RINKSIDE REPORT


CRAIG PATRICK NOT CUTTING IT AS GM


Patrick BLEW a perfect opportunity to improve his team. Why didn't he trade for Oates, Tocchet, and Randford? Wouldn't that have solved so many problems? Oates would have added another star player to take some pressure off the "big three" and also maybe to stimulate the play off some of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th liners. Tocchet would have added some much needed depth and would aslo have added some grit making the Pens harder to play against. Randford would have solved the Pens problem in the net. WHY DIDN'T HE MAKE A TRADE FOR THEM? Also, Patrick has made some brutal deals recently. He wasted Tomas Sandstrom and aslo traded for Gary Valk! WHY? I think it's time for a new GM!

EJ FIRED, BUT TEAM NEEDS IMPROVEMENT


Eddie Johnston was fired. This is the usual thing that happens when a team is slumping. Although I think it is time for the Pens to get a new coach, I also think that there is a much bigger problem being missed. The Pens have a lack of depth. They need more quality forwards who can actually contribute offensively. After Lemieux, Jagr, Francis, and Nedved, there really isn't any other reliable player except maybe Barnes. The defensive roster isn't horrible but needs some strengthening. Hatcher and Kasparaitus are the top players followed by Olausson and Woolley. They need to add another couple of steady defensemen who can play at a consistent level. In the net, Lalime is having lots of problems stopping the puck and Wregget just isn't a number one goalie. Barrasso is pretty much finished. Isn't it time for Craig Patrick to start making trades? Oh, and isn't it time he starts making the RIGHT trades?

TRADE RUMOUR


The Pens are interested in Adam Oates. The word is that the Pens would send Nedved and Roche to the Bruins for Adam Oates and Rick Tocchet. I would hate to see Nedved go (even though his contract is up at the end of the season). But I would love to see Oates in Pittsburgh, and Tocchet, well, he could also be a great addition. Losing Roche would only mean losing a fighter, but the Pens have many others and Tocchet would also add toughness. I would make the deal. The Pens are dying for more depth on offense.

ROSTER CHANGES AND SHIFTING


Dave Roche was sent to the minors along with Tyler Wright who recently cleared waivers. Dave Christian was recalled and added to the Pens roster. Also, Fredrick Olausson returned to the lineup for the Islander game. Lastly, EJ has tryed Francois Leroux on left Wing! He is still next to useless.

JAGR INJURED


Jaromir Jagr left the game against the Flyers, on the 16th, in the third period and did not return. He had injured his groin and sat out the game against the Panthers. It doesn't seem to be too serious.

JOE MULLEN


Joe Mullen scored the 499th goal of his career during the Panthers game. Joe Mullen has stepped up his play and only needs one more goal to reach the 500 goal milestone.

WREGGET GETS THE START


Ken Wregget got the nod for Tuesdays game against the Florida Panthers. Lalime had not been solid for the last few games before Wregget's return. Wregget returned, played, and allowed 5 goals in against the Flyers. Lalime started the next game and allowed 6 goals. Wregget started the game against the Panthers, and was strong. Who will start next? Likely Wregget, but knowing EJ, we won't know until the Pens hit the ice on Saturday to play the Blackhawks.