Post-Game Talk: Plus-Minus Thread | Rangers 6, Penguins 1 | Insert sarcastic title here

[stardog]

I still believe the Neal Malkin Iggy line will be dominant if it has time to gel, but the other lines are putrid right now and I want to see BB back with Malkin and Neal.

I don't watch Car. much, but if JJ is as bad as Mtl says, I dunno. He did get put on waivers for a reason, but we will see. DB said he will center Dupuis and Kunitz, but I don't know if that will help them much. They need to balance out the lines for now.

I just think a lineup like this makes more sense to spread out the scoring:

BB Malkin Neal
Kunitz Sutter Iggy
Cooke JJ Dupuis
Morrow Vitale Adams

Do the right thing and sit TK and Glass.

JJ being bad or good is relative to how you define bad or good I suppose. I am actually happy about the pick up, but I'm not looking to him for offense. Secondary scoring from the 4th line would be a novel concept on this team and he can provide that.
I'm also looking at his face off ability (left handed as well) which would be a huge bonus. I know there is a lot said both pro and con when it comes to the Corsii rating, but he had the highest one out of any of the Canes forwards,
Finally, it was his salary which led him to be placed on waivers as much as anything else. He simply wasn't producing like a 3 million dollar guy and here, he won't have to. Added bonus is that the Canes are picking up part of his cap hit so he won't count as a 3 million dollar guy against the cap.

I'm cool with his pick up given our needs, given that he can provide secondary scoring from the fourth line, can win a good deal of faceoffs, can play any forward position, can penalty kill and that it was a minimal cost.

There, now we can be friends again (in my best VAL Kilmer as Doc Holiday voice).

 

[Frederick Stanley]

woah, every new Rags player scored a goal

 

[Gallatin]

Colligan didn't write this, but he linked it. Very interesting article about Murray.

Mike Colligan ‏@MikeColligan 31m
Very critical, but insightful analysis of Douglas Murray's issues in San Jose and how he might hurt the #Pens offense
http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1rjitff

This is pretty ****ing far from an insightful post. It's hatemonger material from an obsessed Sharks bogger.

I got two eyes-hence, these past several games of watching Murray in the Black & Gold have told me that blogger is full of ****.

 

[#66]

Having no games this weekend is huge for the Pens. They can get some new players settled in and maybe get some bodies back next week.

IMO the Pens have a really hard system to get used to. Not so much in terms of systematic adjustments but more about playing at that fast pace. Also I think Disco has to make some adjustments to having some good wingers on his team. I would hate to see Neal, Iggy, Kunitz and Morrow used as flippers like a pinball table.

I'm hoping that Sid gets back ASAP so that there can be 1 adjustment period and not 2.

 

[deakka]

Imagine if our newly aquired players could have 3 and 4 point games of the bat. it seems we are the only team that needs to "get practices", "find chemistry", "learn the system" etc etc etc.

 

[DoktorZaius]

Murray and Eaton can be 2013's Gill and Scuderi.

From what I've seen, Eaton is more qualified to be 2013's Eaton than anyone else.

 

[hoyster]

This game showed us again why we can't lose Sid.

Right now we have two player who can consistently generate scoring chances and they are Sid and Geno. And with Sid out Geno will try to force the Beast Mode and when he doesn't get to that level it really hurts the whole line. I really hope that Iggy will be another player that can get to scoring chances without Sid or Geno but right now I haven't seen it.

I'm kind of worried that Koon and Duper might really be just products of Crosby because their offense without them is awful to watch. They are good players but they just need Sid/Geno to play with them. Another example is Neal who is absolutely invisible wtih Geno out of the lineup.

PP is great example why we need Sid back. Starting faceoff with Geno vs opponent PK/FO specialist is a matchup we lose 8-9/10 times. Then we get to zone entry which is Geno trying to make a move on the blueline which will result a offside. Next try we dump it in win a battle and shoot the puck the first chance we get. Enter second PP unit which is really just a bunch of grinders. This has seemed to be the recipe for our PP and the zone entry has been horrible even with Sid in the lineup.

I really hope that Letang can help our offense and PP when he's back but we really need you Sid.

How would you guys see these PP units (when healthy):
In front of the cage: Kunitz/Morrow
High slot: Iginla/Neal
Right wall: Crosby/Malkin
Left wall: Letang/Niskanen
Point: Martin/Despres

 

[JQR]

First game of the season that I didn't watch until the end. Went upstairs after the 2nd period to read about Drizzt and his upbringing in the chaotic Drow society of Menzoberranzan. I'd say I made the right choice.

 

[Waffle Fries]

Wait, what????

Agree with the first part somewhat but the last sentence is... well, really out there. That line has arguably been the best in the NHL this season and was a catalyst for the win streak. In no way, shape or form has it done anything but help this team to where it is.

I'm all for keeping that line together when Sid is healthy. 100%.

But Sid isn't healthy. I just meant the fact that he's even refusing to change it while Sid isn't in in the lineup doesn't give us the ability to put the lines that make the most sense on the ice.

