In the wake of the debacle of a 5 – 0 shutout, handed to them by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the cry has gone out, once again, for secondary scoring. Now, I am not going to complain about that. A team can always use secondary scoring. However, I am about to suggest that the Penguins most pressing problem isn’t secondary scoring, but primary scoring and defense.
What?! How can you question the Penguins’ primary scoring, the Other Rick?
Well, with all the whining about Daniel Sprong, who is only now getting some ice time, but down on the 4th line, pulling the plow, a subtle veil has obscured some interesting facts;
Our Penguins are relying only on one line; the Carl Hagelin – Evgeni Malkin – Phil Kessel line. Sorry my faithful Penguins’ fans but perhaps our team Captain, Sidney Crosby, may be the place to start looking. The fact is that outside of the incredibly successful Canadian Tour, the Penguins’ Captain has been rather pedestrian in his production and not his normal Conn Smythe candidate self. Subtracting out the Canadian Tour, Crosby has only scored 1 goal and is a -1. He was -3 last night during that embarrassment.
The rumor mill has suggested that Crosby has been unhappy with every Right Wing RW Mike Sullivan has tried on his line. I hope the rumors are wrong. The Penguins have a plethora of really good RWs. I would think that Crosby, as Captain, could work with at least one of them. However, I try not to be a hypocrite, and since I lobbied for Sullivan to let fellow top gun Kessel to play on Malkin’s line like the then rumors indicated, I will also lobby for Crosby as well. But to do that, I may suggest asking for a bit of truce to build Sprong’s stats up on the top line, to make him as attractive as possible to get Crosby the RW of his choice, even if it turns out to be for just one year on a rent-a-player.
Patric Hornqvist, another Penguins’ top 6 frequenter has also struggled mightily this season, so far. After getting the big money (of which I agree, he has earned), Hornqvist has no goals, only 1 assist and is a -6 when you subtract out the Canadian tour. Perhaps this dearth of production is tied to the rumored dissatisfaction in Crosby for Hornqvist on his line, coupled with the injury to Derick Brassard. Perhaps, once Brassard is back from his injury Hornqvist and Brassard can form the basis for a solid 3rd line.
Although his line is producing, Carl Hagelin is also suffering from a scoring drought. In fact, Carl Hagelin hasn’t really been a top 6 scorer since his first season with the Penguins. This season, when you subtract out the Canadian trip, Hagelin only has 1 goal and 1 assist. Perhaps his scoring drought is related to the Penguins not really using the stretch pass where his blazing speed was an asset, since that first season. Who knows?
Defensively, Hagelin is still a gem, but a top 6 he is not. Unless the team can get back to the stretch pass to take advantage of Hagelin’s speed, maybe it is time he drop to 3rd or 4th line.
Before worrying about bottom 6 scoring, it may be time to look hard at the top 6 scoring, Malkin and Kessel, who keep on rolling, notwithstanding.
Defensively
The news isn’t so good here either. Take away the Canada trip and Jack Johnson has 0 points and is -6, Brian Dumoulin only has no goals, 3 points and is -3. Olli Maatta has no goals, 1 assist and is a -2. Jamie Oleksiak at least has 1 goal and 2 assists to go with his -2. And, although Kris Letang, is being hailed by some as a Norris candidate, his stats drop considerably to 3 goals and 4 assists (Better than Crosby’s offensive numbers) but his +/- also drops to a -2. Chad Ruhwedel and Juuso Riikola have no points and are a -5 and -4 respectively. With all due respect to fans of any of the above, Letang and Oleksiak are the only 2 that can claim some level of acceptability when looking at them individually, the rest range from below par to downright abysmal. Worse yet is looking at them as a whole. The whole is worse than the sum of the parts, sort of a reverse synergy.
But then again, I shouldn’t wonder when there is no balance on the blue line; nearly all left handed Defensemen and all “mobile, puck moving Defensemen” and no defensive Defensemen. Our friend Rick Buker recently mused “Where have all the Gary Roberts gone?” How about where have all the Ian Coles and Ben Lovejoys gone?” Where have all the Defensemen that know how to funnel at least a couple of shots to the perimeter gone? Where have all the Defensemen that know when not to pinch so as not to give up odd man breaks gone?
Perhaps the over-loading of this team with “mobile, puck moving Defensemen” has hamstrung the ability to move the puck. Perhaps you need a defensive Defenseman paired with the offensive Defenseman to free up the offensively skilled Defenseman to flash his skill.
If all of these “mobile, puck moving Defensemen” really were able to move the puck, why do our Penguins have a negative CORSI? And where is that stretch pass? There is a thought that offense starts from your own zone and then radiates out. Perhaps the dearth of secondary scoring is really on the defense’s inability to do their part.
Anyone who has ever read Penguin Poop no doubt knows although I don’t dislike any of the Defensemen on this team individually, I do dislike their make-up of the team defense.
Ethan Prow has never done anything to impress me in either preseason that he has been with the club, but having watched a couple of highlights from AHL games and his stats down there 4 goals, 2 assists and a +4 in 10 games now. I don’t dislike Riikola but maybe it is time to switch Riikola out for Prow (Since Riikola is waivers exempt) and get another Right Handed Defenseman RD on the big club. I am not sure if any Defenseman in Wilkes Barre – Scranton can play all that much worse than what Matt Murray and Casey DeSmith have been subjected to this season.
Furthermore, I doubt that Prow is a long term solution. I am moving closer and closer to the idea that the team needs a trade to really right the ship into a Cup contender instead of a pretender hoping just to get to the dance.
I have been saying it . Players like Guentzel needs be consistency and to know who will be their permanent center. You don’t take a player that benefits you top center than third liner that’s far inconsistent and doesn’t finish. Bad Penalties.
Play to cute and turns the puck over. All players. I don’t understand why Guentzel gets the short end of the stick. For past two seasons Guentzel has been punished and pushed around like punching bag.
Quote From Bob Grove. Spot on.
No one expects a coach who’s unhappy with his team’s play to sit back and keep rolling out the same 20 guys and expecting different results. But the amount of mixing and matching at this point seems almost counter-productive if you want your players to just play the game without thinking. Playing beside different players frequently, or in the case of Derick Brassard, Jake Guentzel, Rust and Sheahan playing different forward positions from night to night, can often lead to errors as players learn the tendencies of new linemates or adjust to the demands of different positions.
Sullivan needs the competition for playing time among his players to fuel better play from all of them. That makes sense. But this kind of frequent shuffling really doesn’t lend itself to helping players reach the consistency they need to win roster battles or steady spots in the lineup.
Mike Sullivan and Jim Rutherford are not the same page.
Quote from Rutherford on Simon.
He noted that Dominic Simon might be overextended in the top six and perhaps should be eased in on the bottom six more.
Very Unfortunate I wouldn’t be surprised Pens lose on Saturday or Tocchet’s Coyotes get some shorthand goals that dig them a goal hole. Sullivan line shuffling. Putting Guentzel back and forth with Sid. Bench Simon and Rust to 10-12 mins. Rust on the Pk. Sullivan get cock with powerplay and looking a the heavens of needing him.
It look like Jame O. Will be scratched after rotating on defensive pairing today.
Rick Tocchet is truly missed.
Hey Dee,
That other thread is getting over-crowded and long, so I thought I would start it over.
I don’t think Sullivan has anything against a Crosby – Guentzel line. I just think he is feeling the heat and doesn’t have any answers (or at least won’t acknowledge the obvious). Rather than find Crosby – Guentzel a RW and Malkin – Kessel a LW Sullivan just shuffles the deck to make it look like he is doing something. I have seen this happen with companies were I have worked. Everytime a new CEO would take over, the Area Vice-Presidents would shift supervisors from department to department, no matter how inane and obvious the person and department personalities didn’t mesh, often times screwing up the few areas that were working, all in a CYA effort.
