Series Talk: Pens vs. Habs --- THIS IS IT!!

[KIRK]

Good breakdown...it shows that JJ needs to get the bleep outta here, which is a total surprise...

What To Expect When You're Expecting Penguins Hockey: The Forwards

Curiously The Athletic's preview from Dom whatever the hell his name is said the same thing about JJ, but perhaps even less politely.

That said, we know why they all hate on JJ, and it's not about the hockey.

 

[Peat]

Re The PP -

Following up on my suspicion based on what the stats say, I just watched about 10 of Guentzel's PP points from the last couple seasons. They pretty much all came while playing where Sid/Hornqvist would, with a couple coming from where Geno would. I'm not saying this is the be all and end all of our problems, but having a set-up where all four guys play best in roughly the three same spots does sound like it might be part of the problems.

 

[WayneSid9987]

It all starts from the back on the PP for me.
It needs stability and that guy is John Marino for me.

 

[KIRK]

Re The PP -

Following up on my suspicion based on what the stats say, I just watched about 10 of Guentzel's PP points from the last couple seasons. They pretty much all came while playing where Sid/Hornqvist would, with a couple coming from where Geno would. I'm not saying this is the be all and end all of our problems, but having a set-up where all four guys play best in roughly the three same spots does sound like it might be part of the problems.

Then you have to make hard decisions and split things such that you've got more guys playing to their strengths.

HOWEVER, that doesn't change the issue that even with guys playing to their strengths more, they still are forced to make things happen 1 on 1 (and often 1 on 2) because of the lack of movement and support on the PP.

 

[KIRK]

It all starts from the back on the PP for me.
It needs stability and that guy is John Marino for me.

I'm open to that answer, but I don't think they'll consider it as long as at least one of Schultz or Letang is an option.

 

[bathroomSTAAL]

Haven't logged into this website in 5 months, can't believe they're actually gonna play a meaningful, probably nerve-wracking game in a couple days.

Hope all yinz are doing as well as possible. Hopefully it's a long summer hockey-wise.

 

[Peat]

Then you have to make hard decisions and split things such that you've got more guys playing to their strengths.

HOWEVER, that doesn't change the issue that even with guys playing to their strengths more, they still are forced to make things happen 1 on 1 (and often 1 on 2) because of the lack of movement and support on the PP.

It doesn't, but then I'm not sure anything fixes that other than a spell written on an angel's feather under the full moon.

 

[Gurglesons]

Anyone else watching these games and thinking the young teams look fine and the older teams just look like us and Philly yesterday?

 

[Andy99]

Anyone else watching these games and thinking the young teams look fine and the older teams just look like us and Philly yesterday?

No, the Caps look pretty good against Carolina and leading 3-1 and the Lightning looked fantastic...all the top teams I’ve seen so far look better than the lucky to be here guys ...and the Pens

 

[Andy99]

Same problems the Habs had this year are resurfacing too...

Montreal Canadiens plagued by familiar problems in exhibition loss to Toronto Maple Leafs - TSN.ca

 

[Peat]

Caps seem a little Jekyll and Hyde to me so far. Some moments they look very crisp, but some moments there's some real weird loose pucks.

 

[ColePens]

Watching other games.... I would say the Pens look fast. But their passes are waaay worse than what I'm seeing from a few others. They were sloppier with passing. Better with skating.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Good news friends..

Julien seems content to have Drouin neuter Suzuki and wants to roll a Ouellete Mete pairing.

Habs are ripe for picking if you guys dont crap the bed.

Go Pens go!

 

[Andy99]

Watching other games.... I would say the Pens look fast. But their passes are waaay worse than what I'm seeing from a few others. They were sloppier with passing. Better with skating.

unfortunately, the Habs also looked fast...so Pens better find a way to do something else well...

 

[WayneSid9987]

Think PHI plays the best trap game in the NHL right now with good D to transition the turned over pucks.
Theres a reason they were the hottest team when things shut down.
I do think PIT is fast and PHI just stiffled it most of the game til the 3rd, PIT started to put the work boots on and you witnessed better overall play.

Think the best PP1 setup is to simply throw Marino with Letang or Schultz over the boards first.
Let Letang or Schultz play the left point threat, John at the top, Sid/G with Horny in front.
Keep it real simple.

