These are exciting times to be a Penguins’ fan. The reigning Stanley Cup champs took care of Columbus in five games and are now poised to perhaps face the Washington Capitals in round two, provided the Caps knock off surprising Toronto. The Pens played pretty well against the Jackets, but they will tell you they still need to improve in several areas to make it back to the Cup finals. A rematch against the Caps would be a fun series to watch, and one that could very well decide who wins it all this year. Bob Grove, the noted Pens’ historian, said on the Fan in Pittsburgh this past week that he thinks the winner of Pens-Caps series would go on to win the Stanley Cup. Need I say more?
• The Penguins have to like the extra days they’ll get to rest and recover before facing their second round opponent. Obviously, the Penguins hope Matt Murray is healthy enough to play soon, even if he doesn’t replace Marc Andre Fleury in goal. It would be great if Carl Hagelin and Chris Kunitz can also return soon. Hagelin, in particular, would give the Penguins a huge lift with his speed. Both players can only help Pittsburgh if and when they return.
• I would not be at all surprised if the Pens ride goaltender Marc Andre Fleury until he falters in the playoffs. I sure would. Fleury is playing great, and has the experience of winning a Stanley Cup. The Flower was perhaps the best player for the Penguins in their first round series against Columbus. You don’t pull him now, even if the injured Matt Murray returns in time for the second round.
• The Pirates really needed their series win over the New York Yankees. After being swept by the Cards, they came limping back to PNC Park. These Yankees have a chance to be really good in the next few years. They have a lot of really talented youngsters. They have the pitching and the power to be competitive. Winning two out of three from the Yankees should be a confidence booster for the Buccos, who need all the good karma they can get these days.
• If the Pirates are going to stay competitive this year they’ll need to improve their defense. The Buccos had a classic meltdown in the Saturday loss with numerous blunders in the field, including costly ones by Andrew McCutchen and John Jaso. On Sunday, Josh Harrison booted a ninth inning ground ball that should have ended the game with a double play. Fortunately, the Pirates held on. Still, there is reason for concern with the Pirates’ play in the field, and rightfully so.
• Shame on Starling Marte. His 80 game suspension for PEDs will forever hurt his reputation, and will certainly impact the Pirates as they try to compete with the Cubs and Cardinals in the NL Central. I was shocked to hear of Marte’s suspension. And from what I’ve read and heard, so were the Pirates. It’s hard to put into words how much the absence of Marte and Jung Ho Kang will hurt the Pirates. Both guys deserve all the criticism that has come their way. In the meantime, the Pirates will try to tread water. My guess is they’ll be way out of the race by the time Marte returns, and I won’t be surprised if Kang never suits up for the Pirates at all this season.
• From the looks of things, Andrew McCutchen is delighted to be back in center field. He mouthed the words, “This is my spot”, when he ran down a fly ball the other night and was quite demonstrative in doing so. Cutch is back in center, but he won’t stay there when the Pirates get Marte back. And if the Pirates are out of contention by the All Star Break, and McCutchen is having a bad year, he probably won’t finish the season in a Pirates’ uniform. In the meantime, enjoy Andrew McCutchen in center while you can.
• The NFL draft is nearly here, thank goodness. I’ve probably seen at least 10-15 different players headed to the Steelers in Round One of the draft in the numerous mock drafts that are out there. That leads me to believe that anything can happen when the Steelers finally pick at number 30. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Steelers take a corner or pass rushing linebacker in the first round. What would surprise me if they take a quarterback, should one slip down that far. In other words, who knows what will happen.
• I fully expect the Steelers to take a cornerback or two, and possibly even a safety. I’d be really happy if the versatile Jabrill Peppers from Michigan is around when the Steelers pick. I think he’d be a great selection for the Steelers. I also look for Pittsburgh to take an inside linebacker, a wide receiver, a running back and inside linebacker. It will be interesting to see if they take a quarterback at some point in the draft. I think it just depends on who is around when they pick, and how highly they rate that player. I would be very happy if the Steelers got local products like wide receiver Chris Godwin of Penn State and running back James Connor from Pitt, but chances are that won’t happen.
• Shame on the NFL for making the Steelers play on Christmas Day for the second year in a row. And to make matters worse, the Steelers also have to travel for their Christmas Day game against Houston. It’s ridiculous that any team has to play on Christmas Day, let alone two years in a row. I truly feel for the NFL players, coaches and staff members who will have their Christmas ruined because the NFL needs to play a game on that special day. I really feel bad for their kids who won’t be able to celebrate with their fathers around on Christmas Day. I hope Art Rooney picks up the phone and tells NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that his team has helped the league two years in a row, and that in the future don’t even think about making the Steelers play again on Christmas.
