This is the time of the year when you can tell the difference between those who have jumped on board the pens wagon lately and the old school fans. I’ve been hearing and seeing first hand people freak out because Hossa, Roberts, Malone, Rutuu and Laraque are gone. The fact is, you need to remain calm.

Shero wouldn’t be in his position if he didn’t know wtf he was doing. Cook, Smizik, Rossi, Prisuta… they’re reporters who more often offer opinion. Shero is THE MAN making decisions. You don’t hear every possibility of what moves could be made because it’s none of our business as fans until a deal is done. While everyone is in a tizzy from the loss of fan favorites, newbies failed to realize the importance of bringing in Miroslav Satan (41 points - 16 goals, 25 assists) and Ruslan Fedotenko (33 points - 16 goals, 17 assists). Notice that neither of these names were mentioned in local papers as possibilities. You don’t need the biggest names available to be a quality signing. Miroslav could quite possibly be the best match to skate with Sid or Geno, Ruslan is insanely good on the PP which we needed and now Dave Molinari is reporting that the Pens offered a contract to Janne Pesonen ( 78 points - 34 goals, 44 assists) from the Finland’s Elite League. People, our core group of players that we’re building this franchise around are still here.

Jagr decided the ice was better in Russia and took off leaving behind the possibility of ending his career with the Pens. He’s the guy you love to hate when he’s not on your team, well until the HossaScrew of 08. Take a deep breath and relax. It’s the holiday so go cook out and blow something up.  I’m spending mine mostly offline and watching Law & Order marathon on TNTHD.

cheers!