In case you missed anything today, here is everything you need to know about Day 1 of camp. Enjoy Common's "Be (Intro) as you read.
Injured ALready?!?!! Sid & Geno to miss opening of Camp
- Neither injury is believed to be serious.
- Reports state that Sid's injury likely occurred on Tuesday, but isn't serious since he played in the organization's golf outing.
- Whatever Crosby's injury is, it was not announced, it is NOT the wrist problem he's been dealing with the last few months.
- Coach Johnston noted that "there is no time frame for return, but I expect it to be very short."
Alright, well this isn't great news. Little injuries like this often lead to nagging injuries that affect play over the course of the season. Will it have an affect down the road, probably not, but you don't want to deal with it on Day 1 of camp.
My biggest concern with this news is them missing out on initial practices. You're probably saying, "It's preseason, so what if they miss?" Normally, I'd agree but we are entering a year with a new coach and a new system. That will not only take time to learn, but it will take time to adjust too. The other problem with this is building of line chemistry. This is more a concern with Malkin than Crosby since Geno is expected to have two new linemates. The injury keeps Geno off the ice and away from newly acquired Patric Hornqvist, 1st round Kasperi Kapanen and Beau Bennett. You would have hoped that Geno would be ready to go to start figuring out who will best mesh with the big Russian.
The other Walking Wounded
- Pascal Dupuis will wear a red, "limited contact" jersey starting tomorrow. He will not take much contact until he is fully cleared following ACL/MCL surgery in February.
- Olli Maatta will join Duper in the red jersey club as he recovers from May shoulder surgery. He is expected to see the doctor in the next few days to see if he can take full contact. Maatta, reportedly, will be ready for Opening Night.
- Kasperi Kapanen, this year's first rounder who missed last week's rookie tourney, was out with a broken finger. He has recovered and will be on the ice tomorrow with no limitations.
- Pens prospect Derrick Pouliot will not practice with the team as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. He skated today, but will not be allowed contact.
Taser-gate? Johnston threatens to taser "puck-Dumpers"
As you all well know, the former system the Penguins were running under the Bylsma regime was the "Dump and Chase" method. Needless to say, it didn't work, which is why Mike Johnston is now coach. Reportedly, Johnston informed the team, and I am assuming the media, that he will use a taser on anyone who dumps the puck in. After it was posted, everyone on Twitter went nuts over it.
Quite frankly, I think everyone is overreacting. It was clearly meant as a joke and for whatever reason everyone thinks he is serious. To be honest, he should taser anyone who keeps dumping the puck in. If the last five years taught us anything is that dump and chase doesn't work. Taser them coach, if it leads to a Cup, taser them.