We sat down with the penguins GM and asked him some questions..
Max Power - You were a division leader at one point, but now you're slipping in the standings. Is there any reasons you think this may be happening?
AsmodeanReborn - I think all teams have their ups and downs, and at least we're still winning every other game, and there are no complete blowouts, we're still competing. Hopefully we'll get back to winning every game soon.
Max Power - Is there any trade you regret making?
AsmodeanReborn - I can't really say there are any trades I regret - I feel the team currently is a lot stronger today than it was in the beginning of the season. However, trading away Ohlund was really painful. I'm glad to see that both him and Doan are doing really well with their current teams.
Max Power - With You,New Jersey, and Philadelphia fighting for the top in the Atlantic, Do you feel you have the firepower and Goaltending to claim her crown?
AsmodeanReborn - I certainly feel that the Penguins have firepower, and I think the strength lies in that every player is more or less a goal scorer. There are teams that have incredible first lines, but I feel that Pittsburgh is strong all over. What may be a weakness is that the main enforcer is also the best defenseman, and thus he gets a lot of penalty minutes. Goaltending may be a bit down at the moment, but is no concern so far. Jersey's a tough contender and has a well-rounded team, but I hope that I can beat them in this chase. Philly's been really strong, but I'm not sure if it's going to last the season out to be honest.
Max Power - Do you plan on bolstering your lineup at the trade deadline, and if so, are you eyeing anyone in particular off a non-contender?
AsmodeanReborn - It would be nice to take in another strong defenseman for the third d-man lineup, where I feel a little vulnerable right now. I keep shifting players in and out to check if they're reliable enough for the spot. If I don't find one that can take the responsibility, I will probably try to pick up somebody for playoffs. I am currently looking, but have yet to find somebody. At the same time, there are defensemen that have really stepped up too. I expected Blake to be great, and apart from getting a lot of penalties, he's really started working his way up with assists and even goals. Rafalski's been strong throughout the season so far. Delmore has really surprised me with his goals, but the BIG surprise has been Volchenkov! He's young, and relatively inexperienced, but d@mn! By christmas he had the best +/- on the team at +13 - and he's been playing second and third line. He's got a shorthanded goal, even though he's quite defensive. Incredible.
Max Power - With Turco being pretty young, do you feel he is experienced enough to win you lord stanley's cup?
AsmodeanReborn - I think we as a team feel that Turco has really showed that he can compete with the best of them. He's not quite a Brodeur, but he's put up some incredible numbers this season, which his save percentage and GAA can speak for. We're a little concerned about his last few games, but we're sure that when it's finally time for playoffs, he'll be as ready as anybody can possibly be.
Max Power - Away From the on-ice things, What brought you to the CMHL, and is it living up to your expectations.
AsmodeanReborn - Ahh, off-ice.
I think it was boredom at work that really made me jump when I heard about this league, right when it started. I was reading posts on the Colorado Avalanche board when I saw that people were looking, and along with Mr. Coyotes, I signed up. I'm not sure whether we're the only two people from there that are still around. I was really disappointed to se Chris, AKA HBears leave.
And yes, it certainly has lived up to my expectations so far, but if I don't get the cup, I have to say that it's a pretty crappy league. Haha.
Max Power - Nothing is perfect though, What are your thoughts on the "low-points" of this league, i.e"Kyle Stewart""The Great Abandonment of June""Hbears leaving"
AsmodeanReborn - Well, Kyle has become a classic... ehm, the League Officials disappearing right after the draft was another thing - but at least finding out what happened to them all was a relief. Hmm, except for that crazycanadian guy, or whatever his nickname was...
Max Power - Final question- Say you "Fall short of the cup" is there a team in particular you'd like to see raise the cup?
AsmodeanReborn - If I fall short... To be honest, I'd like to see one of the other Atlantic teams raise it. They've been awesome contenders so far, and it's obvious in how tight our division is. Colorado wouldn't be too bad either, since it IS after all my favorite team in the world of ice hockey. Honestly, I think a lot of teams deserve to raise the cup. I'm impressed by the work of a lot of GMs, some of the ones at the bottom look like they're going to be really strong next season, and maybe even this very season. Is it just me, or has Chicago started climbing in the standings? They surprised me when they shut me out, that's for sure! I don't really know what Turco was doing letting in 2 out of 12 shots, but I've noticed that he's having problems with sideways movement. This is why I need to make sure all my defensive lines are really strong.
That was Pens GM AsmodeanReborn, Either Saturday or Sunday we will sit down with Vancouver Cancuks GM "Canucks". untill then this is ace reporter...
Max Power
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