Tree of Life

06 Oct

Pittsburgh Penguins Season Preview by Jon Pennline

published in category: College Sports, Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, October 6th, 2011 – 8:40 am

In what was an injury plagued 2010-2011 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins managed to surprise the NHL when they finished as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. While season ending injuries to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin derailed the Pens' bid for a deep playoff run in 2011, they served as a litmus test to how rich the organization was with young talent. Now, with Malkin and Crosby (hopefully) returning, the Penguins return as a favorite to win the Stanley Cup in 2012.

Sports Illustrated has already predicted the Penguins to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks in this upcoming Stanley Cup Final. On paper, I could not agree more. As we learned last year however, there is a lot that can happen between now and June. Let's take a look at how this team will be constructed:

Forwards

Projected lines based on last practice

Sullivan-Malkin-Neal
Kunitz-Staal-Kennedy
Cooke-Letestu-Dupuis
Asham-Vitale-Park

The Penguins definitely put their strength up the middle with centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin; two of the top five talents in the world. Despite Crosby's absence to start the season, all signs point to a return later on in the year. Malkin, who has underperformed the last two seasons, has dominated in preseason thanks to a grueling offseason workout and a new found determination. He realizes his effort over the last two seasons has knocked him out of the discussion as an elite player and, based on recent interviews, Malkin appears to be poised for rebound. The third line is anchored by Jordan Staal, a more defensive minded forward with the ability to score 20-25 goals. Keep in mind, Staal missed the first half of the season and still contributed 11 goals while centering the top line in Crosby's absence. While he does not have the same offensive talent as Crosby or Malkin, Staal is arguably the best third line center in the league.

On a lesser note, the Penguins dumped Max Talbot after two useless seasons, lost Michael Rupp to New York, and acquired Richard Park. Those moves appear to be minute as many of the younger players showed they were able to play in the NHL last season. Dustin Jeffrey will be back after he recovers from knee surgery and could anchor the fourth line with Arron Asham and Craig Adams.

There certainly are some question marks for the forwards, the biggest being health. Is Steve Sullivan going to stay healthy? In the past four seasons, he has played over 60 games only once (2009-2010) while missing half of last season in Nashville. Chris Kunitz has missed 48 games over the last two seasons combined due to lower body injuries. While the news on Sidney Crosby's recovery has been encouraging, the nature of the injury is so enigmatic that there are no guarantees of a safe return.

The powerplay is also a huge question. After being one of the worst teams with the man advantage the last few years, the Penguins have retooled their approach resulting in more success in the preseason. A major change includes using four forwards instead of three with Sullivan manning the point. If there was truly a weakness for the Pittsburgh Penguins, it was the powerplay. At the very least, if they become average on the powerplay, it will have major effects on the season in a positive way.

Will James Neal score 25-30 goals in a full season with the Penguins? Will Tyler Kennedy repeat his 20+ goal performance of last year? Can Pascal Dupuis step up and become more of a finisher than in year's past? The Penguins lack a true superstar at wing but they have enough talent to contribute. James Neal played well in all facets except scoring last year. Now in his first full season as a Penguin, Neal needs to score. Period.

After serving a suspension that kept him out of the playoffs, Matt Cooke is back on his last opportunity with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Cooke's recklessness last year made the organization look foolish. With Ray Shero and Mario Lemieux denouncing headshots, Cooke elbowed Rangers' defenseman, Ryan McDonagh and was suspended 10 games plus the first round of the playoffs. To say the least, Cooke is on thin ice-no pun intended-. In preseason Cooke seemed a bit more controlled in deciding who he was going to hit. If he is able to stay out of trouble with new NHL disciplinarian Czar Brendan Shanahan, Cooke will continue to be a vital piece for the Penguins.

Defense

Projected Pairings

Orpik-Martin
Letang-Michalek
Lovejoy-Niskanen/Engelland

Once Paul Martin and Zybnek Michalek got acclimated to playing in Pittsburgh's system last year, the Penguins defense became one of the best in the NHL. The Penguins finished 7th in goals allowed, 5th in shots allowed and 1st in penalty kill. Kris Letang will be the focal point from an offensive side of the blue line while Michalek will continue to be one of the game's best shot blockers. Brooks Orpik will most likely miss the season opener against Vancouver as he recovers from an offseason sports hernia operation, but he shouldn't miss more than a few games. While the centers are world class, the defense is the deepest position in the organization. Former first round picks Simon Despres (2009) and Joe Morrow (2011) looked comfortable this September and are merely waiting for their chance. That may be sooner rather than later depending on Ray Shero's willingness to deal defensemen at the deadline.