We can argue all day about if that line should be together when Sid isn't healthy, I just meant right now.

Kunitz-Sid-Dupuis works fine, Kunitz-Anyone Else-Dupuis doesn't.

 

[UnderratedBrooks44]

The last two games they've looked bad. That said, the current rhetoric seems to be "You can't say we'll be fine when healthy because that's what we all said last year and look what happened!". Well this is a different team to be quite honest. Yes, I am fully confident they'll be fine as long as everyone can get back for the playoffs. Hell, even if Martin doesn't they should still have no problem in the first round with everyone else. The lines will be stabilized, everyone will have a clear expectation of what to do offensively (as opposed to this hodge podge DB's wrongly going with now), and everyone on D will be in their respective roles.

Things that do worry me though:

-Orpik really bothers me. I can understand being older or slower, but he looks like a zombie out there. Gets his pocket picked and in general he barely pushes guys down low any more. It's just this little T-Rex shove with no force behind it. I don't get it. It honestly appears as if he can't fully extend his arms. I don't get it.

-Neal and Iginla are what we have to go with for Malkin right now, but for the love of god put Iginla with Crosby when the time comes. It's just like I said before and it's plain as day anyways: Both wingers would prefer to be doing something other than digging. They're both decent diggers, but two gunners on one line doesn't work.

-I'm still telling myself that maybe Morrow is one of those guys that becomes an animal in the playoffs.............................yeah.

The funny thing is Fleury is the one who's on point. Even when the defense is shoddy he's coming up with big saves. When they play well in front of him it's hard to imagine not winning a particular game. Right now though the problem are general uninspiredness(?) and severe lack of scoring depth.

I don't know why but nothing pisses me off more about these Penguin teams than when no one can step up and score a friggin goal when we're missing our studs.. Everyone can produce at their normal pace while siting in a cushy position behind Crosby and Malkin, but when it's time to pitch in a little more it rarely happens.

Oh, and lastly: the PK is the one thing I worry about carrying over into the playoffs. They should still be able to PK well even with the injuries, and it just looks a lot like last year.

 

[JQR]

Oh, one more thing I noticed:

+ Officiating. I thought they made the right calls (at least through the first 2 periods, didn't watch the 3rd).

 

[nhindian]

And this is why it is such a shame that Bylsma didn't give Despres extensive time wit Letang earlier in the season. Because they just fit. At this point of the season it isn't going to happen. It will be Murray Letang, guaranteed.

NB: but that might also work, mind.

Because Letang outright said he felt more comfortable playing with Nisky than Despres.

 

[IcedCapp]

Because Letang outright said he felt more comfortable playing with Nisky than Despres.

He said that... outright? Do you have a link? I never remember him saying, "I feel more comfortable playing with Nisky than Despres." I'd be interested in reading that.


As far as Murray goes: I don't think he's been that bad, and even if he has been, remember, this team's vision for the defense seems to be, when healthy, 7D. I'm sure they'll find a way to put everyone in the best position to succeed, just have to wait for everyone to get healthy.

 

[Atren]

+ Reminder what happens if do not play as should.
+ Still enough time to fix problems.
+ No more trades.

- Overreacting by fans.

 

[bradshaw06]

These injuries came at the worst time, when guys come back they'll have very little time to gel.

 

[Dying Alive]

Still can't be mad about this loss. No matter how good a team is they're going to have nights like last night, it's just a shame that they had two in a row.

I'm sure they'll be hearing it plenty from DB and assorted other players in the locker room, but the biggest wake-up call might be seeing MAF get so pissed off. He's one of the most relentlessly cheerful human beings on the planet, how frustrated does he have to be to smack the puck around like that? It was like watching Mother Teresa slapping a starving orphan on the streets of Calcutta.

 

[IcedCapp]

Still can't be mad about this loss. No matter how good a team is they're going to have nights like last night, it's just a shame that they had two in a row.

I'm sure they'll be hearing it plenty from DB and assorted other players in the locker room, but the biggest wake-up call might be seeing MAF get so pissed off. He's one of the most relentlessly cheerful human beings on the planet, how frustrated does he have to be to smack the puck around like that? It was like watching Mother Teresa slapping a starving orphan on the streets of Calcutta.

I'm envisioning some poor orphan in the streets starving, finding a piece of bread on the streets. They are about to take that fulfilling bite when along strolls Bruce Orpeck, who swipes the stale bread, takes a big bite, and spits it out with the grace of a dying rhino.

He then strolls off as Mother Teresa arrives on the scene. Upon spotting the discarded bread on the side of the road, she slaps the orphan who, like Fleury - and Pens fans - on a nightly basis, will suffer for Bruce's crimes.

 

[plaidchuck]

Would've been nice to have the player we traded for on the day of the trade. Honestly I think everyone is coasting now that things are cozy as far as positioning the playoffs. One of the luxuries and curses of that streak.

