,000 --> 00:08:26,520 Speaker 1: might still miss the playoffs. I hate to really take 141 00:08:26,560 --> 00:08:31,600 Speaker 1: anything for granted when this team clearly is overachieving to 142 00:08:31,720 --> 00:08:34,840 Speaker 1: what it was thought they would do at season's beginning. 143 00:08:36,400 --> 00:08:40,719 Speaker 1: And after what is it now they've played? Is it 144 00:08:40,840 --> 00:08:44,800 Speaker 1: sixty seven games? They played a lot of games, and 145 00:08:45,120 --> 00:08:48,640 Speaker 1: yeah that's not a small sample, but it's a tight 146 00:08:48,720 --> 00:08:51,760 Speaker 1: race for those playoff spots. But it's could be a 147 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:53,920 Speaker 1: tight race on top of the metro. If they beat 148 00:08:53,960 --> 00:08:56,960 Speaker 1: Carolina tonight, come watch the game with me at All 149 00:08:56,960 --> 00:09:03,080 Speaker 1: Star Sports Bar and Grill and Robinson Township. I hope 150 00:09:03,080 --> 00:09:07,280 Speaker 1: they played like they did at Denver. That's seven to 151 00:09:07,440 --> 00:09:10,760 Speaker 1: win because the Rocky Mountain way, it's better than the 152 00:09:10,800 --> 00:09:15,200 Speaker 1: way we had. Islanders won last night. Columbus won last night, 153 00:09:15,240 --> 00:09:22,600 Speaker 1: so you gotta keep pace. Carolina lost at Columbus last night, 154 00:09:24,640 --> 00:09:28,440 Speaker 1: so the Hurricanes are coming home to play the second 155 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:31,199 Speaker 1: half of a back to back while the Penguins were 156 00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:34,600 Speaker 1: in Raleigh waiting for them. So yeah, that's a bit 157 00:09:34,640 --> 00:09:39,000 Speaker 1: of an edge and take what I can get boys Columbus. 158 00:09:39,040 --> 00:09:42,520 Speaker 1: Red Hot talked about that with tom last ten games, 159 00:09:42,920 --> 00:09:46,080 Speaker 1: no losses in regulation, six to zho to four in 160 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:46,520 Speaker 1: that span. 161 00:09:47,200 --> 00:09:49,199 Speaker 2: I didn't see that coming either. I'm not sure. 162 00:09:49,240 --> 00:09:51,280 Speaker 1: I saw the New York Islanders doing as good as 163 00:09:51,320 --> 00:09:54,800 Speaker 1: they did. But Matthew Schaeffer, there's the X factor, the 164 00:09:54,840 --> 00:09:56,360 Speaker 1: guy not out of nowhere. 165 00:09:56,400 --> 00:09:57,920 Speaker 2: You knew he was good, but to be this good. 166 00:09:57,920 --> 00:10:01,640 Speaker 1: I mean Bobby Orr, all time defensemen, talking about how 167 00:10:02,240 --> 00:10:05,720 Speaker 1: he'd consider Matthew Schaeffer for MVP of the league. And 168 00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:11,240 Speaker 1: if that's a stretch, it's not an absurd one. 169 00:10:11,559 --> 00:10:14,679 Speaker 2: New Jersey is supposed to be good. They suck. Range 170 00:10:14,720 --> 00:10:16,520 Speaker 2: is supposed to be good. They suck. 171 00:10:18,320 --> 00:10:20,840 Speaker 1: Montreal fading a bit now. I mean, it is just 172 00:10:20,960 --> 00:10:24,560 Speaker 1: wide open. The geno debate keeps burning. I wrote yet 173 00:10:24,600 --> 00:10:27,040 Speaker 1: another column about it for the Trip check it out 174 00:10:27,040 --> 00:10:31,640 Speaker 1: a trip live dot com. That's three Geno columns inside 175 00:10:31,679 --> 00:10:36,840 Speaker 1: of two weeks. But circumstances keep changing. He appears to 176 00:10:36,920 --> 00:10:40,240 Speaker 1: want to play two more years, as he alluded to 177 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:44,240 Speaker 1: in the locker room after the Peng was beat Denver, Colorado, 178 00:10:44,280 --> 00:10:48,000 Speaker 1: pardon me at Denver on Monday night. But the Peng 179 00:10:48,080 --> 00:10:50,360 Speaker 1: has got to go year to year like the Steelers 180 00:10:50,360 --> 00:10:54,360 Speaker 1: should have done with Wat via the franchise tag but didn't, 181 00:10:54,920 --> 00:10:57,559 Speaker 1: and that deals a disaster. One hundred and eight mil 182 00:10:57,640 --> 00:11:01,160 Speaker 1: guaranteed his watch declines only seven sacks lifear. Gino was 183 00:11:01,240 --> 00:11:04,920 Speaker 1: great at Denver after he missed five games. Gino's having 184 00:11:04,920 --> 00:11:08,080 Speaker 1: a point per game season, but it'd be his first 185 00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:11,840 Speaker 1: of those since twenty twenty three. But the big thing 186 00:11:11,920 --> 00:11:14,560 Speaker 1: is you can't give Gino term that's longer than Sid. 187 00:11:15,360 --> 00:11:18,439 Speaker 1: Sid has one more year on his deal. If Sid 188 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:22,600 Speaker 1: leaves or retires, then it's one hundred percent rebuilding and 189 00:11:22,640 --> 00:11:26,320 Speaker 1: there's zero point having Geno. None of this should be 190 00:11:26,400 --> 00:11:29,960 Speaker 1: that hard to understand. I think Geno at this point understands. 191 00:11:30,280 --> 00:11:33,400 Speaker 1: But y'all never want to turn the page. Y'all want 192 00:11:33,400 --> 00:11:37,600 Speaker 1: to keep Cutch forever, keep Cam forever, and not one 193 00:11:37,679 --> 00:11:40,200 Speaker 1: ring between those two. At least Gino got three rings. 