Stunned out of my Whits...:

Evidently, Shero was waiting for the first person to request some personal time to immediately trade him to the Anaheim Ducks. So when Ryan Whitney asked for some personal family time he was the lucky target. For those of you that didn't hear (and for those that did, I'm easy) Whits was traded today to the Disney Quackers for a jersey, 2 sticks and a used puck bag. Actually what he was traded for was a 'gritty, speedy winger' Chris Kunitz (pronounced Koon-its), and an interesting prospect, Eric Tangradi. I've never paid much attention to either of them, but they both shoot left handed, which seems to be a requirement for Shero to hire you. Coach Dan has both played with, and coached Kunitz (can we just call him knutz?) and thinks pretty highly of him. He's evidently the kind of player that goes to the net, and camps out which is something that the Pens have needed all year. He was 5th in goals with 16, and led the team in hits with 148, it's kind of a win-win stat sheet. Bylsma says, "You don't score many goals if you don't go to the blue paint. You will see Chris Kunitz in the blue paint." And you will also see him Friday in Chicago. This should create space for the edge players (Croz, Malk, et al) because someone will have to cover him. (or not, actually I prefer not) If they don't cover him, something like this might happen frequently:

I hate to see Whitney go, especially now that he seems to be getting back into stride with the whole new foot thing. But Kunitz, if he pans out, could be a welcome addition to the team. Shero had a bit of the 'deer in the headlights' look to him during his press conference. It could be that he's feeling a bit of the pressure. Hey, Shero... if you're looking for grit, I hear these guys are available:

Croz's Crotch Watch: El Capitan skipped another practice today, and there's no further word about whether or not he'll play Friday against the Chi-town Dark-birds.

Update to the Update: El Capitan will not play tonight against Shy-cago (what is a 'cago' anyway?) it seems that his crotch is still a problem. (uh.... nevermind) Tim Wallace is lurking somewhere around the team, and if he plays be prepared for more 'Grizzly bear eating the baby moose' stories.... (oh Great Spirit, what have we done to offend you that you punish us so?) Speculation is that either Dupuis or Thomas will replace the Croz in that line.... but who knows?

Extra Added Goodness: Didn't mean to leave out the other member of the trade deal. Eric Tangradi (Tan-gray-dee) I was snooping through Youtube for the youngster and found some nice things. But if you type his name and watch the stuff, remember that OHL doesn't have the ban on noise makers that most NHL arenas do.... someone is always blowing some damn plastic noise making thingy and if you hear enough of it it will drive you crazy. But here's some good footage of Chris being a tough guy....