What do you think about them?
2007-03-28 11:18:22 · 14 answers · asked by Boondocksaint 4 in Sports ➔ Hockey
Great pick-ups but let's face it, they were playing great even before they acquired these guys so I don't know how huge it has been. I see Roberts paying the price in front of the net and the Laroque presence is there but other guys were getting it done before they got there. Actually, one might almost say they were playing better before their arrival because aside from the past couple of games their PP was struggling. Their worth will come play-off time.
2007-03-28 11:38:01 · answer #1 · answered by Bob Loblaw 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I thought the Roberts trade was excellent. They did not give a lot up to get him, and he has an immense amount of experience and leadership skills. A real playoff kind of guy. I was really surprised they got him for so little. I wish the Wings had gotten him.
Laraque is solid, and he is cheap. Good mix. If the Pens win the Cup, though, it won't be because of Laraque. That said, it is always good to have someone to protect your skill guys from the goons. And Georges will even throw in a goal or two for you. Can't complain about that.
I'm willing to bet that the Pens would not be enjoying the success they are without these two guys, so great trades!
2007-03-28 19:29:46 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i gave the Pens a second round knock out before the trade deadline, and now after the trade deadline they are a true contender. Roberts with his leadership and the will to win will be a huge factor for the Pens come playoff time. Laraque might be a healthy scratch some games but nobody will touch Crosby or Malkin cause they will face Laraque. they are a top contender after the trade deadline that's for sure. and Crosby is mature enough to be a dominate force in this years playoff, yes people will say NO playoff experience but this kid is something special. he can make things happen and don't forget Mark Recchi also great team leader and knows how to win. the only minus thing about the Pens is that Mark-Andre Fleury will have to shine to go far ahead in this years playoffs, cause the defence is not that strong in the defencive zone. you need a goalie and he needs to show up.
GO HABS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
2007-03-28 18:27:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Roberts deal was huge. He's added a veteran/gritty aspect to the 2nd line and PP. Laraque was a complete waste. What good is a goon that nobody will fight anyway. The guys taking liberties with Sid and Geno(Jason Blake, Maxim LaPierre etc.) weren't heavyweights and can't be dealt with by Laraque. Ruutu, Orpik and Petrovicky were more than enough to deal with guys like that and I would have rather called up Carcillo than gotten Laraque honestly.
2007-03-28 23:30:39 · answer #4 · answered by pags68 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Pens are a very young team, and with Roberts, they got another player on their team that has his name on the Cup. That's huge, because he can take that experience and pass it on to the kids, and give them a sense of what a playoff run is like. Laraque is someone who can throw the body around, and give other players confidence in the physical part of their game. If you saw Brooks Orpik throwing out checks like it was the first of the month yesterday, you know.
2007-03-28 21:39:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm surprised at how well both of them have fit into the team. I thought Laraque was a great addition, but was concerned about getting Roberts since they already had Gonchar and both are basically the same type of defensemen. But getting an enforcer and scoring defensemen for essentially nothing is well worth it and both of them have paid dividends even while transitioning to a new team. Realistically I don't think that the Pens will bring home the Cup this year (even though I hope that they do) because they just have way too much youth, but I think that getting Roberts and Laraque this year will help them in the years to come. I think Laraque will be on the team for awhile and Roberts for maybe two years.
2007-03-28 18:50:49 · answer #6 · answered by dissaffected01 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I think the Pens had a good chance of getting knocked out in the first round or early in the second, but with these pickups, if they do get knocked out, it will be in the third round. I was surprised at both trades, to be honest, but the players seem to like their new home, and their new team seems to like them. They add experience and grit (both guys have been around, Roberts more so, of course) so they know what it takes to do well in the playoffs. Hats off to the Pens management for these trades. Now all they need is a consistent goalie.
2007-03-28 20:44:14 · answer #7 · answered by radmax8 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think these were 2 very good pick ups for the pens. First off, we needed someone like Laraque to be a fighter and to protect his teamates. sure ruutu, orpick, and armstrong are tough but they dont fight nearly enough. I like Roberts because we needed someone big to stick infront of the net and he does a good job doing that.
2007-03-29 14:18:33 · answer #8 · answered by John M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both excellent trades. I wasn't sure about the Roberts trade at first but he has been a huge addition to the team, throwing around hits and tossing the puck in the net.
I forgot to add, how awesome was Roberts against the capitals? He STOLE the goalies stick... I've never seen a player do that before
2007-03-28 18:24:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you saw Laraque kick Donald Brachier's butt last night yeah it has been huge for them
2007-03-28 20:12:39 · answer #10 · answered by ryan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