Post-Game Talk: Pens 4 Wild 1 (+/-): 11/04/14 - No Goal!!!

[Shady Machine]

++++ Johnston
They came out in the 2nd with a modified game plan to stretch the neutral zone out. It's so awesome to have a coach that can read what the other team is doing and make adjustments.

Johnston might turn out to be an absolute genius of a hire. Gotta see what happens post season, but right now this team feels far different then what it has in years.

++++ GMJR. I don't know what restrictions were on JR in carolina. But here he's done a damn good job of changing our team for the better in a very short time.

Agreed on both. A lot of us complained about the Neal trade, but I really think it's a win-win. Hornqvist is so awesome and I really like Spaling as a player. So good positionally, not flashy, but has some skill. I'd like to see him play a with a little more aggression, but he's been great.

Downie, Comeau, Greiss have all been great upgrades. Ehrhoff has been very good as well, even if a tad unnecessary.

 

[Shady Machine]

With our current roster, I'd love to see Geno with Spaling and Downie, and Sutter with Duper and Comeau. Just swap the centers out.

I wouldn't mind trying it. I still think Comeau is fine with Geno. Having both Comeau and Duper is the problem.

 

[wgknestrick]

"Fighting"... Brodziak can thank his lucky stars that Despres didn't actually want to fight because if he can knock him down that easily with a little push, he would have knocked Brodziak out if he started using his grapple to help throw punches.

He didn't fight him because he knew Brodziak didn't have any doughnuts.

Our defense is so tough with Despres and Bortz back there. Those guys have to scare people. Bortz is probably our best defensive D man now, and he is just so good in his zone due to his size.

 

[DawgPens]

++++GMJR. I don't know what restrictions were on JR in carolina. But here he's done a damn good job of changing our team for the better in a very short time.

One other positive thing that I haven't seen mentioned much is scoring depth. Goals are coming from players on all lines. That's a refreshing change from the past few years.

 

[DeuceMN]

Well, you guys played a good game at least. I wish we had represented better, to at least make it a challenge for you, but good teams don't ever let up and you guys certainly showed that well last night.

This is the best Penguins team I have seen in a number of years, so it will be interesting to see how your playoffs plays out.

I was mostly impressed by your d actually and how active and precise they were.

That new coach of yours seems to be doing a good job.

I wish you guys luck, you play a good game.

 

[IcedCapp]

I don't know if this will make sense to anyone else, but Greiss right now is reminding me of Vokoun's first few starts with the Penguins. Making a lot of saves, but looks a little shaky in doing so. Not really a criticism, as I think he'll figure it out and be even better moving forward, that was just my initial takeaway after watching last night's game.


edit: I also feel like Comeau is to Malkin what Sid is to Dupuis. Not what you'd have in a perfect world, but brings enough to support him. (Has better hands than Dupuis, too) The problem on that line is, of course, Dupuis. That's not really Dupuis' fault, but the sooner he's on the 3rd line, the better. Maybe try Downie with Comeau and Malkin, Spaling, I dunno. Not sure how I feel about a Comeau, Malkin, Bennett line, either. Willing to give it a shot, though.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I don't know if this will make sense to anyone else, but Greiss right now is reminding me of Vokoun's first few starts with the Penguins. Making a lot of saves, but looks a little shaky in doing so. Not really a criticism, as I think he'll figure it out and be even better moving forward, that was just my initial takeaway after watching last night's game.


edit: I also feel like Comeau is to Malkin what Sid is to Dupuis. Not what you'd have in a perfect world, but brings enough to support him. (Has better hands than Dupuis, too) The problem on that line is, of course, Dupuis. That's not really Dupuis' fault, but the sooner he's on the 3rd line, the better. Maybe try Downie with Comeau and Malkin, Spaling, I dunno. Not sure how I feel about a Comeau, Malkin, Bennett line, either. Willing to give it a shot, though.

