Ex-Penguins Update: April 24, 2021

1. Hey all,

   It looks like I did it again. I drew attention to Murray’s recent turnaround, and he suffered a lower-body injury against Vancouver Saturday night!!!

   Dear Lord…

   Rick

   1. Rick

      Always good keeping an eye on the progress of our X-Pens. Below are
      a couple of comments and takes from yesterdays huge win over the
      Bruins.

      1) I would almost bet we see a different Boston mentality on Tuesday.

      2) I know I’m a little biased and a Zucker fan but he should have been a lock
      yesterday as one of the game’s three stars – Talk about energy – can you
      imagine the type of havoc will be taking place on the forecheck with Zucker
      and Tanev. Should be fun to watch.

      3) I have to toot Matheson’s horn – he’s putting it all together at both ends of
      the ice. I felt like he even stepped up his physical play for the Bruins.

      4) I know most people love Malkin but I’m slightly concerned about his return
      to the lineup. He’s one of the very few players that doesn’t completely buy
      in. If he does the Pens are a legit contender for the Cup.

      5) Jarry gave the Pens exactly what they needed yesterday – Solid, make the
      routine save and a couple of huge ones. If he plays the way he played
      against the Bruins at playoff time we’ll be a tough out.

      6) I’m liking the Carter trade more and more with each game.

      As always I look forward to your feedback.

      GO PENS

      1. Hey Mike,

         Sorry to take so long to reply. Crazy day yesterday.

         I agree with your points pretty much right down the line. Yes, I think Zucker’s played much better…and perhaps truer to form…the last couple of games. It looks like he’s developing some chemistry with Carter.

         Absolutely agree on Carter. I love the way he plays. Great speed for a guy his size, and he sure doesn’t waste any time screwing around. He gets himself pointed north and south and just goes. I think his style might suit Zucker as well…perhaps easier to read then, say, Malkin.

         I hear ya about Geno perhaps throwing a wrench into the proceedings. However, before he was injured it seemed he was buying into Sully’s approach…I’m hoping he’ll do the same when he returns.

         If we ever do get all hands on deck, we’re going to be formidable.

         I know you’re not crazy about ZAR. I’m not, either, although a quick glance at his numbers on Natural Stat Trick show that his metrics are fairly solid. And he does seem to fit well with Blueger and Tanev.

         I like Zohorna and Angello, too, and was disappointed to see the latter was sent to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. I’d like to see him play in place of Sceviour. But as Other Rick noted, it seems bigger guys have to skate circles around the competition in order to impress Sullivan.

         I’m sure there’s a level trust involved, too. Sceviour’s been around the block a few times and Sully’s probably more comfortable going with a veteran.

         Still, all in all, I’m very happy with the way the team is playing. If we can stay reasonably healthy, I think we have a legit shot at the Cup.

         GO PENS!

         Rick

   2. I left Kappy out of my comments by mistake. He was really good but Sully
      needs to get ZAR off his line. No goals in his last 12 games and one in his
      last 16. Not a fan.

      Everyone talks about how good he is on the PK but we have 10 forwards that
      can kill penalties. Give me Angello or Zahorne. Once we’re back to full
      strength he’ll be demoted to the 4th line – I would prefer the other two players
      in that situation.

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