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Pens Rookie Tournament Lines

Tuesday, 07 September 2010 12:57 pm
Written by Eric P
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http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/TIZu0nl3qTI/AAAAAAAAAys/a1RMIxcvs3Q/jlc.jpg

Brian Metzer went into animal mode this morning, as he posted the 2010 Pens rookie camp roster via [ FromThePoint ].
I did my best John Hynes impression, and created some make-shift lines.


Forwards:
Eric Tangradi - Keven Veilleux - Dustin Jeffrey
Casey Pierro-Zabotel - Nick Petersen - Tom Kuehnhackl
Joey Haddad - Alex Smigelski - Geoff Walker
Tyler Brown - Zach Sill - Ryan Schnell
Taylor Peters

The second coming of the Koon, Kuehnhackl is going to score a goal in this tournament.
At first, I was surprised to see Walker invited. Thought he was a pure filler/Wheeling guy.
Brown and Peters are the two jobbers who get invited to camp every year so they can learn how to correctly fill a water bottle.

Defensemen:
Robert Bortuzzo - Simon Despres
Alex Grant - Brian Strait
Reid McNeill - Carl Sneep
Joe Rogalski

Goaltenders:
Brad Thiessen
Patrick Killeen
Mattias Modig


Wilkes-Blog will have game previews and recaps all next week, covering the entire rookie tournament.
First gameday will go up the morning of September 11th, before the first game.
An online stream is in the works for everyone who doesn't live in London, Ontario.

...Alright, gonna go play some more NHL 11.


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WB/S in NHL 11

Monday, 06 September 2010 04:52 pm
Written by Eric P
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http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/TIVTHBd3hmI/AAAAAAAAAyY/YSDh_iXQhK4/s512/bigdxbox.jpg
[duff]

Last year in NHL 10, Casey Pierro-Zabotel was the highest rated Baby Pen. 76 overall.
He spent 3/4 of the year in Wheeling and was WBS' worst player all year.
It was evident that EA had no idea what they were doing. We'll see how much one year has changed that.

Taking a look at their default line-up, we'll decide what kind of time they put into this, and if we feel they ranked players correctly.
The first number listed is their overall rating from last year, and the bolded number is their new one.
For those of you who aren't familiar with the rating system, the best player was Sidney Crosby at a 96 overall. Chris Bourque was a 74.
Someone who already has the game posted their new overalls.

First line:
Tangradi (75, 74) - Craig (77, 76) - Sterling (74, 74)

Tangradi showed a ton of improvement, especially in the second half of the year. EA developers were too busy playing NBA Jam to notice.
I'd lobby for Sterling here to be a little higher too, being one of the AHL's deadliest scorers. Whatever.

Second line:
Jeffrey (71, 73) - Letestu (72, 72) - Conner (76, 73)

Conner's two goals against Lundvquist were directly responsible for his downgrade of three overall points, it seems.
No clue what they're doing.

Third line:
Veilleux (72, 73) - Vitale (70, 71) - Johnson (66, 72)

Not sure why Nick Johnson was a 66 to begin with. EA must have mixed him up with the one from the Yankees.

Fourth line:
Wallace (71, 71) - Sill (69, 71) - Boulerice (70, 73)

Huge improvement for David Wallace last season. Should have been a higher bump up to 74, at least.

Reserve forwards:
Pierro-Zabotel (76, 72) - Haddad (70, 72) - Collins (N/A) - Orpik (71)

CPZ probably should be a 68 right now.

First D pairing:
Wagner (74, 73) - Hutchinson (76, 76)

Second D pairing:
Strait (71, 72) - Bortuzzo (72, 74)

Third D pairing:
Potter (73, 73) - Grant (70, 72)

Serviceable job with the D corps. To be picky, Strait should have a point over Grant.

Reserve D:
Sneep (N/A), DeSantis (66)

Goalies:
Thiessen (72, 72) - Curry (73, 73)


Huge mistake here. Curry had an embarrasing year, which should have dropped him to around the 69 rating.
Thiessen ran shit all year, and they show him no love. Should be a 75.

Hopefully the first roster update sorts all of this out.
No clue how they come up these AHL ratings.
At least the gameplay's sick.

Go Team Pensblog.



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Unreal Shirt on Sale

Monday, 06 September 2010 10:28 am
Written by Eric P
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Looking throught the WB/S team store online, we came across an item that every tPB fan could appreciate.
The "Penguins Graphic T-Shirt" is just an alias for Unreal WB/S Shirt.


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/TIT5huqRZdI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/omo1W2iu6PQ/s512/unreal1.png


It also comes in red. Only $15.
Too bad they only have sizes small and XXL left.

If someone sends in a pic of themselves wearing one of these shirts, they will be considered as a gameday character.

NHL 11 comes out at midnight.