 

[spcastlemagic]

Yep, get Marino on PP1. He’s our most effective all around defenseman. Ride him to the wheels fall off.

 

[Ryder71]

Because we are trying to win NOW! A kid 2 or 3 years away does not help us reach that goal.

Unless you get Lafrenière (who is NHL ready), just let the pick go to Minnesota and have your first next year to trade for another run.

I prefer completely bottoming out when Sid and Geno are out than getting lost in mediocrity.

If we're trying to win now, the sooner we get a pick who can actually be part of the team the better. Beyond that, unless you think we're gonna take a decided step backwards in 20/21, we're looking at picking in the 20's or low 30's. And again this is suppose to be an outstanding draft class. No matter which way you slice it it's better to get the pick now. But that's assuming we'll lose to the Habs. And I doubt very very seriously that occurs.

 

[ColePens]

Canes/Caps are playing like it's game one of the real playoffs. These 2 teams are REALLY playing intense hockey. My goodness. If i'm a fan of either team, i'd be pretty excited.

 

[ColePens]

Yep, get Marino on PP1. He’s our most effective all around defenseman. Ride him to the wheels fall off.

To be fair that's a horrible way to exploit a young talent. If you semi-shield him and build him, he will deliver.

 

[Speaking Moistly]

I’ve decided to tell myself their first game of the season was ass and they went on to play some great hockey until they faded.

 

[Khelandros]

Think PHI plays the best trap game in the NHL right now with good D to transition the turned over pucks.
Theres a reason they were the hottest team when things shut down.
I do think PIT is fast and PHI just stiffled it most of the game til the 3rd, PIT started to put the work boots on and you witnessed better overall play.

Think the best PP1 setup is to simply throw Marino with Letang or Schultz over the boards first.
Let Letang or Schultz play the left point threat, John at the top, Sid/G with Horny in front.
Keep it real simple.

I think yesterday was the last audition for Schultz on the PP. It was a meaningless game situation for him to show that he still belongs on 1 of the 2 units. He didn't give a good showing.

 

[ColePens]

I’ve decided to tell myself their first game of the season was ass and they went on to play some great hockey until they faded.

Yep. Game against Buffalo was horrible. Then they went crazy. Some injuries crept up and then everything fell apart.

Guess what... everyone is back that we need. So that should be good, eh? I'm f***ing with you. Bro high five. LET'S GO.

 

[Peat]

Marino doesn't solve the power play until whatever magical thing it is clicks inside the unit's head where they reach the crisp unlaboured version of themselves. At which point you don't need to add to a rookie's workload. He's probably not the magical clicking thing. Unless you want to play 2 D on the first unit with Marino roving the left half-board which... actually...

I’ve decided to tell myself their first game of the season was ass and they went on to play some great hockey until they faded.

It also came off a pretty good pre-season. Not much point trusting pre-season (as we all know).

 

[WayneSid9987]

Marino doesn't solve the power play until whatever magical thing it is clicks inside the unit's head where they reach the crisp unlaboured version of themselves. At which point you don't need to add to a rookie's workload. He's probably not the magical clicking thing. Unless you want to play 2 D on the first unit with Marino roving the left half-board which... actually...



It also came off a pretty good pre-season. Not much point trusting pre-season (as we all know).

The PP can use all of his smarts, passing, skating ability. Plus he gets shots thru.
Nothing not to like.
Like i said, i'd be throwing 2D out there to start.
Marino with Letang or JS. Marino plays the top of the diamond.
We'll see him on the PP by the looks of things anyway so it's up to Letang/Schultz to out shine him.

 

[Andy99]

Think PHI plays the best trap game in the NHL right now with good D to transition the turned over pucks.
Theres a reason they were the hottest team when things shut down.
I do think PIT is fast and PHI just stiffled it most of the game til the 3rd, PIT started to put the work boots on and you witnessed better overall play.

Think the best PP1 setup is to simply throw Marino with Letang or Schultz over the boards first.
Let Letang or Schultz play the left point threat, John at the top, Sid/G with Horny in front.
Keep it real simple.

Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather face the Caps if we get to the first round, and probably the Lightning, over playing the Flyers...they play a very strong game under AV...