Pitt's needs

[Cane Says]

Hey Xed, what does Pitt need to make another run?

[Darth Xed]

Originally posted by Cane Says
Hey Xed, what does Pitt need to make another run?

Well, I'd say first and foremost: lack of injuries . If you look at their roster from last season, all of their Top 5 scorers from the prior seaosn missed some or all of the 2001-02 season! Lemieux, Jagr, Kovalev, Straka, Lang. That's a lot of power to take out of a lineup and still compete!

Now, obviously, Jagr won't be back, and now it doesn't look so good for Lang. That means Kris Beech will need to step up, and we'll need more consistant play from Alexei Morozov.

As far as bringin people in... they are going to need to find someone to play a gritty defensman's role, and they also have been needing a good powerplay quarterback for sometime. In fact, they've been hurting there, IMO, since Larry Murphy left way back when.

Goaltending is not as bad as it has been in the past.. I think the Moose really has the potential to be a All-Star qualify goaltender... as long as he gets some help from the guys in fornt of him.

If Lang does leave... they should try to pick up a forward that has decent scoring ability. And finally, I think they need a good face-off man (still)

[Cane Says]

IYHO, Will Mario still be the man, with his age and back problems? And how does his owwnership of the team not interfere?

[Darth Xed]

Originally posted by Cane Says
IYHO, Will Mario still be the man, with his age and back problems? And how does his owwnership of the team not interfere?

Good points.

Honestly, with Jagr gone, unless Kovie makes another HUGE leap... everything rides on Mario's back and hip.

You kind of have to expect him not to play the whole year anymore , though :(

The ownership thing, while noone would come out and say it, almost HAS to have an effect of some kind... it would probably either make the other players nervous, or maybe get them to playharder cuz the guy singing their check is skating next to them...

Mario is a great leader though. I think him being on the ice is nothing but good. :)

[Cane Says]

No doubt Mario is a great floor leader and a leader in the locker room as well. I was just curious about his on ice role.

[Darth Xed]

Originally posted by Cane Says
No doubt Mario is a great floor leader and a leader in the locker room as well. I was just curious about his on ice role.

I almost wonder what kind of an effect it has on the coaching staff more that the other skaters....

Think about it... if you are a coach, are YOU going to tell your bos to do something differently?

I definately think that coaching staff is in the toughest position... but Kehoe is an old Pen player and has been with the organization for decades... I think he and Mario have a good relationship too.