Post-Game Talk: The Habs and the Hab Nots: Montreal - 4, Pens -1

[CanadianPensFan1]

Yeah I definitely agree and see your point barring there isn't a trade. I just have that feeling that something else is coming down the road. We have 11 NHL caliber defensemen playing for PIT or WBS right now. I can easily see us trading Maatta, Pouliot, Depres, or Martin for a 1st or 2nd line winger.

In order of trade preference:

Martin
Pouliot
Despres
Maatta

 

[IcedCapp]

we'll find out in about 20 minutes if our trade preferences are moot

 

[blueliner18]

we'll find out in about 20 minutes if our trade preferences are moot

What cho talkin bout Willis!!!??? LOL

 

[blueliner18]

In order of trade preference:

Martin
Pouliot
Despres
Maatta

I think the big debate is... if you absolutely had to trade one...

Maatta or Pouliot??? i.e. Chicago was offering Patrick Kane to us, but wanted one of these two, plus a couple picks (just for fun)... who do you send? Maatta... Pouliot???? Your essays will be due buy 3pm EST, good luck! No right or wrong answers it's kinda like philosophy class!!! LMAO!!

Martin is kinda the "no brainer" IMO...contract expires end of the year. He has already stated he wants to test the UFA waters. He's getting up there in age (is he 34?).

 

[CanadianPensFan1]

I think the big debate is... if you absolutely had to trade one...

Maatta or Pouliot??? i.e. Chicago was offering Patrick Kane to us, but wanted one of these two, plus a couple picks (just for fun)... who do you send? Maatta... Pouliot???? Your essays will be due buy 3pm EST, good luck! No right or wrong answers it's kinda like philosophy class!!! LMAO!!

Christ, I dont know.

Assuming Maatta's shoulder is fine .. you know what you have. He's solid, composed and is only gonna get better. You can just sense it.

Pouliot has all the potential in the world, has looked good when he was called up but .. he may falter.

I dont know. I just dont know.

 

[billybudd]

I don't even understand this. Bennett has never been "controlling the action" on any line as an NHL player. He hasn't had that mandate yet, and he doesn't with Sutter either.

What is true is that when those guys are together, when Bennett gets space that is when offense is more likely to be generated when in the offensive zone. Sutter will never be that kind of player - his offensive qualities outside of a good shot is entirely about transition/rush opportunities due to excellent skating.
When I think of some of Bennett's best assists this season (easy because he hasn't had that many), I think of him going down the right wing away against Montreal cutting back for Sutter, and the other night when bringing it into the zone down the left wall and cutting back for Ehrhoff. None of those situations are Bennett controlling the action. That is a winger seeing space open for him, taking that space and showing high hockey IQ and passing ability to find the trailer. And who wouldn't want such a scenario for Geno?

I just don't see how Bennett being capable of creating offense and spotting the open man when he escapes coverage can ever be a bad thing with Malkin? It is exactly what Malkin needs, and being with Malkin will insure that Bennett is given more space to be creative, as opponents will always be more likely to double down on Geno.

As for Bennett away from the puck, I see him as a good forechecker and a conscientious back checker. Not a bruiser by any means, but one who can dial up the physicality also when needed and otherwise is decent on the wall and solid positionally.
The third forward on a Geno/Bennett line should be more physical, but that's not hard to accommodate within our existing options.

Bennett is far from a conscientious defensive player. He's 60 games into his NHL career, so that's not surprising, but to say he's a responsible backchecker is to credit him with something that's not presently part of his game. How many times did he just forget to mark Jack Johnson against Columbus? Five? More? Bourque blamed him for a goal against the other night, too, though I don't remember the specifics.

It's not what Bennett can do that makes him, in my opinion, a bad fit with Malkin (or any playmaking center, for that matter). It's what he can't. Andrew Ebbett eclipsed Bennett's career goal totals as a rookie, with less average ice time in fewer games. Ebbett. Bennett's never paced for 15 goals as a professional, AHL included. Kunitz more than doubled his rookie goal figures in College as a walk-on, tryout player playing in the bottom half of the lineup. Think about all that for a minute.

 

[blueliner18]

Christ, I dont know.

Assuming Maatta's shoulder is fine .. you know what you have. He's solid, composed and is only gonna get better. You can just sense it.

Pouliot has all the potential in the world, has looked good when he was called up but .. he may falter.

I dont know. I just dont know.

I know man... it's a freakin tough call eh.

