Comments on: What The “A”?

By: ‘Geno = A « Those Pucking Penguins

‘Geno = A « Those Pucking Penguins — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:31:42 +0000

[...] you can remember, I made a post just recently talking about the possibility of Malkin receiving the alternate captain role. Well this possibility has now become a reality as ‘Geno was named alternating alternate [...]

By: Ben

Ben — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:15:42 +0000

Dave,

You make a very good point with Malkin possibly not wanting the second ‘A’. I’ve noticed he usually shies away from the cameras.

By: Dave H

Dave H — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:34:22 +0000

What no one seems to ask is: Does Malkin want the ‘A’? Every interview of Malkin about taking on more titular responsibility has him responding with a shocked ‘No!’. I remember the interview after Crosby went down last season where Steiggy suggested facitously that Crosby could be traded and make the Pens Malkin’s team, and the shocked and frightened look on Malkins face. Same thing with the ‘A’ if you read the whole article. I think what we’re dealing with is a young man who’s incredibly good at his job, but doesn’t do well trusting his leadership ability. The exact opposite of Jagr, who didn’t have the ability, but wanted the position, Malkin has the ability to lead the team in any role he’s called on to do it, but doesn’t seem to think he’s good enough for the importance of the position.

We want happy fantastically talented hockey players around here people! And Malkin’s going to be around for a while. Let’s let his confidence grow into his ability and not just slap the ‘A’ on him because that’s what we want.
Also, I think his English is MUCH better than he shows it, he’s just self concious about it.

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:02:50 +0000

Ben,
I totally agree with you. I think Max or Sykie should get the other A this year. But, with the uncertain nature of Gonchar’s injury now looming ahead of us, we might be looking at 2 vacant ‘A’s on opening night.

Also, back on the topic of Malkin’s English… I wonder what happened to George the Interpreter? That guy was clutch.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:45:26 +0000

Eric,

I just now watched that and I gotta say I’m pretty impressed. Last season he couldn’t spick a lick of English.

I’m not trying to say I wouldn’t be content with Malkin getting the second ‘A’. I just feel like next year should be the year he gets it. For this year, give it to Talbot or Sykora or someone like that.

But I do gotta admit, I’m impressed by his progress and pleased with it.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:19:17 +0000

Ill be honest, I felt exactly the same way you do about Gino getting the ‘A’ this year… i thought it was too soon because of the language barrier.
That was until I checked out some of the clips on PENStv on pittsburghpenguins.com.
One of the clips is a Q&A with Steigy and Malkin from the Pens Town Hall Meeting last week. I was shocked at how much Malkin’s English has improved. I heard teammates mention how well he understood the language last season, but now it seems he is learning to speak it very well rather quickly.
Check out the clip on the Pens Homepage, it might change your mind…