Back in the old days when we thought Jim Rutherford was a big loser we really loved to question the James Neal/Patric Hornqvist trade. At the time it looked like a no-brainer that the Penguins lost the trade. Now?

Since the trade two seasons ago their stats are alarmingly similar:

( Stats coming into this year)

Hornqvist: 47 Goals, 55 assists

Neal: 54 goals, 40 assists.

Playoffs:

Neal: 8 goals, 5 assists

Hornqvist: 11 goals, 5 assists

Neal is still a big time player, but Hornqvist is everything the Penguins have needed for years. Hornqvist never stops. He just keeps going to the net. His hits over the last two seasons (247) to Neal’s ( 184) make things happen. We know you aren’t allowed to talk about those things (hits) on the Internet anymore, but those little plays make all the difference. Look at the play he made in the Sharks game. He rubbed the Sharks defender out, allowing Scott Wilson to score the game tying goal:

James Neal does those things too it’s just he had trouble from going to playing on the edge to actually crossing it. In our opinion that’s why Hornqvist is the better player. He rarely takes a crippling penalty despite the fact he is almost always in post whistle scrums. Hornqvist probably does less cocaine as well.

Player to watch in Nashville

Big night for racist Pittsburgh fans like “Pittsburgh Dad.” P.K. Subban plays for Nashville, so be prepared to hear some ” trash talk” like Michael Richards once said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epnEOGoANvs

By the way, no one ever talks about this. Easily one of the most bizarre moments in late night television history. Lost a lot of respect for Jerry Seinfield after the whole thing. When he cowardly told the crowd to “shut up,” and “it’s not funny.” Sorry, Jerry. The whole world forgot you’re the judge of when people should laugh. What an asshole.

Also, Pittsburgh Dad never forget:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMytg2AjeYY

Where’s Crosby?

No panic, legit question. A google search provided this link.

Gee thanks, CBS.

News around the League

Big news out of Ottawa this week that idiot that sings their anthem had his contract cut. [ 6th Sens ]

Nothing else interesting.

Prediction

Don’t like all the early season injuries. Penguins ended the Sharks game with four defenseman. Nashville is coming off a tough loss in Detriot Friday night, though. And they’ve only won one game so far. It will be interesting to see who gets the call in net for the Penguins. Feel like Nashville will be all jammed up. Preds 3-1.