194 00:11:40,840 --> 00:11:43,160 Speaker 1: But at some point it's about moving forward. So you 195 00:11:43,240 --> 00:11:46,480 Speaker 1: tell me this, what is the harm of going year 196 00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:51,080 Speaker 1: by year with Geno? A lot of penguin questions today? 197 00:11:51,920 --> 00:11:54,319 Speaker 1: Who is the Penguin's unsung here? I haven't done to 198 00:11:54,400 --> 00:11:58,640 Speaker 1: Shan Watherspoon. So your thoughts, well, not now, because we 199 00:11:58,760 --> 00:12:05,520 Speaker 1: got I got Barcelona scored again seven goals today, not 200 00:12:05,640 --> 00:12:10,319 Speaker 1: a great day for the Jordis of Newcastle. But we 201 00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:12,400 Speaker 1: got the Coursey on next so we'll get to your 202 00:12:12,440 --> 00:12:15,680 Speaker 1: Penguin talk in a little bit. But Sid back tonight. 203 00:12:15,800 --> 00:12:18,520 Speaker 1: That's the big story. And people just think I hate Gino. 204 00:12:18,559 --> 00:12:20,320 Speaker 1: I don't hate Geno. I want what's best for the 205 00:12:20,360 --> 00:12:22,920 Speaker 1: team and year by year. Why can't it be year 206 00:12:22,920 --> 00:12:24,760 Speaker 1: by year? I want somebody to tell me why can't 207 00:12:24,760 --> 00:12:27,320 Speaker 1: be year by year? And I want somebody to tell 208 00:12:27,360 --> 00:12:32,080 Speaker 1: me why Gino should have longer term than Sid. And 209 00:12:32,160 --> 00:12:34,640 Speaker 1: I think Sid probably re ups, but I'd still go 210 00:12:34,760 --> 00:12:37,360 Speaker 1: year by year with Gino. And that's one thing that 211 00:12:37,400 --> 00:12:42,080 Speaker 1: could put the Penguins in a pickle if Sid won't 212 00:12:42,080 --> 00:12:45,079 Speaker 1: re up, if he wants just play out next year 213 00:12:45,080 --> 00:12:47,280 Speaker 1: and see what happens. 214 00:12:47,960 --> 00:12:53,280 Speaker 2: Can you risk letting him walk away for free? 215 00:12:53,640 --> 00:12:56,079 Speaker 1: I don't want to open that can of tune it 216 00:12:56,320 --> 00:13:00,320 Speaker 1: just yet, but can you just let him walk way 217 00:13:00,360 --> 00:13:06,360 Speaker 1: for free? Up next, we got Mike the Course heat Oh, 218 00:13:06,360 --> 00:13:08,040 Speaker 1: we don't have Mike the Course. We have Joe Brand 219 00:13:08,960 --> 00:13:11,760 Speaker 1: the Penguins uh play by play voice on radio, So 220 00:13:11,800 --> 00:13:13,520 Speaker 1: we will just keep talking hockey. 221 00:13:14,120 --> 00:13:16,240 Speaker 2: And that's the way. Uh huh uh huh. I like it. 222 00:13:16,280 --> 00:13:17,679 Speaker 2: Here on one oh five ninety X. 223 00:13:18,960 --> 00:13:22,760 Speaker 3: Every weekday at ten am, is Travis starting your birthday 224 00:13:22,760 --> 00:13:24,280 Speaker 3: commercial freight one. 225 00:13:24,440 --> 00:13:28,960 Speaker 4: Nine D I heard Radio Music Awards are coming back Thursday, 226 00:13:29,080 --> 00:13:32,080 Speaker 4: March twenty six, is Mark Madden. 227 00:13:32,320 --> 00:13:34,920 Speaker 2: Yes, your voice is like week Hector to my ear. 228 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:36,760 Speaker 2: The last thing we need is a lot of loose talk. 229 00:13:37,679 --> 00:13:38,120 Speaker 4: I like it. 230 00:13:38,440 --> 00:13:40,640 Speaker 3: I like it. The X at one oh five. 231 00:13:40,559 --> 00:13:44,400 Speaker 1: Nine, Sid is back Penguins with a big game of 232 00:13:44,480 --> 00:13:47,120 Speaker 1: Carolina tonight, joining me on the scene. He's the Penguins 233 00:13:47,200 --> 00:13:49,400 Speaker 1: radio play by play guy right here on the X. 234 00:13:49,800 --> 00:13:52,360 Speaker 2: Always great to talk to, Joe Brand Joe. 235 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:54,720 Speaker 1: The Penguins went five to three and three without Sid, 236 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:58,560 Speaker 1: including two to one and two without Bo, Sid and Gino. 237 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:00,760 Speaker 2: How they pull that off? That's impressive. 238 00:14:02,360 --> 00:14:05,240 Speaker 4: I think Eric Carlson stepping up is a big reason. 239 00:14:05,320 --> 00:14:09,240 Speaker 4: I think Brian Russ finding more consistency on the on 240 00:14:09,320 --> 00:14:14,120 Speaker 4: the score sheet plays a role, obviously goaltending, but honestly, Mark, 241 00:14:14,360 --> 00:14:17,480 Speaker 4: what has helped this team this entire year with all 242 00:14:17,520 --> 00:14:20,120 Speaker 4: four lines contributing and Dan Muse made it clear from 243 00:14:20,520 --> 00:14:22,880 Speaker 4: opening night that it wasn't just going to be a 244 00:14:22,920 --> 00:14:25,000 Speaker 4: Siden Gino show. He was going to get production from 245 00:14:25,000 --> 00:14:27,400 Speaker 4: all four lines. I heard you talking earlier with the 246 00:14:27,400 --> 00:14:29,880 Speaker 4: Blake Lizatte absence for the next four weeks. That's that's 247 00:14:29,920 --> 00:14:32,960 Speaker 4: a big loss. And I think that fourth line is 248 00:14:33,240 --> 00:14:35,920 Speaker 4: another big reason why this team has done so well. 249 00:14:35,920 --> 00:14:38,840 Speaker 4: I mean, it's it's special teams that's now top three 250 00:14:39,040 --> 00:14:42,640 Speaker 4: in both categories, both home and road, but it's it's 251 00:14:42,640 --> 00:14:46,240 Speaker 4: really everyone pulling from