THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS
The Penguins-Now that the Pens are, unfortunately, in the offseason, news has slowed down. However, the Pens did make news when they announced following their early playoff exit that they would retain the services of GM Jim Rutherford and Coach Mike Johnston. Many fans speculated, or at least hoped, that owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle would cut ties with the GM and/or the Coach. That is not to be as they'll see how things shake out next season with a year under their belts. In other Black-N-Gold hockey news, both Cs Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin decided to play for their respective countries in the World Championships. Sid was even named captain for Team Canada. The Pens also made some roster moves. Following the end of their season, the Penguins assigned D Taylor Chorney, Brian Doumlin and Derrick Pouliot and F Scott Wilson to the Baby Pens at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Joining them will be C Oskar Sundqvist from the Swedish League. Hopefully we'll see these gentlemen with the big club next year. We will not see RW Craig Adams next year. The Pens announced that they will not be bringing Adams back. They will try to bring back W Beau Bennett and D Ian Cole as they'll extend qualifying offers to the RFAs. Just some of the many moves the Pens are expected to make this offseason to get them back to the Cup. Let's Go Pens!!!
The Pirates-The Pirates completed their first sweep ever in the desert as they finished up their 3-game set with the DBags. They edged Arizona Saturday night, 2-1. They pummeled the DBags for the sweep on Sunday 8-0. Unfortunately, they didn't have as much luck against division rival Chicago. They dropped 2 of 3 to the Scrubs at Wrigley, losing Monday 4-0 and Tuesday 6-2. The Bucs did bounce back to salvage the finale on Wednesday, winning 8-1. Congrats to CF Andrew McCutchen who collected his 1000th hit in that victory. The Pirates began a 3-game set in St Louie last night with a 2-1, 10-inning loss. They'll look to get back in the win column today as they continue that series. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
The Steelers-The Steelers made a little noise in the week leading up to the draft when WR Antonio Brown reported for workouts on the South Side. This comes after rumors of a holdout due to a contract dispute swept the Pittsburgh area last week. Steelers fans can breath a sigh of relief (for now, anyway). It was also reported that RFA S Robert Golden signed his one-year tender. Of course, the biggest news to come out of Steelers headquarters this week is draft news. In Thursday night's round one the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky as the 22nd overall pick in the draft. OLB certainly is a need for the Steelers but many hoped they would address their woeful secondary in the first round. They did try to rectify that in round 2 last night as they drafted CB Senquez Golson from Mississippi. Golson was quoted as saying he was surprised that he went in the 2nd round. Also, at 5' 9", Golson will be called upon to cover WRs that are much taller than himself. Hopefully something can be said for the fact that he played in the SEC in college. In round #3 the Steelers added depth to the WR corps by drafting Auburn's Sammie Coates. The draft wraps up today with rounds 4-7. Mrs. Black-N-Gold would like to see the Steelers get some more bodies for the secondary. They also need to look for some TE depth. Unfortunately, the Batlimorons traded up to snag the best TE in the draft, Maxx Williams, right out from under the Steelers noses. TE is not a very strong group in this draft. Just don't waste a pick on a throw-away TE. There are too many needs to fill on this roster and the Steelers can't afford to waste picks today. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!
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