Controversial "created" player helps Pens reach playoffs

It is no surprise that the Pittsburgh Penguins have qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It is surprising however, that it wasn't Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin that lead the team to the postseason, but a virtual unknown, non-drafted, "created" player by the name of Mark Rose. Rose, no doubt on his way to the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie, put up 135 points this season, thanks in large part to playing on a top line with Crosby and Malkin, and taking valuable powerplay time away from veterans like Petr Sykora and Bill Guerin. "He's had a great year, but I don't think its exactly fair that he just shows up one day, unheard of, and gets to play wing with two of the best players in the world", said Rose's teammate Chris Kunitz, a player who's ice time was drastically reduced due to Rose joining the lineup. Kunitz isn't alone in offering some alarming verbatim towards the created superstar. "Honestly, when I saw him in camp, I thought he was a waterboy," stated Jordan Staal. "It says in his profile that he weighs 185 lbs, but to me, he looks about 160, soaking wet." Rose has caused a storm, both good and bad, in the organization from the day he was signed, thanks in large part to the jersey number he selected: Mario Lemieux's retired 66.

Rose and the Penguins line up for a faceoff against the Wings.

"Why does he get to do that?", Max Talbot quipped. "I show up for practice one day, and Mario's banner is down from the rafters, and this kid shows up wearing 66. I don't think its right. But for whatever reason, he's allowed to do whatever he wants. Its like (General Manager) Ray Shero has no control over him. Its almost like the kid is making every single decision from a wireless controller or something." Still, with the numbers the created Rose has put up, his teammates have begrudgingly accepted him. "Do I have a problem with losing minutes to this nobody?", asked Ruslan Fedotenko. "Of course. I'm on the 4th line now, or sometimes a healthy scratch. But we ran away with the East this year, so I guess I can't complain too much", he concluded. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that during the offseason, Rose will be playing third base for the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I guess he can play baseball too, what a shock", said an obviously annoyed Matt Cooke. "I'm only allowed to golf in the offseason. Any other kind of physical exertion in the summer, and I void my contract. But once again I guess he's above the law here." Unlike the Penguins, the Pirates appear to welcoming Rose with open arms. "Obviously, we need all the help we can get," stated Adam LaRoche, the only current Pirate you've ever heard of.

Hockey Canada vs IOC = logo-gate!

So because of a suuuuuper serious IOC rule, Hockey Canada may have to change its trademark maple leaf logo for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. There are so many menial and strict rules that surround the Olympics, and this one is certainly up there. Bob Nicholson, Hockey Canada President is none too happy... "I can't believe that they're taking a chunk of history, especially when we're hosting it in our country... They're putting Team Canada at a disadvantage in its own country." The decision could have a lot of consequences, both on and off the ice. (TSN)

I am afraid of Ron Wilson

A day removed from the pre-shootout goalie swap, Leafs coach Ron Wilson wasn't pulling any punches and shooting from the hip at practise today. Among his beauty lines today... "To be honest with you, we have a lot of guys who aren't worried about the W's, they're worried about their ice time. Once they get through that, is where we'll be fine." Ronnie isn't too happy with Jason Blake either. Two days ago he had the team skate as hard as they possibly could until he blew his whistle. He bag skated the team for 2:34. Why that number? That was the length of a Jason Blake shift in the previous game ( a loss to Pittsburgh). Really Jason? 2:34? That might be a record for longest shift ever. Unheard of. Now there are rumblings that Blake might take a regular seat in the press box. "He might be on the fourth line, he might not be playing, we'll see," Wilson said of Blake. Wilson also touched on the fact that the Toronto media creates problems for the team, especially in the aspect of some his own players believing their own hype. "If it wasn't for the city they play in, most of the guys on this team wouldn't think they were as good as they do now." Yes. I hate the Leafs, but Vive le Ron Wilson.

Morning Sickness - Oct22/08

Tyler Sloan and the 9 minute powerplay If you caught the Caps and Flames game last night, you witnessed the hit of the year so far. The Caps Tyler Sloan, on his first shift in the NHL, absolutely obliterated Daymond Langkow. Rene Bourque came in and tried to pummel Sloan afterwards, and got 9 minutes worth of penalties. The Caps didn't score on that 9 min. PP. Weak. Ron Wilson pulls the ol' switcheroo So the Leafs are putting up a great effort against the Ducks last night. Game goes into a shootout thanks, mainly to J.S Giguere, who made 36 saves. Toskala has been bad in shootouts so Ronnie Wilson pulls him and puts Cujo in. Cujo promptly allows the first two shooters to score and the Leafs lose. I'm almost feeling bad for Leaf fans this season. You could subsitute the Leafs fans into this Daily Show clip about the "Stupid" demographic. Signs of the times