the same rope. 252 00:14:46,440 --> 00:14:50,440 Speaker 1: Now that we're after the fact, Joe, do the absences 253 00:14:50,480 --> 00:14:53,240 Speaker 1: of sidon Geno maybe help in some odd way? 254 00:14:53,360 --> 00:14:55,400 Speaker 2: You learned a lot about a lot of guys while 255 00:14:55,400 --> 00:14:56,040 Speaker 2: they were out. 256 00:14:56,800 --> 00:14:59,560 Speaker 1: Gino was shot out of a cannon at Denver and 257 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:02,360 Speaker 1: the same from Sid tonight, and there's less wear and 258 00:15:02,400 --> 00:15:03,560 Speaker 1: tear on both those guys. 259 00:15:04,920 --> 00:15:07,680 Speaker 4: I'm glad you brought that up because I've cynically thought 260 00:15:07,720 --> 00:15:10,320 Speaker 4: of that on my own too. Obviously, you want to 261 00:15:10,320 --> 00:15:13,040 Speaker 4: have Sidney Crosby and a getting maulk in every single game, 262 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:15,760 Speaker 4: but you're right, this team had to answer without them 263 00:15:15,840 --> 00:15:17,680 Speaker 4: and show what they're made of without them, and it 264 00:15:18,680 --> 00:15:23,320 Speaker 4: produced a lot of different heroes on certain games, and 265 00:15:23,480 --> 00:15:25,680 Speaker 4: it just shows more adversity that this team has to 266 00:15:25,720 --> 00:15:28,720 Speaker 4: battle through, and I don't know, it kind of exposed 267 00:15:28,720 --> 00:15:31,560 Speaker 4: their depth a little bit more. I know Elmer Soderbloms 268 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:33,880 Speaker 4: are really new to the scene, and it's not like 269 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:36,840 Speaker 4: he's blown me away with his performance, but you know, 270 00:15:37,240 --> 00:15:42,160 Speaker 4: a good timely goal on this road trip, other guys 271 00:15:42,160 --> 00:15:43,359 Speaker 4: are getting more opportunities. 272 00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:44,600 Speaker 3: That's what you need in the playoffs. 273 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:47,000 Speaker 4: You need depth, you need all four lines, you need 274 00:15:47,360 --> 00:15:51,680 Speaker 4: unsung heroes coming through. So I think these absences kind 275 00:15:51,720 --> 00:15:55,600 Speaker 4: of provide these depth players, these down the line players 276 00:15:55,640 --> 00:15:59,360 Speaker 4: with maybe some more confidence in their game, more ability 277 00:15:59,400 --> 00:16:02,240 Speaker 4: for this team to understand, yeah, we can get through 278 00:16:02,280 --> 00:16:04,600 Speaker 4: these tough moments. I mean, they were still down two 279 00:16:04,680 --> 00:16:06,560 Speaker 4: goals to Caroline at the beginning of this road trip 280 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:08,840 Speaker 4: and tied things up. I don't want to bring up 281 00:16:08,880 --> 00:16:11,360 Speaker 4: how they lost, because we all know that's been quite 282 00:16:11,360 --> 00:16:13,520 Speaker 4: the bugaboo this year. But you know this scene is 283 00:16:13,560 --> 00:16:17,080 Speaker 4: really made of something even without sidding Gino. So yeah, 284 00:16:17,280 --> 00:16:20,000 Speaker 4: I think it helps just add a little extra feather 285 00:16:20,400 --> 00:16:23,160 Speaker 4: feather to their cap for what they've accomplished without them. 286 00:16:23,400 --> 00:16:25,960 Speaker 1: Now, totally agree, and we'll see the evidence of that, 287 00:16:26,040 --> 00:16:29,360 Speaker 1: hopefully tonight at seven pm at rawle At. Now, what 288 00:16:29,520 --> 00:16:31,760 Speaker 1: happened at Denver the seven to two win. Don't get 289 00:16:31,800 --> 00:16:35,200 Speaker 1: me wrong, not a fluke Penguins played great. I did 290 00:16:35,240 --> 00:16:37,160 Speaker 1: not see that coming. I mean that might be the 291 00:16:37,240 --> 00:16:39,920 Speaker 1: league's best team and you're at their place. 292 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:45,240 Speaker 4: Not only that, you knocked out Scott Wedgwood, who's I believe, 293 00:16:45,240 --> 00:16:47,920 Speaker 4: the hottest goaltender in that building. As well, you knock 294 00:16:47,960 --> 00:16:50,520 Speaker 4: them out on five shots, is it right? I didn't 295 00:16:50,520 --> 00:16:52,560 Speaker 4: see that coming. I don't know who saw that coming. 296 00:16:52,720 --> 00:16:53,880 Speaker 4: I think you got to give a lot of credit 297 00:16:53,960 --> 00:16:56,200 Speaker 4: to the Penguins for getting up to these types of games. 298 00:16:56,240 --> 00:16:58,680 Speaker 4: It reminded me a lot of the game in Edmonton. 