IF we get a game going.. what do you expect from the Pens?
Not sure. Part of me says the personnel isn't quite there yet, another part of me says in a season this short with everyone extra rested and recovered from any hurt, and a MUCH better situation in goal (should MAF falter), they could make a huge run at it.
My gut tells me no. Not quite.
If the CBA next year is close to $60M and we can ship Martin out for a dependable but less expensive D (or a 2nd or 3rd year type F with some skill), he's gone IMO.
Not without a coaching change, and that seems unlikely. I don't think Shero will be in "win at all costs" mode. I think as long as Disco has a .500 or better record this year there's no chance because any coaching change will by definition leave the team with a very short amount of time to adjust and you can't count on lightning striking twice in that respect.
Will Crosby/Geno be on fire at the same time?
No idea. As long as both are healthy and playing well overall, I don't care.
Will Paul Martin get back to original form?
Does it matter? IMO he's history unless the cap next year is a lot higher than $60M. He would have to make a dramatic improvement over ANY year he's played here, to stick around IMO.
Will any prospects show they are ready to dominate?
Dominate? No chance. I would expect flashes of great play from someone like Bennett along with some dumb mistakes and perhaps being overwhelmed at times. From Tangradi I would expect solid play with some points to appease the doubters. From Despres I expect about the same thing as I would Bennett. But none of our prospects are close to being mature enough / good enough to dominate at their position in the NHL. [Maybe Zatkoff.
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Is Joe Victory going to lead this team single-handed to a Stanley Cup?
Without Joe, there can be no Victory. We'll just leave it at that.
Overall my expectation is if we stay healthy, a trip to the Conference Finals although who we meet there is anyone's guess. Just not sure we're complete enough, especially if we give some of the young guys a full shot (Tango, Despres, one of Strait and Bortuzzo). I think next year and the year after we could be very strong depending on how some of these young guys pan out (and save us money enough to sign a good FA at position of need, at the same time).