Seriously, what needs to be done to get this PP going?  Not only is it not generating goals, it is sucking away momentum that tends to be generated by working on the PP.  I know SId and Geno are not there and not only is Geno NOT coming back this year, I am starting to seriously doubt that Sid is either but there are top 6 NHL caliber forwards on this roster.  So why is it not working AT ALL?  What can be done?  Thoughts?

 

I am of the opinion that the time has come to give the only playmaker on this roster not playing to get a jersey.  Yep, you know who I am talking about.  The time has come for Duffman, Mike Comrie, to get a chance.  Stick him on a line with Talbot and Dupuis and sit Connor down.  I know Connor forechecks like a demon but what has it generated?  Connor also doesn't PK so why play him when you could try someone to fix that AWFUL PP?

I know that it is borderline sinful to suggest this but I am of the opinion that the Pens need to make a adjustment to a lineup that just posted a playoff shutout, why that is following the jump.

Continue reading this post »

First, a quick intro; 25 year long Penguin fan from the Burgh who now lives in the Mid-West.  I am no longer exposed to the PIttsburgh media so I am curious to hear what they are saying about what has been going on of late.  From the outside looking in I wonder how the Pens are going to handle all this adversity.  Malkin - gone (season), Letestu - gone (6 weeks), Crosby -gone (14 games missed and counting, no idea when/IF coming back), Cooke - suspended 4 games.

The Pens have, from the handful of games I have scene, the defensive core and goaltending to make a deep playoff run.  What worries me is that the Pens don't have the offense to even make the playoffs.  This team is designed to serve Crosby and Malkin to generate offense and neither are playing now.  Where are the goals going to come from?  This team has an "all-star-role-player" roster but without Sid and Geno who will generate scoring chances?

I looked at the standings this morning, and yes the Pens are closer to the 1 seed than the 8th seed, but look at the teams in playoff contention.  Ask yourself, are these teams better than the Pens are right now?  I think they are!  The Pens are wounded and I wonder if they have enough left in them to hold on.  I don't question the heart or desire of the Pens, I doubt their roster as presently constituted.  

What do you think Pens fans?  What will be indications that the playoffs are in doubt?  Will the Pens be buyers or maybe sellers at the deadline?  I have my thoughts but I am curious to hear yours.

Poll

Is the current Pens roster good enough to hold on to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference this year?

74%

Yes

37 votes

26%

No

13 votes

50 votes | Poll has closed

Before I even begin I must take a moment to pay my respects to the Ottawa Senators.  It became crystal clear by game 4 that the Pens were the team with superior talent.  To the Sens credit, they understand that they can't out class the Pens, but they can try to out work and out hustle them.  This series made it to 6 games because of Ottawa's refusal to die.  But there are some other reasons as to why the Sens have made this a series against a team that is out of their class.  Some of the Pens are not living up to their potential.

When I put together these grades I took into consideration not only what they have accomplished thus far, but what was expected from them.

Forwards:

Crosby, A+, not since the glory days of Lemieux has a single player dominated a series like this!

Guerin, C-, has done a good job screening the goalie on the PP but hasn't done much at regular strength, lets remember though he is almost 40.

Kunitz, B, is forechecking and hitting like he did last spring and has even chipped in 2 goals, a high for him in any given playoff series.  He is also getting some PK and PP time, not bad, but not great either.

Malkin, A-, is galloping out there playing with the puck like it only belongs to him.  Has produced several PP goals but needs some help at the wings to get more out of what he can do at even strength.

Poni, D-, he seemed to have the most energy and drive during the 3rd OT on Thursday, no surprise that he has the energy because he certainly hasn't used any of it yet.  Is the time coming for Disco Dan to try and unite last year's Malkin line?  When TK is healthy again, perhaps Poni should sit and watch?

Dupuis, C, has provided the skating that is expected of him, unfortunately he has also provided those cement hands that is expected of him too.  He is fulfilling his role though, that of checking forward who hits, kills penalties, and creates space for skilled players.  He belongs on the 4th line though.

Staal, B+, is showing why he is a Selke finalist by doing exactly what is expected of him, I just wish he could do a bit more on the offensive end, alas though that is not his role.

Cooke, A, is being the pain-in-the-ass the Pens need him to be and showing why he is a UFA the Pens simply can't let walk away at season's end.  He is killing penalties, hitting, talking trash, and has even managed to score a goal.  He is playing beyond what I expected, I think Ruttu is bringing the best out in him.  To think, those two once played on a line together. 