299 00:16:59,120 --> 00:17:01,560 Speaker 4: It reminded me a lot of the game in Tampa Bay. Now, 300 00:17:01,600 --> 00:17:06,040 Speaker 4: granted was probably shouldn't have won that game in regulation 301 00:17:06,160 --> 00:17:09,000 Speaker 4: in Tampa Bay, that equalizer goal scored but scored by 302 00:17:09,080 --> 00:17:11,480 Speaker 4: Kuchurov was overturned due to the hand pass that really 303 00:17:11,480 --> 00:17:14,520 Speaker 4: wasn't a hand passed. And then even the Edmonton game, 304 00:17:14,800 --> 00:17:17,600 Speaker 4: you still give credit to the Penguins, but Leon Dreisidel 305 00:17:17,720 --> 00:17:20,119 Speaker 4: was a game time decision. You know, the Tristan Jari 306 00:17:20,240 --> 00:17:23,200 Speaker 4: drama was involved as well. But there's something to be 307 00:17:23,240 --> 00:17:25,960 Speaker 4: said about this team getting up with these types of 308 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:29,159 Speaker 4: big games. I think that was totally proven with that 309 00:17:29,280 --> 00:17:32,320 Speaker 4: Colorado game. I mean, they didn't take anything lightly and 310 00:17:32,440 --> 00:17:36,359 Speaker 4: how big was that Anthony Nanta goal right after Nathan 311 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:38,600 Speaker 4: McKinnon tied things up. It was almost like, all right, 312 00:17:38,600 --> 00:17:40,120 Speaker 4: Colorado is going to be able to do whatever they 313 00:17:40,119 --> 00:17:42,840 Speaker 4: want to do right after maulk and kind of stole 314 00:17:42,880 --> 00:17:45,439 Speaker 4: the momentum tied things up. But then you get this 315 00:17:45,680 --> 00:17:49,399 Speaker 4: unbelievable pass from Eric Carlson, another goal from Anthony Manton, 316 00:17:49,480 --> 00:17:51,520 Speaker 4: a new career high, and then they never looked back 317 00:17:51,560 --> 00:17:54,199 Speaker 4: from there. I honestly think the last forty minutes might 318 00:17:54,200 --> 00:17:56,720 Speaker 4: have been the best hockey that they've played all year long, 319 00:17:56,760 --> 00:17:59,840 Speaker 4: given the circumstances. I mean, the team does get amped 320 00:17:59,880 --> 00:18:02,560 Speaker 4: up to these types of games, and you really like 321 00:18:02,600 --> 00:18:04,159 Speaker 4: to see that as they're trying to make a playoff 322 00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:04,600 Speaker 4: push out. 323 00:18:05,280 --> 00:18:07,880 Speaker 1: Talking to Joe Brand, Penguins radio play by play guy 324 00:18:07,920 --> 00:18:09,639 Speaker 1: here on the Home of the Penguins one oh five 325 00:18:09,800 --> 00:18:13,720 Speaker 1: nine The X, You've talked about Carlson quite a bit, 326 00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:15,800 Speaker 1: and I feel like we can't talk about him enough. 327 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:18,560 Speaker 1: He was rotten the first two years here, but he 328 00:18:18,640 --> 00:18:21,480 Speaker 1: had a great game at Denver. Took over, and I 329 00:18:21,520 --> 00:18:23,800 Speaker 1: don't know why. Maybe it's just the coaching change, because 330 00:18:23,800 --> 00:18:27,040 Speaker 1: I know he wasn't a Mike Sullivan fan, but I 331 00:18:27,080 --> 00:18:29,199 Speaker 1: think that he is neck connect with sid as the 332 00:18:29,240 --> 00:18:30,360 Speaker 1: team MVP this year. 333 00:18:31,960 --> 00:18:34,000 Speaker 3: I'm not gonna argue too much on that. 334 00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:37,919 Speaker 4: I think you're right, especially with him just being able 335 00:18:38,400 --> 00:18:41,520 Speaker 4: to be Eric Carlson on a daily basis. And you know, 336 00:18:41,560 --> 00:18:44,280 Speaker 4: I heard you talking earlier about Parker Waterspoon being an 337 00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:49,280 Speaker 4: unsung hero. I think their chemistry has grown phenomenally throughout 338 00:18:49,320 --> 00:18:52,639 Speaker 4: the year. Earlier this year there was a play against Philly. 339 00:18:52,640 --> 00:18:55,560 Speaker 4: I can't remember exactly who had the breakaway, but Borky 340 00:18:55,640 --> 00:18:59,360 Speaker 4: had mentioned it how Carlson's chasing down the flyer, he's 341 00:18:59,400 --> 00:19:02,159 Speaker 4: on the fires and he's not going to catch him. 342 00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:03,080 Speaker 3: He's not going to catch him. 343 00:19:03,080 --> 00:19:06,000 Speaker 4: So Watherspoon is playing on the other end and just 344 00:19:06,080 --> 00:19:08,439 Speaker 4: kind of playing free safety, if you will, at that moment, 345 00:19:08,680 --> 00:19:10,760 Speaker 4: and Carlson just gives him a little, you know, a 346 00:19:10,840 --> 00:19:12,920 Speaker 4: little flick of the hand like hey, you take over, 347 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:17,040 Speaker 4: you take over. Let's switch, and Watherspoon closes off that lane. 348 00:19:17,400 --> 00:19:20,040 Speaker 4: He prevents a goal or at least a scoring chance. 349 00:19:20,280 --> 00:19:23,040 Speaker 4: And those two are just such in sync right now 350 00:19:23,280 --> 00:19:25,920 Speaker 4: that I think they're both able to elevate their games. 351 00:19:25,920 --> 00:19:29,640 Speaker 4: And Watherspoon can be the shutdown defenseman, hard nos guy. 352 00:19:30,600 --> 00:19:33,320 Speaker 4: You know, getting physical when guys go towards the crease, 353 00:19:33,320 --> 00:19:36,000 Speaker 4: and then Eric Carlson can just be Eric Carlson do 354 00:19:36,160 --> 00:19:38,360 Speaker 4: his thing. So I think those two have just been 355 00:19:38,400 --> 00:19:41,440 Speaker 4: peas in a pod and a big reason why Carlson 356 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:43,119 Speaker 4: has taking another step. But you're right, I think I 357 00:19:43,119 --> 00:19:46,520 Speaker 4: think the coaching change, you can't ignore it, right. I 358 00:19:46,560 --> 00:19:49,840 Speaker 4: don't know what goes on in that room between coaches 359 00:19:49,880 --> 00:19:53,560 Speaker 4: and Eric Carlson, but clearly he's flourishing under Dan views. 