SB Nation User Blog: JDunman

The kids from the Penguins Youth Hockey School seem to really love Rob Scuderi. Seriously - that...

JDunman — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:49:12 -0000

The kids from the Penguins Youth Hockey School seem to really love Rob Scuderi. Seriously - that kid up front looks like he's hugging him.

NHL 2K9 gameplay with a Sid goal.

JDunman — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:52:35 -0000

NHL 2K9 gameplay with a Sid goal.

Game intro for a matchup at Mellon Arena (NHL 2K9).

JDunman — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:51:54 -0000

Game intro for a matchup at Mellon Arena (NHL 2K9).

Official trailer for NHL 2K9.

JDunman — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:50:35 -0000

Official trailer for NHL 2K9.

NHL 2K9 Demo Out

JDunman — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:45:48 -0000

I'm not a big fan of video game demos, really. I hate getting into a game only to have it crap out on me just as it's getting good with a message informing me that it wants my money. However, when I noticed NHL 2K9 on the new demo list on the Playstation Store, I decided to give it a try.

Last year, I picked EA's NHL 08, and despite some bugs here and there (replays not matching the plays, wrong players going to the line in cutscenes) the game was outstanding. Innovative controls and a learning AI that had me screaming at my TV more often than not. Come to think of it, I didn't even give 2K8 a try.

The demo for 2K9 has the tried-and-true controls for a hockey game. The kind we all got used to as we took the Penguins to the Cup on our Super Nintendos and Sega Genesises (or Genesi?). I had forgotten just how much fun simple controls could be. As I took the Pens against the Red Wings (only two teams available in the demo) through one period of hockey (all that the demo allows), I had a lot of fun. And yes, the one-timer seems to still be impossible to stop.

For the record, goals from Letang and Sykora took me to victory in my first outing.

The thing that really has me excited, though, are the features. Those of us who have stuck with EA's franchise through the years probably have realized that little by little every extra feature has been cut out of the game. There used to be bonuses you could unlock and tons of extras that would have you trying to play the game in certain ways. No more - they didn't even have retro jerseys last year. Only the new ones that just debuted and the previous years.

2K Sports hockey has always been loaded with extras, and I think that's what's going to sell me on the game this year. If I long for EA's controls, I'll pop in last year's game, but unless they have some kind of selling point (like 2K9 promising playoff beards - or bears, if you ask Frank), I'll pass.

So the moral of the story - if you have a gaming system that can, go check out 2K9's demo and get a little revenge for the Pens.

Screen shot 1

Screen shot 2

Screen shot 3

Jerseys - White vs. Dark

JDunman — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:59:31 -0000

Promoted From Fanposts - FD

You may have gathered that the offseason has gotten somewhat dull. And by 'somewhat' I mean 'very'.

So while we're all watching (and being entertained by) 'top' videos, I thought I'd take the opportunity to ask this one question:

What do you think about home jerseys being dark and away jerseys being light?

Personally, I prefer the original way - and that's why my Pens jersey is bright white. That, and it was a gift from my brother, who holds the very same principal with his beloved Avs.

What do you prefer?

Poll

Which jersey do you prefer?

Pens get Danny Richmond for Tim Brent

JDunman — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:57:17 -0000

From the official page:

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired the rights to defenseman Danny Richmond in exchange for the rights to Tim Brent, it was announced today by Assistant General Manager Chuck Fletcher.

Richmond, 23, appeared in seven games with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2007-08 season. He scored 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) along with 156 penalty minutes in 40 games with the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League (AHL), ranking third on the club in penalty minutes.

Good times.

Winter Classic II: The Reckoning

JDunman — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:16:08 -0000

I posted this over at Mile High Hockey since their moderator hates the idea of a Winter Classic on the hallowed grass of Wrigley Field. According to this ESPN article, it looks like an announcement will be made for this season's Winter Classic, pitting the Red Wings against the Blackhawks at Wrigley Field.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3476329

While last year's Classic (which you may remember) had over 70,000 in attendance, Wrigley's capacity for baseball games is about 41,000. Perhaps the historic field itself will make up for the difference.

I had heard talks about the Pens being in this year's as well, and I have to say that I did not like the ideas. Before you doubt my passion for the team, I just think that the added hype of the Winter Classic should be used to showcase the NHL's talent, and not depend on the star power of one team. As long as it's not a blowout and has good levels of excitement (like, say, a 2-1 shootout victory) this one shouldn't tarnish the name that it gained last season.

I hope.

Winter Classic -Looks like Blackhawks vs. Red Wings at Wrigley

JDunman — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:09:56 -0000

While this may not be Avs-based news, I saw earlier how much Joe despised the idea of hosting a Winter Classic on Wrigley Field - so it looks like the NHL is out to spite him once again.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3476329

There hasn't been an official announcement, and I know how much some of you looooove ESPN, so take it as you will, but keep your ears open for a possible announcement next week.

I'm glad they're not putting the Penguins in the game again as some of the mumblings had said. While I love the Pens, the Winter Classic should use its rather high profile to show off everything the league has to offer, not just the poster child.

Looks like it for Laraque

JDunman — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:20:04 -0000

According to this Tribune article, Laraque is talking like he's already gone - that the signing of Eric Godard signaled the end of his Pens tenure.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_575544.html?source=rss&feed=8

As of now, Laraque is still unsigned. If you've seen any of my posts on fights, you know that I will miss Laraque a lot, but I do agree that there is no need for an overabundance of goons...er...enforcers. With the loss of Jarkko Ruutu, I thought perhaps they would have room for both, but I suppose we'll see. I'd hate to see Laraque pound on a Pen next season.