The Penguins have had a lot of trouble with the New York Islanders through the first three games in this series. What was expected to be a quick stroll through the first round of the playoffs has turned into a major struggle for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Pittsburgh's problems stem with poor puck management in their own end, undisciplined play, and lack of composure. When Douglas Murray is your best puck-moving defenseman through three games, you should be in trouble. When ... Read More
Power Provide A Familiar Storyline in Loss To Predators
The media meal for tonight’s Pittsburgh Power game at Consol Energy Center consisted of some tasty fajitas and tacos. I’m thinking the Power (1-5) offense had some of it because they played like they had indigestion throughout much of tonight’s 52-38 loss to the previously winless Orlando Predators (1-5). The problem with that theory is that this team has played like this the entire season. Jordan Jefferson was missing wide open receivers, sailing passes high, and even when he did manage to ... Read More
Orlando Predators Vs. Pittsburgh Power Preview
Two teams struggling early in the 2013 season will square off Saturday night at the Consol Energy Center as the Pittsburgh Power (1-4) host the Orlando Predators (0-5) Both teams have seen their share of struggles offensively, especially at the quarterback position and have made roster moves heading into this game. Power quarterback Jordan Jefferson remains the starter although backup Shane Austin got into the game late last week and led the Power on two straight scoring drives. Austin ... Read More
Series Even: Isles down Penguins 4-3
The New York Islanders knew their effort would have to be better to avoid a repeat performance in Game 1 when they were whitewashed in a 5-0 Penguins victory. Playing against Sidney Crosby looked like it was going to be an uphill battle ten minutes into the first period. But the Islanders settled down and chipped away at a 3-1 Pittsburgh lead to come back and win Game 2. The Penguins looked a lot like the team that lost in six games to the Philadelphia Flyers a year ago. They turned the ... Read More
Barry Rohrssen rejoins Pitt basketball staff
Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon is making a change to his coaching staff for the 2013-14 season and bringing back a familiar name in the process. Barry Rohrssen will rejoin Dixon's staff as an assistant coach, replacing Pat Sandle. Sandle was an original member of Dixon's staff and spent the past decade with the program. Rohrssen was a member of Pitt's staff from 2001-06, serving under both Dixon and Ben Howland. He was Dixon's associate head coach from 2004-06 before accepting the head ... Read More
A Legend Returns To The Pittsburgh Power
For those who worship backup quarterbacks, the Pittsburgh Power has made your dreams come true. Local legend Derek Cassidy (or is it Chad if you ask certain Power fans) has been assigned to the team this week. Cassidy is the quarterback who helped “lead” the Power to their historic 31-point comeback victory over the Orlando Predators last year. It was the team’s only win at home in the past two seasons. Despite the fact that Cassidy threw four interceptions in that game, some Power fans seem ... Read More
Le’Veon Bell May Give the Steelers a Better Version of Jonathan Dwyer
With their first pick on the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell. Then on the third day of the draft there were rumors that the Steelers were shopping one of their running backs for a trade and that player was rumored to be Jonathan Dwyer. However, an attempt to trade one of their running backs failed and now the team will have a large group to compete for roster spots during the off-season and training camp. After signing ... Read More
Off and running: Penguins dominate Islanders in 5-0 victory
What a difference a year makes. The Penguins got out to a 3-0 lead and, instead of losing in overtime as they did in Game 1 last year agains the Flyers, they added two more goals and defeated the New York Islanders 5-0 to take a 1-0 series lead. The shoddy defense and poor goaltending that led to the demise of the Penguins cup run last year was nonexistent. The Penguins shutout the Islanders, killing all four Long Island power plays and refusing to allow any odd-man chances. The speed of ... Read More
How do Steelers keep making signings with no Cap Space?
A fan asked me how the Pittsburgh Steelers can keep making signings when they have very little cap space left. For instance the Steelers signed Former-Pitt running back Larod Stephens-Howling, who played with Todd Haley in Arizona, to a contract with a $620,000 cap hit when they only had about $650,000 in cap space. Following that move they drafted nine players, signed 15 undrafted rookie free agents and yesterday they signed veteran punter Brian Moorman. How is that possible? Well, it all ... Read More
Time for the fans at Consol to do their part
The last time the Pittsburgh Penguins hosted a playoff game, they won in thrilling fashion, defeating the Flyers 2-1 to stay alive for one more game. Most notably, the electricity in the Consol Energy Center. No doubt, the crowd at Consol was the loudest in it's short history and the fans were engaged on every shift. The camera shook because of the crowd and the transformation from corporate luxury to hellacious bloodsport was completed. The question is, will there be a repeat ... Read More