360 00:19:53,560 --> 00:19:56,919 Speaker 4: Clearly he's playing to the style and the rhythm and 361 00:19:56,960 --> 00:19:59,760 Speaker 4: the constant success that Penguins fans are used to when 362 00:19:59,760 --> 00:20:01,840 Speaker 4: he was on the other end. And it's it's been 363 00:20:01,880 --> 00:20:05,400 Speaker 4: really fun to see because this version of Eric Carlson 364 00:20:05,640 --> 00:20:06,720 Speaker 4: is just thrilling. 365 00:20:07,960 --> 00:20:08,200 Speaker 2: Joe. 366 00:20:08,200 --> 00:20:10,080 Speaker 1: We had what I have, Chris and the Guenny Malkin 367 00:20:10,119 --> 00:20:13,840 Speaker 1: hat trick at Denver a goal, two goals actually, but 368 00:20:13,960 --> 00:20:16,920 Speaker 1: it's a goal and assist and a dumb offensive zone penalty. 369 00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:19,400 Speaker 1: That's the Genny Malkin hat trick. And I gotta tell 370 00:20:19,440 --> 00:20:22,880 Speaker 1: you I was steaming when he took that lazy trip 371 00:20:22,960 --> 00:20:25,360 Speaker 1: forty eight seconds in, but then he came right out 372 00:20:25,359 --> 00:20:26,280 Speaker 1: of the box and scored. 373 00:20:26,320 --> 00:20:28,520 Speaker 2: Boy, if that's not Gino. I don't know what. 374 00:20:28,600 --> 00:20:31,960 Speaker 4: Is We'll have that later on in the game when 375 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:35,159 Speaker 4: it almost looked like Colorado is trying to entice him 376 00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:38,000 Speaker 4: into a fight, and then Connor Clifton steps in luckily 377 00:20:38,040 --> 00:20:40,800 Speaker 4: and takes a lot of the pressure off of Gena. 378 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:43,240 Speaker 2: And that was great, boy, what a great move by Clifton. 379 00:20:44,320 --> 00:20:44,520 Speaker 3: Right. 380 00:20:44,680 --> 00:20:47,200 Speaker 4: Oh, and he's done that all year. I as much 381 00:20:47,240 --> 00:20:49,320 Speaker 4: as I love to see him in the lineup, it 382 00:20:49,320 --> 00:20:51,600 Speaker 4: almost seems like he brings an extra edge when he 383 00:20:51,640 --> 00:20:53,600 Speaker 4: comes back in the lineup after sitting out. 384 00:20:53,800 --> 00:20:56,760 Speaker 1: Oh Joe, a bunch of years, we ain't had guys 385 00:20:56,960 --> 00:20:59,359 Speaker 1: like that that'll step in there, and I'm I'm glad 386 00:20:59,359 --> 00:20:59,639 Speaker 1: we do. 387 00:20:59,680 --> 00:21:01,040 Speaker 2: And he ain't the only one. 388 00:21:00,840 --> 00:21:04,760 Speaker 4: Either, right, I mean again him Watherspoon, and that just 389 00:21:04,800 --> 00:21:07,280 Speaker 4: allows other guys to not hold anything back. I mean, 390 00:21:07,320 --> 00:21:10,240 Speaker 4: Avery Hayes too is a guy that will have no 391 00:21:10,280 --> 00:21:13,200 Speaker 4: problem getting in the face of other players. But again, 392 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:16,199 Speaker 4: to your point, like Clifton taking over in that situation 393 00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:19,919 Speaker 4: was huge because it allows Gino to not let his 394 00:21:19,960 --> 00:21:22,880 Speaker 4: emotions take over, which we saw happen not too long ago. 395 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:26,720 Speaker 4: But you almost saw his brain like really going through 396 00:21:26,880 --> 00:21:28,840 Speaker 4: a bunch of modems, right, there trying to try to 397 00:21:28,840 --> 00:21:30,359 Speaker 4: figure out what should I do in this instance. 398 00:21:30,359 --> 00:21:32,520 Speaker 3: But luckily Connor Clifton took all the pressure off. 399 00:21:33,560 --> 00:21:37,240 Speaker 1: With sitting Gino Beck and also Dustin Brazo the only 400 00:21:37,280 --> 00:21:40,240 Speaker 1: guy out. Really that's been a regulars lossat the lines 401 00:21:40,320 --> 00:21:43,200 Speaker 1: kind of fall back together, don't they. And I think 402 00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:45,720 Speaker 1: the top three lines of the combinations that Dan Muse 403 00:21:45,840 --> 00:21:48,600 Speaker 1: and the players have been most comfortable with all year. 404 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:54,000 Speaker 4: I agree, And again it's funny because it seems like 405 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:57,720 Speaker 4: the fourth line has probably been the most consistent line, 406 00:21:58,600 --> 00:22:01,560 Speaker 4: just based on hell the loan for Dan Muse. 407 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:04,400 Speaker 3: But I'm with you. Think about it. 408 00:22:04,880 --> 00:22:08,160 Speaker 4: How much chemistry as getting Malkin had, or I should say, 409 00:22:08,160 --> 00:22:11,159 Speaker 4: how much production he had on that big line with 410 00:22:11,240 --> 00:22:14,399 Speaker 4: Mantha and Brasoh. And then the first chance that the 411 00:22:14,400 --> 00:22:18,200 Speaker 4: Penguins had to have all those three return, Igor Chinikov's 412 00:22:18,240 --> 00:22:20,800 Speaker 4: on the roster, they put him on the line with Gino, 413 00:22:20,920 --> 00:22:23,879 Speaker 4: and obviously we all know what's happened since that, so 414 00:22:23,920 --> 00:22:27,480 Speaker 4: you can't mess that up. So right now, the least 415 00:22:27,520 --> 00:22:30,680 Speaker 4: consistency or the