Malone wants players to "get their elbows and sticks up"

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Probably true. If Kronwall runs someone though, I hope it's Malkin. He's starting to learn from the Messier school of payback. Instead of relying on his goon to fight the opposing offender (which accomplishes nothing), he waits for the right moment and takes a shot at an opposing star. Ask Briere how it feels to pay for Hatcher's sins.

If Malkin is thinking about hitting the Wings' star players than he's not thinking about scoring....which in my book is success: Kronwall.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

I think this is where I classify them as questionable as I am not so sure his feet are leaving the ice AFTER contact a lot of the time.

I would say its a 50/50 wash. TBH, I have watched the majority of his hits multiple times, and when Kronwall leaves his feet is one of the first things I look for. I completely agree that he has left his feet early on some of them, but he also has delivered clean hits with his shoulder (rather than his elbow) and stayed grounded until after contact was made.

Again, I'm completely with you in saying some of them are definitely questionable, as shown in my initial post in this thread.

Edited May 22, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25

[Dabura 12,232]

Honestly, I think it's sort of amusing that the Pens are even talking about Kronner like this. There's no strategy to "getting the best of him" or what have you -- just keep your damn head up! If you get Kronwalled, it's because you had your head down. That simple.

That said....my money's on Malkin, if only because I really, really want to see it.

Edited May 22, 2008 by Dabura

[Dr Rosenrosen 0]

If Malkin is thinking about hitting the Wings' star players than he's not thinking about scoring....which in my book is success: Kronwall.

Again, ask how that worked out for the Cryers. Malkin isn't looking for it but, if an opportunity presents itself and payback is warranted, he can get pretty salty. It's nice to have stars who can stick up for themselves because Laraque really doesn't do it for them.

That's why I backed off my statement about Laraque. Not only because it's the playoffs, but because he's the type of enforcer that refuses to do anything but fight the other team's heavyweight in a "gentlemanly" way. It's quite annoying and completely useless. Instead of fighting the goon that runs your star, it's my opinion that someone should be recipricating on the opposing stars. Rutuu can do it, but it's also great to have your stars capable of handling themselves because they tend to stay out of the box at the same time.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Again, ask how that worked out for the Cryers. Malkin isn't looking for it but, if an opportunity presents itself and payback is warranted, he can get pretty salty. It's nice to have stars who can stick up for themselves because Laraque really doesn't do it for them.

That's why I backed off my statement about Laraque. Not only because it's the playoffs, but because he's the type of enforcer that refuses to do anything but fight the other team's heavyweight in a "gentlemanly" way. It's quite annoying and completely useless. Instead of fighting the goon that runs your star, it's my opinion that someone should be recipricating on the opposing stars. Rutuu can do it, but it's also great to have your stars capable of handling themselves because they tend to stay out of the box at the same time.

What are we talking about here? Are we talking about dirty runs at opposing stars or simply laying out a clean hit on a star that should have had his head up to begin with?

Edited May 22, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25

[betterREDthandead 58]

Still the regular season mindset? I wouldn't mind "big George" finding himself in the penalty box for after-the-whistle foolishness, so go right ahead. As long as it's a clean hit then the Penguins player that gets plastered should've kept his head up. Any "retribution" at this stage of the post-season is asking for trouble.

------

Anyone want to place any bets on who Kronwall pastes in Game 1? My pick is Dupuis.

Staal. Dupuis isn't likely to be the one carrying the puck across the blue line.

[Sherwood5030 0]

wanna see a good clean game out there :-)....... pens are fast too.......... cant wait to watch it.........

Yes they are a fast and good skating team. But The wings being hard to hit doesn't have anything to do with there skating ability it is their ability to move the puck and i know the pens can't move that fast. Still should be a good series Good Luck.... Go Wings!!!!

[egroen 384]

I just think it is awsome the Wings are finally being called out for questionable hits again (have not seen it since Konstantinov), and not constantly being on the receiving end of them.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Honestly, I think it's sort of amusing that the Pens are even talking about Kronner like this. There's no strategy to "getting the best of him" or what have you -- just keep your damn head up! If you get Kronwalled, it's because you had your head down. That simple.

That said....my money's on Malkin, if only because I really, really want to see it.

QFT!

Honestly, I think it's sort of amusing that the Pens are even talking about Kronner like this. There's no strategy to "getting the best of him" or what have you -- just keep your damn head up! If you get Kronwalled, it's because you had your head down. That simple.

That said....my money's on Malkin, if only because I really, really want to see it.

I completely agree that it will be Malkin for two major reasons. (1) Kronwall and Stuart will be the defensive pairing against that line the majority of the game and (2) Malkin gets away from his game when the other team gets physical with him. If you can get under Malkin's skin, he tends to disappear on the scoreboard.