I wouldn’t mind seeing a Rust Puljujarvi deal at this moment or even a Sprong Puljujarvi deal (Although I still would be tentative on giving up on Sprong. I still think his problems are related to Sullivan’s treatment of him).
Tyler Myers? I honestly don’t know enough about him other than his size – 6’8″ 229lbs, his age 28, and he is a RD. With the dearth of RD in particular and D in general, I doubt he could hurt the team. He is a $5.5 mil cap hit. Getting him under the cap could be touchy.
One particular way would be to pry Puljujarvi off of Edmonton for Rust. Puljujarvi is only $750k whil Rust if $3.5 mil. The deal either Maatta or Dumoulin for Myers or vice verse (Rust to Win and a D to Edm).
Let’s face it, the Pens won’t trade Letang, at least not right now, despite most of the fans recognizing his limitations. Furthermore, at least until Schultz comes back, the Letang group will have an excuse to point to, to keep him around.
Hello TOR,
Solid observation on Sid and Jake.
I think for a while I will not be going to games after tonight and still use my DVR to go back to assess the game. I don’t like the line combos and constantly shuffling. I don’t fill eager anymore to go to game like do every season. I don’t know.
Sprong. I truly believe his confidence and psyche has been shattering from Mike Sullivan and the coaching staff.
Yes. He has mistakes and things he needs to improve to be a complete player. But he’s not being put in the fair chance to success. I would say a long leash to get over the hump. Part of the problem is that Sully has his guys that he likes to play and doesn’t hold them accountable.
I get it . He needs to show more and Rutherford has faith for him. At least let him play on the third line and see what he has to offer to the team. They have done all they can. Maybe it’s best for another change of scenery.
That’s why I want him to be trade and I don’t think Sully will give him that long leash. I’m in between Rock and hard place for him. I want him to leave to success somewhere else and I would like him to to success here.
Very unfortunate. He will be traded. His early development process didn’t do him any favors. Rust and Sprong are in trade talks.
Most players need continuity and confidence from their coach to perform at high level.
If Tyler Myers isn’t being traded here . I’m fine with it. I just don’t know. Maybe Justin Faulk or Brett Pesce from Carolina Canes. Jacob Troub from Jets..That’s on GM Rutherford. I just thought they need a another big body great defenseman to help Dumoulin and Big O on the blue line. RHD to make things better. Penguins cap space is very touchy. The players that I think can help maybe to much to be on this team.
Fair Point . Letang has a excuse to still around this team. I realized that.
What would you do ? Hypothetically around the tight cap space in Jim Rutherford’s shoes without Shultz. Surrounding Letang in 5 months.
Do you think ZAR and Wilson should be playing up here?
Thoughts on Simon , Sullivan,Brass,Jack Johnson and Rust too.
Hey Dee,
What would I do? I know I risk angering some people but I try and find a way to trade Letang. I ask him for his list of 8 teams. If Carolina is one of the teams on his list, I try and work a deal Faulk for Letang. Carolina has about %15 mil in cap space they can afford the $1+ mil difference in salary. Carolina started off strong but has started slipping. maybe the deal would jump start both teams. I really would hate to trade anyone within my division but I would consider this.
I am not sure Winnipeg is willing to trade Trouba, at least not with Byfuglien approaching his mid 30s.
I actually like both ZAR and Wilson but I don’t understand Sullivan’s decision to summon these 2 guys. They both deserve it, but they don’t fit Sullivan’s mold. They slower, gritty guys. As much as I do like these players, I would think that Angello and Johnson would be better fits.
Simon is definitely not talentless however I don’t see him above Guentzel as Crosby’s LW, nor does the Crosby – Guentzel line need another play-maker as a RW. Barring a trade bringing in a veteran top 6 RW, Hornqvist or Sprong should hold that RW spot.
Simon may be able to compliment the Malkin – Kessel line. Hagelin is definitely not cutting it. Furthermore, just like Sprong on Crobsy’s line, Simon on Malkin’s line hasn’t really been tried yet. It may work.
I don’t mind Simon on the 3rd line either. He could bring production down to that level of the line-up, depending on the rest of that line. however, he is not a 4th liner. So if Simon isn’t playing 2nd or 3rd line, he sits and/or gets traded for a player that fits.
Brassard? I like Brassard and would like to give him a chance, but he is an UFA and already high paid. I think that he could anchor a solid 3rd line if the Pens kept him, but I also think he could be a trade piece.
Jack Johnson? At this point, he is over-paid. The only safe D men on the Pens team, in my mind are Schultz, Oleksiak, and the kid Riikola. I entertain any and all trade talks for any of the other D men.
Rust? I like Rust. I want him to succeed. He hasn’t scored tons of goals like Guentzel, but he has scored a lot of big goals in that smaller set. However, he is looking really bad, offensively, right now. He is definitely on my trading block.
Sullivan? Good question. I am not on the inside, so I really don’t know what all of the variables are, but it does appear to me that he has been insubordination to JR. I would have had a sit down with him already and with the firing of 3-time Cup winner, Quenville, he should be aware that hockey, like most sports is a “what have you done lately for me” sport.
Hey TOR ,
You don’t like Dumoulin? I like him and he shouldn’t be on trade block. He’s untouchable to me. He has grow over last couple of season . Very steady. Riikola, Määttä, Dumoulin, Shultz and Oleksiak should be safe .Imo.
I hate to see Määttä go. I don’t think Rutherford will trade him. I would just keep all five of them and get one solid RHD . Given Riikola more ice time to see if you want to keep him. If not. Get another RHD.
I feel like if pens remove Johnson and Letang on their D corps it will be totally different on the ice.. Maybe the coach staff for them.
I don’t think Pens need that much retool on their D with Letang being traded. I believe the fowards need to be upgraded more on bottom lines to have more faster fresh legs around Sid and Geno . If Sullivan doesn’t give , Blueger, Johnson and Angello their chances. Bottom lines C’s needs to be upgraded.
Great trade scenario between Letang and Faulk. I thought about that too and can see Brett Pesce being even better to get in a trade with something else coming to Pittsburgh. His cap hit is 4 million dollars.
Letang? If he still around for excuses. It is what it is. Perfect timing go all way out to entertain a trade for him. His healthy and it come make his trade better with him healthy.
Sullivan? I wouldn’t mind Coach Q .Rutherfod thinks other wise that he should stay and players are not tuning him out.
Jacob Trouba and Tyler Myers? Big B. I doubt that. Jets are not looking to keeping them long term. Jets didn’t care to sign Trouba up long term with open cap space during the summer. They didn’t agree to nothing and this season they have been on several teams radar. They went on to sign Black Wheeler( 31 ) to a contract extension. Tyler Myers and Jacob Trouba are being use heavily on trade bait websites. Talks that Jets don’t want to sign them. If you ask me . I would go after both of them.
Thank you for you responses. I love them.
Could you see trade Letang and Pesce in a trade?
Thought on Sheahan and Tanner Pearson?
Hey Dee,
Before answer questions I want to clear up something, just in case. I don’t dislike Maatta or Dumoulin, however, I don’t think either has been playing to their salary. Both are still very young, which does cause me a little hesitation, but reality, the Penguins have one of the heaviest Defensive Payrolls and precious little to show for it. I don’t think either Maatta or Dumoulin are significantly better than Riikola so if I could free up $$$ and get a RD directly of indirectly by moving either, I would.
I would rather move Letang and/or Johnson but the team would still be very LD heavy and needs to move a LD.