Goaltenders

Marc Andre Fleury was on the fringe of being a Vezina trophy finalist last season after a putrid start in October. By the end of the season, Fleury posted a 2.32 GAA .918 SV% as he helped carry the offensively punchless Penguins to the playoffs. Now, approaching age 27, Fleury looks to be entering his prime with a defensive unit that projects to be among the best in the league. If he can avoid some early season struggles, Fleury could be adding a Vezina trophy to his cabinet.

Meanwhile, backup goalie Brent Johnson is as solid as they come. In 23 games last season, Johnson 13-5 with a 2.17 GAA and .922 SV%. Simply put, Johnson kept the team afloat while Marc Andre Fleury struggled. He is definitely one of the better backups in the NHL and should get decent playing time when Fleury needs a break.

As stated before, the Penguins are the best team on paper. When everyone is healthy they possess elite forwards, shut down defensemen and a top five goaltender. Compound that with an excellent system that is implemented in all levels of the organization along with the coach of the year from last season, and you have a team poised for a Stanley Cup run. If the Penguins are fortunate enough to avoid any major injuries during the course of the season, they may wind up as the franchise's best team since 1993.

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Posted in College Sports, Pittsburgh Penguins

 

04 Oct

STEELERS INJURY REPORT

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 – 12:19 pm

According to Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin, Linebacker James Harrison will be out a few weeks with a fracture of his right orbital eye socket. Lawrence Timmons will move outside to take Harrison's place and Larry Foote will start inside along with James Farrior. Ben Roethlisberger has a foot sprain but Tomlin expects him to start this Sunday against the Titans. Tomlin also expects Brett Keisel, Bryant McFadden, Doug Legursky and Jonathon Scott to play and most likely start this week. Defensive End Aaron Smith is extremely questionable with a mid-foot sprain. LB Jason Worilds is doubtful.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

04 Oct

The LaMarr Woodley Show eps. 3

published in category: Uncategorized on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 – 11:31 am

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Posted in Uncategorized

 

04 Oct

The LaMarr Woodley Show eps. 2

published in category: Uncategorized on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 – 11:12 am

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04 Oct

Steelers suit up for fashion-show benefit

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 – 10:30 am

By JoAnne Klimovich Harrop, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, October 3, 2011

Hines Ward will be dancing with some other stars Thursday.

The champion of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" is a co-captain of Dinner and Dancing With Steelers: Steelers Style 2011, the organization's annual fashion show event. Players will have an opportunity to show off their fancy footwork while donning tuxedoes, business suits and casual wear before a predicted sold-out audience of Terrible Towel-waving fans on Thursday at Heinz Field.

Instead of his "Dancing With the Stars" partner, Kym Johnson, Ward will accompany his 7-year-old son, Jaden, down the runway. Ward says he is not going to wear any of the shiny, sparkling outfits from the show.

"I miss ('Dancing With the Stars') a little bit," says Ward, a Super Bowl MVP and Pro Bowl selection. "I watched the show the other night. I had fun doing it, and it will be fun to make some moves down the runway. I don't plan on giving any dance lessons to my teammates. They all have their own moves."

Safety Ryan Clark says he appreciates Ward's dancing prowess but doesn't need any pointers. Clark's got his own moves and his own fashion sense.

"I am a smooth dancer," Clark says. "And I plan to wear a nice suit — not any costume like the one Hines wore in 'Dancing With the Stars.' I want my pants to have pockets. … And no cut-off shirts for me like the ones he wore. My shirts will have sleeves."

The evening's fashions will be provided by American Eagle, Reebok, Nordstrom, Nicole Miller and Etcetera.

The event promises to be a fun night, says Greta Rooney, who along with husband Art Rooney II and coach Mike Tomlin with wife Kiya are event chairmen.

"This event will showcase players who want to dance," Rooney says. "All the players have swag. And they will definitely show their swag that night. The goal of the night is for everyone to be dancing. And I am pretty sure the music we will be playing will make everyone want to dance before the night is over. It will be such a fun evening."

Between the fashion show and Taste of the Steelers, a food event to be held Oct. 29 at Heinz Field, fundraising since 1994 will surpass $5 million. The two events raised more than $700,000 last year. The benefiting charities are the UPMC Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and the Cancer Caring Center in Bloomfield.