Kennedy, I, being injured makes it difficult to asses a player so for now I have him as incomplete.  When he gets back though he HAS to start working the cycle more and stop shooting the puck EVERY time he gets it.  It is OK to shoot the puck at every opportunity, if you are a skilled goal scorer, sorry TK that is not your role with this team.

Fedotenko, I, playing in only two games makes it hard to grade him, especially since his minutes were cut from period to period in game 1.  He doesn't seem to fit on the Staal line and with Chris Connor getting called up don't be surprised to see him take TK's place until he gets better.  If Tenks is not playing a top 6 forward role he should not be dressed.  I am of the opinion that either Poni or Tenks sits and the one who plays, plays with Malkin and Talbot.

Adams, C+, I know that he has scored a goal and had a beautiful assist on Talbot's short-handed goal so he has certainly exceeding expectations, but he is also not fulfilling what is required from him.  He isn't winning face-offs and the PK unit, of which he is a part of, is killing penalties at about 50%.  This will not do.  I would prefer that he prevent goals rather than score them.

Rupp, B+, he is doing exactly what is needed, skating hard, taking the body and sending a message to the likes of Neil and Ruttu that thuggery will not be tolerated.

Talbot, A+, because after this regular season I simply didn't expect much from him.  I was willing to write-off this season as a loss and focus on next year.  Based on what we got from him last year I would have him at a B-, but again this was about performance and expectations.  

Defenseman:

Gonchar, A+, so who here still thinks that Sarge is past his prime and can be let go at season's end, no problem?  He has been the Pens best defenseman and shows why is worth at least another 2-3 year deal.

Orpik, A, has been part of the shut-down pair that has kept Alfie, and Speeza in check.  He is delivering a devastating and most importantly consistent physical presence.

Eaton, B, he is doing exactly what is needed from him.  He is quietly playing a solid defensive game and doing all the little things that are needed to win hockey games that don't necessarily end up on the score sheet.  Scoring a goal or two, like last year against the Flyers, would be a nice addition though

Letang, B, if only he would learn to take that Brian Rafalski like wrist-shot that is more about getting it on net as opposed to try to pick a corner from 80 feet all the time.  He starts hitting the next more consistently, watch out!

McKee, C, is blocking shots and being physical in front of the net and along the boards.  He reminds me a lot of "The Piece" from last year, but he also reminds me even more of Hal Gill.  It looks as if he is either tired or has aged a lot in the past 2 months

Gogo, C, he is getting the puck out of the zone and up to the forwards like he always does and being taken off the PP is more of a strategic move then an indictment of his play of late, but he is not scoring goals and his play has been nothing to write home about, good or bad.

Leopold, I, thank God he is still alive after that hit.  With his concussion problems and being in a contract year he either is looking at making less money than he expected and may in fact, dare I say, be done

Goaltending:

Fluery, B-, he was awful in game 1 and sputtered at the beginning in game 2 but rebounded with a solid performance in 3 only to be iffy in games 4 and 5.  He has been the best of the 3 goaltenders to play in this series, but that isn't saying much.

Thoughts Penguin nation?

Two years ago my mother got me one of my most favorite Christmas gifts ever, the 10 Greatest Games in Penguin History.  It was a big deal to me for I now live in the hockey waste land of Des Moines, Iowa where almost no one cares about hockey and the ones who do pull for either the Blackhawks or the Wild.  Being able to relive those moments has meant a lot to me for when ever I feel a little home sick I just pop one of those DVD's in and I just feel better.

This playoff run has got me to thinking that this DVD series, which again is only 2 years old, is going to need to be updated.  This is the current set of 10 greatest games

1.  Pens vs. Flyers - April 25th 1989 - a game 5 of a second round series against the "beloved" Flyers was the game when Lemieux scored 5 goals and recorded 8 points to lead the Pens to a 10-7 victory.  It is also the game when Hextall chased after Robbie Brown after scoring a goal.  This was also the first game I ever saw live, pretty cool huh?

2.  Pens vs. North Stars - May 25, 1991 - duh, the 8-0 first ever Stanley Cup clinching game!

3.  Pens vs. Blackhwaks - June 1, 1992 - again duh, the 6-5 thrilling Game 4 victory clinching the Pens second consequetive Cup championship

4.  Pens vs. Rangers - April 9, 1993 - the game when Lemieux scored five goals against the fading Rangers, the year before they won the Cup.  Lemiuex was a mere days removed from cancer treatment and that was the game when the Pens tied the streak for most consequetive regular season victories.  The Rangers fans cheared for Lemieux in a 10-3 victory

5.  Pens vs. Devils - April 13, 1991 - Pietrangelo's "The Save Game" was a game six opening round playoff game that if the Pens had lost, playing their seldom used backup goaltender, would have ended their season, thus no first Stanley Cup

6.  Pens vs. Caps - April 24, 1996 - the Petr Nedved fourth or fifth, I can't remember, OT game winning thriller that lead the Pens past the Caps, again, on route to a shocking Eastern Conference Final loss to the Florida Panthers, of all teams?  This game not only featured the Nedved goal, but Lemieux getting tossed in the first period for destroying Kevin Miller in a "I've-had-enough-of-your-crap" fight.