 

[Beauner]

I trade Pouiot over Maatta given the choice every single day. With all the talk of "can't waste any more of Sid and Geno's primes", it should be a no-brainer to NOT trade the guy that's already a top 4 D-man instead of the guy who's still a prospect. We know what we have in Maatta, and he's still only 20.

 

[AquaticBirdman]

Am I the only one here that is actually pretty damn happy with our current group of forwards? With the acquisition of Perron our top 3 lines look pretty damn good (when healthy)!

Kunitz-Sid-Horny

Perron-Geno-Comeau

Bennett-Sutter-Downie


I really don't see any reason to make a desperation, knee-jerk trade that will likely involve one of our blue-chip d-men prospects and another 1st or 2nd round pick. I'd be all for letting Martin go of course...

 

[AquaticBirdman]

By the way, I also feel completed defeated/gutted concerning Adams' job security at this point. How a more useless player could possibly continue to be guaranteed roster spots night after night is beyond me. Some people will try to argue that it's for his presence on the PK, but even at that extent I have to call "b.s." as he doesn't even look good as a penalty killer anymore!

The way I see it a good penalty killer is someone who is mobile enough and has the stamina to keep up with the cycle, quick enough to win races for the occasional, loose puck, competent enough to clear the puck out of the zone, and crazy enough to sacrifice themselves to block shots. Adams pretty much falls short on being able to effectively do ANY of those things anymore, so the argument about him being a "great penalty killer" has become a rather moot one at best.

There's simply nothing whatsoever to justify a slow, talentless, 37 year old winger continuing to lock down a roster spot over younger, more talented, and more deserving players!

 

[blueliner18]

I think the only reason Adams ever became a PK "specialist" is because he is the only player coaches can tolerate losing if he gets injured blocking a shot. Now that "Bat$h1t Crazy" Bobby Farnham has arrived Adams has met his match. Farnham would let an A-bomb drop in his lap if Johnston told him that's what he needed him to do.

...oh and maybe Bylsma not having a clue had something to do with Adams playing time.

 

[Al Smith]

Bennett is far from a conscientious defensive player. He's 60 games into his NHL career, so that's not surprising, but to say he's a responsible backchecker is to credit him with something that's not presently part of his game. How many times did he just forget to mark Jack Johnson against Columbus? Five? More? Bourque blamed him for a goal against the other night, too, though I don't remember the specifics.

It's not what Bennett can do that makes him, in my opinion, a bad fit with Malkin (or any playmaking center, for that matter). It's what he can't. Andrew Ebbett eclipsed Bennett's career goal totals as a rookie, with less average ice time in fewer games. Ebbett. Bennett's never paced for 15 goals as a professional, AHL included. Kunitz more than doubled his rookie goal figures in College as a walk-on, tryout player playing in the bottom half of the lineup. Think about all that for a minute.

Bad TO at center ice along the boards, IIRC.

 

[Tasty Biscuits]

I'd blame that goal more on Fleury than anyone. But yeah, it wasn't the best play beforehand.

 

[blueliner18]

Honestly it looked like Despres was the originator of that turnover, Bennett enabled it to happen, and Fleury let it happen. Despres breakout pass was in Bennett's feet about 10ft outside of our blueline. Instead of eating the puck with pressure on him Beau tried catching the pass and kicking the puck to his stick all in one motion, in which he kicked it right to Montreal and was caught flat footed on the boards. Despres went from full breakout mode, to scrambling to get back and play the middle on the odd man break, but the only thing that could have saved that turnover goal was Fleury. He was the lone man on the island and came up empty.

 

[Shockmaster]

Honestly it looked like Despres was the originator of that turnover, Bennett enabled it to happen, and Fleury let it happen. Despres breakout pass was in Bennett's feet about 10ft outside of our blueline. Instead of eating the puck with pressure on him Beau tried catching the pass and kicking the puck to his stick all in one motion, in which he kicked it right to Montreal and was caught flat footed on the boards. Despres went from full breakout mode, to scrambling to get back and play the middle on the odd man break, but the only thing that could have saved that turnover goal was Fleury. He was the lone man on the island and came up empty.

Hmm. Was at the Steeler game so I didn't see this game at all. Sounds like Bylsma came back to coach for the night.

 

[blueliner18]

Hmm. Was at the Steeler game so I didn't see this game at all. Sounds like Bylsma came back to coach for the night.

LOL... if so we won't see Despres again until sometime in March, if then!! LMAO!!

