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July 4, 2010
Penguins still lacking
[PITTSBURGH, PA] -- After failing to
re-sign defenseman Sergei Gonchar, or locking up Dan Hamhuis, Penguins
General Manager Ray Shero used the term "ecstatic" to describe his
feelings about signing defensemen Paul Martin from New Jersey and
Zbynek Michalek from Phoenix.
While many pundits and fans applaud the moves as a major upgrade to
the team's blueline, I'm one of the few who disagrees.
In dishing out $45 million -- $9 million annually (Michalek 4-years,
$20 million; Martin 5-years, $25 million) -- the Pens have made a
serious investment into the weak link of a superstar led team which
views the Stanley Cup as an annual possibility.
The signings aren't without merit. Stats don't belie the defensive
capability of Michalek. He is a stronger version of Pittsburgh alumni
Rob Scuderi, who signed a similar contract with the Los Angeles Kings
last off season. Michalek is at his best when he is unnoticed.
In fact, both Martin and Michalek are accomplished NHL defensemen,
capable of playing high minutes, blocking shots and steady defensive
zone coverage.
That's the good.
The bad is that Martin will make MORE
than highly sought Hamhuis (6-years, $27 million in Vancouver) and
shutdown bruiser Anton Volchenkov (6-years, $25.5 million in New
Jersey).
Martin has 26 career goals... in 400 career games. Five million
dollars? In 2007-08 and 2008-09, that would have been one million
dollars per goal. Last season, a five million dollar salary would been
$2.5 million per goal, though Martin played only 22 games. The
29-year-old rearguard has never exceeded 37 points or 36 penalty
minutes in a season. Not exactly the resume of a No. 1 defenseman.
Contrast, 35-year-old Sergei Gonchar and his nearly point per game
pace signed for three years and $16.5 million in Ottawa. Large
physical presence, Andy Sutton remains a free agent.
Ecstatic, really? The Penguins spent nearly all of their remaining
salary cap availability, but still lack key ingredients which comprise
better defensive units: grit, ability to clear the front of their net
and a legitimate powerplay point man. We won't even discuss the team's
need for a pair of top 6 wingers. Oh, I guess we just did.
Sorry to be a wet blanket, Pens fans, but who will provide the
backside scoring, clear the net or physical play?
Should Pittsburgh be comfortable relying
exclusively on Brooks Orpik for a defensive zone physical presence? Or
assume after a flat 2009-10, Kris Letang will begin converting more
potential into production?
Another potential D-scorer, Alex Goligoski had to be sent to the press
box during this past season's playoffs. Inconsistency and defensive
gaffes plagued Goligoski in his first full NHL season.
Did I mention the Penguins have only one winger with the capability to
play on the top two lines, Chris Kunitz, and his scoring touch has
been lacking since joining the Penguins in a 2009 deadline deal?
Bill Guerin, 39, remains an unrestricted
free agent and has balked at taking less than last year's $2 million
salary.
The coins spent on the newest defenders ensure the Penguins must enter
the trade market to add something resembling two top-six forwards.
So, did the Penguins upgrade their
defensive corps by signing Martin and Michalek? In overall depth and
defensive coverage, yes. However, in doing so they've missed out on
lacking elements, which are necessary for playoff success.
Barring a major trade, the Penguins will have another successful
regular season and spend next May as they did this past May -- on the
golf course.
Daniel Kingerski, host of The Fourth Period Radio Show,
is the Pittsburgh Correspondent for
The Fourth Period Magazine and a Columnist for TheFourthPeriod.com.
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