7.  Pens vs. Maple Leafs - December 27, 2000 - Lemieux's 3 point post retirement come-back game, enough said.

8.  Pens vs. Sabres - May 10, 2000 - Kasper scores the game winner of a Game 7 vs. Buffalo, what are the odds?  That would be like Orpik getting the game winner on Friday!

9. Pens vs. Devils - October 24, 2006 - Malkin scores his signature goal, that is about it folks

10.  Pens vs. Flyers - December 13, 2006 - Crosby has a six point night against his "bitches" and takes the lead in the scoring race that year, a lead he would never surrender.

You won't get an arguement out of me reagrding games 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8.  Games 5 and 9 were more of great moments than great games so, I don't know if they belong on the list.  Game 10, sorry Sid doesn't make the cut especially when considering games that should have been on there

1. 1992- Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, with the Pens down 4-1"a funny thing happened on the way to the refrigerator" (who knows this reference?).  Lemieux scores from behind the net, Jagr scores his greatest goal ever, and Lemiuex wins it with 13 seconds left on a risky manuver to score on the power-play

2. 1993- Pens vs. Flyers, Lemieux returns from cancer treatment to play in yet another come-back game.

3. 1994- Pens vs. Avalanche, Lemiuex comes back from a year off to score a goal in his first game back

4. 1996 or 97- Pens vs. Blues, a regular season game the day after Lemieux has his first son, who almost died before/during birth, where he faced off against Gretzky and puts up his last ever "big-night" of 5 goals and 3 assist.

5. 1997 Pens vs. Flyers- opening round playoff game the Pens lost in 5 to the eventual Cup runner-up Flyers that featured Lemieux's last, at least it looked that way at the time, playoff game where he scores on a break away during his last shift.

6. 1999- Pens vs. Devils, games 6 or 7 belong on that list for Jagr never played better as he was the only remaining "Cup Years" Penguin on the roster and it was his team.  He played two of the most spirited games I ever saw on a groin so bad he couldn't even walk on it

7. 2000- Pens vs. Caps, Straka scores the series clincher on an OT break-away goal, awesome!

8. 2000-Pens vs. Sabres, Game six, setting up Kasper's Game 7 heroics, had the Pens tie the game via a Lemieux goal (when the puck went off a stick and floated in the air for what seemed like an eternity and only Lemieux knew where it was) with under a minute to go that was followed by a Straka OT goal.

9. 2005- Pens vs. Flyers, Hatcher breaks two of Crosby's teeth and the "love affair" with Philly begins for Sid and he is booed with out mercy to no evale and he scores the game winner, in OT, on a break-away, the rest is history

10. Maybe, just maybe 2009 Pens vs. Red Wings, Pens win their 3rd Stanley Cup after over coming 0-2 and 2-3 deficits in the series.  Who will be the hero?  If Penguin history suggest anything my money is on Crosby, Malkin, Staal, or Fluery.

Seeing as how I have three opening I would take games 1, 4, and 6 from my new list

Thoughts Penguin nation? (c'mon promotion to main page!)

I must predicate this post with saying that of the four goalies the Pens have faced this playoff year I would take "The Flower" over all of them, except Cam Ward who played through the Eastern Conference Final with an ailing back that limited his ability to play at his best.

With that being said I think it is time for Pens fans to come to the realization that what you see in Fluery is what you get.  He is the type of goaltender who has the talent to win games and even series for you, while at the same time lacks the mental fortitude to do it consistantly.  Perhaps that will come with age, but for right now I have conceded to the fact with Fluery you just don't know what you are going to get night in and night out.

Seriously, ask yourself this question, "What do you expect MAF to be like on Tuesday night?"  I will be honest in saying I just don't know.  Does he come back and redeem himself from a dreadful showing in Game 5 or was that game the nail-in-the-coffin for the season?  A rational and logical arguement can be made for either case, or something in between.  With Fluery, you just don't know and there in lies the frustration.

I know us Pens fans still view Fluery as a kid, but he is 24 years old and has been in the league for several years, including three playoff seasons.  I think there is enough of a sample to reach a conclusion in this guy.  He was great in juniors, but "shit-the-bed" in big moments, Team Canada anyone?  He has won games and series for the Pens, but has also played a major role in losing series as well.