As for Letang – Pesce, I would think I would try and hold out for Faulk. I would like to see heavy shots from the point and Faulk has one. However, Once Schultz gets back, the need for an Offensive D will be considerably less and Pesce could shore up some weaknesses, so I wouldn’t rule that trade out.
Sheahan – Pearson? I saw something about the Pens and Pearson but it appeared to me that the rumor mongers were trying to tie Sprong’s name into that trade.
Sheahan – Pearson, there is about $1.5 mil gap the Pens would have to clear to make that happen. If that could be cleared up, I think I would go for it.
Also, I agree, I would love to see Johnson, Blueger, and Angello get a call. I think Sullivan is to afraid of playing three kids in his line up though and I am not holding my breath on that. Those three probably could be a solid 4th line.
Hi Coach
Long time eh !
Watched Caps / Pens last night.
Saw the Toronto gem.
Have to say time is catching up to all of us.
The team is starting to show its age.
I think a rebuild is about due.
I read the posts about Sully and Jim Rutherford
and you have to say that they have done a good job
over the past 5 years. The next 5 will be tough unless
some drastic actions are not taken.
I know I sound like a broken record but you have heard
me say this before.
Great article my friend.
Cheers
Jim
Hey Jim,
Great to hear from you!!
Hope all is well.
Hope the time has been kinder to you then it apparently has been to the Pens.
The funny thing about time, it just keeps on rolling, whether we want it to or not. It doesn’t seem all that long ago, we used to call Crosby, “Sid the Kid”, now, 14 seasons later, he is 31. How did that happen?
It wasn’t all that long ago that Maatta and Rust were kids as well, now Maatta is in his 6th season and Rust is in his 5th Season and they are 24 years and 26 years old, respectfully. Well okay, Maatta and Rust are still young in real life terms but they have been around a while now and in Rust’s case he is actually now in that bubble range where he should be at the top of his game and from a production stand point is most likely going to start to go backwards.
I agree, JR and Sullivan did a phenomenal job creating a back-to-back Cup team!! And now it is time to look very hard at the team and recreate it. The team is stale and used up. It needs more than new tires and a paint job. It needs an engine overhaul.
Anything is still possible. The fickle hockey fates may yet smile on this team and injuries and favorable match-ups could give this team a play-off run, but any play-off success this year may not be earned this year, but given to them.
I doubt there will be deal that can be made at the trade dead line that could really put this team in the drivers seat for the Cup. (I have been known to make the occasional mistake thought).
However, I do think that there really is an opportunity to retool for a super strong run next year while still keeping the door open this year, if the fates smile. Letang, Brassard, Rust, Hagelin, and either Maatta or Dumoulin could be the key to set the team up for the near future. All of these players are redundant and can be traded with minimal affect to over-all team performance yet could all bring in large returns, particularly at the trade dead line when skills become exaggerated in the minds of pretenders.
I still would suggest that JR look at my thoughts on the KHL. Maybe Hersley and Mozik won’t make the adjustment to the NHL, but it couldn’t be any worse than any of the current Pens RD.
Listen to it.
http://downloads.penguins.nhl.com/podcasts2/181107GMJR_Show.mp3
I hope he serious about making changes. Letang, Brassard, Rust and maybe Another player. I hope he looks hard at moving Letang and Brassard. Because Letang is on the other of 30 years old, high risk/ reward to much , Brassard doesn’t fit and hasn’t done nothing. I would possibly move Murray too.if he consider to be inconsistent. I believe there is players on trade bait market that can help them. Maybe he’s buffing. I can see Myers being a good fit . Maybe I’m wrong. It is what it it is . I like that he said he will have conversation with players and believe players are together to long. Will make changes.
Hey Dee,
I agree with a lot of what you say, but with Murray, I have to disagree. He is the best goalie in the Pens system right now, and quite frankly still capable of going down in Pens history as one of the top 2 -4 goalies throughout there history.
I do think that Gustavsson could have supplanted Murray, but JR traded him for Brassard.
Watching Murray, right now he isn’t the same Murray that won both Cups. He is trying to do too much. He has been trying to make up for the absolute lack of defense the team has demonstrated for 2-years now (Last games 22 shots could very well have been an anomaly and not a sign of things to come). He has been over-reacting and trying to out guess opponents, symptoms of a goalie that has seen too many breakaways, odd-man breaks, and shots from the slot.
But over-all, I agree, make a trade; Letang, Brassard, and/or Rust (Pens may need to wait on Brassard until he is healthy again).
Hey TOR,
I hope he can get his confidence back to his old self.
He hasn’t been doing well for the past two seasons. I question his durability, consistency and to be a top starting goalie for this team.
Murray needs a team that will give up their bodies and blocks shots for him. He doesn’t have they anymore where players shield him consistently and Letang doesn’t do him favors around the net. Cole, Kunitz, Tom K and Bonino did that. They hide his weaknesses and inconsistencies.
His Glove hand is bad and don’t understand shooter tendencies. His position in the net is out of control.
He’s very out of position in the net. He doesn’t give you momentum saving goal saves. I understand the odd man rushes and other things. Bit Murray has not been good in the net and has been very leaky in the net..
He won’t stop 30-40 plus goals in game.
I just don’t think Pens have permanent goalie on this right now on the team. I would trade him because I don’t want the pens to sigh him to long term deal in the future.
I know. I’m over-reacting here. He’s very good goalie But until he shows me he can play consistently and stand on his head more.
He needs competition and vet behind him. I will continue be on the fences with him.
I will stop over-reacting to trade him. Please don’t mind me.
Bad Line combos in practice today. I don’t get it. Sheahan and Kessel didn’t create enough offensive together. Guentzel was carrying them to make plays in the offensive zone last season. Bad defensively.
Guentzel doesn’t belong on on third line and Simon on on the top line with Rust and Crosby. There’s no way Rust should be Crosby going against the Caps.
Rust hasn’t done anything this season.Btw he never mesh with Sid. Last season they were together and nothing good came out of it. Mike Sullivan line shuffling them again. Sid took a long time to get 400th career goal and had hard time generating offense.
I had a feeling as soon as Simon get promoted on Sid’s Line then Guentzel would get demoted to third line. I see same situation with Sheary last season. Sullivan try his hardest to keep Hornqvist and Guentzel away from Crosby.
Rust and Simon don’t have it for his line. Simon is far to inconsistent and do to much . To cute and very vanilla. I like the puck battles here and there . After he isn’t given you anything.
Constantly Line shuffling and different powerplay isn’t going change Penguins adversity against teams to win games.
Pens need defenseman to play solid defense in all three zones than generating offensively. They need to be more aware of teams attacks and clogging them to attack their mistakes.
Pens needs to stop holding on the puck for breakout and pinching on the boards. They needs to skate fast get the puck in D near the red line and go from there with forwards. There’s a video that out guide that breakout to get to the offensive zone quicker.
Penguins are still a fast team But they happens to do something against faster teams They be more faster with new fresh blood and better structure D corps.
They have been begun to be impatient to get to the offensive zone and stars are beyond frustrated this season. Last season was the top of iceberg.
Balance solid D Corp and Rolling four lines and secondary scoring is the key to wining games Very crucial for Stanley Cup run.
It’s time to unload Kris Letang and Brassard with Justin’s being out for 4 months.
I still believe Sully and Reechi should be fired.
It some good players on the trade block than can help. One to three players in WBS THAT can help too.
Nhl Trade Bait Tracker
Tyler Myler RD ( 4 million)
Justin Faulk RD (6 million)
Charles Hudon LW ( )
Kevin Hayes C ( 5 million
Brett Pesce RD ( 4 million
Vlad Namestnikov LW ( 4 million)
I believe Rutherford can swing something and probably get a team to retain some salary players if necessary)
I would love Hayes and Myers.
