I am guessing you didn't watch the Pens / Caps series -
Too funny. Having followed the Pens closely since the Pre-Mario days, I hope you weren't guessing too much.
I am guessing you didn't watch the Pens / Caps series - Aston Reese wasn't exactly a crucial part of the roster, so to say that the Pens "never recovered" after losing him is just wrong. Wilson's hit was bad and he deserved a suspension. He is going to cause
problems for Vegas but I think it's safe to say he and Reaves are going to have some major battles and a fight (or more than one) is inevitable.
The acquisition and subsequent trade of Reaves were extremely controversial in Pittsburgh. The failure of the Pens to advance in the playoffs was complex and manifold: lapses by goalie Murray, the absence of a dependable backup in MAF, extended seasons for playoffs and World Cup hockey, failure of Kessel to produce, Letang's and the defense's poor showing, unpublished injuries to key players, Brassard's underperformance, etc.
Reaves was an important leader in the Penguins locker room. He (and to a lesser extent Kunitz) gave the Pens the necessary grit and courage to confront "heavy" opponents. Oleksiak is more than capable of holding his own, but he doesn't inspire his teammates like Reaves does. With Reaves, the Pens superstars Sid/Geno/Phil were left relatively unscathed in the regular season compared to prior years.
I was initially against the Reaves trade. I don't want to accept the reality of the need for "physicality." That said, Coach G has worked Reaves into the lineup. Reaves is now playing a more disciplined and skilled game, as well as his usual physical game. Reaves is also going to remind the Caps that the Knights aren't just undersized speedsters.
I am guessing you didn't watch the Pens / Caps series
Yep, maybe I should be watching more Penguins hockey. Unfortunately, there will be no more Pens hockey till next season.