least production from a certain line with 416 00:22:30,760 --> 00:22:33,840 Speaker 4: the three identities put together are the Mantha, Kindle and 417 00:22:33,880 --> 00:22:36,199 Speaker 4: Brazo line, and I think that says a lot because 418 00:22:36,640 --> 00:22:38,760 Speaker 4: I like what they got working there. I don't know 419 00:22:38,760 --> 00:22:42,239 Speaker 4: if it's hit its full potential, but if that's the 420 00:22:42,280 --> 00:22:46,160 Speaker 4: line that you're getting the least out of, in a way, 421 00:22:46,320 --> 00:22:47,600 Speaker 4: that's a really good spot for. 422 00:22:47,600 --> 00:22:48,480 Speaker 3: The Penguins right now. 423 00:22:48,800 --> 00:22:51,480 Speaker 4: I'm with you with the face off challenge because obviously 424 00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:54,200 Speaker 4: that was a big situation without having sid and now 425 00:22:54,240 --> 00:22:56,359 Speaker 4: you get Blake Lazatte, which is more so with the 426 00:22:57,080 --> 00:22:59,560 Speaker 4: lefty righty trade off with him and the chari on 427 00:22:59,600 --> 00:23:01,640 Speaker 4: the penalty kill and when that line is out there, 428 00:23:01,680 --> 00:23:03,800 Speaker 4: So that's that's going to be a bit of an 429 00:23:03,840 --> 00:23:06,800 Speaker 4: adjustment for the next four weeks, I would say, But again, 430 00:23:06,840 --> 00:23:09,080 Speaker 4: it's just another opportunity for these guys to take on 431 00:23:09,119 --> 00:23:10,080 Speaker 4: more responsibilities. 432 00:23:10,240 --> 00:23:12,360 Speaker 1: Let's stay with Mantham for second. How do you explain 433 00:23:12,440 --> 00:23:16,520 Speaker 1: what he's done? Major knee surgery last year and now 434 00:23:16,520 --> 00:23:19,520 Speaker 1: he has a career high in goals with twenty six 435 00:23:19,600 --> 00:23:20,520 Speaker 1: a career season. 436 00:23:20,960 --> 00:23:21,720 Speaker 2: Great hands. 437 00:23:22,440 --> 00:23:24,720 Speaker 1: The only bad part is he's probably pricing himself out 438 00:23:24,760 --> 00:23:25,880 Speaker 1: of Pittsburgh for next year. 439 00:23:27,320 --> 00:23:30,520 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think you start with how he got here. 440 00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:32,879 Speaker 4: You know, Kyle Dubs made a lot of these signings 441 00:23:32,920 --> 00:23:36,080 Speaker 4: for I hate to use the term fringe guys, but 442 00:23:36,119 --> 00:23:37,360 Speaker 4: I don't have a better one right now. 443 00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:38,440 Speaker 3: But someone looking for. 444 00:23:38,400 --> 00:23:42,760 Speaker 4: A home and the right, right opportunity, right amount of responsibilities. 445 00:23:42,800 --> 00:23:44,600 Speaker 4: And I think that was a perfect fit for Anthony 446 00:23:44,600 --> 00:23:48,040 Speaker 4: Manthick here. And then you go right into him being 447 00:23:48,080 --> 00:23:51,520 Speaker 4: on that line with with Malkin and Brazo, and that 448 00:23:51,680 --> 00:23:55,159 Speaker 4: was an instant success. So I think he's got the confidence. 449 00:23:55,359 --> 00:23:59,280 Speaker 4: He knows he's got some stability here. He likes the 450 00:23:59,359 --> 00:24:01,560 Speaker 4: role he I mean, he's a big guy, but it's 451 00:24:01,560 --> 00:24:04,720 Speaker 4: not like he plays like this huge enforcer like you said, 452 00:24:04,840 --> 00:24:08,399 Speaker 4: good hands. He's finding himself in the right spot. And 453 00:24:08,560 --> 00:24:10,560 Speaker 4: that's what I do like him on the Kindle and 454 00:24:10,640 --> 00:24:13,720 Speaker 4: Brazol line because Kindles this go getter. He's gonna go 455 00:24:13,760 --> 00:24:15,119 Speaker 4: and try to get the puck. He's gonna try to 456 00:24:15,119 --> 00:24:18,800 Speaker 4: set up his teammates. That's kind of where Mantha's success 457 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:21,280 Speaker 4: I think can fall into place. So again I think 458 00:24:21,280 --> 00:24:24,920 Speaker 4: it's scene change, it's instant success, and then you ride 459 00:24:24,920 --> 00:24:27,400 Speaker 4: that chemistry. And also it's like a reminder to him 460 00:24:27,560 --> 00:24:29,520 Speaker 4: like oh yeah, I am this type of player. 461 00:24:29,560 --> 00:24:31,639 Speaker 3: I can produce this much, this amount. 462 00:24:31,840 --> 00:24:34,720 Speaker 4: I don't think anyone expected to see where he's at 463 00:24:34,800 --> 00:24:38,080 Speaker 4: right now, but it's been a welcomed edition. 464 00:24:38,560 --> 00:24:39,159 Speaker 3: Absolutely. 465 00:24:39,640 --> 00:24:42,320 Speaker 1: What do you make of Carolina the opponent tonight and 466 00:24:42,359 --> 00:24:44,840 Speaker 1: then Sunday back at PPG. I think it's a great 467 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:47,600 Speaker 1: team in the standing speak for themselves, but I think 468 00:24:47,640 --> 00:24:51,000 Speaker 1: they play a predictable basic style and because of that, Joe, 469 00:24:51,240 --> 00:24:53,080 Speaker 1: I wouldn't mind playing them in a best of seven. 