[Operation Shutdown]

Originally Posted by Joe Canadian

I doubt they'll move anyone out... getting Roberts and Laraque filled holes that the Penguins felt they had. Both the guys add tougness, Laraque can protect Crosby (something Crosby and his people have been asking for all year), and Roberts brings his playoff leadership.

I really like the Penguins deals, I love San Jose getting Gurien... they're the team to beat now, unless Anaheim pulls off a deal before the deadline.

I just don't know which two (three if you count the return of Nils Ekman within the next week) wingers that they are going to be sending to the minors. Roberts will likely go on the first line with Sid and Recchi, moving Malone to the third line. I'd assume they'll likely send Christensen down to WBS seeing as he's on a two-way contract, though you almost need him just because he does so well on the shootouts. The one I don't get is where they'll end up putting Laraque. Ruutu and Petrovicky are both on one-way contracts, so they'll likely stay up in Pittsburgh. I would like to see a guy like Ouellet sent back to WBS, but he seems to be the coach's pet, so I doubt I'll see him going. If Talbot winds up in WBS, I'll be a bit upset, but I see him as the likely odd man out. I didn't mind the Roberts trade, but I really don't like the Laraque trade. We have no need for a guy like that on this team.