"The Steelers organization is so wonderful to us and even though they are in season, they make time to produce such an exciting event that is both profitable and memorable," says Rebecca Whitlinger, executive director of the Cancer Caring Center. "The Steelers are true athletes and whether they are playing on the field or dancing on the runway you can count on stellar performances."

The audience enjoys seeing players up close and without helmets, Rooney says, and they have a chance to gain a bit of insight into a player's personality.

Each players chooses the music that will be used for his turn to make it down the runway.

Families like taking part, says Clark, who will appear with his wife and children.

"And what is nice is the players understand the importance of doing events like this," Rooney says, "and they say yes before I even finish asking if they will take part in it."

Ward knows.

"It's about helping people," he says. "This also is a special event that means so much to the Rooney family, and I want to support that."

Linebacker LaMarr Woodley, the other co-captain, says Ward is an inspiration on the field and when it comes to dancing. Woodley says he is looking forward to striking a few poses on the runway.

"Well, he is 'Dancing With the Stars' champion, but I have great feet, too," says Woodley, who is 6-foot-2, weighs 265 pounds and wears a size 14 shoe and custom-made suits. "I can dance.

"A lot of the players are happy to be a part of this event because we don't get an opportunity to get dressed up a lot. We love interacting with the fans and helping the charities. And it's an opportunity for us to do some modeling and be the best-dressed players for the best-dressed fans and the best fans anywhere out there."

Read more: Steelers suit up for fashion-show benefit – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fashion/s_759983.html#ixzz1Zp62qjse

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Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

04 Oct

Steelers' Latest Performance Becoming a Trend by Jon Pennline

published in category: Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 – 8:21 am

In week one, the Steelers were blown out against the Baltimore Ravens, and fans were completely stunned by their hometown team's performance. However, this newest defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans may redefine the term stunned. It is one thing for the Steelers to have a bad game and lose but the way they have performed through the first quarter of this season has been consistently mediocre.

Matt Schaub, one of the premier quarterbacks of the NFL, has often been criticized for not rising to the big challenges to put his team over the top. On Sunday, Schaub was, once again, out of the spotlight completing 14 passes for 138 yards.

That was all he needed.

Arian Foster ran over the Steelers for 155 yards and a touchdown as the Texans won 17-10. The once proud Pittsburgh defense, accustomed to complete seasons without giving up 100 yard rushers, surrendered their second 100 yard rusher of the season. Midway through the fourth quarter, Foster cut back across the middle of the field and scored on a 41 yard run. He was hardly touched on his way to the end zone. Last week Joseph Addai rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown without the services of Peyton Manning to keep the offense balanced. In week one, the Steelers gave up a combined 180 yards to Ray Rice and Ricky Williams. As Mike Tomlin always says "the standard is the standard". Well, for the first time in his tenure, "the standard" is going to be lower: do not give up 100 yards on the ground. That is truly stunning since the Steelers run defense was once a strength of historical proportions and now it is below average.

So who's to blame on defense?

Well, everybody. Casey Hampton and Aaron Smith are getting completely blown off the line of scrimmage. In the past, Hampton and Smith would each occupy two offensive linemen, allowing the linebackers to penetrate the line and make tackles. Now, they are being pushed aside and the linebackers are unable to make plays. James Farrior and Larry Foote look old. Farrior tried to make a tackle on a third and short play in the opening drive and Foster ran him over. Meanwhile, the youngest members of the defense, Ziggy Hood, Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley have been invisible. Woodley and Timmons have underperformed to the highest (or lowest) degree which is alarming, considering they were given huge contracts in the offseason. While Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor have played well, it is completely irrelevant if the front seven is giving up six yards per carry.

The defense may be more surprising but the offense has been downright embarrassing for the past four seasons. The Steelers have an elite quarterback, talented running back, and three blazing wide receivers. Yet, they are one of the lowest scoring teams in the league. One reason is that their offensive line is terrible as it has been since 2006. As I argued in a previous post, the Pittsburgh Steelers delayed their search to find an excellent left tackle to protect Ben's blindside. While Maurkice Pouncey and Marcus Gilbert look like two solid options on that line, Ben is still getting crushed as the line tries to gel. With a bad offensive line, the Steelers struggle to run, leaving defensive ends the ability to tee off on Roethlisberger. Rather than try to adjust the gameplan, Bruce Arians proves he is as stubborn as ever, calling for complex routes that take time to develop. With a bad line and athletic receivers, the Steelers would be smart to infuse quick passes to move the ball. As we saw on Sunday, that rarely happened.

