The bombshell report from Rob Rossi had people taking sides. Do they believe the reporters or the staff? 

Penguins insider Mike DeFabo joined the show. Mike gave insight on what was said today as the Penguins cleaned out their lockers. He went against Rob Rossi’s report of Sidney Crosby being held out of Game 6.  

HOCKEY TALK!Evan Rodrigues said his penalty in Game 6 should not have been called.

Penguins insider Mike DeFabo joined the show. Mike gave insight on what was said today as the Penguins cleaned out their lockers. He went against Rob Rossi’s report of Sidney Crosby being held out of Game 6.

The guys recapped Rob Rossi’s interview on the show – telling us Sidney Crosby got cleared to play in Game 6 and the Penguins front office told him no. The guys debated Crosby’s loyalty – not that they’re worried he will leave, but saying he will be more loyal to the city/fans than the new ownership group. What are the chances Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin are back with the team? 

Antonio Brown says on Twitter he wants to retire a Steeler. Chris said he should retire a Raider. The guys talked about AB’s legacy in Pittsburgh and in the league.

Tristan Jarry made his first start in over a month in Game 7. He did alright, unfortunately it wasn’t a game with much room for error. By save percentage, Jarry was worse last night than Louis Domingue, but the eye test tells you Jarry was the better option. Where do the Pens go next with the goalie situation? A familiar name popped up. Marc-Andre Fleury is a free agent. The guys discussed if the Pens should consider the reunion. A caller made a great point back to Matt Murray. 

Penguins insider Rob Rossi joined the show. Rob shared his despair with the Penguins series loss to the Rangers in 7 games. He referenced another bad performance by the goaltending – the third year in-a-row it derailed a playoff run. He said the management had a bad off-season coming into this season and mentioned they might not get another. He doesn’t believe Ron Hextall is safe in his spot, but doesn’t necessarily think he’s gone. He thinks the role currently filled by Brian Burke could be open within the next few weeks. Rob said the smart money is on Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust being done with the Penguins – saying Malkin is the only one he could see back. Rob dropped a bombshell – he said Sidney Crosby was cleared to play ahead of Game 6, but was told no by management.

Penguins insider Rob Rossi joined the show. Rob shared his despair with the Penguins series loss to the Rangers in 7 games. He referenced another bad performance by the goaltending – the third year in-a-row it derailed a playoff run. He said the management had a bad off-season coming into this season and mentioned they might not get another. He doesn’t believe Ron Hextall is safe in his spot, but doesn’t necessarily think he’s gone. He thinks the role currently filled by Brian Burke could be open within the next few weeks. Rob said the smart money is on Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust being done with the Penguins – saying Malkin is the only one he could see back. Rob dropped a bombshell – he said Sidney Crosby was cleared to play ahead of Game 6, but was told no by management.

Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy joined the show. He described Game 7 as a tough game to swallow. He said he never felt comfortable in this series and always felt like the Pens were not going to hold on. Tyler said Louis Domingue was a weak spot, but that should have been expected. He said if the Rangers went on the power play in the series, he thought they were going to score. Conversely, he was very letdown by what he saw from the Penguins on the power play, which created a difference in the series. He mentioned the elbow on Sidney Crosby on Game 5 and said that’s frustrating to see, especially for the future of the game. He said from a development level, the NHL should be taking advantage of their talented stars and protecting them at all costs. Tyler thinks Kris Letang deserves to leave and get paid top dollar on the open market. He wouldn’t be surprised if Evgeni Malkin is back, but he’s not sure at what his price point would be. He added that Bryan Rust may have played his last game as a Penguin. 

Fan calls.

Former Penguin Tyler Kennedy joined the show. He described Game 7 as a tough game to swallow. He said he never felt comfortable in this series and always felt like the Pens were not going to hold on. Tyler said Louis Domingue was a weak spot, but that should have been expected. He said if the Rangers went on the power play in the series, he thought they were going to score. Conversely, he was very letdown by what he saw from the Penguins on the power play, which created a difference in the series. He mentioned the elbow on Sidney Crosby on Game 5 and said that’s frustrating to see, especially for the future of the game. He said from a development level, the NHL should be taking advantage of their talented stars and protecting them at all costs. Tyler thinks Kris Letang deserves to leave and get paid top dollar on the open market. He wouldn’t be surprised if Evgeni Malkin is back, but he’s not sure at what his price point would be. He added that Bryan Rust may have played his last game as a Penguin.

The Pens blew a 3-1 series lead and their season ended with a 4-3 overtime loss in Game 7. The guys debated who was to blame in the loss and how bad is the taste of blowing leads in the last three games to lose the series. Is it the final time we see Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang with Penguins sweaters? 

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff had boots on the ground last night in NYC as the Pens lost Game 7 in OT. Jeff said there will be questions from the new ownership group about Brian Burke and Ron Hextall. Jeff looked to the future – he said there will be significant changes, but they don’t want to surround Sidney Crosby with a bunch of 20-year-olds. He expects new people to be in charge. He believes Bryan Rust will be a player that should stick around, despite being a free agent, and said Rust would be the top name on his list to re-sign. Poni asked about what the vibe was like around Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin. Jeff said Letang will likely get a great offer from another team. He can see Malkin taking a discount to remain in Pittsburgh.  

HOCKEY TALK! The guys talked about the faults of the Game 7 watch party.

93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn joined the show. Jeff had boots on the ground last night in NYC as the Pens lost Game 7 in OT. Jeff said there will be questions from the new ownership group about Brian Burke and Ron Hextall. Jeff looked to the future – he said there will be significant changes, but they don’t want to surround Sidney Crosby with a bunch of 20-year-olds. He expects new people to be in charge. He believes Bryan Rust will be a player that should stick around, despite being a free agent, and said Rust would be the top name on his list to re-sign. Poni asked about what the vibe was like around Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin. Jeff said Letang will likely get a great offer from another team. He can see Malkin taking a discount to remain in Pittsburgh.

We heard from Mike Sullivan in his chat with Penguins media ahead of Game 6. 

Former Steeler Arthur Moats joined the show. Following the signing of draft pick George Pickens, Arthur said he really likes where the Steelers receiver room is right now. Arthur talked about the confidence with the quarterbacks on the roster and the intangibles Kenny Pickett brings to the table. He said Kenny should light up the rookie minicamp, but things will change when the veterans show up in a few weeks. Chris asked Arthur about when EJ Manuel was drafted by the Bills (in his final season with Buffalo). Arthur commented on the Steelers schedule and likes the challenges out of the gate. Arthur talked about how the travel, or lack thereof, in comparison to the rest of the league will play a factor. If he doesn’t win the job out of camp, Arthur likes Kenny to make his first start out of the bye week against the Saints. 

Poni’s first Steeler season prediction.