I would trade Sprong, Rust , Letang and Brassard . I don’t if Sullivan will get a chance to let Sprong get more better occasionally top 6 mind . I don’t think Sprong belong in top 6 right now. But I would give him a shot with Guentzel and Sid to see if he can build more confidence to do better within himself with limited 2-3 minutes there.
Can pens trade right now ?
I would like pens to win tomorrow. If not. If needs to be a shake up and coaching staff changes. No one should be safe. Letang shouldn’t be untouchable.
I would like you guys thoughts on the lines in practice today and trade bait tracker.
Hey Dee,
The Penguins Line combinations are a mess. Part of the problem is that the best 12 forwards aren’t in Pgh. I am sorry, I didn’t see the line Combos from this morning’s skate but if you are right and Sullivan is trying to play Simon – Crosby – Rust, then chalk up loss #5 in a row.
With Brassard and Schultz on IR according to capfriendly the Pens have room for a couple of call ups. Really, I would love to call up a D-man because they are the worst part of this team, but there may really be nothing down there.
What I would love to see for next game is;
Guentzel – Crosby – Hornqvist
A. Johnson – Malkin – Kessel
Hagelin – Sheahan – Sprong
Rust – Grant – Angello
on Defense I would waive Ruhwedel and bring up Prow
If Ruhwedel makes it thru waivers he goes to WBS.
Defense would look like this;
Dumoulin – Letang
Riikola – Oleksiak
Maatta – Prow
But even that isn’t what I would really want. It is only what I can piece together given the Penguins current personnel. If Prow doesn’t workout (I really haven’t seen him do much in his time with the big club but statistically he hasn’t been playing all that bad right now in WBS) I switch him out for Trotman.
For Trade Deadline;
regardless of any variables I try and trade Letang, J Johnson, and either Maatta or Dumoulin.
Unless he starts playing and soon – Bryan Rust.
If Sullivan doesn’t get over his blinders, I may not be able to trade him, but I fire him, Quennville just got the sack and he has 3 Cups.
If the team has a legit shot at a playoff run – Simon.
My goals – get a RHD with a thundering shot and a defensive defenseman.
If I can get a Legit top Forward I trade Brassard for him.
If the team doesn’t have a legit shot at a playoff run I add Hagelin and Sprong to the trade list. However, I look for draft picks and prospects in return.
Hello ToR,
Thanks.
I just hope some shake up happens to this team. I didn’t like ZAR call up . I would have prefer Johnson to be call up. Sprong will be scratched. Wilson and ZAR will be playing tonight.
I didn’t think Grant warrant to send down in WBS . Maybe it’s just me.
ZAR. I understand he was doing good in WBS and had a Hat Trick. I never saw anything that suggested ZAR can play in the NHL. He’s slow , get out position, turn the puck , get out position , very lost and happens to have a great center to help him score goals. ZAR never showed he should be in the NhL before and after his hit from Tom Wilson.
I stand by it.. I really like Mike Sullivan and Mark Reechi to be fired this season.
The Penguins combinations are mess. Pens organization are justifying Johnson signing. I guess they will figure it out later that he doesn’t fit and bad signing. There’s no way he should be playing on the top pairing.
I would rather see Riikola can do . Johnson needs to be scratched a game or two.
Simon-Crosby-Rust – Head Scratcher – No shooter nor finisher-Two small one diminutive, dimensional players. Rust Is Pk player and Sully will bench them both to 11-12 mins . Sid will carried the load more and have trouble scoring and against Caps two top lines. His line will continue to be line juggling and mismanaged. Plus hurt Sid’s game and production. That’s why Sid has problems producing and being the top goal/ point production. Sid has sacrificed so much for this team. I didn’t see nothing wrong Guentzel with Sid. He’s has been strong on both sides of the puck. With or Without point. I like Simon But he’s a third liner and Guentzel is first liner. I’m getting Conor Sheary love affair vibes from last season.
Pens don’t missed Sheary. He’s doing well with change and scenery. New coach understands he’s a third liner and gives he PP time. If he still was here. I bet Sullivan put Simon and Sheary there with Sid. Everyone claim it’s the captain ask for this type of line. Nope . He wanted Guentzel last season and Sullivan insisted on keep him away from him.
Hags-Malkin-Hornqvist-I understand it helped Malkin dominant and bring
the best out him.
Guentzel-Sheahan-Kessel -Sheahan use his teammates to much- don’t generate offensively effectively to wingers-Guentzel carries the load to help generate something offensivelyand hurt his production and reprimanded to Pk. Bad defensively and offensively unit. Kessel will get his points elsewhere.
-ZAR -Cullen -Wilson- I don’t get it
Pens look better like this for now
-Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist
-Hags-Malkin-kessel
Rust-Sheahan-Sprong
-?-?-?
Something I learn from Mike Sullivan since Rick Tocchet has exited the building. Sometimes when Rick Tocchet was here . That Sullivan doesn’t put players in right spots to play to their strengths and really have mishandled Crosby’s line. He’s a one trick pony and don’t have enough systemic changes to have new improvement better team on the ice. He has favoritism, ego and accountability problems . There’s no way your top center that the best player in the world happens go through this much line shuffling in a season. There are teams that have a cohesive top line for their team .
No matter how Rutherford bring in new players to give speed or whatever. He will not do right to give players consistency and chemistry. That why I would to like him fired. Hell . I wouldn’t mind Coach Q or Alain Vinguealt.
Pens woes are beyond goaltending, secondary scoring and defensive woes. It’s the coaching Staff. All these issues are high on the list why Penguins is struggling every game. Players cannot play great from all season coaching staff (Sullivan) consistently changes lines and do players chance to grow something especially your top lines.
People can blame players and the speed element from the Penguins. It’s lies with coaching staff system and constantly line shuffling. They don’t know what to do. Sullivan hinted when he said he’s looking for ‘reasons’
Sullivan is the problem. He doesn’t know what he doing. Sometimes coaches get getting greed and their head s stuck up their butt because they continue to be star struck and just a plain o ordinary coach that’s above criticism from the world.
I don’t want to be harsh on Matt Murray because he does faces odd man rushes. But I would like Penguins to move on from him. He won’t steal a game for them . Wildly inconsistent. Injured prone. Sometimes his interviews are just same Ole same . He should be fight for his starting position and Penguins should be preparing for the future. He’s the new Cam Ward. If Calvin Pickard is available soon . I would go after him.
I commend Sullivan benching him for DeSmith. I hope he has a great game and Pens play better. I still sense a loss and someone is getting fired.
Pens can be more fast again. Bring youth , grit, new defensive players
s and veteran goalie to revamped them. Pens can still be faster and hard to play against.
I expect the Pens to be different team soon than later this season.
Also
Cringy worth stuff. Sidney Crosby on the second power play? Bryan Rust on the first power play? Määttä only Defensemen on the top powerplay?
Brutal .
Yesterday practiced and on Daily face off combos website.
I understand splitting Geno and Phil, but not if the third line center is Riley Sheahan. I guess. I like Riley Sheahan But he’s played the system to bring in more offensively game that Penguins play.
Its been ways to give a nice line combos
For example
Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist
Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel
Simon-Sheahan-Rust or Rust-Sheahan-Sprong
ZAR-Cullen-Sprong or ZAR Cullen-Simon or Wilson
DeSmith
Murray
You can win against Caps and Coyotes this way.
Give Sprong a chance to see if can do better as well. Although I don’t it’s the time to do. He deserves a chance.
To see what he has to offer despite not being impressive and in the wrong spots. Scratching him will probably down his confidence more.
