Pre-Game Talk: The All Purpose Off Day Thread

[WayneSid9987]

Maybe this'll snap the struggling players out of their funk but if not...dis gonna be rough.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

At least we get the Canucks at home in the 2nd game of their back to back.

Like that'll matter. The Pens are the only team that lays an egg in back-to-back situations.

 

[deakka]

This will be THE time to start playing at the level we think they have in them.

If not, and Malkin is gone for a few weeks, that playoff spot might soon be in REAL jeopardy (not just over reacting fan jeopardy)

 

[WayneSid9987]

-Mackey says he thinks Rowney's out tonight. Sully says game time decision.
-Maatta didn't take the optional but is fine per Sully
-Sully says they've talked about Jake @ C weekly and lately it's been daily...
-Geno skated on his own before the optional

 

[Speaking Moistly]

If Rowney is out and they don’t call up someone (Sprong) from WBS then I’m going to be pissed.

 

[Empoleon8771]

That news about Guentzel is semi-big, because the fact that Sullivan and company were talking about Guentzel at center a lot recently makes me think that he's going to end up the 3C this year at some point. Go with:

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist
Rust-Malkin-Sprong
Hagelin-Guentzel-Kessel
Kuhnhackl-Sheahan-Reaves

I'm thinking it's more and more likely that the Penguins are going to have something like this by the end of the season. It's starting to make more and more sense.

 

[Andy99]

That news about Guentzel is semi-big, because the fact that Sullivan and company were talking about Guentzel at center a lot recently makes me think that he's going to end up the 3C this year at some point. Go with:

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist
Rust-Malkin-Sprong
Hagelin-Guentzel-Kessel
Kuhnhackl-Sheahan-Reaves

I'm thinking it's more and more likely that the Penguins are going to have something like this by the end of the season. It's starting to make more and more sense.[/QUOTtho

I think that's the case, or it should be, if there is no trade. I still think ideally JR is looking for another center before the TDL

 

[SEALBound]

Who killed Geno?

Last game on the PP, he took a wack to the hands that crippled him a tad and then someone came in and really crunched him. If I had to guess, it's a sore shoulder. The lack of a call up makes me think it's shorter term or they are waiting for the holiday to reassess.

That news about Guentzel is semi-big, because the fact that Sullivan and company were talking about Guentzel at center a lot recently makes me think that he's going to end up the 3C this year at some point. Go with:

Sheary-Crosby-Hornqvist
Rust-Malkin-Sprong
Hagelin-Guentzel-Kessel
Kuhnhackl-Sheahan-Reaves

I'm thinking it's more and more likely that the Penguins are going to have something like this by the end of the season. It's starting to make more and more sense.

Two things: On paper, that's an awesome, logical, well balanced line up. In reality, the wrench in the system is Crosby and him not wanting Horny as a wing. Next, that 4th line is still garbage. Better than what it was but if you're going to commit to putting a guy like Sheahan on the 4th line I think you need to also commit to a more fluid idea of what the 4th line is - meaning, rotate Reaves and/or Kuhn or ideally both in and out.

Sheary-Crosby-Rust
Sprong-Malkin-Hornqvist
Hagelin-Guentzel-Kessel
XXXX-Sheahan-XXXX

XXXX's: Reaves, Kuhnhackl, Archibald, ZAR, DiPauli, Simon, etc. Selective usage.

I really like Rust and all but I'm just not a fan of him with Sid. I don't see any magic there. Certainly not like Sheary/Jake with Sid.

 

[DegenX]

-Mackey says he thinks Rowney's out tonight. Sully says game time decision.
-Maatta didn't take the optional but is fine per Sully
-Sully says they've talked about Jake @ C weekly and lately it's been daily...
-Geno skated on his own before the optional

 

[Gurglesons]

This is the arrogance I think has started to eek its way into our organization.

We “know” Jake can play center? Then why isn’t he doing it when we had Rowney and McKegg as our centers????

 

[ZeroPucksGiven]

This is the arrogance I think has started to eek its way into our organization.

We “know” Jake can play center? Then why isn’t he doing it when we had Rowney and McKegg as our centers????

Because the kid has struggled mightily this year AND he had tremendous chemistry with Sid. So why change that?

