We were all wondering how the Pens were going to handle the roster situation once everyone was healthy and now we see what they've done. The pens sent forward Eric Tangradi and Andrew Hutchinon down to Wilkes-Barre/Scarnton, to make room for Aaron Asham. Asham will be in the lineup Wednesday night as the Pens take on Tampa Bay in Tampa.
Now I understand sending Hutchinson down, that was an obvious choice. However, I'm torn on Tangradi. He sure looks like he's ready to be on the Pens every day lineup but I guess if he's just going to be used as a 4th liner then I guess it makes sense. The question is why wasn't Tangradi given more opportunities to play with the top three lines? It's not like any of the other wingers are proving their worth to be on the top 3 lines. Well, besides Chris Kunitz who has been playing very good hockey. Kunitz is the only wing that has scored more then 1 goal. I think that Tangradi should have played on Sidney Crosby's line for a few games, then if that didn't work he could have played on the third line.
However, now Tangradi can go play on the top line for the Baby Pens and improve his game overall. But if the Pens want to compete for another Stanley Cup this year, they are going to no need more production from their wingers. Crosby and Malkin aren't going to be able to score every game. Where is fan favorite Max Talbot? How come Pascal Dupuis continues to be on the top line despite having just 1 goal and 1 assist? I know it's early and I'm trying not to overreact, but I feel as though certain players get a free-pass and are babied no matter how little they produce.
Furthermore, with Asham back, there's no need to dress Eric Godard. Godard is a goon, who offers nothing offensively for the team. The Pens now have a numerous amount of players that are willing to fight. Talbot, Adams, Kennedy, Adams, Rupp, Asham, Cooke, and Engelland can and will fight.
Speaking of unfair treatment, I still hear bashing of Tyler Kennedy. I don't understand this. I know he's not nice to look at but he has more points then Rupp, Adams, Dupuis, Talbot, and Tangradi, yet continues to be a goat and a common guy to bash. I actually have been very happy from what I've seen from Kennedy.
The Pens are in action tomorrow night against the Lightning. The starting lineup for the forwards should look like this:
The lines courtesy of Pittsburghpenguins.com
Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Comrie-Letestu-Malkin
Cooke-Talbot-Kennedy
Rupp-Adams-Asham
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