470 00:24:55,520 --> 00:24:58,159 Speaker 4: Yeah, I mean, they're definitely a team that scares me 471 00:24:58,320 --> 00:25:02,639 Speaker 4: right because they're just an all playoff threat. But you know, 472 00:25:02,680 --> 00:25:04,520 Speaker 4: there's a reason why they haven't gotten to the Promised 473 00:25:04,600 --> 00:25:07,640 Speaker 4: Land on their run. They're just a well oiled machine, 474 00:25:07,760 --> 00:25:11,520 Speaker 4: and I think that's what makes them so good throughout 475 00:25:11,520 --> 00:25:15,640 Speaker 4: the regular season because it's it's tough to adjust your 476 00:25:15,720 --> 00:25:20,800 Speaker 4: game to a team that is just so systematically run 477 00:25:21,200 --> 00:25:23,840 Speaker 4: by head coach like Rod Brindamore during the regular season. 478 00:25:23,920 --> 00:25:26,159 Speaker 4: So I do get what you're saying in terms of 479 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:30,920 Speaker 4: liking your chances in a playoff series because you can 480 00:25:31,040 --> 00:25:33,120 Speaker 4: alter your game a little bit and things down. 481 00:25:33,320 --> 00:25:35,560 Speaker 1: I don't think they stink far from that, Joe. I 482 00:25:35,600 --> 00:25:37,240 Speaker 1: just think you can draw a bead on. 483 00:25:37,160 --> 00:25:41,400 Speaker 4: Them right right, Well, again, like what the Penguin's able 484 00:25:41,400 --> 00:25:43,800 Speaker 4: to do against Colorado. I know these are two different teams, 485 00:25:43,800 --> 00:25:45,760 Speaker 4: and I know these are two different styles, but the 486 00:25:45,760 --> 00:25:48,720 Speaker 4: Penguins have shown that they can play against anybody. 487 00:25:48,760 --> 00:25:50,639 Speaker 3: They can shut down anybody. 488 00:25:50,680 --> 00:25:52,640 Speaker 4: I'm not saying it's gonna happen every single time, every 489 00:25:52,680 --> 00:25:55,800 Speaker 4: single period, but they have a way of figuring out 490 00:25:55,840 --> 00:25:57,800 Speaker 4: the other team's weakness and I think they showed that 491 00:25:57,840 --> 00:25:58,800 Speaker 4: against Colorado. 492 00:25:59,200 --> 00:26:00,480 Speaker 3: I hate to use the. 493 00:26:00,400 --> 00:26:02,760 Speaker 4: First matchup between the Penguins and the Hurricanes as an 494 00:26:02,760 --> 00:26:04,800 Speaker 4: example because I'm pretty sure that was the second half 495 00:26:04,800 --> 00:26:08,040 Speaker 4: of a back to back for Carolina back in December. 496 00:26:07,600 --> 00:26:10,240 Speaker 3: Which you know is the case again tonight. But I'm 497 00:26:10,240 --> 00:26:10,560 Speaker 3: with you. 498 00:26:10,800 --> 00:26:13,919 Speaker 4: I mean, it's a there's a reason why they're always 499 00:26:13,920 --> 00:26:16,600 Speaker 4: in the playoffs, but they haven't gotten to the promised Land, 500 00:26:16,600 --> 00:26:19,119 Speaker 4: and I feel like until they get to that point, 501 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:22,000 Speaker 4: they're going to face that criticism and it's validated. 502 00:26:22,359 --> 00:26:25,600 Speaker 1: One of my favorite phrases applies to them. Whatever it 503 00:26:25,640 --> 00:26:29,119 Speaker 1: is they've never had, they still haven't got. And with 504 00:26:29,200 --> 00:26:32,320 Speaker 1: that in mind, Joe, can the Penguins catch Carolina? And 505 00:26:32,400 --> 00:26:34,600 Speaker 1: I feel kind of dumb saying that because they are 506 00:26:34,640 --> 00:26:37,560 Speaker 1: far from even clinching a playoff spot yet. But if 507 00:26:37,560 --> 00:26:40,280 Speaker 1: you take three points out of these two games with Carolina, 508 00:26:40,440 --> 00:26:42,080 Speaker 1: or better yet, win both games. 509 00:26:42,080 --> 00:26:43,399 Speaker 2: You're like, right there, aren't you? 510 00:26:45,200 --> 00:26:47,679 Speaker 4: When you look at the schedule, Mark, I mean, they 511 00:26:47,680 --> 00:26:48,959 Speaker 4: are in the thick of it right now. 512 00:26:48,960 --> 00:26:50,239 Speaker 3: The Penguins are in the thick of it. 513 00:26:50,280 --> 00:26:53,359 Speaker 4: We've called this the biggest and most important road trip 514 00:26:53,359 --> 00:26:56,159 Speaker 4: in the season, and there are still some tough opponents. 515 00:26:56,200 --> 00:27:00,520 Speaker 4: Two against Carolina, including tonight, you're still facing the Detroit eighteen. 516 00:27:01,560 --> 00:27:05,080 Speaker 4: You're playing the Islanders still. But once you get past that, 517 00:27:05,160 --> 00:27:08,200 Speaker 4: once you get into April, you look at the Penguins schedule. 518 00:27:08,400 --> 00:27:10,600 Speaker 3: There's a couple of games against Washington. 519 00:27:10,160 --> 00:27:12,040 Speaker 4: Who I get at their Washington, but they're gonna be 520 00:27:12,040 --> 00:27:14,640 Speaker 4: out of the playoff race quickly at that point. There's 521 00:27:14,640 --> 00:27:17,880 Speaker 4: a game against Saint Louis, There's a game against New Jersey. 522 00:27:18,280 --> 00:27:21,479 Speaker 4: There is an opportunity for the Penguins to pick up 523 00:27:21,520 --> 00:27:25,720 Speaker 4: a lot more points. I think you could hold a 524 00:27:25,760 --> 00:27:28,880 Speaker 4: lot of value in what happens tonight in this game 525 00:27:28,920 --> 00:27:32,960 Speaker 4: and make your decision just after this final horn comes 526 00:27:32,960 --> 00:27:35,960 Speaker 4: after tonight's game. But I don't think it's too out 527 00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:38,840 Speaker 4: of out of whack. You know, I'm very optimistic about 528 00:27:38,840 --> 00:27:41,960 Speaker 4: the Penguins right now. Everything is fun, Everything is very. 529 00:27:41,840 --> 00:27:44,240 Speaker 3: Positive in this moment. I get what you're saying. 