Pre-Game Talk: All Purpose Off Day Thread | Blue! My Boy!

[Peat]

We have someone by the name of Phil who maybe could revitalize his game playing with them ( but he also has to change his stick)...

Problem is he doesn't replace the guy I'd want replaced but if the dry streaks continue, might as well give it a shot. Although right now I reckon McCann or Bloogs would bring more shooting potential to that 3rd line.

 

[Andy99]

Not really surprising that line can generate but not finish when you consider all three kind of have hands of stone. Bjugstad seems to have great moves and can get shots off, but has no accuracy, Hornqvist shoots like he's playing whack-a-mole at the county fair, and Simon has a muffin of a shot.

I don’t have a problem playing that line as a “shutdown” line but that requires a L2 that can share the scoring burden with L1 and so far we don’t have that...we should be trying when healthy...

Jake-Sid-Horny (sorry Sid)
Simon/McCann- G - Rust
Simon/McCann-Bjug-Kessel
Blueger-Cullen-ZAR

 

[Ugene Magic]

Woo hoo!!

It's happening!!!

 

[Ugene Magic]

Now that we have Johnson & Johnson does that mean .....

This is my brother Johnson, and my other brother Johnson. Wait... You said you wanted to see our Johnson?

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

I don’t have a problem playing that line as a “shutdown” line but that requires a L2 that can share the scoring burden with L1 and so far we don’t have that...we should be trying when healthy...

Jake-Sid-Horny (sorry Sid)
Simon/McCann- G - Rust
Simon/McCann-Bjug-Kessel
Blueger-Cullen-ZAR

I think with both McCann and Rust serving the same function, you don't need to have Horny on the line with Sid. Plus, I can't see Phil being at his best if he's sulking away from Geno.

I'd just go something like:

Guentzel - Crosby - Rust/McCann
Rust/McCann - Malkin - Kessel
Simon - Bjugstad - Hornqvist
Blueger - Cullen - ZAR/Wilson

 

[Jaded-Fan]

TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM

Six Penguins players rank among the top 10 in the NHL in most hits received this season.
1. Marcus Pettersson, Penguins 202
2. Nick Jensen, Capitals 198
3. Olli Maatta, Penguins 169
4. Brian Dumoulin, Penguins 166
5. Brandon Tanev, Jets 157
6. Rasmus Ristolainen, Sabres 156
7. Jack Johnson, Penguins 154
8. Jake Guentzel, Penguins 147
9. Patric Hornqvist, Penguins 147
10. Troy Stecher, Canucks 146

Source: naturalstattrick.com

Penguins call up forward prospect Adam Johnson | TribLIVE.com

But, but, but Gudbranson.

 

[EightyOne]

Hits against means you had the puck...

So...positive stat?

 

[Ugene Magic]

I think with both McCann and Rust serving the same function, you don't need to have Horny on the line with Sid. Plus, I can't see Phil being at his best if he's sulking away from Geno.

I'd just go something like:

Guentzel - Crosby - Rust/McCann
Rust/McCann - Malkin - Kessel
Simon - Bjugstad - Hornqvist
Blueger - Cullen - ZAR/Wilson

McCann, Crosby, Guentzel
Rust, Malkin, Kessel
Johnson, Bjugstad, Hornqvist
Cullen, Blueger, Zar

But for this next game...

Guentzel, Crosby, Rust
Johnson, McCann, Kessel
Simon, Bjugstad, Hornqvist
Cullen, Blueger, Wilson/Simon

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Been waiting to see Johnson up for awhile.

Was hoping he would be their next call up, because he has a lot of tools this team needs.

He’s pretty skilled and has wheels. Can PK, but not as deft defensively as TB.

My only question isn’t his talent, because again he’s fun to watch and pretty skilled, it’s if he is strong enough to play in the NHL.

He’s definitely stronger than last season, but we shall see.

 

[SHOOTANDSCORE]

Woo hoo!!

Sweet!

Nice boost for WBS too.

 

[SHOOTANDSCORE]

He’s too legendary to coach. He should either own a team or manage if he wants to stay in hockey.

When Mario sells his controlling share of the team, maybe it will be to an ownership group featuring Sid, Geno, and.... Kunitz!



ETA: I was going to include MAF but I didn't want to give ragamuffin a 4+ hour you know what.

 

[ncm7772]

Woo hoo!!

Cool. I cant imagine he'd add less than Blandisi.

 

[Multigrain]

100. I want to see A. Johnson up

What is wrong with him he has been out a long time.

 

[Multigrain]

Sweet!

Nice boost for WBS too.

Will those guys be back for playoffs?

 

[SHOOTANDSCORE]

Will those guys be back for playoffs?

I'm pretty sure they will, especially if WBS misses the playoffs.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

At least we get a chance to see if another prospect can get hot at the right moment...who knows. Adrenaline alone could make him have an impact. More skilled than both Wilson and Blandisi.

 

[Tom Hanks]

My guess is Olli is about ready to go and Riikola is the odd man out.

Moved it over here.

If Maatta is no longer injured we had to send another guy down due to roster size and can’t be a forward since we only have 12 healthy.

 

[PensandCaps]

Been waiting to see Johnson up for awhile.

Was hoping he would be their next call up, because he has a lot of tools this team needs.

He’s pretty skilled and has wheels. Can PK, but not as deft defensively as TB.

My only question isn’t his talent, because again he’s fun to watch and pretty skilled, it’s if he is strong enough to play in the NHL.

He’s definitely stronger than last season, but we shall see.

Would've preferred DiPauli

 

[Tom Hanks]

Would've preferred DiPauli

He’s injured.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Would've preferred DiPauli

I’ve not given up on DPaul, but he just can’t stay healthy. But I’m starting to lean towards the idea he’s going to wash out if he can’t be more durable.

Johnson is just as fast and more skilled though, so I’m pretty happy to see him up. Was going to say DPaul is stronger, but if he can’t stay healthy in the A... I dunno..

 

[Gurglesons]

Been waiting to see Johnson up for awhile.

Was hoping he would be their next call up, because he has a lot of tools this team needs.

He’s pretty skilled and has wheels. Can PK, but not as deft defensively as TB.

My only question isn’t his talent, because again he’s fun to watch and pretty skilled, it’s if he is strong enough to play in the NHL.

He’s definitely stronger than last season, but we shall see.

Can’t be any worse than Blandisi.

I also like how they are bringing these guys up during this time of the year. The doldrums of November and December aren’t probably a good place for a young player on this squad. When they start dialing up like they have the last couple games you see how professional some of our players are.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Can’t be any worse than Blandisi.

He’s way more skilled, but Blandisi at least has NHL strength.

Not sure if AJ does. I hope, because he’s pretty slick.

 

[2wayPlay]

I'm worried about the offense. It seems like unless the Crosby line is lighting it up for 3 goals in a game, the Pens are going to score 1 or less.

It would be a help if Kessel actually was a threat to score. It's crazy how ineffective the guy's been at ES.

I don’t think it’s crazy. I think it’s a testament to just how bad Phil has been this year. Dude has truly lost it quick

 

[KIRK]

I hope Crosby is smart enough to realize elite players never make good coaches.

Larry Robinson?

 

[KIRK]

He’s way more skilled, but Blandisi at least has NHL strength.

Not sure if AJ does. I hope, because he’s pretty slick.

There's no harm in finding out.