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Leave Captain, My Captain

Thursday, 02 September 2010 09:59 pm
Written by Eric P
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http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/TIBXPRKYpsI/AAAAAAAAAuo/M-VMGnHl51g/s576/wyatt.jpg

Agent Ben Hankinson of Octagon Hockey posted this news on Twitter today.

"Congrats to client Wyatt Smith on contract with Boston Bruins. Should be good fit as depth Center."

Guess he doesn't get free AHL Live passes to watch his client's games.


Smith served as the WB/S captain this past season, and it's safe to say that he was probably the worst one they've ever had.

At the age of 32, Smith was brought in last year on a one-year deal. His first several games were decent, but he steadily declined to the point where I cringed when he hopped over the boards for his next shift.

Not only did I cringe, the entire township of Wilkes-Barre did as well. I've never seen the fanbase bash and ridicule a player to the extent that they have done with Smith.
And it's deserving. He couldn't skate very well, didn't have a shot, and didn't really take the body.
A very disappointing year, especially one where he was given the C and put into the number 1 center role.


Now, he's the Bruins problem. He will play the entire year in Providence (AHL).
In terms of our situation, my hunch is that Ryan Craig will be named captain after a few weeks into the regular season.

I have no ill will towards Smith. He just sucked in my opinion.
Would be nice to see him turn things around with a new change of scenery.

But on January 8th, when he steps on Mohegan Sun ice, all bets are off.




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Fans First, Two Signings, Rook Tourney

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 06:05 pm
Written by Eric P
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http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/TH7ObHkxQbI/AAAAAAAAAss/2k3K25InrTM/s640/street.jpg

The new motto/slogan for the upcoming season is "Fans First".

......In other news:

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pens have signed two forwards to AHL-only deals today.

The 22-year-old Geoff Walker plays a power-forward game at 6'3", 225 lb.
After dominating the Q for 3 years with Prince Edward Island, he played for the Ontario Reign (ECHL) where he scored 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) in 68 games.

He split last year between Ontario and Manchester (AHL). In 37 AHL games, he put up 14 points (5, 9) to go along with 5 fights against some worthy opponents.
Some Monarch's fans are already pissed that they lost this guy. Sounds good for us.



The other signing was 23-year-old Ben Street. He just finished his fifth year at the U. of Wisconsin.
In his last year as an offensive defenseman, their Captain was good for 30 points (14, 16) in 43 NCAA games.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/TH7ObHkxQbI/AAAAAAAAAss/2k3K25InrTM/s640/street.jpg

In terms of WBS, they are pure depth signings. They will start and most likely stay for most of the year in Wheeling.
One of the deepest years in terms of depth all the way down the ladder.


As mentioned a few weeks ago, the Pens will play their first competitive hockey of the season on September 11th when they play the Senators rookies.

Since the three game tournament is taking place in London, Ontario, we won't be able to be there live,
but we have multiple representatives who will be in attendance, sending in pictures and their observations of the Pens rookies.

For the Ottawa and Toronto games, there will most likely be an online stream available. Check back here for that link.

The rest of the tourney info is all here.

Chirps from Center Ice did a nice run-down of the WBS promotional schedule/items.
Looks like their giving away Crosby and Malkin bobbleheads.
Team Trading Card sets are only available to STH's.

10 days.


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Full AHL Schedule Released

Wednesday, 25 August 2010 03:59 pm
Written by Eric P
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The official WBS Facebook has a desktop schedule background.
PDF format if you're into that.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/TGN5Eezqp4I/AAAAAAAAAik/L5gW2uBIz_8/johnny_drama_victory.jpg

Let's take a look at some WBS games that stand out on first glance...

First off, the Pens will open up the season at home, against the Hershey Bears on October 9th.

I expected nothing less. If/when the Pens win that game, they make a statement to the entire league. They're coming.

After the opener, they play the Adirondack Phantoms (formerly Philly) three days later at Mohegan Sun.

Following that, the first two road games are against the newly formed Charlotte Checkers, in Charlotte.

Chirps from Center Ice found a glaring error:

In Rochester 11-5, home Syracuse 11-6, then back to Rochester 11-7. That is silly.

Looks like a possible WBS road trip for us would be during the end of January again.
Jan 22nd against Albany, 23rd and 26th against Charlotte.
Going to look further into the schedule until we book it though.

On Thanksgiving day (November 25) they play a rare game in Binghamton. 6:00 start.

From March 11th - 16th, they will be in full Canada mode. Two games against Abbotsford, followed by two against Manitoba.
Better save up the Fuelperks for that trip.

On Sunday December 12th, WBS plays against Albany at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.
On Friday January 21st, WBS plays the Phantoms at the Wells Fargo Center (Flyers arena).

Most notably, the game that will be part of the Winter Classic will be held on December 30th.

Hershey at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Consol Energy Center. Day before New Year's Eve.
7:35 start. Would've been life-changing if they could have done it a day later.
The event will still create huge publicity for the AHL and the WBS prospects alike.
Apparently, this will follow a NCAA headlined by Robert Morris' team.

