Ex-Penguins Update: January 27, 2019

1. Rick

   Its always nice to see how former Pen’s are playing. The one that stands
   out for me is Reaves – He’ll probably be around 25pts when the season
   ends – Get 10 to 12 goals from Revo then have him on your bench at playoff
   time “WOW” – sure would of been nice.

   I fear the Pen’s could make the same mistake with Oleksiak – although
   his play has been somewhat below average his value to a team that lacks
   size & toughness becomes much more of a factor come playoff time.

   Just a couple of random thoughts – I would welcome your input.

   1) Brassard – although he’s not produced like the Pen’s had hoped his stats
   compare favorably with Bonino’s 1st season with the Pen’s.

   2) Johnson – I was totally against the Pen’s signing him as a FA. From what
   I’ve been able to watch he’s played well. He brought his plus / minus
   down from -12 to -5 then had a horrible game before the break. He’s
   the only defenseman that consistenly takes the body and he continues to
   lead the team in hits and ranks 2nd in blocked shots.

   Thanks, Have a great week and we appreciate the update on former Pen’s

   1. Thanks, Mike.

      Always good to hear from you. I did some noodling on Brassard’s numbers. And you know something? You’re right.

      His numbers do line up with Bonino’s. On top of that, he’s scoring goals pretty much at his regular career rate.

      If you project what Brassard’s done since he’s arrived (11 goals, 22 points in 53 games) into an 82-game season, it adds up to 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points. If you project his numbers this year into a full season, it totals roughly 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points.

      Any way you slice it, he’s scoring goals at a rate roughly equivalent to his career pace. His assists are down, which can be explained by the fact that he sees precious little time on the power play. During his best seasons with the Rangers, he routinely got around 20 points with the man advantage. This season he has two (both assists).

      Perhaps a clear-cut case of the expectation far outstripping the player.

      Regarding Johnson…I don’t hate him either, although he and Pettersson had a rough road trip. Perhaps a result of being exposed to playing against the opposition’s top lines, as Phil Krundle suggested.

      I like Johnson overall…especially his shot-blocking and physical play but also his passing. But I do think he has recognition issues in the d-zone…like he’s a step slow in reacting at times. And I think it costs him (and the team).

      Again, I don’t dislike him. But I sure would hate to see the Pens keep him and trade Oleksiak, if that’s what it boils down to.

      Rick

      1. Rick

         My worst fear – Pen’s traded Oleksiak back to Dallas for a 4th
         round pick. Unless this is setting up for another move the Pen’s
         just got “softer”!!

         I’m watching Pen’s vs New Jersey and Letang has been horrible. I’m
         not sure what people watch when it comes to his play – he shoots you
         in shoots you out type of player. To much freelancing and gambling defensively.

         I hope JR has a plan.

         PS – Muzzin to the Maple Leafs

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