Pens Universe - 2009-2010 Awards

NICKNAME OF THE YEAR:

Sidney Crosberry (awarded by Damian Romano)

On March 18th FSN Pittsburgh announcer Paul "Steggy" Steigerwald mentioned the great backchecking ability by none other than Sidney Crosby, only to slip with the tongue and call him Crosberry. You can hear it for yourself right here.

Runner Up: SUP87MAN (self explanatory).

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PLAY OF THE YEAR:

Bill Guerin goal against the Bruins, 11/14/2009 (awarded by Damian Romano)

Hands down this takes the cake. There aren't enough words to describe the level of excitement that game from this play. With only .4 seconds left on the clock the Pens, rather Billy G, does the impossible and ties the game. And to top it all off Pascal Dupuis scores the game winner in overtime.

Here is the goal for your viewing pleasure...

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PHOTOSHOP OF THE YEAR:

It's Tricky! (awarded by Damian Romano)

Call it a shameless plug, but we're all pretty fond of this. Not to mention the amazing response we received from our readers...especially our followers on twitter.

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MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS:
(aka, The Little Engine that Could)

Pascal Dupuis (awarded by Todd Wyant)

There no question this award goes to Pascal. His emergence from an at best third line player to skating alongside Sid, and sizable impact after the Olympic break has been integral to the Penguins success. Netting 18 big ones this year, his work ethic and new found ability has not gone unnoticed.

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BEST DAN POTASH INTERMISSION INTERVIEWEE:

Pascal Dupuis (awarded by Nicole Tracey)

Getting his second PensU award in a row, we can't forget the numerous times when Pascal would talk to Dan Potash between periods. He's rarely ever serious when analyzing the plethora of questions launched by the great Potash. In one instance Dan thanks him to which he responded by saying in the most mocking/girly voice possible, "Thanks Daaaaaaaaaaaaaan." Always a pleasure when these two get together. Here's a good example.

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BEST LINE CHEMISTRY:

Sesame Street Line: Staal, Cooke, Kennedy (awarded by Nicole Tracey)

There is no doubt this third line made more of an impact on the team this year than any other line combination. At times these guys seemed to play so well you'd of almost wanted them out there over lines 1 or 2. The level of intensity, tenacity and skill was unmatched by either Sid or Geno's line for most of the season.

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BACKBONE AWARD:

Craig Adams (Submitted and awarded by Griggsy96)

The man doesn't show up on the scoresheet. You'll almost never see his name listed next to one of the three stars. He rarely finds his way into the mouths of the opposing announcers. But the impact Craig Adams has on this team is louder than anyone can imagine. His heart is huge and he does all the intangible/dirty things on the ice. That's why we happily offer this award to you Craig. Thank you for your commitment to excellence.

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THE %#%$;@&$@&@$ AWARD:

Tie: Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins Defensive Corp. (awarded by Whislter)

Malkin: When the game calls for a stupid penalty, Malkin's your man. If it's an untimely giveway, it's Geno who amswers the call. Number 71 couldn't even exit the penalty box after a stupid penalty without committing a second stupid penalty.

Defense: One shutout all season is a clear example of how frustrating this years defense has been. When the job of protecting your goalie is clearly defined, this year's defense has been out to lunch. (that's code for being too worried about moving the puck).

Honorable mention goes to Asst. Coach Mike Yeo. How anyone could eff up a power play with all that talent available is a mystery to me.

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BEST WBS CALL UP:

Chris Connor (awarded by Ali Meyers)

This year many players from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have gotten their chance to play in Pittsburgh. Deryk Engelland, Ben Lovejoy, Nick Johnson, and Luca Caputi are just some of the players that got to wear the black and gold of the NHL Penguins. However, there was one player that stood out above the rest. Having broken into the NHL in the past despite his small size, this player made an impact in a Penguins victory over the New York Rangers by scoring two goals. It is my pleasure to award the best WBS callup award sponsored by Pens Universe to CHRIS CONNER!!

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