For example
Guentzel-Crosby-Sprong
Hagelin-Malkin-Hornqvist
Rust-Sheahan-Kessel
ZAR-Cullen-Simon
The best way to defend against crosby/malkin/kessel/etc is apparently to force the pen’s defense to make mistakes in their own zone. I feel like I see this over and over in their last five games. Opponents are paralyzing their offensive momentum in their own zone forcing a awkward neutral ice game and glaring lack of quality offensive opportunities. The Pen’s offensive talent can’t get down to business if they are flying down the ice while the puck is still bouncing behind Murray.
For all this talk of ‘who’s faster’ in the league now it feel like the Pens, at least offensively, need to slow down their game and make more deliberate plays out of their own zone. The opposition’s strategy/logic seems to be forcing a mistake on the pen’s ice is easier than contending with their offense.
They aren’t playing a ‘measured’ game and are continually rushing down the ice leaving some poor sap with the puck, with pressure, behind in a lot of cases. I wonder if this is why you continually see Malkin/Simon/Crosby/Kessel ‘ham fisting’ the puck through neutral ice all by themselves trying to make a play. It seems like they should let the offensive rush develop organically through support on their ice rather than constantly trying to force the issue offensively every time. Their offense is getting thwarted before it ever has a chance to develop. I know they’ve got a great coaching staff who gets paid a ton of money to address this stuff and I’m just some nerd on the internet with a bad username, but I’m confused/frustrated to see this happen over and over.
It’s like I’m seeing two pen’s team on the ice at all times. Make that three, because the goaltending has been pretty great all things considered.
Hey Buck,
Great observation. For all of the lip service to the Pens have given to the Breakout, it really hasn’t translated into game action. I have been having similar musings. I had been considering writing a piece about how solid defense generates offense. Therefore, there is at least some truth to Dee’s and Mike’s rants about the coaching being at fault. How many times do we see Pens D on the wrong side of the puck? How many times do we see Pens forwards racing to try and cover for D? How many times do we see Opposing players alone in front of goalies?
Agreed. I’m not ready to go all wicker man on Sully, but I don’t think anybody is arguing there isn’t major cause for concern. I regret doubting Letang as much as I did, but it’s great to see him get back to his game. I’ve always been skeptical of all the doting on Maatta and nothing I’ve seen has really convinced me otherwise on that. At the end of the day poor defense appears to be the root cause for a lot of their current woes.
Enough of my rant. Last rant.
Mike Sullivan needs to be fired . Line shuffling is bad and line combos. Every game. Wrong players on the wrong lines. This crazy and beyond ridiculous.
He put Rust with Sid . Sid hasn’t done anything this season. I could see if you put Guentzel and Hornqvist together while demoting Simon.
He put Simon with Malkin. Devils scored a goal 19 second in the third period.
He put Guentzl And Phil with Sheahan .
Hornqvist and Hagelin with Malkin then Simon and Rust with Crosby.
Mismatch lines .
I don’t care. He needs to go. I said it.. He needs to go. He has short shelf life in the NHL
Painful .
Time to fired Sully & Reechi. Long overdue. Same stuff from last season. It’s more worse this season.
When your players are playing very lazy and ordinary. Stars are tryna hard to take initiative to win games with depth scoring. On top of that they are not playing fun hockey and not responding to the coaching staff. Time to move on.
Penguins are a very weak , ordinary soft team . Flat out. They are not fighting to play fun smart hockey. To much cuteness and impatient hockey. Uninspired hockey. No puck support and no shooting the puck. Lazy play and turnovers. Coaching staff are very lost. Hornqvist is only player that fight to stand up for this team. Bad D pairing and line combos.
Penguins are not standing up and teams are doing what they want.
Crosby and Hornqvist fighting to ingnite their team.
Penguins Down 4 to 1 Lord.
Penguins are a very weak , ordinary soft team . Flat out. They are not fighting to play fun smart hockey. To much cuteness and impatient hockey. Uninspired hockey. No puck support and no shooting the puck. Lazy play and turnovers. Coaching staff are very lost. Hornqvist is only player that fight to stand up for this team. Bad D pairing and line combos.
Penguins are not standing up and teams are doing what they want.
Crosby and Hornqvist fighting to ingnite their team. Lord.
The Other Rick & Dee
Problem I have with Sullivan is he wont adjust based on the Pen’s
opponent. Pens are to predictable – they play the same every game.
IMO – Teams have not only caught up but passed the Pens in the
speed department. They’ve also improved there size and physicality
which JR has totally dropped the ball on.
Now is the time to get out from under Letang’s contract.
Agreed Mike,
When the Pens won their 1st Cup, he did seem to have answers between periods. Since then, it appears he has read his own press clippings and is going to try and impose his will on other teams even when it is painfully obvious that it is failing.
With Players like Hagelin, Rust, and Johnson I am not sure anyone has really surpassed the Pens in team speed within the system. It would seem to me to be more of a question of the Penguins no longer playing to that speed. Also, although I wouldn’t mind getting some bigger players, Sullivan doesn’t ever want to play them. We had Reaves last year and he sat.
And I agree whole hardily, find a way out from under Letang. Even without Schultz I would still deal while his stock is up. The Pens may not only be able to get a D man to get them to the last playoff spot, they may be able to get a draft pick(s)/prospect(s) to start restocking.
Hello Mike,
Yes. I couldn’t agree with you more .
You get it. Rick Buker and The Other Rick as well.
Sullivan put Letang and Johnson together for top pairing. Complete Dumpster.
Fire.
Rutherford and Sullivan are not on the same page. Rutherford said several times he wants and think Letang mins needs to be reduced. I understand Shultz absence. Johnson and Letang Should Be paired together. 🙆🏽♂️🙋🏾♂️ I will need some liquor tonight. God help me..
Getting out of control, eh?
The Other Rick
This is not a shot at you!!
Sheary scored his 5th goal last night.
Reaves got his 4th last week.
Right now I would take them both over Cullen and crew.
No worries Mike,
Looking at numbers like that, it sort of makes you wonder about the Penguins current system.
As much as I like Cullen and despite the media trying to play up an ageless angle, the only reason I can think of for signing him is as a plan B if a Brassard for anyone trade blows up. I am sorry, I would rather have seen the Pens go with Blueger or give Grant TOI.
Penguins should go after Kevin Hayes or Vladislav Namestnikov. Hayes is a big man and good in the face off dots. His cap hit is 5, 175, 000 . Maybe Rangers can retain salty and willing to trade in Metro Division.
He can be a good big 3C for the pens.
Rangers are looking to rebuild and maybe take some prospects like Sprong.
I think Brassard days should be number and get a trade with return. I don’t seem Pens are resigning him. He haven’t mesh well with this team. Make bottom 6 discombobulated. When he comes back I would give him chance to work with Rust and Sprong . To get a more full evaluation to see if he help the Penguins more. If not.,things have ran it’s course.
I hope Pens win tonight. Do whatever it takes and adjust accordingly to the Devils. Devils are not same team for two year ago. Pens are still a fast team But they have simplify their game and be ready when the puck drop. Cycle down low and go to the net against Kindiad. Winning Battles and Play smart with the puck. Forecheck and play physical. Devils are little bit more faster and well coached.
Same game plan with Caps and Coyotes.
Hey Dee,
I remember last year when Hall blew past Letang like he was standing skill. I am worried! Although, when I say I am worried about a game, the Pens come out flying.
With Bellerive, Blueger, and even Pavlychev, I am not really interesting in resigning Brassard. In a worse case scenario I would rather try and bridge a year gap with Grant at 4th line Center and Sheahan on 3rd. The Penguin may be able to get a real Winger for Crosby in exchange for Brassard, but truthfully, I would prefer a solid RHD.
