Post-Game Talk: “Okay campers, rise, and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cold out there…“

[Andy99]

I hope this play/coaching is just that the team doesn’t care because they’re in the playoffs and they don’t want to give away too much strategy lol…on the other hand, this was absolute shit coaching and Sullivan should be embarrassed…not just the lines but he had last change and he matched up nothing! I mean MacKinnon on L4, Colorado had every line matchup they wanted out there…just shit coaching all around…

having said that, this team is probably worse than last year’s team…we’re basically maxed out at scoring 3 goals against good teams…that’s our ceiling…we’re going nowhere unless Jarry puts together another Binnington type run from out of thin air…

 

[Coastal Kev]

Sullivan is fine. GCR annoyance aside.

Our players are good but not good enough.

I concede that there may not be any answers with this roster or at WBS.

Not my point though, you'll never know where the organization truly stands with a stubborn coach like Sully.

 

[Glamor Toad]

At least they won't have to play the Isles in the playoffs. I bet the big 3 pull their head out of their ass long enough to make it entertaining.
But if this game was entertaining it wasn't thanks to them

 

[Coastal Kev]

Tavares just tied it lol.

Shoulda watched this game from the start. I'm all in with FLA because their FUN

 

[Luigi Lemieux]

What can you say, Avs are just too good for an aging team like Pittsburgh to compete against. They were missing some key guys too, could have been uglier. Have to think they're the favorite to win the cup. Would love to see a Florida Colorado final, would be a lot of offense.

 

[Pittsburgh1776]

It's deja vu. It's so familiar. We are doing the same things that we did the last three years.

I said all year we had a good team with a lot of potential. We have a great goalie. We have players that can score. But we aren't talented enough to play as individuals, and we aren't talented enough to mess around with lines to cater to one player.

Somebody in the game thread told me to be a fan of the team not the player. I started watching the pens almost 30 years ago so whatever. What some people don't seem to grasp is that we are a worse team when this line stays together. I'm sorry but we are. They buzz around and they score, but they also give up critical goals. More importantly, the other lines are jumbled because of it.

If this team thinks it can win in the playoffs with one superstar as currently constructed, they are in for a rude awakening most likely in the first round but definitely the second. If you want to do the one superstar thing you need to let Malkin walk and build around Crosby. Because what we're doing isn't working.

With this lack of talent, both top lines need to be scoring and both superstars need players who compliment them. Putting 37 year old Carter on 35 year old Malkin's wing after Carter has played a lot of minutes this year and is obviously slower might be the dumbest thing Sully has done all year. This line is like -8 since it was put together, Malkin never has the puck and is chasing it all game, and Rakell is invisible because he never has the puck. They had ONE good shift.

The other lines suck as well. Kapanen needs to play with Carter.

People can say whatever. This isn't about Sid vs Geno, although I will call out the hypocrisy in how they are treated when I see it. This team will not win with these lines and with Malkin chasing the puck at 35 years old and getting zero points until the net is empty. Bitch and moan if you like I guess, there are three years of evidence for this and it should be obvious after watching recent games.

Sullivan feels no pressure to change and I don't think a first round exit will get him fired either. I'm not saying we win the Cup if he changes the lines and usage. But your job is to put the best team out there and he isn't.

 

[canadianguy77]

I hope this play/coaching is just that the team doesn’t care because they’re in the playoffs and they don’t want to give away too much strategy lol…on the other hand, this was absolute shit coaching and Sullivan should be embarrassed…not just the lines but he had last change and he matched up nothing! I mean MacKinnon on L4, Colorado had every line matchup they wanted out there…just shit coaching all around…

having said that, this team is probably worse than last year’s team…we’re basically maxed out at scoring 3 goals against good teams…that’s our ceiling…we’re going nowhere unless Jarry puts together another Binnington type run from out of thin air…

Players might not care so much,,,but Sullivan did put Jake and Sid out there to pk at the end, so he was trying something. I don’t think it was very smart, but he did it.

 

[SEALBound]

Our decision-making with the puck against fast teams leaves a lot to be desired.

Took 58 minutes for them to feel urgency. Even then...

You can't have Carter on Malkin's RW. That needs to end as of today.

Carter needs to go back to 3C. Bleuger back to 4C.

Angello shouldn't see another game.