 

[Dying Alive]

I'm envisioning some poor orphan in the streets starving, finding a piece of bread on the streets. They are about to take that fulfilling bite when along strolls Bruce Orpeck, who swipes the stale bread, takes a big bite, and spits it out with the grace of a dying rhino.

He then strolls off as Mother Teresa arrives on the scene. Upon spotting the discarded bread on the side of the road, she slaps the orphan who, like Fleury - and Pens fans - on a nightly basis, will suffer for Bruce's crimes.

I genuinely am waiting for the day Fleury completely snaps and just two-hands one of the defenseman right in the back of the head with his goal stick. Orpik is probably the most logical choice at this point.

I'd almost say Vokoun would be the more likely choice to do it but it's usually the guy you'd least expect.

 

[IcedCapp]

I genuinely am waiting for the day Fleury completely snaps and just two-hands one of the defenseman right in the back of the head with his goal stick. Orpik is probably the most logical choice at this point.

I'd almost say Vokoun would be the more likely choice to do it but it's usually the guy you'd least expect.

Next year In The Roomâ„¢ will partner with MTV.

Real World: Consol Energy Center

This is the true story... of 23 hockey players... paid to play in a rink...work together and have their lives taped... to find out what happens... when people stop being good... and start getting real...The Real World.

 

[Dying Alive]

Maybe they'll agree to produce my "I Love Geno" reality show that follows the zany exploits of one Evgeni Vladomirovich Malkin as he goes about his daily business.

I don't get people saying they're not concerned about the loss but about how they lost. How listless they looked and such. Personally I'd be waaaaay more concerned if they had had a full line-up and looked like they were in Cup mode intensity-wise. Don't get me wrong, I don't like them feeling like they can take games off but I do think it's bound to happen when you basically can't possibly finish any worse than the #2 seed.

 

[IcedCapp]

Maybe they'll agree to produce my "I Love Geno" reality show that follows the zany exploits of one Evgeni Vladomirovich Malkin as he goes about his daily business.

I don't get people saying they're not concerned about the loss but about how they lost. How listless they looked and such. Personally I'd be waaaaay more concerned if they had had a full line-up and looked like they were in Cup mode intensity-wise. Don't get me wrong, I don't like them feeling like they can take games off but I do think it's bound to happen when you basically can't possibly finish any worse than the #2 seed.

I'm with you. I'd also be more concerned if they didn't carry the play to start both games, give up a stupid goal, and just visibly quit. I'm not saying it's OK to quit, but... haven't we seen enough of this team to know this is what they do?

For as much leadership as I believe they have and for as tight-knit as I believe they are, they are, in many ways, still kids. And on nights like last night, they act like it. Now, I'm cool with it on April 4th. If it happens in the playoffs, seriously, Fire Dan.

 

[nTsplnk*]

I'm with you. I'd also be more concerned if they didn't carry the play to start both games, give up a stupid goal, and just visibly quit. I'm not saying it's OK to quit, but... haven't we seen enough of this team to know this is what they do?

For as much leadership as I believe they have and for as tight-knit as I believe they are, they are, in many ways, still kids. And on nights like last night, they act like it. Now, I'm cool with it on April 4th. If it happens in the playoffs, seriously, Fire Dan.

That's the issue with every player's coach. There is no accountability. It's all "just do better next time, yay!"

These losses should be unacceptable. They were pathetic displays. It's one thing to lose a few games, it's another to have 0 compete level. This team isn't a playoff team if they can't handle these things in stride.

injuries are supposed to make your team work harder not prevent them from working at all.

 

[IcedCapp]

That's the issue with every player's coach. There is no accountability. It's all "just do better next time, yay!"

These losses should be unacceptable. They were pathetic displays. It's one thing to lose a few games, it's another to have 0 compete level. This team isn't a playoff team if they can't handle these things in stride.

injuries are supposed to make your team work harder not prevent them from working at all.

They worked their ***** off for 15 straight games.

This is the issue. If the Pens went 5 - 1 - 5 - 1 - 5, no one would question it. But because they went off of 15 games of progressive domination followed by 2 games of lazy incompetence, it looks bad.

It's a perfect storm of injuries, exhaustion, and trades that created confusion and a lethargic attitude. I'm a big FIRE DAN proponent, but this all seems OK to me. Let's see what happens Friday.

 

[nTsplnk*]

They worked their ***** off for 15 straight games.

This is the issue. If the Pens went 5 - 1 - 5 - 1 - 5, no one would question it. But because they went off of 15 games of progressive domination followed by 2 games of lazy incompetence, it looks bad.

It's a perfect storm of injuries, exhaustion, and trades that created confusion and a lethargic attitude. I'm a big FIRE DAN proponent, but this all seems OK to me. Let's see what happens Friday.

Yep and they worked their ***** off for most of the season last year. Look what happened? This is what happens when you get lazy, when you say "this is good enough." You don't win when it matters when you say that.

Every game from here on out should be a playoff game. Chemistry? The Rangers just added a bunch of players. They didn't need "chemistry" time. Why? Because the Penguin's problems last night wasn't chemistry. It was just lazy play. No hard work. No win.