This brings up a lot of questions for discussion.
Is this going to sell out? 18,087 on hand to watch two lower level games?
Why not?

Will the Big Dog be in Pittsburgh to eat up the Caps at Heinz Field, or at the CEC to dominate Hershey?

Time will tell.

16 days until the first rookie game.




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Student Rush, Baskov, Schedule Tomorrow

Tuesday, 24 August 2010 04:07 pm
Written by Eric P
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The Student Rush program has made it's way down to the farm team. Blue and Gold Zone tickets are offered for $12 in advance or on the day of the game.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/THQh6xNH2hI/AAAAAAAAAqg/cJRdlAbTmb8/studentrush.jpg

You need to show your college ID at the box office at Mohegan Sun Arena to receive the discount.

The Pittsburgh student rush includes high school students as well, right? Interesting.


The WBS Pens Facebook page breaks it down:

Q. How much am I actually saving?
A. You save $6 on the Blue Zone, $11 on the Gold Zone, and $5 on the Red Zone.

Q. Does this mean I get the bad seats that no one wants?
A. Absolutely not! Mohegan Sun Arena is a venue where every seat is a great seat and has no obstructions in view.

Q. What else do I get out of participating in Student Rush?
A. Throughout the season we will be having special offers and contests available to only you, our college fans.

Q. Why should I go to a Penguins game?
A. It’s a great way to see the fast paced, hard hitting future stars of the NHL.



JB made a post about the recent rumblings involving Alex "Baskov" Pechurskiy.

The Penguins would like to see Pechurskiy play in North America this season. They’d like him to get over here in time to play in the rookie tournament in London next month. But there are no plans to have him play in Wilkes-Barre. A much more likely destination is Tri-City of the WHL, if that club has a spot for an overage import. Regardless, it’s difficult to predict with any kind of certainty where Pechurskiy will play because he’s still under contract with his KHL team and that tends to complicate matters.


Finally, the full AHL schedule comes out tomorrow around 4 PM. Buckle up.



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Pechursky to play in WBS?

Monday, 23 August 2010 05:43 pm
Written by Eric P
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The big news just hit the Twitter world that goalie prospect Alexander Pechursky is making his return.


"As per sports.ru Alex Pechursky will play in the AHL next season."

Still not sure if that's how it's correctly spelled.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/THLrlzEt0DI/AAAAAAAAAqM/T14MBQvgbYQ/610x.jpg

There was a lot of speculation that it would take a miracle to pry Pechursky back to North America after his one-day contract expired last season.


Everyone remembers him from his "rags to riches" type story when he was brought into his first NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks.
His plain white helmet and Mylec-esque pads made him famous.

The powerplay of course comes to nothing. The Pens were playing good defense for Pechursky.

They pretty much were protecting Pechursky's future as an NHL player.

The only highlight of the game came at the end when the Vancouver media exhibits some class and gives Pechursky the third star.

GAME.


He might even start the season in Wheeling but training camp will help settle all of that.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_fw7iF68JR8k/S1LBw5mnLSI/AAAAAAAArnE/BNZLVM7L_VI/s512/Baskov_Pechursky.jpg




I am very skeptical of this Pechurskiy report. He isn't even signed and I never got the impression the organization likes him that much.


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PensFest City: New Third Jerseys

Friday, 20 August 2010 06:26 pm
Written by Eric P
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All of a sudden, eighteen things start happening at once in WBS land.

Pens Fest was held today at the new Coal Street complex in Wilkes-Barre.
Autograph signings, food, face painting, prizes and free skating sessions were going on.
Remember in Heavyweights when they had that competition at the end? Complete opposite of that.
Players Chris Collins, Ryan Lannon, and Andrew "Sandman" Orpik were on hand as well.
It was all free and open to the fans... the fans...

The AHL is all about their sick alternate sweaters every year.
Brandon B. went into animal mode and sent in this pic.
The new third jersey unveiling:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4o6frZEnR-s/TG8AkM8VBpI/AAAAAAAAApk/orZ7vDg0qlI/s512/WBSalternatebran34.jpg

Nasty. Can't wait 'til they sport these in Consol.


Also, the Pens pre-season schedule was released per WBSPens.com.

Tuesday, September 28 vs. SYRACUSE CRUNCH, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 7:05 PM
Wednesday, September 29 @ Syracuse Crunch, Oswego State Campus Center Ice Arena, 7:00 PM
Friday, October 1 vs. HERSHEY BEARS, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 7:05 PM
Saturday, October 2 @ Hershey Bears, Giant Center, 7:00 PM

Last season, WBS had to play Binghamton twice at a community college ice rink.
Looks like they're moving up the ladder.

The highly anticipated full AHL regular season schedule is slated to be released by Wednesday.
It took the league longer to finish this than it took Casey Hampton to run his 40.

To end on a nostalgic note, check out the goal that the God's Son scored in Montreal way back when.
Nas buries it.
(0:45)






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