Did getting a leader and spunky veteran in Gary Roberts from the Panthers and tough guy Georges Laraque from the Coyotes seal the deal for a good playoff run?
2007-02-27 19:53:44 · 10 answers · asked by P.I. Stingray 6 in Sports ➔ Hockey
I'd like to take this time to point out that I'm madly in love with Ray Shero and I hope he stays on as our GM for a very long time.
That said, I'm going to miss Noah and Dom, but I also can't complain about the trades.
The 40-year-old winger in Roberts is going to add some much-needed veteranship on an otherwise young hockey team. Roberts has played in 114 NHL playoff games, more than some have played regular season games in their careers. He's notorious for his work ethic, which should make Therrien happy, and he's a grit-and-grind player who hussles and doesn't leave anything on the ice. In addition to being physical, he can also produce offense -- 13 + 16 in 50 games with the Panthers this season.
Laraque has 133 points and 878 penalty minutes in his 546-game career. More than that, he's excited to be in Pittsburgh, calling it "the best place I could have gone." He's going to provide Crosby, Malkin, and the other young-guns with the space they need to really be explosive.
Joel Kwiatkowski and Nolan Schaefer (who has been assigned to WBS) were also tossed our way in exchange for draft picks, but I'm not sure how I feel about them -- mostly because I have no idea who they are. The defense Kwiatkowski -- whose name is going to be like Army's and barely fit on the back of his jersey -- adds will likely be a help and Schaefer was 5-1 in seven games last season, but hasn't played in the NHL so far this year.
On a bit of a sad note, Noah Welch was apparently visibly shaken after hearing he was being traded, commenting on Robert's being a good, veteran player so, "It's not like I got traded for a used puck bag..."
Poor Noah.
Good luck in Florida! We'll miss you.
2007-02-28 06:34:55 · answer #1 · answered by jennieryan88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Roberts is the key. If he's still got some gas in the tank, he could be the one to put the finishing touches on Sidney's game. Roberts teamed up with Alan MacAuley a couple years back in the playoffs and together they pushed the Leafs past the Senators despite the fact the Leaf's lineup was decimated with injuries. If you think Sid is good now, wait until Gary has been there a while.
As for Georges, well he makes sure other teams don't start things with Crosby or Malikin.
Pittsburgh has a bright future, that much is clear.
2007-02-28 08:17:11 · answer #2 · answered by PuckDat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Roberts will add a lot of leadership and grit to the pens. Georges Laraque will add some protection for the 3 young guns, Stall, Malkin and that Crosby kid everyone talks about. (lol) However , the added bonus to Laraque is that he can put the puck in the net too. My thoughts: yes the trades makes the Pens a better team and may make it to the second round. If it doesn't , well, they aren't any worse off i guess.
2007-02-28 20:47:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will help, but they're still an inexperienced team on defense, and thats what counts most in the playoffs besides goaltending. Laraque will help during the regular season, but not so much in the playoffs. Fighting is generally pretty rare in the playoffs (unless the game is really out of hand) and you're not going to be playing big George as an every day player in the playoffs. Also, Fluery is untested in the playoffs, so he will be the X factor for them. But I dont think it "seals the deal".
2007-02-28 11:13:46 · answer #4 · answered by Bluejacket 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, Georges Laraque made sense because they needed a tough guy to protect Crosby & Malkin.
Roberts is a nice veteran addition.
I didn't understand Ray Shero moving Dominic Moore (heck, I didn't understand Glen Sather trading Moore to a divisional rival). Moore's penalty-killing skills were not replaced by either Roberts or Laraque. Maybe it was a cap-saving move.
Shero did nothing to improve his pedestrian group of defensemen, no offense to Joel Kwiatkowski.
2007-02-28 06:07:29 · answer #5 · answered by ihateeverybodyexceptyou 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. Laracque will make some room out there for Crosby and Malkin and Roberts will keep the diaper dandies calm and focused on the task at hand.
As long as you're not expecting these two to light the lamp night and night out, you'll be pleased with what they bring to the table.
2007-02-28 04:26:18 · answer #6 · answered by zapcity29 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It didn't hurt thats for sure. All the Pens did was make a improving team better. I am pumped for the playoffs. Its just a little nerve racking when the teams that are vying for the playofs are all clumped together.
2007-02-28 09:16:48 · answer #7 · answered by detfan12_2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you have a young team like Pittsburgh, Gary Roberts is ALWAYS a good move.
2007-02-28 11:01:18 · answer #8 · answered by Mitch L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a done deal! The Pens got what the needed, don't forget about Joel Kwiatkowski a grity defenseman!
Experience and toughness is all they needed!
2007-02-28 05:55:41 · answer #9 · answered by Boondocksaint 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they did
2007-02-28 23:05:50 · answer #10 · answered by ryan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