Shouldn't Gonchar be getting more credit for Pittsburgh's resu

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Crosby and Malkin are 3rd and 1st overall in scoring, respectively. Obviously those two are getting it done (Cindy has a 12 game point streak too). But both players have been scoring all season. That's nothing surprising.

That being said- Gonchar is certainly not a slouch right now. And is it really a coincidence that the Pens were floundering at the bottom of the standings while Gonchar was injured only to get red hot after his return (well it took a few games for him to get back into shape after being off the ice for months).

The exact same argument can be made for the coaching change- and it's a great counter-argument to make. But I really think that Gonchar's veteran presence and credibility within that locker room was something the Pens were really missing. Just 'cause Gonchar is terrible defensively doesn't mean their defense wasn't dependent on him.

Edit: the title was supposed to end with "resurrection" but obviously got cut-off.

Edited April 2, 2009 by Drake_Marcus

[toby91_ca 620]

Gonchar is a big part of it, they really missed him on their powerplay and on their transition game.

I've read some things that actually suggest that the players purposely played below their abilities in order to get rid of Terrien.....I don't believe that for a second, but interesting.

[xBrave_Heartx 0]

I think Dan friggin Byslma should be getting all the credit

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I think Dan friggin Byslma should be getting all the credit

Don't worry- his career just took a quantum leap forward

[titanium2 867]

Yes he should. Gonchar is like their Lidstrom. At the same time, they don't have many quality veteran offensive defensemen. Whitney was just a joke. Letang is still somewhat raw on both ends. They have that Goligoski kid but he still bounced from WB to Pitt.

Pens playing below their abilities to get rid of Therrien wouldn't surprise me one bit though.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I've read some things that actually suggest that the players purposely played below their abilities in order to get rid of Terrien.....I don't believe that for a second, but interesting.

Terrien did just sign an extension with the Pens... and well, as they say: desperate times call for desperate measures.