I am not sure of what I feel about Hayes but if Sullivan isn’t going to play Sprong then there really isn’t anything to lose.
Hello Tor,
I couldn’t agree with you more.
If Sheahan can get back to himself to get 3C spot. I’m fine with it. Grant probably needs more time to grow within the system. I have seen him try to create something But Sprong is doing something else or lost out of position.
I would like to see Blueger get some playing with this team. I hope they don’t lose him like they Another center that has find success with New Jersey Devils.
Either Way , I would like to see Penguins get RHD , New 3C/LW and RW for Sid. I don’t know. I think Rust, Sprong and Brassard could get a big decent return. Letang can bring something back too. I’m curious to see what Rutherford do next month and February with this roster.
My top priority is seeing Rutherford signing Guentzel to a decent long term deal.
Please enjoy the game. I’m having heart attack thinking about Johnson-Letang pairing tonight.
Dee & Other Rick
Thoughts on last nights game vs Caps
1) Letang gets an assist on the 1st Caps goal – My son and
I were watching the game together – he’s 16 and playing
Junior Hockey – he looked at me in disbelief when Letang
picked up the puck behind his own goal while on the PK
and without being pressured shot the puck up along the
boards to one of the Caps point men. My son said Dad
in Pee Wee Hockey you learn not to do that – what is he
thinking about??
2) Staying on the Letang rant with the Pens goalie pulled for
an extra attacker Letang is circling around in our end like
theirs 10min to go in the game – I swear the guy spaces out
and forgets where he is. “Crazy”
3) I thought ZAR and Wilson played well. I wish ZAR will assert
himself a little more in the physical department – way to
passive for my liking.
4) Could we somehow get Crosby a legitimate winger?? If he
had a bonafide scorer / finisher he would easily hit the 100
mark in points.
5) I was not a huge fan of the Johnson signing but I think he’s
improved as he picks up Sullivan’s system – he still leads the
team in blocks and hits. “Not all bad”!!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts – I think a trade is
inevitable.
Hey Mike,
I think Letang has great offensive skills and that is it. On a team with tons of defensive defense depth, he can look good. On a team where he is limited to PP TOI, limited EV TOI, and even less SH TOI, he can look really good.
On a team where he skates 23+ minutes a game, he becomes the opponents best offensive weapon.
J Johnson? I don’t know. I like to see his hit numbers and blocks but last night may have been the first time all season that opponents were held to under 25 shots.
Was that an anomaly? was it just that the team plays better D on the road? or was it a sign of something clicking? – I don’t know.
ZAR + Wilson? Not exactly speed merchants but they do bring something fresh to the team. I hope they don’t get recycled to the bench. They had 5 of the 12 hits that the Pens Fs were credited with last night. Ye tthey got the least TOI.
I agree, I wish the Pens could get Crosby a legit W. However, as I mentioned elsewhere, the rumor mill suggests that it is Crosby who doesn’t want any of the players the Pens can get him. Short of finding the fountain of youth for Dupuis and Kunitz, I am not sure who will get cycled off of his line and who could potentially stick.
I do agree, a trade may be inevitable. I don’t think management will be willing to try and retool for a run next year. I think they will want to make a run this year at potentially a catastrophic cost – and probably still not get anything for their troubles.
Oh someone is going to be traded and its probably going to be sooner than later. As for ZAR & Wilson, they played well enough, but that’s what you get when you put 4th line guys on the 4th line. No square pegs in round holes. Back to the inevitable trade, I believe (and as it’s been reported) Mr. Sprong is going to be on his way out. If you ask Sully all of the penguin’s problems can be summed up in one phrase.
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Why have we lost 5 in a row?
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Why did Malkin get tossed last night?
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Why is Hags so fast yet can’t score to save his life?
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Why has Rust looked so bad recently?
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Why has Mur struggled in goal over the past year?
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Why is it so cloudy in Pittsburgh?
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Why do we still do daylight Savings when we really do not need to anymore?
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Why is there so much hate in the world?
Its Danial Sprongs fault!
Not sure who he will blame after the trade but it sure won’t be his new favorite, Simon.
Hey Anonymous,
That’s funny!!!
Hi Mike,
I’m glad you see the things I see. I observe every player on this team closely. Yes . I particularly do Letang every game. Every player and every shift. Some fans have selective memory and only care about the players’ Jersey not the Penguins organization.
I stated it several times on here and deep discussions with people who gets it and understand everything about hockey.
Letang will not win you game nor will get you best chance to win a game. He has been play ok. Nothing more nothing less. Same Ole Same.
On the Pk – Caps first goal- he didn’t take the most explosive winger on opposition powerplay. (Ovi)Everyone can blame Cullen all they want. He did his job . Maybe Cullen come over little bit take the lane of passer more. Letang is fault there. You don’t stand there and puck watching. You defend there. Take man stick or take the lane . Whatever.
On the powerplay- Make it passive and ordinary. Turn the puck over and bad entries. Do to much. Over passing and terrible shot. Nothing natural. Only place he get his points.
He do to much. Bad on the last part of game. He did it last season. Wasted key moments. Bad defensively and very reckless hockey. Brutal. Give team their offensive chances to get easy goals. Nothing but youth hockey from him. Etc..
He’s not a good powerplay quarterback for the Penguins top powerplay. That’s why Penguins powerplay suck right now.
He’s better off playing with another team with low minutes and play into accountable role for games. He won’t get better. He will never give two way solid smart off chart hockey . Letang doesn’t have killer instinct nor hockey iq to be some team guy puts everything on line for Penguins in game.
Justin Shultz is more valuable to this team than Kris Letang. Rutherford is realizing that and he’s mad about that. I missed him. I hope he’s recovering well.
People think Letang is more valuable to this team. Suggesting He shouldn’t be traded. Big reasons he should be traded. He’s playing ok good and that can make teams feel good about getting him.
If Rutherford take his blinders off . He would see that and trade him to make his team this season. Letang days should be numbered. If Rutherford really wants to win this season stanley cup , to be better than he few last seasons in Carolina and have some better small rebuilding with winning cups for this team. He should consider Letang and do what’s best for the cap space. With Shultz Absence.
Sid’s line .
Breaking up Guentzel and Crosby doesn’t make sense to me. Very cringing to see every game different wingers on his line. Rutherford did stated that Simon should be on the bottom 6 lines. so I don’t know what Sully doing. It sacrifices Sid and Jake production, imo.
I don’t think it’s Crosby who won’t take his wingers. Most of players he has played with they were fourth liners and he happens to do so much. They don’t keep up and don’t contribute consistently to drive his line to success.
They don’t have the same hockey iq and drive like him to be great with him. Dupi , Guentz Kuni only have done it.
I don’t like like it.
It’s the pens organization that never got him great wingers. He has a great winger in Jake Guentzel. I don’t care Guentzel has been great on both sides of puck going to the net. He has been take a beats working hard to get to net and create chances. Sometimes are hard on him like they do Sid.
He just isn’t getting lucky bounces or goalie making a great save. I see him skating hard to defend in all zone. He gave sid a great A chance last night more than his wingers who didn’t finish. He just gotta not beat himself up. It’s seem like tries more and more hardecery shift because he knows Sully has habit of keeping him away from where he should be.
Simon and Rust were bad for his line. Sid was unbelievable . He always is. He did it more. Because his wingers ( Rust and Simon) will not do it. They were turn over the puck and weak on the puck to give offensive zone pressure.
At end of day Sully does the consistent line shuffling and lost on playing with players strengths.
If Sid has Guentzel and effective RW he would have at least 20 goals right now . Pacing to 115-130 points.