They need to start no-fapping or going cold turkey on their girls in order to grow a sack so when they enter the zone they do SOMETHING - ANYTHING ...but pull up a flub a pass to the trailer.

Major minus to Sullivan for not switching anything up at any point sans one time putting Malkin with Sid.

And last, flat out the Avs are better. There's a reason they are the top team in the league. They are good. They have everything. They're fun to watch and play against.

 

[Ugene Magic]

I think changing things to its current configuration has seriously depleted the depth.

They have packed the top 2 lines... I don't like it. There's no punch from them as they are.

 

[ChaosAgent]

Lol to say Sullivan is fine and then that our players are good but not good enough is an interesting take. For sure.

The players matter way more than the coach, and ours are too old to be cup winners.

In an effort to get additional impact we sunk a bunch of 1sts and prospects into some wingers who kinda help but not really. We carry three expensive LD for some reason. Our goalie can run very very hot but he isn't right now.

 

[Coastal Kev]

It’s a lot more fun watching two teams playing man coverage. I think it’s the way the game should be played.

You think that's fun, watch Florida.

They simply don't give a shit.... they're going to score... and then score again. I love that mentality. Classic Pens style.

 

[Ragamuffin Gunner]

Who gives a shit where you lose the last game of the season?

The owners who make all the gate money. All they can hope for is a 3rd home game this year. Probably wont get it.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I hope this play/coaching is just that the team doesn’t care because they’re in the playoffs and they don’t want to give away too much strategy lol…on the other hand, this was absolute shit coaching and Sullivan should be embarrassed…not just the lines but he had last change and he matched up nothing! I mean MacKinnon on L4, Colorado had every line matchup they wanted out there…just shit coaching all around…

having said that, this team is probably worse than last year’s team…we’re basically maxed out at scoring 3 goals against good teams…that’s our ceiling…we’re going nowhere unless Jarry puts together another Binnington type run from out of thin air…

Nah, that's not what's happening. Pens are trying hard and were just outmatched.

Maybe not the Pens best, but their average is very clearly stronger than our average.

 

[Pittsburgh1776]

Yeah, we're in hockey purgatory. Or rather, we have been. But this is how it feels. Go up against the truly elite and not good enough.

When he ices the best team and we still lose, convincingly, I'm with you. Until then no.

 

[Big Poppa Pump]

The Zucker injury sucks and really f***ed things up.

I wanted to see what L2 would look like with Carter on RW. I've seen enough and don't want to see it anymore.

If Zucker isn't ready Thursday.... and we're dressing the same forwards as tonight....I hate to say it, but

Guentzel Crosby Erod
Rakell Malkin Rust
Heinen Carter Kapanen
Boyle Blueger Angello

If Zucker is ready, and I hope to Christ he is....and if we're dressing the same forwards as tonight

Guentzel Crosby Rust
Zucker Malkin Rakell
Erod Carter Kapanen
Boyle Blueger Heinen

 

[Andy99]

Players might not care so much,,,but Sullivan did put Jake and Sid out there to pk at the end, so he was trying something. I don’t think it was very smart, but he did it.

You know, it’s over when you’re down 5-2 the last three minutes of the game…that’s just garbage time…experiment a lot the f**k earlier…I don’t give him credit for that

 

[canadianguy77]

It's deja vu. It's so familiar. We are doing the same things that we did the last three years.

I said all year we had a good team with a lot of potential. We have a great goalie. We have players that can score. But we aren't talented enough to play as individuals, and we aren't talented enough to mess around with lines to cater to one player.

Somebody in the game thread told me to be a fan of the team not the player. I started watching the pens almost 30 years ago so whatever. What some people don't seem to grasp is that we are a worse team when this line stays together. I'm sorry but we are. They buzz around and they score, but they also give up critical goals. More importantly, the other lines are jumbled because of it.

If this team thinks it can win in the playoffs with one superstar as currently constructed, they are in for a rude awakening most likely in the first round but definitely the second. If you want to do the one superstar thing you need to let Malkin walk and build around Crosby. Because what we're doing isn't working.

With this lack of talent, both top lines need to be scoring and both superstars need players who compliment them. Putting 37 year old Carter on 35 year old Malkin's wing after Carter has played a lot of minutes this year and is obviously slower might be the dumbest thing Sully has done all year. This line is like -8 since it was put together, Malkin never has the puck and is chasing it all game, and Rakell is invisible because he never has the puck. They had ONE good shift.

