This week’s “U mad, bro?” takes some pretty wild swings at the Pittsburgh Penguins’ shootout problem, their lack of activity at the trade deadline and Cameron Heyward’s contract extension with the Steelers.

We also managed to work in some dialogue about “Star Wars” and “Planet of the Apes.”

So, yeah. All that tracks just perfectly. Here’s this week’s edition.

Thomas was triggered by the fact that I referred to the Penguins leaving a “costly” point on the table in Carolina against the Hurricanes when they lost yet another game in a shootout.

How is it costly? It’s costly precisely because they are in the playoff picture. Failing to pick up that point literally “cost” them outright possession of second place. The New York Islanders won in regulation and pulled into a second-place tie with the Penguins at 79 points apiece.

Columbus also won in regulation, pulling them within three points of both of those teams.

You do remember that this team missed the playoffs by one point in 2023 and three points in 2024, don’t you? I think you are trying a little too hard to be offended here.

Bold take, Tom. Way to put yourself out there. Shoot for the moon, my friend.

Actually, your avatar is a Stormtrooper. You’d better not shoot at all. They rarely hit the mark.

For some reason, this guy got set off by my post about the Steelers’ acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr.

What was it about that column that even gave you the slightest whiff of panic? For the most part, I praised the move.

What did you read that made you think I was nervous? Because the headline suggested that one guy couldn’t fill two or three positions at once? You are as defensive as the Stormtrooper guy.

Forget your white flag. I’m throwing a red challenge flag. I don’t think you read a word of the column, just read the headline, misconstrued it and fired off a reply.

Someone calling themselves “Free Mason” is angry about Cam Heyward getting a contract extension from the Steelers.

Just wait until they sign Aaron Rodgers for about $20 million for 2026. Then you can say the same thing about the offense.

Put this guy under the same tent as Mason.

Yeah, but they got it done early this season. They were always going to do it anyway. And at least this move frees up $5 million in cap space for 2026.

Drake sent a message about Cam’s contract too.

“Even if it was more of pushing the money down the line. Cam is spoiled milk. Ben and Troy didn’t get this treatment when they were at the end of their careers. But the chronic complainer gets to dictate terms?”

In Roethlisberger’s last year, he averaged 6.2 yards per attempt, the lowest of his career. Polamalu missed four games, didn’t have an interception or a sack and was involved in just two fumbles during his final season.

Heyward just made second-team All-Pro at 36. That’s not quite the same thing.

Finally, this guy is responding to the Penguins’ lack of willingness to part with any picks or prospects of consequence at the trade deadline.

In “Planet of the Apes,” Charlton Heston also once said, “Never trust anyone over 30.” Based on Dubas’ lack of desire to add a veteran center at the deadline, he must feel the same way.

Featured Local Businesses

More local businesses