Pens Fire CP , Get second pick in NHL Draft Lottery

As many pundents speculated, the Pens have decided to not renew long time GM Craig Patrick's contract when it expires in July.

This move had to happen. despite his successes in the 90's the Pens have been getting steadily worse over the past 4 years. Patrick came under criticism for his hiring decisions, he "confided in few and hired fewer still to the point that the Pens had a smaller front office staff than most minor league teams" according to the TSN article. He also allegedly shunned the technology that most NHL teams are using in scouting and coaching to improve the team.

And his ability to trade talented veterans for untalented prospects and make dubious free agent decisions have left the Pens a perennial lottery participant.

The Pens as we know them are now in flux. Mario's Lemieux Group ownership team has pledged to sell the team, the arena situation is unsettled and now the Pens have no GM going into the draft where they hold the second pick.

Draft Lottery

The NHL draft lottery is today at noon. The Pens have an 18% chance of getting the first pick. They will draft no lower than 3rd.

Season Wrap Up

The Pens wrapped up the season w/ a loss to Toronto, 5-3 Dave Molinari reports in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Pens managed the same point total as the 2003-2004.

Molinari also has an analysis deducing as all of us have that the Pens need a major overhaul in their front office

Aside from front office changes the Pens need to get rid of the cloud of uncertainty that is their arena situation.

Yesterday was the first day of public hearings in the burgh to discuss the casino-arena plans and a rally for the Pens supported Pittsburgh First plan was held downtown.

The third big off season story is whether the Pens can get Malkin to come to the NHL next season, (something that's not a done deal).

That was quick

Crosby got 3 assists in Monday's home finale to become the youngest player ever to reach 100 points.

Details at ESPN.com .

Evidentally there was a big crowd for the game and they had a long stoppage when Croz got his 3rd assist.

The Pens won 6-1.

So for the second year the Pens found a way to make the home finale special after a really crappy season.

Crosby just 3 Points from 100

Want a reason to watch the last two games in the Penguins disastorous 2005-2006 campaign?

If Crosby manages 3 points he can become the youngest player to ever reach 100 in a season.

Check out the NHL.com article for details.

Pens beat Panthers 5-1

Rumor has it Koltzov scored on an assist from Gonchar. I haven't watched a Penguins game since before the Olympic break.

Is it me or is there absolutely no buzz about the NHL right now?

Good plan not doing a deal w/ ESPN, Bettman.