Do you know what we may have with Fluery, the reincarnation of Tom Barrasso.  Tommy won two Cups for the Pens (91 and 92), but he is also the reason why the Pens didn't win two more (93 and 96)

What do you think Penguin nation?

I was curious, as I was when the series started if you remember, what you Canes feel about what is going to happen this summer.  I like to follow up on teams I think the Pens will have to deal with in the years to come and I think you are one of them.  The Islanders are not, just for a reference.

The Caps lost Federov and Kovloz and although they were past their primes they still played valuable roles on that team.  Simply put, the Caps may not be as good next year as they were this year.  They will need UFA's to fill some holes on O and D, but at least , it seems, they have found a goalie, for now, assuming the Pens didn't expose him.

The Flyers need a goalie, BIG TIME!!!!!!  If the Flyers figure out goaltending they have the pieces to be relevent for years.

What do the Canes have to worry about?  Who are your UFA's  I know Cole is, do you see them bringing him back?  I don't.  Any thoughts?

When you think of Penguin playoff rivals a Pens fan thinks of the Devils, Rangers, Flyers, or Capitals. Notice I did not mention the Canes, or Whalers for that matter. I have a pretty good read on the rosters of our rivals and how we match up against them. I shall be honest, last night was the first time I watched the Canes all year. I have no idea what your roster is like, outside of Cam Ward who is AWESOME. As fellow hockey fans would you be willing to offer me some insight about your team; foward combinations, defensive pairings, tendancies, and so forth. I know I am in enemy territory so as a sign of good faith allow me to provide the type of information I am looking for on your side. Line 1 Kunitz-Crosby-Guerrin: Much like the line of Stevens-Lemieux-Tocchet which can forcheck and create scoring opportunities on the rush or in the zone Line 2 Talbot-Malkin-Fedetenko: Talbot is a forchecking animal who creates offense with his blazing speed, Malkin is a Lemieux type player who can create offence and set up others, "Tenks" has taken the "sniper" role on that line. Line 3 Cooke-Stall-Kennedy: This line will be shadowing Stall's line the whole series. It plays defence and relies on getting offensive opportunites from cycling, almost never the rush. Line 4 Dupuis-Adams-Satan: Largely a utility line that has two penatly killers and an extra sniper (Satan) who steps in for Talbot on the second line from time to time. Extras: Godard (fighting goon who won't play) Sykora (slumping and probably injured sniper who when healthy is a dangerous side kick for Malkin) Defensemen Gonchar-Orpik: classic case of opposites making great partners for Sarge (Gonchar) is an underrated offensive defenseman who is probably our best D-man. Orpik, as I am sure Erik Cole remembers, is a heavy hitter Eaton-Letang: just like pairing number 1 a little bit of O (Letang) with a defensive specialist (Eaton) although Eaton does have 4 goals this playoffs, Letang has 3. Gill-Scuderi: classic shut down pair, don't let Ovie's stats full you for he did get 14 points in 7 games but, that could have easly been over 20 for he is a FORCE! The Flyers Jeff Carter had 46 goals this season, none in the playoffs thanks to this pairing. These guys will be with Stall's line to shut down Stall's line Marc-Andre Fleury: slighly less experienced version of Cam Ward The Pens play a high tempo, fast paced, north-south game that plays defence by always playing offence. They love to cycle but can score on the rush. They play O and D as 5 man units. I'm not going to lie, I see the Pens winning this in 6

Much to my chagrin Scuderi is going to be a UFA this off-season and with the way he has played his entire Penguin career, not to mention the way he has controlled for there is no shutting down AO, has he made himself far too expensive for the Pens to keep this summer?

I read a great article about Scuds last year that talked about how he was never an All-Star at any level of hockey he has played.  He has just been remarkably unremarkable his whole hockey life.  He is the type of player that is often forgotten about, especially when he is surrounded by All-Stars life Crosby, Malkin, and Gonchar.

Both Scuds and Gill are UFA's this off season so I ask you Penguin nation, if we must chose which one do you take?  Both, Scuds, Gill, or neither and focus on getting one more elite forward to play with Geno or Sid.

Lovejoy and Gogo are in the system.  Do we let the vets go and go young?  What do you think?

When did the NHL turn into the NBA?  One of the reasons why I won't watch NBA basketball is because that league treats its' superstars differently.  Men such as Jordan, Bryant, and James don't commit fouls (apparently) and don't dare look at them crooked, let alone touch them, or you will be fouled.

The same can apparently be said regarding the NHL's treatment of Ovie.  The man is a "head-hunter" when he hits.  His hands/stick are up, he charges, and now he knees and NOTHING happens!

Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman have a dilemna on their hands.  It is beyond clear that Ovie needs to be suspended for at least one game for the hit against Gonchar.  If they don't it creates the perception that there are different rules for certain players and the League is willing to tolerate thugary.  Do you think if Craig Adams kneed Ovie and knocked him out of the playoffs the League wouldn't be all over Adams?

But, if the League does suspend Ovie they remove one of the center-pieces of a playoff series that the NHL desperatly needs to promote its sport.

This is a tough call but ,there is a reason why those two men make the big bucks.  Anyone can see the Ovie needs to sit for at least 1 game, probably 3, for that cheap shot.  My wife, who didn't start watching hockey till last year, saw that play and was shocked that such a thing could happen.

What are your thoughts Penguin nation?

Do you think that this most recent stratch means the end of Sykora in not just this series, but the playoffs and even his career as a Penguin?

What do you think Penguin nation?

Also Donald Broucheir (pardon the spelling) is coming back for game 5.  Do you think the Pens need to dress Godard to match him or does Satan keep his spot?

If Satan only gets about 5 minutes why not give Godard those 5 minutes just in case?

I think we keep Satan in cause in those 5 minutes he could score, Godard won't

I am happy with the Pens defense.  The pairings are solid and despite the fact that we have Gogo and Boucher I just don't see how we can plug them into the line-up.

The offense has me concerned though.  Crosby's line has produced 4 of the 5 goals, so don't touch it.  I thought Stall's line was doing it's job but Ovie has 4 goals too so maybe its time to rethink this.  Talbot's line does what it is supposed to.  Malkin's line has been AWFUL!!!  We need new combos so I am posting this to see what you think.

Guerin-Crosby-Malkin (proven success together)

Kunitz-Stall-Kennedy (proven success together)

Cooke-Talbot-Dupuis (cover Ovie's line)

Fedetenko-Adams-Sykora (spare parts line)

 

Thoughts Penguin nation?

 

It took a 5 on 3 powerplay goal and a MIRCALE save from this year's version of Cam Ward for the Caps to win game 1

Removing Ovie and the Kid's hat-tricks and that was a 1-0 game on a goal scored by a checking-line center.

The Pens are down 2-0 and I am confident that the Pens WILL win this series.  That may sound silly be here is why I feel that way.

1.  There is no way Malkin doesn't turn it around. 

2.  There is no way that some other Penguin, besides Crosby and Eaton, doesn't score a goal.  Malkin, Stall, Sykora, Fedetenko, Dupuis, Kennedy, Talbot, Adams, Cooke, Letang, I am talking to you!!!

3.  There is no way that the Caps goalie is THIS good

4.  The Caps defense, minus Green, is not particulary mobile or physical.  They are servicable, not good and certainly not great

The comeback starts tomorrow, that's all I have to say, you will read about it in the papers on Thursday.  Pens in 7, just like many of us expected.

This is the kind of series that the NHL needs and I am glad to see it living up to the hype!

I realize that I am "stepping up and showing my age" by suggesting this, but what are your thoughts on possibly "shadowing" Ovie? 

I have scene a lot of the Caps this year and frankly they strike me as a two person team (Ovie and Green).  Stop Ovie and you stop the Caps and with guys like Stall, Talbot, and Gill I think the Pens have the horses to pull this off.  What do you think?

I have been watching this guy in a Penguin's number 17 jersey who claims to be Petr Sykora but the lack of produciton by this player makes me think we have an imposter on our hands!  Be honest, who can remember the last time he scored a goal?  What is up with Syko?  Why not give him a little competition and put a "desperate to save his career" Satan in there and see if anything clicks. 

 

Sykora and Malkin were awesome together last year and for the first half of this year.  Recently though, they have been nothing and now is not the time to sit and wait.  Philly made this a series yesterday and it might be time to try something new.

Malkin is the league scoring champion and needs some help.  Give Satan a shot and see what happens.  If nothing else sit Adams and play Satan as a fourth liner who we plug in from time to time to make something happen.  Any thoughts Penguin nation?

This is the first time I have ever done this so pardon me if it seems simple but I was curious what fellow Pens feel about this possibly relevent issue.

Who gets a jersey with the Pens playing the hated Flyers?  Does Godard play that fourth line role as an enforcer against a team historically known for being dirty instead of the more versitile Adams or streaky scorer Satan?

I don't recall the Flyers having "that guy" that needs to be countered the way the Caps, Rangers, Habs, and Bruins do, but its Philly so does Godard play just in case?  Thanks for your opinions guys and dolls and lets go Pens!