Monday, October 31, 2005

Pens Callups

The Penguins have recalled Ryan Whitney and Erik Christensen from Wilkes-Barre to replace the injured Dick Tarnstrom and Andre Roy. Both were a big part of the success of the Baby Penguins. Whitney had 14 points (5 G, 9 A) in 9 games from the blue line, and Christensen was averaging over two points per game with 19 points (9 G, 10 A) in 9 games. Edzo has said that he'll use both players "immediately and extensively".

This can only be good news. Christensen was on a line with Palffy and Malone in practice. There is some hope that he can be the missing second line center that the Pens have been looking for. Whitney is a highly touted prospect that has good offensive skills. The Baby Pens started the year on a 9 game winning streak. With any luck, some of that will rub off on the pro club with the arrival of these two guys.

By the way, Fleury is 6-0 with a one-something goals against average in 6 games with the Baby Pens. He's ready to be here in Pittsburgh.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I pray for injuries everyday to bring these kids up. I would have preferred that Tarnstrom not be the victim, but what can you do? (Sorry, i am a Tarnstrom believer.)

I'll be real interested in seeing how Whitney handles himself. And i would be thrilled to have Christensen stick. The Pens need a centerman bad. I'm praying for him to mesh with the second line (whoever is on it that particular shift) so Crosby can be free up to work with Mario.

But I don't like Crosby on wing one bit. He's been a non-factor since the move and i can't for the life of me understand it. ESPECIALLY when playing with Mario, who prefers left wing. The kid is the best skater on the ice, the best passer, best puck carrier and has the best vision. Sounds like a center to me.

What's the point? They take the Pen's best and only centerman and put him on wing? Thick...

Didn't Fata hit his stride last season when they moved him to the middle? What about him?

Still lovin our fourth line, though. Couldn't hit the side of a barn with a puck, but they serve their purpose quite well.