The other issue is that C is much much much more difficult to play vs wing. Jake's confidence seems to be dwindling right now so why sink that when you had other C's available? With Malkin's injury it opens up a C spot to NOW try this. It has zippo to do with arrogance and moreso with logistics.

 

[Nakawick]

Been saying since June that Jake should be given time at center to see how he handles it. Now is as good a time as ever. Maybe it works out and we solve a short and long term problem.

 

[EliteGoaltending]

Last game on the PP, he took a wack to the hands that crippled him a tad and then someone came in and really crunched him. If I had to guess, it's a sore shoulder. The lack of a call up makes me think it's shorter term or they are waiting for the holiday to reassess.

It doesn't look like Geno will be out for long. Shoulder/back issue would be my guess too, since he holds stick with both hands.

I wouldn't want Guentzel play C long term. I think he is more valuable at wing. That way he has less responsibilities, especially defensively. And it's unknown how he's on draws, if bad, Sully would have only two center options for draws in D-zone.

JR just needs to trade for 3C (again). Seems like Sheahan reclamation project wouldn't work as wanted and he's not gonna find his offensive game here(or anywhere). He's ok defensively tho and will slide on 4th line if 3C is brought.

 

[Gurglesons]

Because the kid has struggled mightily this year AND he had tremendous chemistry with Sid. So why change that?

The other issue is that C is much much much more difficult to play vs wing. Jake's confidence seems to be dwindling right now so why sink that when you had other C's available? With Malkin's injury it opens up a C spot to NOW try this. It has zippo to do with arrogance and moreso with logistics.

I think you’re making my point for me. He has dwindling confidence so the solution is to play him at C when he absolutely need him to?

Seems like setting him up for failure, not to mention he has a habit of getting lined up in the neutral zone in terms of hits, so I think him playing center is even more of an issue regarding that.

 

[ZeroPucksGiven]

I think you’re making my point for me.

Uh no. You asked why it wasn't tried before. I provided those reasons, I'm sorry you didn't like them

 

[SEALBound]

It doesn't look like Geno will be out for long. Shoulder/back issue would be my guess too, since he holds stick with both hands.

I wouldn't want Guentzel play C long term. I think he is more valuable at wing. That way he has less responsibilities, especially defensively. And it's unknown how he's on draws, if bad, Sully would have only two center options for draws in D-zone.

JR just needs to trade for 3C (again). Seems like Sheahan reclamation project wouldn't work as wanted and he's not gonna find his offensive game here(or anywhere). He's ok defensively tho and will slide on 4th line if 3C is brought.

This is what I suspected. Long time between games and this game off plus Thanksgiving, gives him a full 6 days of recovery.

Sheahan needs a few more to make that determination. Of course we want more offensive output but the overall body of work he's provided is on par with 3Cs of the past. I don't know who's available and at what prices right now so I would hesitant to suggest more moves unless its someone on the cheap like Letestu.

 

[ColePens]

It doesn't look like Geno will be out for long. Shoulder/back issue would be my guess too, since he holds stick with both hands.

I wouldn't want Guentzel play C long term. I think he is more valuable at wing. That way he has less responsibilities, especially defensively. And it's unknown how he's on draws, if bad, Sully would have only two center options for draws in D-zone.

JR just needs to trade for 3C (again). Seems like Sheahan reclamation project wouldn't work as wanted and he's not gonna find his offensive game here(or anywhere). He's ok defensively tho and will slide on 4th line if 3C is brought.

Great edge work. I wish they showed more of this stuff. Working your edges, i'm sure his heart was on fire after that.

 

[mpp9]

It’d be pretty sweet if Guentzel could turn into our version of Pavelski where you can slot him pretty much anywhere in the lineup and any situation.

 

[Coastal Kev]

No Sprong, No good

 

[DegenX]

Post game had moved past the game and the team is practicing today ... Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[ColePens]

Once again - Archi back out. ROWNEY in. Jesus, Sully. It's getting annoying.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

That first line is not going to help Crosby out of his slump. Geez.

 

[ColePens]

I'll DVR the game, enjoy my holiday weekend and watch it back at my own convenience.

 

[DegenX]

 

[Andy99]

Getting the feeling Geno may have a concussion. He plays against CHI, then has a vigorous practice and then is suddenly missing and not practicing today even though he worked yesterday. Sounds suspiciously like concussion variations.
I hope not. Maybe Sully will update today...