If you are looking for positives, you're in luck. The good news is the season is still young and the Steelers could be playing themselves into "football shape" as some may not have been working hard during the lockout. After week nine against the Ravens, they have an extremely easy schedule including two games against the NFC West, Bengals and Browns. If they can survive these next few games-with or without Roethlisberger (foot)- they may have a shot to make the playoffs. The AFC is still wide open, given the lack of dominant teams and if the Steelers can turn the ship around, they can get hot at the right time. At this point in time, it seems like a big "if" but remember, this is a veteran group and they are almost the exact same team that came within six points of another championship.

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Posted in Ike Taylor, Pittsburgh Steelers

 

03 Oct

SORRY STEELERS by Abby Geisel

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, October 3rd, 2011 – 1:23 pm

Ugly. That's about all I have to say for Sunday's Steelers performance. Actually, I don't even know if you can call it a performance. It was more of a practice and definitely not a very good one at that.

The offensive line was in shambles allowing Ben Roethlisberger to get sacked 5 times! That's right, you read it correctly-5 TIMES!! And we won't even talk about the number of times he was hurried or almost sacked. Granted, Ben's style of play is the type where he will take more sacks than the average quarterback with a good offensive line, but nonetheless, something needs to be done. Year after year, nothing changes. Yes, the Steelers somehow find ways to win despite having a line that's like a good math problem-how many different combinations of lines can you create with these eight players? But if this has been a problem for several consecutive years, shouldn't something be done to fix it?

I also don't understand why Bruce Arians didn't run Mewelde Moore and Isaac Redman more given Mendenhall's poor performance against Indianapolis. The only breakthrough the running game had against the Colts was when they handed off to Moore, which was at the end of the game- the end of a game that was way too close for comfort. And it wasn't until Mendenhall got hurt against Houston that they went to Moore and Redman.

Defense is by no means off the hook either. Up until this season, I could count on my hands the number of 100 rushing yard games that the famed Dick LeBeau defense gave up. They always seemed to have problems wrapping up small, bowling ball, speedy backs like Maurice Jones-Drew and Ray Rice, but they never gave up many yards on the ground consistently. This year is a different story completely. In four games alone, they've given up 478 rushing yards. 478. You do the math. On average, that's over 100 yards a game. The problem with giving up so many rushing yards is that it allows teams to open up the passing game as well. And we all know that the Steelers secondary hasn't been, shall we say, very reliable in recent years. Thus, the defense's ability to stop the run is what forced teams to pass and make mistakes in the passing game. Now, teams can pass on their own free will-scary if you ask me. Turnovers go down. Defensive points go down. Wins become scarce.

Why is run defense a problem this year? Everyone is saying the Steelers defense is just getting old, but I don't really think that is the primary reason for their poor defense thus far. Yes, they are dealing with injuries, which do contribute to team chemistry and ability to play as a cohesive unit, but the bigger issue at hand again goes back to the offense. If the offense cannot stay on the field for more than three plays at a time, there is no way that the defense can be expected to consistently produce stops and points. Even for a great defense, that is an unrealistic demand. (Regarding injuries, it should be noted that Brett Keisel was out yesterday and Aaron Smith sustained a foot injury that took him out of the game as well. James Harrison was playing with one eye. For goodness sake!! It sounds like the Bad News Bears. Regardless, scattered defensive injuries are not the most relevant matter at hand as stated.)

With the Titans, Jaguars, Cardinals, and Patriots as the next four games up, the Steelers better go back to the drawing board. I don't think it's panic time yet, but if things continue the way they are now, Pittsburgh is in for a very long, ugly season.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

30 Sep

TribLIVE Radio High School Athlete of the Week Winner

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Friday, September 30th, 2011 – 2:55 pm

Congratulations to Washington QB Josh Wise, voted this week's TribLIVE Radio Athlete of the week. Last Friday night, Josh led the Prexies to an impressive 33-14 victory over South Fayette while throwing for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Washington 2-2 on the season takes on Keystone Oaks tonight at Dormont Stadium in our game of the Week on TribLIVE Radio at 7pm.

Follow Josh Wise on twitter at @jlwise_whs11

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Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 



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