530 00:27:44,359 --> 00:27:46,840 Speaker 4: It's gonna take a lot, but I think the groundwork 531 00:27:46,920 --> 00:27:48,639 Speaker 4: is there, if they're able to put it, put to 532 00:27:48,800 --> 00:27:51,000 Speaker 4: put down the foundation, if you will, before we. 533 00:27:51,040 --> 00:27:51,480 Speaker 2: Let you go. 534 00:27:51,600 --> 00:27:54,520 Speaker 1: Joe, here's a controversy kind of cropping up. Jack Hughes, 535 00:27:55,160 --> 00:27:57,200 Speaker 1: who scored the golden goal at the Olympics. Once the 536 00:27:57,280 --> 00:27:59,520 Speaker 1: puck back, it's in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Who 537 00:27:59,560 --> 00:27:59,919 Speaker 1: sided it? 538 00:28:00,040 --> 00:28:00,520 Speaker 2: Hey can here? 539 00:28:02,440 --> 00:28:07,520 Speaker 3: Wow, that's tough. That's really tough. I don't know, give 540 00:28:07,600 --> 00:28:09,159 Speaker 3: him a puck. Why does Canada want it? 541 00:28:10,320 --> 00:28:10,680 Speaker 2: You see? 542 00:28:10,680 --> 00:28:12,879 Speaker 1: That's my point though, And don't get me wrong, it 543 00:28:12,960 --> 00:28:14,960 Speaker 1: sid played, I would have been rooting for Canada, making 544 00:28:15,040 --> 00:28:17,280 Speaker 1: me a trader to my country and not for the 545 00:28:17,280 --> 00:28:17,720 Speaker 1: first time. 546 00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:18,960 Speaker 2: You should see my tax return. 547 00:28:19,080 --> 00:28:23,200 Speaker 1: But but but he he scored the goal. 548 00:28:24,240 --> 00:28:28,080 Speaker 2: But the puck, the memorabilia seeing it more. 549 00:28:28,080 --> 00:28:30,320 Speaker 1: People will see it in Toronto on Young Street and 550 00:28:30,359 --> 00:28:32,840 Speaker 1: the Hockey Hall of Fame and a lot of Canadians too, 551 00:28:32,840 --> 00:28:33,760 Speaker 1: which rubs it in. 552 00:28:35,560 --> 00:28:40,320 Speaker 3: How much nineteen eighties memorabilia did they have over there? 553 00:28:40,360 --> 00:28:42,320 Speaker 2: Oh, that's that's a good point. 554 00:28:42,520 --> 00:28:42,640 Speaker 3: Uh. 555 00:28:42,880 --> 00:28:46,280 Speaker 1: The Young Street definitely underplays nineteen eighty and, for that matter, 556 00:28:46,320 --> 00:28:50,160 Speaker 1: any American accomplishment. If I were Jack Hugh's I'd say, Okay, listen, 557 00:28:50,840 --> 00:28:52,440 Speaker 1: you can keep the puck, but I want to see 558 00:28:52,440 --> 00:28:53,920 Speaker 1: how and where it's displayed. 559 00:28:55,960 --> 00:28:58,680 Speaker 4: I like that I have a little say in how 560 00:28:58,840 --> 00:29:01,760 Speaker 4: history is written over there, because because again, yeah, how 561 00:29:01,840 --> 00:29:03,880 Speaker 4: much how much for the miracle team is out there? 562 00:29:03,880 --> 00:29:05,800 Speaker 4: I know they didn't beat Canada on that instance, but 563 00:29:06,160 --> 00:29:09,880 Speaker 4: you know that's such a big piece of American sports. 564 00:29:09,360 --> 00:29:11,560 Speaker 1: And why not why not in the US Hockey Hall 565 00:29:11,600 --> 00:29:15,160 Speaker 1: of Fame in Evelyth, Minnesota, which I've been to. That's 566 00:29:15,200 --> 00:29:17,760 Speaker 1: America's Hockey Hall of Fame. This is an American goal. 567 00:29:17,880 --> 00:29:21,040 Speaker 1: I like. I don't begrudge Jack because he's obviously a 568 00:29:21,080 --> 00:29:23,840 Speaker 1: hell of a kid and scored that goal. But but 569 00:29:23,840 --> 00:29:26,760 Speaker 1: but wouldn't it be better to have a place where 570 00:29:26,800 --> 00:29:27,680 Speaker 1: people can see it? 571 00:29:29,120 --> 00:29:30,480 Speaker 3: Yeah, no, I'm with you there. 572 00:29:30,520 --> 00:29:32,440 Speaker 4: If he's asking for the puck just because he wants 573 00:29:32,440 --> 00:29:35,600 Speaker 4: it to put on his mantle, yeah I can't really 574 00:29:35,640 --> 00:29:38,080 Speaker 4: get behind that. But but to vouch for it to 575 00:29:38,120 --> 00:29:40,200 Speaker 4: be in the US Hockey Hall of Fame rather than 576 00:29:40,520 --> 00:29:43,280 Speaker 4: in Canada, I'm totally on board with my mom. 577 00:29:43,160 --> 00:29:45,320 Speaker 1: Left me a baseball, well, she gave it to me 578 00:29:45,320 --> 00:29:47,320 Speaker 1: when I was a kid, signed by Ralph Kinner, the 579 00:29:47,320 --> 00:29:49,680 Speaker 1: Pirate Slugger. Joe and my dog ate it. I mean, 580 00:29:49,720 --> 00:29:51,520 Speaker 1: a lot can happen if it's just at your house. 581 00:29:52,760 --> 00:29:55,320 Speaker 4: That's true. That's true, and then you know, then it's 582 00:29:55,400 --> 00:29:58,360 Speaker 4: your responsibility. Hopefully you got insurance on that puck or 583 00:29:58,400 --> 00:29:59,480 Speaker 4: that ball for that matter. 584 00:29:59,360 --> 00:29:59,800 Speaker 3: I did not. 585 00:30:00,280 --> 00:30:02,880 Speaker 2: Joe, great stuff. Enjoy the game tonight, Enjoy. 586 00:30:02,600 --> 00:30:05,520 Speaker 3: The hockey all right, Thanks Doublem, thanks for having me. 587 00:30:05,560 --> 00:30:07,960 Speaker 1: As always, that's Joe Brand Penguins play by play guy. 588 00:30:08,000 --> 00:30:10,640 Speaker 1: Hear him tonight on the X. Come watch the game 589 00:30:10,680 --> 00:30:15,240 Speaker 1: with me at All Star Sports Bar and Grill tonight. 590 00:30:15,320 --> 00:30:16,880 Speaker 2: Puck drops at seven pm.