Pittsburgh Writer Calls Penguins Behavior 'Terrible,' 'Embarrassing,' And A 'Disgrace'
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – As their first round series against the Flyers has begun to slip away, the Penguins let their composure slip away as well in Sunday's 8-4 loss.
Sidney Crosby, James Neal, Arron Asham and Kris Letang all participated in behavior that was considered classless by the Flyers fan base and media. As it turns out, some in Pittsburgh feel the same way.
"They lost their composure," Ron Cook, columnist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and midday host for 93.7 The Fan told 94WIP's Angelo Cataldi and the WIP Morning Show on Monday. "Kris Letang may be their most valuable player. I know Malkin, I know Fleury. Letang gets involved in a fight while there's another fight going on. He gets thrown out. Then he does that ridiculous 'shush' the crowd like Talbot did a few years ago. I mean people were laughing at him, it was embarrassing," he said.
Even though it's the playoffs, Cook thinks the Penguins' actions shouldn't go unpunished. "That was my worst part about the game. Arron Asham deserves to be suspended for cross-checking Schenn in the face and punching him when he was down. You can argue that James Neal deserves a suspension for his two hits late in the game, cheap shots. Terrible," he said.
The Penguins were the favorites of many to win this year's Stanley Cup. Instead, it looks like they're headed for a first round exit. "This will be, if they lose, and it certainly looks like they're going to, the biggest collapse in franchise history. And it will be remembered as the most underachieving team," Cook said. "Two of their three biggest stars have been just a disgrace."
The Flyers go for the sweep on Wednesday in Philadelphia. The game can be heard live on 610WIP.