ZaR and Wilson- They brought fresh blood to the team. They are not fast enough to help the pens to be more faster . They had good chances and brought some physicality. Zar did good on the Pk. It’s isnt enough. I rather see Angello and Johnson.
Jack Johnson- He’s ok. He look good at times during that game. . Good pass to Sid . Little bit better get out his zone. He cannot play top minutes for the Pens . (Same for the Letang/needs to be sheltered ) Better positive CF .He suffocates your offense. He shouldn’t be on the ice for extra attacker. He won’t win you game nor give your best chances to win. I don’t care about his hits and blocked shots. It’s doesn’t impact that much. They mostly come from being stuck in his zone and turn the puck over. Not a fan. I will try more to give him more chances. Jury is still out him. I still think he sucks. He deserves a chance with another team: He’s still belong on the bottom pairing. I would like to see Riikola-Rudweedel.
Help Winning games and giving your team the best chance to win show me that you focus to do what it take to keep opponents honest. You won’t get them chances and do to me won’t skate in circles and be better quarterback for to powerplay . Not a flash guy and one man show .
play smart and simplify your game in key situations. ( the whole game consistently with just one to first hiccups) Letang and Johnson don’t got that.
Dumoulin might not be the player to have a lot of points . He can help this team in key game situations and defending top players. But I think he should get a opportunity to do it more. He has showed go offensive side and pressure. He grow a lot for the last two to three seasons. He does smartly help the play and give the pens beat chances. He do what well with Shultz and some occasion shift with Olenskisk. He just needs better overall partner that be with consistent and solid with him.
Devils vs Penguins.March 23, 2018 prime example. He’s has great shot when he lean in with one foot. March 25 ,2018 Flyers vs Penguins. Penguins vs Islanders on Simon’s goal. I rather give him more minutes with Sid and Geno in a game to spark something at times.
One to two Trades are coming . I hope it helps. I do hope Rutherford let down law with Sully usages of players and his consistent line shuffling. Get on the same page or fire Sully this season.
Rust, Sprong,Brassard and Letang are my top trade priorities. ( Right now)Pens gotta get a way from Letang high risk reward reckless game. It hurt the pens than help them . Dumoulin deserves better.
I like Rust. But he’s overpaid as bottom versatile fowards. He will never be 35-80 points guy and top liner. If he stays he needs to stay on the bottom lines. Sully needs to understand that.
I would trade Sheahan too. I like him. I just think he overestimate from pens organization and he can be very bad defensively. He doesn’t generate offensively. He does to much and get cute with puck . He can’t be on the ice for key game situations. I would rather Guentzel there tryna to defend or something to get tied goal. He was bad on that GWG whhile Sid was protecting high in the zone. Doesn’t shoot enough. He does work hard to be better. Maybe he lost confidence more from Brassard trade and Sully made him be to be more into a grinder .like he is Sometimes I just think he star struck to be playing with Sid.
Simon can be trade too. I see a love affair with Sullivan that he had with Sheary. He’s bottom liner.
Penguins needs a trade . Two to four trades.
Regardless Rutherford’s comments and how he constructed this team.
5 game losses and still issues from last season.
Defenseman are made to play to much offensively and stray away from defending. Pens hate some two way defenseman and they love guys that are like Kris Letang.
I hate that players are getting blame and not on the coaching staff too.
Pens have players that are bottom line fowards. Too many. Coaching staff are tryna make them into top tier players overestimate them and put into situations they don’t belong to play. Simon,ZAR, And Rust. Sheary too. Then Rutherford overpaid them and it backfires more on the ice.
goal scorer are being make to be grinders and grinders are made to be goals scorers. Some players are made to play away from their game or way they came in the league.
Pens don’t have no depth scoring wingers ( Beside Sid,Geno,Pat , Phil and Jake) and to many players are one dimensional to help the pens success against other teams that have rolling four lines.
Only time will tell. Pens getting fresh fast blood will go a long way this season. Lines consistency and new systematic changes atoo. Better D and consistent goaltending. Either way Coaching Staff deserves some blame and I would mind to see some coaches go this season.
I wouldn’t mind see Puljujarvi in Penguins jersey. Scouting Report and videos look good. Changes scenery would help him.
I’m still hoping for players like Tyler Myers to help Big O on the blue line and Kevin Hayes. Possibly Justin Faulk.
I won’t do like others that compare trades and players. Take he/she say about rumors. I will just wait for Rutherford to do his things and see Sully good enough to do better with line combos.
Hey TOR,
Do you think have Sully don’t like Guentzel with Sid? Sid wants him there. Sully Stubborn? He had him sit next to him since his first season. They have become very close on and off the ice Thoughts on Guentzel and Sid
Hello TOR ,
It time to move on from GM Rutherford and Mike Sullivan before it gets worse and shades of Blysma.
Rutherford has had terrible off-season signings. He’s stuck in the past.
No good ways to better the pens around tight cap space. 3.5 million wasted and Rust probably should have gotta pay less or traded. I respect his game and like him. But he’s hasn’t been doing nothing, a passenger and he’s a bottom 6 forward.
Penguins Prospects Pool is weak. I would give Blueger, Johnson, Linderberg and Haggerty some call ups . Make heavy healthy scratches.
Sullivan’s philosophy has grow old. Defenseman always want to be fowards on the ice without carrying for defense first or making sure their zone is clear. Bad line changes.
His inability to play players to their strengths and to have great line combos with players he has. He doesn’t know how to handle adversity in games. Several times on the bench this season and last season he looks very lost or completely I don’t know what to do face. Players are not responding to play better nor attention to details. Defenseman are turnover machines and to busy pinching all the time. Defenseman are passing right to fowards nor getting the puck D. Always under pressure with puck and create pens being hemmed up in the zone .
Pens players are very disinterested, playing soft, no aggressiveness, no winning puck battles and opposing doing what they want to Murray in the crease.
He line shuffle Crosby line every game and Crosby doesn’t have no consistency nor permanent RW.
When it time for Sullivan to load up start so he win a game he doesn’t do it. He hold the wrong players accountable. He pick me off last night. He demoted Guentzel to third line.He play the Pk. Why? Guentzel didnt have a bad game. Simon cough cough the puck two the three times in two games. Bad passing. No consistency and does to much.He Created a odd man rushes.
Simon should have been demoted. Then Mike Sullivan finally let Guentzel go back to Sid then have Crosby with Rust and Hornqvist.
Some fans and Pens organization are living in the past. B2B stanley Cups were 2-3 seasons ago and they are not same team.
Pens need defensive overhaul, new top 4 defender and new blood that help secondary scoring with speed.
I would trade Brassard and Another player. To help for now. Eventually trade Kris Letang when Justin Shultz comeback.
New Coaching Staff. Starting with Reechi and Sullivan before it gets worse, imo.
To many issues has been going on since Tocchet and Boterill has exit the building.
Penguins have the same problems from last year and to many passengers on the roster. Pens organization seem to expect Sid and Geno supposed carry the team every night. There’s no great supporting cast ( exclude Jake,Horny, Phil , Brian, Rig Määttä, Hags ) that can help this team with great forecheck, more heavy speed, defense , secondary scoring to win games.
They lost some speed, grit , no Hungry blood and players that were eager to do what it takes to win.
I complain and complain this summer that Pens needed better second scoring, goalie D , better D , one bottom 6 LW and New RW.
Jack Johnson signing was bad and Derick Brassard Trade was bad. Neither one of them have given penguins anything to help win games.
