Hmmm, yeah just watched the video with Sully's comment about that. Just thinking...it makes sense, he always has a target on him and he has never been very good at escaping big hits. He was really abused this season and last, more so than before, and several were shots up high where the neck was tweaked.
This is just such a bummer, selfishly, obviously, but also for Kris and the rest of the Pens.
Going to need Daley back and in pre-injury Spring 2016 form...
Daley doesn't necessarily have to be that good for us to work. It'd be nice though. Our D last season was good but not spectacular. It was the forwards getting back and pressuring the opposition all over the ice.
If you put this playoff D against last it's not the end of the world.
2016 Dumo 2017 -Dumo: He was great last year and he's getting better and better lately. Pretty even.
Letang - Schultz: Schultz can't replace Letang completely but he's pretty comparable offensively. On D yeah he's a bit below.
Maatta - Maatta: He's better than last year by quite a bit. Just depends on how he comes back after the injury.
Lovejoy - Hainsey: Lovejoy was good and Hainsey seems pretty reliable I think those 2 are pretty even.
Cole -Cole: He's better than last season and as long he doesn't have to play too many minutes things should go well.
Daley -Daley: Daley likely won't be as good but we didn't have him the whole playoffs either. Very encouraged that he's skating with contact. He could be a wildcard.
It's more the uncertainty with the injured guys but the D core is definitely able to play solid hockey. Just play good consistent hockey. Let the forwards win it for us (and that Murray guy).