Bennett played at times very well and very poor last night. I'd like to see him with Kunitz and Crosby definately

Bennett played at times very well and very poor last night. I'd like to see him with Kunitz and Crosby definately
- drummer829

agree

So your saying we take Kunitz Orpik and Nisk money and give it to Letang? Well now we need 2 top 6 defenseman and a top 6 winger. I'm fairly confident the defense would have replacements in the system but I'm assuming we have to go find that top 6 winger elsewhere. I don't think Orpik and Kunitz take $2 mil less a piece to stay here. That would put both of them at about 1.75 mil. And that would take Letangs salary up to 7 mil which is a number he will be able to get somewhere if not here.
- dbell646

Not all of it, but no way those 2 can justify the same salary....I like them both, but they need to take a bit of a cut. Atleast 1 of the 3 will be gone by that time as well. There will be some money freed up. I think Cooke will be out of here as well. Kunitz is in the advantage because of what he brings and like you said there are 0 prospects that can jump in and fill his spot. Bottom line Letang needs to take 6, if not, I think they move him. I honestly dont think he's worth any more. He has potential, but hes a veteran now and his potential should be realized. Im not sure if hes been nominated for a norris yet or not, but I dont think hes quite there with the mistakes he makes, and his inneffectiveness on the pp.

It's not like Bylsma doesn't notice. And Shero is smart enough to hammer him on it during their post-game meetings when they evaluate each player. It's up to the players themselves.
- Deadstar

It is up to the players. There should be, however, consequences from the coaching staff. Stupid penalties should result in missed shifts... does not seem to be happening right now.

In regards to Letang, I have always seen him as your classic riverboat gambler of a d-man. High risk / high reward. If you can live with that, then you keep him. If not, move him in the offseason or if the right deal comes available in season.

Bennett played at times very well and very poor last night. I'd like to see him with Kunitz and Crosby definately
- drummer829

You are going to get that from Beau for a little while. Remember, he really hasn't played too much hockey the last year. He missed like 85% of the games last year for Denver. Rookies will be inconsistent. This kid, unfortunately, has ALOT of pressure on him and I think he knows it. He is the lone ranger as far as prospect go that could solve the winger problem we have. He is the lone forward prospect with a chance to do anything in the NHL within our top 10.

You are going to get that from Beau for a little while. Remember, he really hasn't played too much hockey the last year. He missed like 85% of the games last year for Denver. Rookies will be inconsistent. This kid, unfortunately, has ALOT of pressure on him and I think he knows it. He is the lone ranger as far as prospect go that could solve the winger problem we have. He is the lone forward prospect with a chance to do anything in the NHL within our top 10.
- Oneonta Penguin

That's why I'd like to see him with Sid. The last 5 minutes of the game he was flying and knocking bodies. He has serious potential

It's not like Bylsma doesn't notice. And Shero is smart enough to hammer him on it during their post-game meetings when they evaluate each player. It's up to the players themselves.
- Deadstar

I have no doubt that Bylsma and Shero discuss the nightly gaffes and discipline issues. I also have no doubt that Bylsma has regular conversations with the worst offenders. What do you do when the players stop responding to those conversations? It's my theory that the players feel very comfortable with their nightly turnovers, mental mistakes, selfish penalties and general lack of discipline.

You can't leave it "up to the players". This team does not play a brand of hockey that is required to win in the playoffs. To do nothing about it is a failure at all levels of management.

I'm sure we all feel $7mil is too much to give Letang on a long term deal. $6mil is the magical number, take it or leave it. Kunitz/Orpik salaries will total at least $6-6.5 mil if we re-sign them. I can't see a big drop off.

If we come down to trading Letang and Eberle/Perry are not available, I'd try to bring a package of D.Brown/R.Scuderi or Voynov. Something like that.
- Orpik44

Once the Stanley Cup hangover is over in LA that could be a very serious reality. Brown, who has been mentioned before, would be a slam dunk on this team. I love the way he plays and I think he'd fit perfectly. We all know that we prefer the Perry and Eberle types but the odds of the Penguins getting them are slim to none. I like a proposal similar to what you're offering there. Plenty of time for Shero to get a feel for what the team will need if it comes to that too.