I really don't feel good about Crosby's line when it really matters. Having two straight line guys is still going to be a big problem I feel.

I have no idea how things will shake down, but I think we saw again last night that Crosby and Malkin each need a guy who can handle the puck on their lines when they play sound defensive teams.

It gets to be a broken record around here, but it's been this way for the better part of their careers here in Pgh.

I think JR needs to find a creative winger then bump Kunitz with Malkin.

Creative Winger Crosby Hornqvist
Kunitz Malkin BB

Or switch BB with Creative Winger. Either way, both Malkin/Crosby have one guy who can carry the puck and create for them and their line.

 

[IcedCapp]

I really don't feel good about Crosby's line when it really matters.

I have no idea how things will shake down, but I think we saw again last night that Crosby and Malkin each need a guy who can handle the puck on their lines when they play sound defensive teams.

It gets to be a broken record around here, but it's been this way for the better part of their careers here in Pgh.

I think JR needs to find a creative winger then bump Kunitz with Malkin.

Creative Winger Crosby Hornqvist
Kunitz Malkin BB

I just don't buy that Kunitz is going to magically play better if we move him to Malkin's line. I know a lot of people want that to happen, but I think we all need to be reality here: Crosby and Hornqvist can make a lazy Kunitz work. I think a lazy Kunitz is the absolute worst thing for Malkin. Worse than Dupuis.

 

[mpp9]

I really don't feel good about Crosby's line when it really matters. Having two straight line guys is still going to be a big problem I feel.

I have no idea how things will shake down, but I think we saw again last night that Crosby and Malkin each need a guy who can handle the puck on their lines when they play sound defensive teams.

It gets to be a broken record around here, but it's been this way for the better part of their careers here in Pgh.

I think JR needs to find a creative winger then bump Kunitz with Malkin.

Creative Winger Crosby Hornqvist
Kunitz Malkin BB

Or switch BB with Creative Winger. Either way, both Malkin/Crosby have one guy who can carry the puck and create for them and their line.

I'm leaning towards this as well. If we're going to move quality assets, it may as well be more of them for a legit top line winger. Kunitz has been the weak link on Sid's line all year. In a lesser role, he may wake up and have less wear and tear come playoffs.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I just don't buy that Kunitz is going to magically play better if we move him to Malkin's line. I know a lot of people want that to happen, but I think we all need to be reality here: Crosby and Hornqvist can make a lazy Kunitz work. I think a lazy Kunitz is the absolute worst thing for Malkin. Worse than Dupuis.

I don't think Kunitz will magically work harder with Malkin. I just want a creative guy with Crosby, and in order to do that, you have to remove Kunitz.

And nothing is more kryptonite to Malkin than Dupuis.

 

[IcedCapp]

I don't think Kunitz will magically work harder with Malkin. I just want a creative guy with Crosby, and in order to do that, you have to remove Kunitz.

And nothing is more kryptonite to Malkin than Dupuis.

Well, number two, I don't see Sid losing Dupuis AND Kunitz without throwing a ****fit. Maybe I'm wrong. Who are we acquiring? I mean, i know specifics are impossible, but give me a rough idea.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I'm leaning towards this as well. If we're going to move quality assets, it may as well be more of them for a legit top line winger. Kunitz has been the weak link on Sid's line all year. In a lesser role, he may wake up and have less wear and tear come playoffs.

Kunitz should not be attached to Crosby's hip anymore than Dupuis.

My scenario is kind of pie in the sky the more I think about it though. It means Kunitz is away from Crosby and Dupuis is bumped to the third line.

I just got back from doing sprints and all the blood hasn't returned to my brain yet. Dunno what I was thinking. I apologize.

 

[WayneSid9987]

There actually is a creative guy to put with Sid: Beau Bennett.
BB-Crosby-Horny could be great playoff line in theory with
Kunitz-Malkin-Trade

 

[mpp9]

Kunitz should not be attached to Crosby's hip anymore than Dupuis.

My scenario is kind of pie in the sky the more I think about it though. It means Kunitz is away from Crosby and Dupuis is bumped to the third line.

I just got back from doing sprints and all the blood hasn't returned to my brain yet. Dunno what I was thinking.

If it was the previous regime, I'd agree. But MJ has already done what DB refused to and broke up KCD.

I honestly don't have a problem with a big time winger acquisition going to Malkin. The point is that we need to make our top 6 more difficult to defend. In that scenario, Sid's line would be more of an energy line and Geno would bury teams. With our bottom six capable of scoring their fair share.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

Well, number two, I don't see Sid losing Dupuis AND Kunitz without throwing a ****fit. Maybe I'm wrong. Who are we acquiring? I mean, i know specifics are impossible, but give me a rough idea.

Ya, I just thought of how bananas my idea is. Crosby away from both Kunitz and Dupuis. Dupuis on the third line. I just got lost in a momentary dream.

 

[IcedCapp]

Kunitz should not be attached to Crosby's hip anymore than Dupuis.

My scenario is kind of pie in the sky the more I think about it though. It means Kunitz is away from Crosby and Dupuis is bumped to the third line.

I just got back from doing sprints and all the blood hasn't returned to my brain yet. Dunno what I was thinking.

I think everyone is in agreement that Dupuis should be on the 3rd line. Next week is going to be interesting. Bennett's back, who goes where? I don't think Sutter and Bennett should be together at the expense of Malkin. I've always thought Bennett and Malkin played well together (in the very limited time they've been together). I also think Dupuis and Sutter have played well together in their limited time on the same line.

Maybe working down the right side in pairs:

X - Crosby - Hornqvist
X - Malkin - Bennett
X - Sutter - Downie
X - Goc - ANYONE BUT ADAMS

And then finding the best mix of LWers is the way to go. But I'll step up and say I think Dupuis - Crosby - Hornqvist would be a mess. Kunitz, if nothing else, at least has a nice shot. Hornqvist does everything Dupuis would be successful at doing, only he does it 100000% better.

 

[IcedCapp]

There actually is a creative guy to put with Sid: Beau Bennett.
BB-Crosby-Horny could be great playoff line in theory with
Kunitz-Malkin-Trade

I was thinking about this... but honestly, I think BB and Malkin fit like a glove. That line (Malkin/Neal) always seemed significantly-more dangerous whenever BB was on it.

Bennett and Crosby, on the other hand, have never really found a good rhythm together.

 

[penguins2946*]

There actually is a creative guy to put with Sid: Beau Bennett.
BB-Crosby-Horny could be great playoff line in theory with
Kunitz-Malkin-Trade

The Pens could move Sutter+ for Perron and trade for another bottom-6 forward at the deadline (Vermette, for example). Run with a lineup of:

Perron-Crosby-Hornqvist
Kunitz-Malkin-Bennett
Dupuis-Vermette-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

That's a pretty solid F group IMO. We could also put Spaling at 3C and just bring in another bottom-6 winger for depth. There are a bunch of possibilities. Scuderi playing well makes this a possibility. If Scuderi keeps this play up, we will be able to move him for actual value and not just dumping him while retaining salary.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

If it was the previous regime, I'd agree. But MJ has already done what DB refused to and broke up KCD.

I honestly don't have a problem with a big time winger acquisition going to Malkin. The point is that we need to make our top 6 more difficult to defend. In that scenario, Sid's line would be more of an energy line and Geno would bury teams. With our bottom six capable of scoring their fair share.

When I see Dupuis on the third line, maybe I'll buy in. Even if they land a top six winger, it's way more likely Kunitz stays with Crosby, Dupuis stays up in the top six, and BB is with Sutter.

The Malkin line is ass, so if BB isn't given a shot there when he is back, I think we can see the writing on the wall.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I think everyone is in agreement that Dupuis should be on the 3rd line. Next week is going to be interesting. Bennett's back, who goes where? I don't think Sutter and Bennett should be together at the expense of Malkin. I've always thought Bennett and Malkin played well together (in the very limited time they've been together). I also think Dupuis and Sutter have played well together in their limited time on the same line.

Maybe working down the right side in pairs:

X - Crosby - Hornqvist
X - Malkin - Bennett
X - Sutter - Downie
X - Goc - ANYONE BUT ADAMS

And then finding the best mix of LWers is the way to go. But I'll step up and say I think Dupuis - Crosby - Hornqvist would be a mess. Kunitz, if nothing else, at least has a nice shot. Hornqvist does everything Dupuis would be successful at doing, only he does it 100000% better.

Here is a better version of your idea expanded:

X - Crosby - Hornqvist
Kunitz - Malkin - Bennett
Spaling - Sutter - Dupuis
Comeau - Goc - Downie

 

[penguins2946*]

Here is a better version of your idea expanded:

X - Crosby - Hornqvist
Kunitz - Malkin - Bennett
Spaling - Sutter - Dupuis
Comeau - Goc - Downie

I'd switch up Downie and Spaling, but overall I agree. I feel like that 3rd line needs some playmaking ability (not as much as Bennett provides), and Downie actually has some playmaking ability while the other 3 don't.

 

[jdpitt05]

The Pens could move Sutter+ for Perron and trade for another bottom-6 forward at the deadline (Vermette, for example). Run with a lineup of:

Perron-Crosby-Hornqvist
Kunitz-Malkin-Bennett
Dupuis-Vermette-Downie
Spaling-Goc-Comeau

That's a pretty solid F group IMO. We could also put Spaling at 3C and just bring in another bottom-6 winger for depth. There are a bunch of possibilities. Scuderi playing well makes this a possibility. If Scuderi keeps this play up, we will be able to move him for actual value and not just dumping him while retaining salary.

Sutter has alot of intangibles and with him stepping up in the playoffs last year I would be reluctant to deal him unless its sure fire top line winger. At a high level I'd ask myself if we a better playoff team with Sutter or Perron on the roster. I would not move him for Perron. I would try to package him with something else and aim higher if we are dealing him.

Moving Martin makes more sense to me given the plethora of defensemen.

 

[penguins2946*]

Sutter has alot of intangibles and with him stepping up in the playoffs last year I would be reluctant to deal him unless its sure fire top line winger. At a high level I'd ask myself if we a better playoff team with Sutter or Perron on the roster. I would not move him for Perron. I would try to package him with something else and aim higher if we are dealing him.

Moving Martin makes more sense to me given the plethora of defensemen.

We have a plethora of 3Cs as well, and we know that they can play in that role while we don't know if Harrington or Despres can play in their role. We would definitely be a better team with Perron on the roster instead of Sutter, we can easily replace Sutter internally and we desperately need a creative top-6 winger.

 

[Mr Jiggyfly]

I'd switch up Downie and Spaling, but overall I agree. I feel like that 3rd line needs some playmaking ability (not as much as Bennett provides), and Downie actually has some playmaking ability while the other 3 don't.

Aside from Sutter the whole bottom six is interchangeable, because I could make a case for Comeau or Goc (slide Spaling to fourth pivot) on the third line as well.

 

[mpp9]

When I see Dupuis on the third line, maybe I'll buy in. Even if they land a top six winger, it's way more likely Kunitz stays with Crosby, Dupuis stays up in the top six, and BB is with Sutter.

The Malkin line is ass, so if BB isn't given a shot there when he is back, I think we can see the writing on the wall.

If the winger they bring in is somewhat dynamic and goes straight to Malkin's line, and BB is with Sutter, then I see Sid's line being used as a matchup/energy line, Sutter's as depth scoring and Goc as a D-zone specialist.

That can work. Not ideal, but certainly better than anything since 09.