Was at the game and here are some of my take aways ...
Line 1. Watching games on the couch just doesn't show how much Sid actually does during a game. His anticipation offensively and defensively is out of this world. Hand-eye is out of this world. Guentz & Rusty also made so many beautiful cycles. I truly hope Rust doesn't come back down to earth and this line stays together.
Line 2. May take some games, but Geno & Simon were constantly in each other's way. Horny will go to the net and cause havoc, but 12/71 were water/oil much of the game. Could a Maata + bring in a LW for Geno?
Line 3. As much as I love watching Sid doing all the same stuff to be highly successful, I truly can say that Brassard is a bust. It isn't fair to compare him to Sid, but I can safely say that he just isn't our 3C. Pearson / Kessel were just along for the ride. Phil did some board work, but was mostly invisible all night. What would a Brassard-Maatta trade bring us back? I miss Hags
Line 4. Cullen/Sheahan were monsters all game! Every D zone start lead to us exiting the zone and getting time in the O-zone. Almost-Reese leaves a lot to be desired, even on the 4th line. I'd much rather have a speedster in that LW spot. Sheahan has stepped his game up and did some solid board work. This line outplayed Line 3 easily.
Dumo/Tanger - Damn do I wish Dumo just had a decent shot to put on net. Outside of that, this tandem was amazing all night.
JJ/Petts - Solid. Loved the reach of Petts on that breakaway. These two are a shutdown pair.
Riikola/Maatta - Riiks is raw, but liked how simple he played. Maatta can be counted on for 2-3 miscues, 1-2 foot races lost and 1-2 terrible stretch passes per game. Again, what could a Brassard-Maatta get us?
Murr - Outstanding. When the only thing you leave open are the posts, you know Murr is back. Reads plays at an elite level. When his confidence is up, his positioning does all the work. Not the outstanding highlight saves of DeSmith, but not necessary when on the top of the crease and anticipating.
** At minimum, 75% of the crowd was Pens fans. Feel really bad for the Canes. They have a young team that is trying, but the loss of Skinner speaks to where they are. NHL, please don't turn into MLB where the same large market teams only have success...