The Pens really don't want to win division titles in the Crosby-Malkin era.
Seriously, the exact same problems that the team had at the end of each of the last three seasons, also the start of this season. No defensive structure whatsoever and lackadaisical play all around. On the bright side, at least I am not angry for the two empty nets that Zucker missed and how Kapanen somehow didn't score despite having a gazillion chances. Malkin and Kapanen still have insane chemistry, if we can find a good third wheel and figure out that D thing, we might not get swept in round 1.
I can't recall when was the last time I have seen Crosby misplay so many simple passes. He scored a nice goal but apart from that Jankowski might have been more useful. If he is injured or trying to save himself for the playoffs big time, rest him. If he keeps playing like that, at least move Guentzel or Rust to another line because he is dragging them down too. Rust can't score goals all by himself in every game. And the team will probably play much harder in Sid's absence anyway. I know it's not going to happen because hockey players insist on playing through injuries but if something is ailing him, him and Sully need to get over the stupid pride thing and let him heal a bit. Reminds me of Kessel's dumb ironman streak.
Let's see if there will be a bounce-back, we have won all first games of b2b this season, then usually played much worse in the second ones, maybe this time we will do the opposite. Just try to play f***ing structured defense, if it doesn't work at least you can say you have given it a good try. The team isn't good enough to play like the Globetrotters, no team in the NHL is. Parity and all that.
