Ryder71
Registered User
- Nov 24, 2017
- 23,188
- 11,185
I don't think anyone in the top six has aptly pulled their weight this year. It goes beyond Sid and Geno. Although they should shoulder most of that burden.
What's the underlying problem?
- Thread starter ronduguayshair
- Start date
Gurglesons
Registered User
Ryder71
Registered User
- Nov 24, 2017
- 23,188
- 11,185
He'd be the closest to playing his game but not quite to the level I would have expected. He struggled for a few games.
canadianguy77
Registered User
- Apr 20, 2006
- 20,741
- 10,589
A lot of people are completely ignoring the fact that playing regular season games in empty arenas might be having an effect of the quality of the the on-ice product.
As I’ve said in previous threads, guys like Malkin and Letang operate on emotion, not hockey IQ. They needs something to “get them going” and into a rhythm to be firing on all cylinders. The lack of fans in the stands could factor into this...
Gurglesons
Registered User
The entire top 6 has been pretty subpar. The defense has had too many injuries to give a proper evaluation for, IMO, but that’s a close 2nd.
I don’t think this is a personnel issue. I think the players are good enough to make us a playoff team if they played up to their full capabilities. Looking at Sid and Geno specifically.
I don’t think this is a personnel issue. I think the players are good enough to make us a playoff team if they played up to their full capabilities. Looking at Sid and Geno specifically.
Sidney the Kidney
One last time
- Jun 29, 2009
- 55,708
- 46,622
He looked bad the first 2-3 games, but has probably been the best of the bunch the last 5 or so. Though that's not saying much considering how the others have looked.
DesertedPenguin
Registered User
- Mar 11, 2007
- 6,933
- 7,716
It's almost not worth having a conversation on here because of this.
People are ignoring the environment the players are playing in, the circumstances leading up to the season, the absolute lack of routine, the lack of practices. They'd much rather believe professional athletes are pouting and trying to get coaches fired.
Gurglesons
Registered User
At 3.5 mil I’m not expecting Rust to be the catalyst. 6 pts in 8 games and I don’t think anyone can be dunking on him.
Turin
Registered User
- Feb 27, 2018
- 22,161
- 25,599
Crosby, Malkin, Marino and Jarry haven’t been good. Team is missing a piece or two from contending but they’re not going to be good if the core of the team sucks. Whether that means Sullivan has worn out his welcome or they are just struggling out the gate after a short camp, or in Jarrys case just aren’t good, I don’t know.
Last edited:
Gurglesons
Registered User
Add Guentzel to that list.
Letang also has been entirely mediocre while not downright awful like those five.
Ugene Magic
EVIL LAUGH
Gurglesons
Registered User
Ugene Magic
EVIL LAUGH
He simply plays more minutes, accumulates trash over a wider brush. He plays 6 to 8 more minutes than all of them. x7
I won't say he's been worse, but I don't think it's out of bounds he's been equally bad.
Gurglesons
Registered User
Ugene Magic
EVIL LAUGH
Like that's the only parameter to prove, playing bad. Not all flawed play shows up on a score sheet.
Gurglesons
Registered User
I mean, everything analytically points to Letang being his usual dominant self unlike the other two.
The issue defensively has largely been Marino.
Can't pick just one option but obviously no training camp and to early to make judgements is number one followed closely by all 4 LD's out at the same time. 4-2 going into the Boston games which we haven't won since 2014. With all the defensman out I was happy to get a point. Really not concerned about this team at this point. I don't panic as quickly as many on these boards that panic after game 1. New GM coming in a few weeks and if team isn't doing well at that time Sullivan will be gone with the GM's own man he wants in. I believe the team has a good group surrounding the core so if it fails it will be the core doesn't have it anymore and that will be okay with me. Worth giving the core another chance before thinking rebuild.
TheSniper26
Registered User
To be fair, if we're going strictly by analytics then Crosby hasn't been anywhere near as bad as this thread is making him out to be(which is more a cautionary note on analytics than anything else).
I more or less agree with you about Letang though. He's been fine. I'd still like more from him, and I think he'll get there, but he hasn't really been an issue of concern.
Cleatus
Registered User
I can't be 100% certain on this, but I think it's becoming a pretty strong case of oldritis for Pittsburgh.
Happens to the best of them, just be grateful you got to witness an amazing team win 3 cups, and enjoy their twilight years (as rough as they'll be at times).
Happens to the best of them, just be grateful you got to witness an amazing team win 3 cups, and enjoy their twilight years (as rough as they'll be at times).