The other lines suck as well. Kapanen needs to play with Carter.

People can say whatever. This isn't about Sid vs Geno, although I will call out the hypocrisy in how they are treated when I see it. This team will not win with these lines and with Malkin chasing the puck at 35 years old and getting zero points until the net is empty. Bitch and moan if you like I guess, there are three years of evidence for this and it should be obvious after watching recent games.

Sullivan feels no pressure to change and I don't think a first round exit will get him fired either. I'm not saying we win the Cup if he changes the lines and usage. But your job is to put the best team out there and he isn't.

But even if he puts Rust back and Geno struggles, you will say Geno needs Jake too. If he puts Jake there and Geno struggles, it will be because Rust sucks and he needs Rakell. You see where I’m going with this? It’s like the grass is always greener for you. At some point Geno needs to be better defensively. It’s not always about what Sid has and Geno doesn’t.

 

[Gurglesons]

Nah, that's not what's happening. Pens are trying hard and were just outmatched.

Maybe not the Pens best, but their average is very clearly stronger than our average.

I don’t see any energy guys on this squad. Zucker and McGinn are the two making plays like Cogs did or Toews did last game.

Just no desperation or emotion in the Penguins game lately.

 

[Tender Rip]

It would be so much easier accepting the decline of this team as a genuine contender if we did not actively sabotage our opportunities to compete again and again.

 

[canadianguy77]

The owners who make all the gate money. All they can hope for is a 3rd home game this year. Probably wont get it.

So you’re concerned about the financial well-being of billionaires? Ok.

 

[turd]

The Pens are just a Tier 2 team now. Nothing wrong with that, expectations just need to be updated accordingly.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I don’t see any energy guys on this squad. Zucker and McGinn are the two making plays like Cogs did or Toews did last game.

Just no desperation or emotion in the Penguins game lately.

Matheson plays desperate I'd say.

But yeah you're right. I'd like to see some call-ups which have everything to play for.

 

[Pittsburgh1776]

But even if he puts Rust back and Geno struggles, you will say Geno needs Jake too. If he puts Jake there and Geno struggles, it will be because Rust sucks and he needs Rakell. You see where I’m going with this? It’s like the grass is always greener for you. At some point Geno needs to be better defensively. It’s not always about what Sid has and Geno doesn’t.

When Sid was hurt Malkin Rust and Guentzel was the best line in hockey and it was broken up for Sid. That was two years ago now and everyone is past that. You're setting strawmen up and knocking them down. This isn't about Sid vs Geno for me. It's about getting both superstars the players they need to play well. We aren't doing that. I don't know why. Is it to cater to Sid? No idea. Is it just that Sullivan loves that line like he loved Blueger with ZAR? No idea. Does it matter? Malkin is 35 years old. You can't give the two best wingers to Sid and put a 37 year old with Malkin and tell Malkin to buck up, kid. Malkin's been fine defensively all year. According to Sullivan.

 

[ChaosAgent]

But even if he puts Rust back and Geno struggles, you will say Geno needs Jake too. If he puts Jake there and Geno struggles, it will be because Rust sucks and he needs Rakell. You see where I’m going with this? It’s like the grass is always greener for you. At some point Geno needs to be better defensively. It’s not always about what Sid has and Geno doesn’t.

Geno just zooms around defensively freelancing and letting his point man walk to the dot. Because he's gone for a skate behind him. Maybe it's better that he just glides around because his stop/start is so terrible.

He can accomplish defensive things (win battles, steal the puck) but overall he's a hot mess in his own zone. Fans see the cool defensive stuff and think he's playing better defense in totality - he isn't.

I do think Geno is lost without Rust to be the main offensive driver. Geno needs someone at or above his level. I had some hopes for Carter but he ain't it. Zuck may help with the line's footspeed issue at least.

 

[Andy99]

But even if he puts Rust back and Geno struggles, you will say Geno needs Jake too. If he puts Jake there and Geno struggles, it will be because Rust sucks and he needs Rakell. You see where I’m going with this? It’s like the grass is always greener for you. At some point Geno needs to be better defensively. It’s not always about what Sid has and Geno doesn’t.

Both Sid and Geno were -1 tonight…I didn’t see Geno being any worse defensively than Sid…of course I only watched from the middle of the second period to the end