The National Hockey League’s trade deadline is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3:00pm Eastern Time. The Pens have already traded Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks for Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi. I encourage you to read Empty Netters, The Pens Blog and the other Penguins blogs for analysis of this trade if you haven't done so already. Meanwhile, I have a few ideas of what else the Pittsburgh Penguins should do.
1. Acquire LW Cory Stillman. Stillman, currently a member of the Florida Panthers, is the type of veteran with Stanley Cup experience that the Pens could use. Stillman won Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2003-2004 and Carolina Hurricanes in 2005-2006 where he had 26 points in 25 playoff games. Stillman has scored 20+ goals in 9 of the past 11 seasons and although he only has 12 goals this season and is currently injured, he has been a key part of the Panthers’ resurgence. When he gets healthy, Stillman would be great for the Pens down the stretch.
2. Acquire LW Rick Nash. Nash, the #1 overall pick in the 2002 NHL draft, is the franchise player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, poised to make it to the postseason for the first time in the team’s existence. If the Blue Jackets make the playoffs, think about all the pressure Nash will be under. With the Penguins, he will be part of a team that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals last season and won’t have to deal with the same expectations of Malkin and Crosby. Nash is a sniper who would fit perfectly with Sidney Crosby. Even in plastic form as shown here, Nash could still score 25 goals.
So my proposal is to have a line of Crosby, Stillman and Nash. I realize that Stillman and Nash both play left-wing, but the Pens could move Stillman to right-wing. This line could take Pittsburgh on the Marrakesh Express to the Stanley Cup. They could Teach Your Children to play beautiful hockey. Before you disregard what I am writing and decide to Carry On to another website, just remember that this line could bring the Stanley Cup to Our House. They’ll even celebrate the Penguins winning the Cup in Ohio!
I really hope that Crosby, Stillman and Nash have the opportunity to be coached by former Penguins goalie Wendell Young or even Scott Young. Think of all the magic Crosby, Stillman, Nash & Young (or Youngs) could produce!
Trivia Tuesday will return next week. Voting in the Final Four round of the Best Pittsburgh Sports Blog Tournament continues through 8:00pm tonight in the post below.
I've been wanting Nash for awhile. Great minds...
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of getting Nash, but I think it would be a stretch to get Stillman. As long as we could keep Jordan Staal, I propose getting Marc Staal from the Rangers as well as prospect Bryan Young from the Edmonton Oilers. I think a Crosby, Staals, Nash and Young power play would be exciting.
ReplyDeleteexcellent
ReplyDeleteahhhhhhhhhhhh if wishes were fishes....
ReplyDelete