Cannon Firing Line
Skill & Will
By Ellis G. Cannon
PSR Publisher

A lot has been made about the first two months of the Penguins season. After several weeks of receiving a pass, reality hit about halfway through November when folks realized the Pens' start, going back to the preseason, was not a mirage. Their struggles finally came into focus - there was a problem in how the Pens were wired. Continuing to fluff it off wasn't enough of an explanation.

For us, the meltdown came right after the Monday night home game with an overtime shootout against the Islanders.

The worst part is it brought back a lot of memories. Bad memories.

The same problem evident from E-16 years ago, even in the glory years, was back: the Pens believed they could coast for a couple periods and "turn it on" only when they wanted, or needed, to. Forget the will, they had the skill and, in the end, flash enough of that and a win would follow.

Wrong.

A culture that rewards, in any way, the idea that the team could be a force "when they come to play" is a losing culture. Terribly wrong then and terribly wrong now. That skill capable of turning a game on its head years ago is older. The rules have changed. Other teams have the ability to play the new game better than the Penguins. The old rules - the league's, the Penguins', or both - have changed.

Taking a skate for most of the night and salvaging something at the end has been part of the culture at Mellon Arena dating well into the 90's. You may argue it worked then -others could argue that mindset cost as many Cups as it won - but you're a fool to believe it can work now. Skills are great; they're better when they work with will.

Just ask the Penguins. They should be experts. The problem is they've been their own worst patient. They can diagnose the problem, even know its cure. They just can't seem to follow the instructions on the medicine bottle.

Indeed, it should sicken them. Because it's enough to ruin teams, seasons, players and coaches. Again, just ask the Pens.

"Ellis Cannon's SportsLine Pittsburgh" airs weeknights, 6-8 p.m., on FM NewsTalk 104.7. Ellis is also a regular contributor on the "#1 Cochran Sports Showdown" aired Sundays at 11:35 on KDKA-TV.