From: pktst+@pitt.edu (Pat K Thompson)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Subject: Re: PenGuins GGGRREEAAT?
Date: 2 Sep 92 20:11:16 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: University of Pittsburgh
Originator: pktst@unixd2.cis.pitt.edu


In message: <02SEP92.14779029.0060@VM1.MCGILL.CA> 
CCDB@MUSICA.MCGILL.CA (CCDB) writes:

>First of all the pens are a very talented, and a good team, but
>I think possibly learnt the first rule of the NHL.(THE REGULAR
>SEASON MEANS SQUAT)!!

I will agree with everything here.  The regular season doesn't
mean anything, and most teams just relax the season a little
until the playoffs (or maybe the last couple of weeks of the
season).  It is almost stupid not too... who wants a tired,
beat-up team come playoff time???


>                       Mario greatest ever ? Bobby Orr, Maurice
>Richard, Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and Wayne of all these players
>Orr and Wayne took their game to higher level than anyone else.
>Those two were in a league of thier own

As far as this argument goes, it is still hard to compare players
that play in different time periods with different styles of hockey.
Mario is probably the best player in the last decade or so (Wayne
is still good, but doesn't have what he used to in the Oiler
days).  Remeber too that Mario played with a bunch of
"scrubs" for the first couple years. One the other hand, Mario
has been very injury prone, esp. the back, over the last two
years, which makes him a bit unreliable.

>                                        I love Kevin Stevens but
>2 1/2 years in NHL and better than Bobby Hull. Hey I could make
>piles of money selling what your smoking. THe truly great teams
>dominated the league for the whole year, reg. season included
>Pittsburg will have to win at least twice more or once when they
>dominate the whole season.

I'll agree that 2.5 years in the NHL do not constitute a comparison
with Bobby Hull.  And realize that Kevin Stevens plays alot of
time with Mario, which certainly helps on the point totals.

>                            Jagr ? not even the 2nd most valuable
>player on team, never mind the league. Ulf a good player but not
>great.(but no GM in the league wouldn't want him on their team)
>including team stoneage(BRUINS). Murphy very good offensive player
>who finally got some help, and scored or assisted many clutch goals.
>Tom Barasso played very well the last 2 cups but not even close
>to performances of Terry Sawchuk(1967), Glenn Hall, Grant Fuhr!!

I'll agree on the point with Jagr, he is overrated right now. He
can make some unbelievable plays, but doesn't know when to shoot
or pass the puck. A few years may change the situation however.
I think Ulf is one of the best defensive-defensemen in the league
especially when short-handed. For those who have never really
watched him, you don't appreciate his value to a team.  As to
Murphy...IMO one of the best 3 pointmen in hockey on the powerplay.
He seems to hold everything in, and its remarkable how many times
you hear Mike Lang (Pens announcer) comment on this same subject.
Now Barasso...Too streaky...but that might be blamed on the
defense. During the regular season, opponents outshout the
Pens in almost every game, and probably average 35+ shots a game
(as a guess).  In the playoffs, they cut this number to 25 shots
a game or so.

>However pens have very good team and bet penguin players in hockey
>pools & make money, haven't heard to much from their fans but some
>are starting to sound like Montreal Fans (YES THAT IS AN INSULT).
>So check that struting, pens fans, just smile and walk tall but
>Pittsburg a great city ??? Give me a break!! The only thing
>Piitsburg can be happy about is that there is a CLEVELAND!
>Now tone down this rhetotic boys and girls and we'll meet in the
>alley.(Maple Leaf Style)

If your going to try to rip on Pittsburgh, learn how to spell it at least!
And Pgh. is a great city, even if we defend our Pens a little
too much for some people.

>P.S. Did I leave anything out yes Tocchetis 2nd most valuable now!
>Not the Flash.
>
>
>     The   BIG   "D"

mike thompson
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey