Pens playoff Defense, who sits?

[Rodgerwilco]

As expected, Coach Mike Johnston thinks and speaks very highy of Derrick Pouliot, and has even gone as far as calling Pouliot a playoff player.

So the next question is this: (Assuming Ehrhoff is healthy) If Derrick Pouliot is given a playoff spot, who sits?

If you would have asked me two months ago who sits in the playoffs, I'd say Pouliot, citing his inexperience. However he has already blossomed into a true NHL defenseman with his instincts, poise, and ability to inject himself in the offense without sacrificing too much defense. I'm thinking that maybe Lovejoy is the guy who gets bumped from the lineup to start the playoffs. What do you guys think?

Click to read more...

 

[djt153]

scuderi </thread>

 

[Shady Machine]

No way is Lovejoy benched.

It's either Pouliot or Cole.

 

[T1K]

I'm thinking that it will be Cole, but it should be Scuds.

 

[Get To Our Game]

Probably Cole.

 

[Will Hunting]

It´s probably going to be Ian Cole, even though I like him so far. Scuderi is a lock there and so is Lovejoy, imo. Our defense is still solid, no matter who sits.

 

[BHD]

Ian Cole.

 

[Don'tcry4mejanhrdina]

I don't know why people put stock into MJ's quotes about players. He talks out of both sides of his mouth, like most bosses. What is he supposed to say if asked if DP is a playoff player? He wants to keep his confidence up. I'm not saying he won't play in the playoffs but it's not a certainty.

Pouliot was great in the playoffs last year, maybe he's a big game performer. Certainly could help having another player from the back end able to make a skilled play with the puck other than Letang.

 

[NeedleInTheHay]

Cole but I don't think Erhoff will be back anytime soon.

 

[thecore]

It will be Cole is Erhoff comes back and is able to be effective. I'm not sure he's coming back at all though, to be honest. I don't expect him to see a game until maybe the last week or two of the regular season to try it out. No way they let him come in cold into the playoffs with concussion symptoms.

 

[DownByTheRiver]

I can tell you who WON'T sit!




#47

Too soon?

 

[cheesedanish87]

I can't see MJ benching any one particular def for the rest of the year.

I think it will be a rotation between Scuderi and Cole, kind of what MJ is doing now with Downie and Adams.

Adding Lovejoy to the mix gives MJ 4 def who can eat up big minutes on the PK without Scuderi.

Martin
Letang
Lovejoy
Ehrhoff

And MJ is even starting to sprinkle in DP on the PK.

But who even knows when Ehrhoff is going to be back, hes been out a long time.

 

[cassius]

Anybody BUT Scuderi

 

[Ugene Magic]

What if it was a forward?

 

[Shady Machine]

I can't see MJ benching any one particular def for the rest of the year.

I think it will be a rotation between Scuderi and Cole, kind of what MJ is doing now with Downie and Adams.

Adding Lovejoy to the mix gives MJ 4 def who can eat up big minutes on the PK without Scuderi.

Martin
Letang
Lovejoy
Ehrhoff

And MJ is even starting to sprinkle in DP on the PK.

But who even knows when Ehrhoff is going to be back, hes been out a long time.

Do you really believe MJ will sit Scuderi in a rotation like with Adams?

 

[SUBdrewgANS]

I honestly don't know why they choose to play Scuds every game.. he's getting up there in age and if you want him to play at his best (which already isn't very good) in the post season why not give him a rest here and there? we have the guys who can step up and fill in for him.

 

[SUBdrewgANS]

What if it was a forward?

And who would that be? With Adams scratched, I like our forward group..
Downie? I think we'll need him for the Playoffs..
Spaling? He wont be scratched.

 

[cheesedanish87]

Do you really believe MJ will sit Scuderi in a rotation like with Adams?

Yeah, why wouldn't he?


I will say things change though, if Cole and DP struggle these next few games, and Ehrhoff comes back next week then i would change my opinion.

 

[Hophog]

I'm fairly certain the hockey gods will decide who plays. I can't imagine there won't be injuries. Unfortunately the hockey gods like to sit our best players.

 

[Penguinator]

As expected, Coach Mike Johnston thinks and speaks very highy of Derrick Pouliot, and has even gone as far as calling Pouliot a playoff player.

So the next question is this: (Assuming Ehrhoff is healthy) If Derrick Pouliot is given a playoff spot, who sits?

If you would have asked me two months ago who sits in the playoffs, I'd say Pouliot, citing his inexperience. However he has already blossomed into a true NHL defenseman with his instincts, poise, and ability to inject himself in the offense without sacrificing too much defense. I'm thinking that maybe Lovejoy is the guy who gets bumped from the lineup to start the playoffs. What do you guys think?

The Reverend stays! Not only is he stable & reliable but he brings the best outta Pouliot when they're paired. I'd say Cole but really, it's nice to have depth!

Maybe Cole could rotate with whoever happens to suck?

 

[orby]

I imagine we'd see
Letang-Martin
Ehrhoff-Lovejoy
Scuderi-Pouliot

Maybe Lovejoy and Pouliot would be switched. Though i wouldn't be shocked if Ehrhoff were done for the season, either. If that's the case i guess they'd call up Chorney to be the 7D and use the pairs they've been rolling.

 

[Speaking Moistly]

Cole. Scuderi won't be scratched and Pouliot is Johnston's guy who's looking amazing, and everyone else isn't even in the discussion (not that Scuderi is). That's assuming everyone is healthy and we all know what team this is. Where Ehrhoff would be if he comes back could be interesting.

 

[Asuna]

Anybody BUT Scuderi

This is the correct answer

 

[kodoshin]

Scuderi? Please? No? Probably Cole then. Shame.

 

[Pens1566]

Should sit? Scuderi.

Will sit? Cole.