I don’t care about Kris Letang and Jack Johnson. They both will get you what you think. Jack Johnson brings nothing to the table. He won’t give you what the pens needed. He has been on the ice for 15-16 goals. Eye test is bad and he knocked w two players into Murray’s head. He very lost on the ice. Indecisive and coughs up puck . Bad defensively and offensively. Bad hockey iq and no contextual awareness to know the situation on the ice.
Letang is the same Ole Letang. It showed in last three games. It was still some issues there since start of the season. ( really all his career)
I have watched closely. Every ones strat he throw the puck anywhere or ice it. Bad decisions with puck . Crosby’s line is often stuck in the zone every game with him ( like last season) Crosby’s line are always defending before getting to offensive zone. Bad in his own zone . He play reckless and out of control.
He does to much and won’t help you win a game . Pinching to much and bad ill advised passes . Make powerplay indecisive and brutal.
He plays like a foward. Has low hockey iq. Today’s practice they were practiced together and they played together in the game at times.
He isn’t norris trophy type player. People needs to eat some crow. Pens D Corp is a mess. No way Johnson and Letang should be playing together.
Pens needs better D , Secondary scoring and more from the coaching staff. Sid and Geno lines will do their job but you need help from you bottom players when they get shutdown and having a rough night. 2-3 goals from them won’t win a game.
Pens playing is the reflection of the coaching staff. There’s is to many passengers and players not playing to their strengths. Some are not great on this team.
Pens needs a mini makeover and D overhauled .
Hey Dee,
It is hard to know, from the outside looking in, what Rutherford and Sullivan are really trying to do, all we know is that over the last year and ~ 1/8, it hasn’t worked. The worst part is that it hasn’t been bad enough to earn them any top 5 picks, just bad enough to turn them from contenders to pretenders.
When JR first arrived, he did a phenomenal job of horse trading to get the puzzle pieces together. Unfortunately, even as the first Cup run wound down, he started to lose a little luster. Whether he tried and failed to sign Bonino to an extension before the 2nd Cup run began or he just let it slide by, we will never know. All we will know is that there was no plan B, life without Bonino and Cullen in place when the Pens began their 3-peat bid.
Then, although I know you and Mike really, really liked getting Reaves and I thought it was a travesty to get rid of him, the team paid way too much to get him. Nicolas Hague, the player I wanted the team to take with the first round pick they gave away, may not be having the greatest first pro year with Vegas’s AHL affiliate (11GP, 2G, 2A, 4Pts, 12PIM, +7), it is more than a little better than the player the team did draft Zach Lauzon, his last junior year was a monster (67GP, 35G, 43A, 78Pts, 105PIM, +2), and on a Penguin team that has precious few Defensmen in the plus department if you take out the anomalous Canada trip, Hague’s +7 looks really good.
Add the Hunwick signing last year to the Johnson signing this year and JR doesn’t look very good lately.
I won’t blame him completely for the Cole trade.
Your point about Sullivan is well taken. When he first got here, in his first Cup year, he seemed to be a wizard at adjusting. Between periods, the team always seemed to figure out how to exploit what opponents were doing. Now the opposite appears to be happening; every other team is figuring our Pens out while they keep trying the same thing and expecting different results.
However, as I wrote above, before the anyone can complain about secondary scoring, the first line has to start doing something. Even considering the Canada trip Crosby’s 1.17 Pnts/GP is down in the second tier at 32nd, take out the Canada trip and it is rather mediocre. As you point out, there has been no consistency on Crosby’s RW. However, rumor suggests that it is Crosby’s fault, not Sullivan’s. Crosby doesn’t want Kessel at all, Hornqvist, rumor states makes him play to low and he doesn’t like it, and he doesn’t like Sprong. I like Rust, but he is not a top 6, but has been able to fill in at times, Furthermore, Rust’s production is also very pathetic this year. And although, it would appear that Crosby doesn’t mind Simon on his RW, it really ain’t working. Again take out the Canada trip and Simon isn’t much better than Sprong with production; take out Canada and Sprong is actually better in Pnts/60.
That is why I suggest getting Sprong some quality ice time to boost his value and try and trade him for a RW Crosby will work with and get his line going.
(Remember, all of the above talk about Crosby is only rumor and not fact)
Once the first line starts scoring consistently, then and only then can anyone really, honestly start asking the bottom 6 to score. The bottom 6 is only suppose to chip in goals. The top 6 is suppose to score on a regular basis and only Malkin and Kessel are really doing that. Yes, even Malkin’s and Kessel’s numbers dip a bit outside of the Canada trip, but that is only to be expected when everyone elses disappear all together. Two players cannot carry a team all the time (unless one is named Mario).
Defensively, I agree, the team is a mess. If I could have gotten my way; that is to say all the stars lined up and every GM and players agent did what I wanted the Penguins Defense this year would have looked like this;
Oleksiak – Schultz
Pedan – Hersley
Dumoulin – Mozik
with Maatta and Bengtsson as my LD and RD swing man as well as Hague in the minors working his way up to my main roster. However, watching Riikola, of which I didn’t know at the time I came up with the above configuration, I would have easily taken Riikola over Maatta.
In my configuration, I would have a Puck moving defenseman on each pairing, a defenseman with a heavy shot, and a defenseman who could knock Anders Lee and JVR on their proverbial wallets.
Please don’t think that I like the Penguins bottom 6 make up. I don’t. I just want the top things addressed first. You may not like Brassard, but neither Sheahan, nor Cullen are cutting it as 3rd line Cs. So, once Brassard comes back, he really should be put in at 3rd line C until Sheahan comes around, like he was before the Brassard trade. Once the team can establish a 3rd line C, then they can build out from there. Maybe give Grant a shot at that role.
Hello ToR,
I think Sheahan and Grant will probably come around to help . (I hope so)
Well . You will be probably be mad Johnson-Letang suppose be too paring tonight.
I would keep Määttä, Big O , Dumoulin and Shultz.
Määttä is great second pairing defenseman. I saw flashes of greatness in his game. I just think he needs to stop thinking to much and move his feet more. He still young and I would keep him
I would get Tyler Myers Or Justin Faulk. I don’t Mind Hershey. There’s two other defenseman I wound mind getting either. I gotta go back and get their name.
I would agree with about Sprong. But he doesn’t belong in the top 6 role. He hasn’t showed nothing to be permanent. Nothing impressive or good enough. He hasn’t earned it and he’s brutal. If He goes with Sid and Jake will happens to do all the heeavy lifting to cover him. Sprong has habit of not being in the right spot and walking in to his linemates to mess up plays in the ozone. Etc..
There’s nothing but rumors about Sid’s preference. Nothing but people starting that and keep saying stuff about it.
I would like Hornqvist there. If not . Then Penguins needs to get a cheap speed RW there. Point Blank Period.
I see why certain players don’t work with Sid and Jake. Because they are not strong on the puck , they don’t win puck battles , low hockey iq , do to much , in the wrong spots and turn the puck . They don’t create consistent space there nor strong on the boards. That’s why Sprong , Kessel, Rust and Sprong doesn’t fit. Occasionally Hornqvist. Sometimes Sully doesn’t give Hornqvist enough time to grow a spark there with them like in the playoffs. He let him play few minutes there then punish him. Sid isn’t at fault here. It’s Sullivan and has love affair with Simon like he did with Sheary. There wasn’t truth in the pudding Sid didn’t want Sheary on his line. Sullivan did.
I would give him opportunities with Brassard and Rust .Sprong gotta be better and earned it. If not. I would like him to be traded with Brassard and another player in a deal.
Pens gotta win tonight. I don’t have faith in them. Because Johnson supposed plays with Letang on the top pairing tonight . I don’t like it.
I would probably fired Sullivan before Rutherford. As long Rutherford make them more better during TDL. I noticed Sullivan isn’t on the same page with Rutherford.