[Dr Rosenrosen 0]

What are we talking about here? Are we talking about dirty runs at opposing stars or simply laying out a clean hit on a star that should have had his head up to begin with?

As an example, a few Philthy players were taking some cheap shots at Malkin to throw him off his game. The refs let it go or didn't see it. Instead of getting frustrated and taking an immediate retalitory penalty, he just shook it off and played his game. Later, Briere got his head a little too low and too close to Geno, skating into his elbow. It was borderline, but nothing worse than was deserved and the message was received because the cheap shots stopped immediately.

I'm not suggesting dirty play, just well timed and appropriate payback to ensure protection (a la Messier). Having said that, I don't anticipate the need for that kind of thing against the Wings because they're not dirty like the Flyers. But, Geno now knows how to handle things if the need arises. That's all I'm saying.

[Dr Rosenrosen 0]

QFT!

I completely agree that it will be Malkin for two major reasons. (1) Kronwall and Stuart will be the defensive pairing against that line the majority of the game and (2) Malkin gets away from his game when the other team gets physical with him. If you can get under Malkin's skin, he tends to disappear on the scoreboard.

That may have been true in the past, but I just don't see Kronwall having that effect on Geno after what he's faced in the last 2 series. Kronwall won't have many opportunities to get great, clean hits if he's in position. And if he leaves his post even a little to make the big hit, well, that just plays right into Malkin's hands.

[Behind Enemy Lines in CO 11]

Big George is not going to be doing anything other than passing out towels on the bench this series. He is too slow to be effective and is not stupid enough to sit in the penalty box.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

As an example, a few Philthy players were taking some cheap shots at Malkin to throw him off his game. The refs let it go or didn't see it. Instead of getting frustrated and taking an immediate retalitory penalty, he just shook it off and played his game. Later, Briere got his head a little too low and too close to Geno, skating into his elbow. It was borderline, but nothing worse than was deserved and the message was received because the cheap shots stopped immediately.

I'm not suggesting dirty play, just well timed and appropriate payback to ensure protection (a la Messier). Having said that, I don't anticipate the need for that kind of thing against the Wings because they're not dirty like the Flyers. But, Geno now knows how to handle things if the need arises. That's all I'm saying.

Borderline is borderline to me. Whether its retribution or the initial hit. I'm not saying it isn't nice to see a dirty player once in a while get what they've got coming to them, but as others have posted there just doesn't seem to be much respect amongst players now-a-days. Responding with a borderline hit to a borderline hit that came your way is exactly the type of lack of respect alot of people don't care for. Neither belong.

As an example, a few Philthy players were taking some cheap shots at Malkin to throw him off his game. The refs let it go or didn't see it. Instead of getting frustrated and taking an immediate retalitory penalty, he just shook it off and played his game. Later, Briere got his head a little too low and too close to Geno, skating into his elbow. It was borderline, but nothing worse than was deserved and the message was received because the cheap shots stopped immediately.

I'm not suggesting dirty play, just well timed and appropriate payback to ensure protection (a la Messier). Having said that, I don't anticipate the need for that kind of thing against the Wings because they're not dirty like the Flyers. But, Geno now knows how to handle things if the need arises. That's all I'm saying.

I'm not trying to be an ass, but what makes you think that simply because he did it in one game? There have been plenty of other times where he has gotten thrown off his game due to the opposition getting physical with him. While the Wings won't get dirty with him the way the Flyers did, you can bet Drake, Kronwall (and Stuart for that matter) are going to be hitting him every chance they get. That can be enough to get even the most level-headed players rattled.

That may have been true in the past, but I just don't see Kronwall having that effect on Geno after what he's faced in the last 2 series. Kronwall won't have many opportunities to get great, clean hits if he's in position. And if he leaves his post even a little to make the big hit, well, that just plays right into Malkin's hands.

Getting laid out unsuspectingly somehow will play right into the hands of Malkin? Please explain to me how if Malkin has his head down and doesn't see the hit (at best) until the absolute last moment before he's crushed that this will somehow play right into Malkin's hands.

As Matt said on the first page, Kronwall times his hits very well and rarely puts his team in a bad position when he flattens a player on the opposition. 99% of the time, there's support behind him when he makes his move.

[Reds4Life 51]

Who cares. Malone can say whatever he wants, but when Kronner destroys Malkin with open ice hit, it will be too late for words. Good to know Pens are nervous "Watch out for Kronwall, get your stick up, teach him a lesson"

And big George? Poor hockey player, he is useless. Who could be scared of him anyways. He is pretty boring fighter.

Go Wings!

Edited May 22, 2008 by Reds4Life

[reggiedunlop 0]

QFT!