 

[Shady Machine]

Am I the only one here that is actually pretty damn happy with our current group of forwards? With the acquisition of Perron our top 3 lines look pretty damn good (when healthy)!

Kunitz-Sid-Horny

Perron-Geno-Comeau

Bennett-Sutter-Downie


I really don't see any reason to make a desperation, knee-jerk trade that will likely involve one of our blue-chip d-men prospects and another 1st or 2nd round pick. I'd be all for letting Martin go of course...

There is a difference between saying we still need an upgrade in the top 6 to set us up to really contend vs we need to "make a desperation, knee-jerk trade...". I don't so many here saying the latter.

 

[blueliner18]

Yes, we don't need a top six winger a.s.a.p. but we also have no use for at least 2 of our NHL caliber defensemen. If this team is in the "win now" window being slam packed with NHL defensemen isn't gonna help much if you only dress 6, maybe 7 per game. I think it's a good situation for the time being. The ball is in our court we have adequate supply in order to trade, but we don't have to trade.
Hypothetically,
If NJ expresses interest in moving Jagr for the rights to Martin...would anyone take it?? I know it would drive yinzers absolutely effing nuts because they all think Jagr cried his way out of town in 2001. Actually the organization couldn't afford to pay him, and that is the truth. So no "home team discount" was perceived as "crybaby".

 

[CanadianPensFan1]

If NJ expresses interest in moving Jagr for the rights to Martin...would anyone take it?? I know it would drive yinzers absolutely effing nuts because they all think Jagr cried his way out of town in 2001. Actually the organization couldn't afford to pay him, and that is the truth. So no "home team discount" was perceived as "crybaby".

Hmm interesting. Id like NJ to sweeten it a bit personally but that might be some bias.

NJ has a decent a chance as any to re-sign PM. There is so little chance that Jags would sign here .. and would we even want him to?

 

[blueliner18]

Hmm interesting. Id like NJ to sweeten it a bit personally but that might be some bias.

NJ has a decent a chance as any to re-sign PM. There is so little chance that Jags would sign here .. and would we even want him to?

I'm not sure what my reaction would be seeing #68 in black and gold again...? The one thing he could bring that would be invaluable is control and patience on the powerplay. Our PP as is right now, we're making it waaaaaaaay over complicated. Constantly trying to set up for that perfect open lane empty net shot. We have to simplify big time. Pass, pass, shot... right now we are pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, well you get the picture. We are trying to beat all 4 PKers and the goalie, all we need is to get the goalie moving side to side and start firing the puck.

 

[joeyjake5]

Before even considering trading DP, the brain trust, if indeed there is one in the Pen's org., Should let DP play 20 more games, then you know for sure what you have. Why he did not play against the HABS???? A complete mystery. But the scud dud continues to play, again a complete mystery.

 

[blueliner18]

Not saying much...but at least Scuds is playing better this year. Not great but better. I agree why he hasn't been chosen to watch from the press box yet this year???????????????? Maybe he has an "Untouchable" clause in his contract? LOL

 

[Waffle Fries]

Before even considering trading DP, the brain trust, if indeed there is one in the Pen's org., Should let DP play 20 more games, then you know for sure what you have. Why he did not play against the HABS???? A complete mystery. But the scud dud continues to play, again a complete mystery.

You're not going to "know for sure what you have" from a 20 year old regardless of how many games he plays right now.

He needs more time in the AHL to develop before any conclusions can be reached about his game.

 

[CanadianPensFan1]

I'm not sure what my reaction would be seeing #68 in black and gold again...? The one thing he could bring that would be invaluable is control and patience on the powerplay. Our PP as is right now, we're making it waaaaaaaay over complicated. Constantly trying to set up for that perfect open lane empty net shot. We have to simplify big time. Pass, pass, shot... right now we are pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, well you get the picture. We are trying to beat all 4 PKers and the goalie, all we need is to get the goalie moving side to side and start firing the puck.

I agree entirely. There is such a thing as too much movement and they are proving that right now.

Not saying much...but at least Scuds is playing better this year. Not great but better. I agree why he hasn't been chosen to watch from the press box yet this year???????????????? Maybe he has an "Untouchable" clause in his contract? LOL

He has pictures of Craig Adams' wife .....
Wait .. what?

 

[joeyjake5]

After Maata's first 20 games you knew, so far DP has not looked out of place. He has played much better in the D zone, so far he hasn't been a liability.