I completely agree that it will be Malkin for two major reasons. (1) Kronwall and Stuart will be the defensive pairing against that line the majority of the game and (2) Malkin gets away from his game when the other team gets physical with him. If you can get under Malkin's skin, he tends to disappear on the scoreboard.

yea, he's been pretty non existent in the playoffs ha ha ha ha ha ha

listen to yourselves

[fastballspecial 0]

who are these Penguins fans trying to fool?

Kronwall the Destroyer is going to annihilate your players. get over it.

and a HUGE lol to the Penguins for even mentioning anything about Kronwall's epic hits.

[Nev 1,085]

No big deal. After the Rags and Cryers taking runs all playoffs, not to mention the entire division all season, one guy isn't gonna rattle the Pens. He doesn't really wanna answer to Big George anyway.

Hey, if George wants 2 minutes for instigation, be my guest. We'll happily take the PP - as we have done ever since Bowman taught us the mantra of "retaliate on the scoreboard"

[ManLuv4Clears 7]

What is wrong with the NHL is lack of respect amongst players for each other, this is one of the major contributing factors!!!!

Players like Avery do what they do, with no fear of retribution because if someone does, they will be in the box for 17 mins after the instigator penalty.

IF the instigator rule is around in the 80's Probie is just another skater, he couldn't step up and defend his players the way he did, he would have played and average of 5 minutes ATOI a game and averaged nearly 20 PIMS a game!

Good Post Opie. The lack of respect in the game has come in direct correlation with the instigator rule. Drop this POS rule, and players can police themselves and you'll see less cheap shots and BS like Avery pulled.

[esteef 2,679]

Make "Big George" Kronwall's first target. Problem solved.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

yea, he's been pretty non existent in the playoffs ha ha ha ha ha ha

listen to yourselves

Saying "he tends to disappear on the scoreboard when the opposition plays physical against him" is nothing like the bolded comment. What was said, which can't really be refuted is that he tends to get off his game when physical players have keyed in on him. No one said he was non-existent, just that he can be rattled and taken off his game a little.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Again, ask how that worked out for the Cryers. Malkin isn't looking for it but, if an opportunity presents itself and payback is warranted, he can get pretty salty. It's nice to have stars who can stick up for themselves because Laraque really doesn't do it for them.

That's why I backed off my statement about Laraque. Not only because it's the playoffs, but because he's the type of enforcer that refuses to do anything but fight the other team's heavyweight in a "gentlemanly" way. It's quite annoying and completely useless. Instead of fighting the goon that runs your star, it's my opinion that someone should be recipricating on the opposing stars. Rutuu can do it, but it's also great to have your stars capable of handling themselves because they tend to stay out of the box at the same time.

Just so you don't forget. The Wings were the #1 team in the NHL. If you think we're anything like the Philadelphia Flyers I would suggest you remove all sharp objects and other items from your home b/c you're in for a really big surprise there buddy. Instead of referring us back to what happened against the Flyers. Maybe you should get some perspective and realize the #1 team in the NHL...The Wings.....are about 10 times better than the Flyers. So why don't you go think about that.

Cheers!

[hillbillywingsfan 794]

yea, he's been pretty non existent in the playoffs ha ha ha ha ha ha

listen to yourselves

did you even read the post? i don't see anywhere where it says non exist in the playoffs. now whos being the idiot?

[toby91_ca 620]

Just so you don't forget. The Wings were the #1 team in the NHL. If you think we're anything like the Philadelphia Flyers I would suggest you remove all sharp objects and other items from your home b/c you're in for a really big surprise there buddy. Instead of referring us back to what happened against the Flyers. Maybe you should get some perspective and realize the #1 team in the NHL...The Wings.....are about 10 times better than the Flyers. So why don't you go think about that.

Cheers!

In his defense, I think he is simply referring to the physical play comment and that it didn't work all that well for the Flyers. Obviously the Wings are better than the Flyers, but they are not more physical and if that is their game plan, then I think it is fair to compare to how the Flyers faired in that regard. That said, I think that game plan worked for the Flyers when it comes to Malkin, I think he was off his game for most of that series. However, I think it has somewhat of an opposite effect on Crosby, he seems to thrive off of that type of play.

[EuroTwin 240]

I'm excited to see another "guy trying to hit pavel skating so fast and *slip* pavel is out of the way and *BAM* straight into guy's teammate and damn, both of them are injured" play.

I'm very excited for this.

[betterREDthandead 58]

I'm excited to see another "guy trying to hit pavel skating so fast and *slip* pavel is out of the way and *BAM* straight into guy's teammate and damn, both of them are injured" play.

I'm very excited for this.

Those are the best because they result in leg injuries to somebody's head. Ah, playoffs and the blatant lies on injury reports.