I have no doubt that Bylsma and Shero discuss the nightly gaffes and discipline issues. I also have no doubt that Bylsma has regular conversations with the worst offenders. What do you do when the players stop responding to those conversations? It's my theory that the players feel very comfortable with their nightly turnovers, mental mistakes, selfish penalties and general lack of discipline.You can't leave it "up to the players". This team does not play a brand of hockey that is required to win in the playoffs. To do nothing about it is a failure at all levels of management.
- madmike71

That's pretty obvious, yeah. I'm not going to let the league off the hook right now for some of the calls they have allowed to be made by officials, but the majority this team have been called for are reasonable. The problem is that the penalty kill has been suspect on top of the penalties. You didn't notice many free wheeling games when the PK was tops in the league. Now theyre not even middle of the pack and it's a BIG problem. They are writing checks that they can't cash.

Once the Stanley Cup hangover is over in LA that could be a very serious reality. Brown, who has been mentioned before, would be a slam dunk on this team. I love the way he plays and I think he'd fit perfectly. We all know that we prefer the Perry and Eberle types but the odds of the Penguins getting them are slim to none. I like a proposal similar to what you're offering there. Plenty of time for Shero to get a feel for what the team will need if it comes to that too.
- HopintheCordoba

I think teams had a great chance to get Brown last year at the deadline. He was struggling. Now, I don't see him being available. He is, along with Quick and Doughty, untouchable.

I think teams had a great chance to get Brown last year at the deadline. He was struggling. Now, I don't see him being available. He is, along with Quick and Doughty, untouchable.
- Oneonta Penguin

For now that may be true. Quick is certainly untouchable. Doughty probably is too, but so was Jack Johnson for awhile. You never quite know what the Kings may have in mind and you never know what the Penguins might be willing to give up to get him. Anything can happen. The only difference between then and now is a cup and the Kings know that Quick had more to do with that than almost any other player. Brown could be available...Quick-ly

For now that may be true. Quick is certainly untouchable. Doughty probably is too, but so was Jack Johnson for awhile. You never quite know what the Kings may have in mind and you never know what the Penguins might be willing to give up to get him. Anything can happen. The only difference between then and now is a cup and the Kings know that Quick had more to do with that than almost any other player. Brown could be available...Quick-ly
- HopintheCordoba

I'm not sure I'm buying that, but I will give you an A for creativity.

I'm not sure I'm buying that, but I will give you an A for creativity.
- Oneonta Penguin

You are too kind...but I'll take it.

madmike you're getting it wrong. It's not a matter of "we need better players". We do believe we have a good group of guys. What we need is a leader/lead by example/experienced/calming influence type of player. We're not trying to blow up the team whatsoever. Wake up and watch carefully. This ain't working come playoff time. We need a Guerin type on this roster, that's it. Calm this team and cut down the penalties.
- Orpik44

Wouldn't/shouldn't this be Crosby ? He's not a kid anymore. This team reminds me a bit of the Boudreau Caps, playing in spurts and seemingly thinking they can score when they need to (and ultimately winning a lot when they aren't playing well and/or smart - tough to convince guys that there is a problem when you are at the top of the standings). Fortunately for the Pens, the key players have won a Cup so they ultimately have that to fall back on, but I don't like their chances against Philly/Boston/New Jersey in a 7 game series at the moment.

Wouldn't/shouldn't this be Crosby ? He's not a kid anymore. This team reminds me a bit of the Boudreau Caps, playing in spurts and seemingly thinking they can score when they need to (and ultimately winning a lot when they aren't playing well and/or smart - tough to convince guys that there is a problem when you are at the top of the standings). Fortunately for the Pens, the key players have won a Cup so they ultimately have that to fall back on, but I don't like their chances against Philly/Boston/New Jersey in a 7 game series at the moment.
- MadCap2008

Agreed, but if the structure is not put in place by the coach, then the captain should not be held liable. Defensive zone coverage and responsibilities is not the charge of the captain.

In the past 2 games Bennett has been a PPG player

Agreed, but if the structure is not put in place by the coach, then the captain should not be held liable. Defensive zone coverage and responsibilities is not the charge of the captain.
- Tiogadog

Do you believe they have the personnel defensively to play the sort of game that they need to in order to win in the playoffs (and by winning, I mean making a Cup run) ?

Do you believe they have the personnel defensively to play the sort of game that they need to in order to win in the playoffs (and by winning, I mean making a Cup run) ?
- MadCap2008

I think they have a lot of good defenseman but I can't seem to get a read on it. I'd say gut feeling is no. They might if they played the right combinations during the playoffs. IMO I'd deal Nisk quick so Despres plays every night and Borts wouldn't leave the line up. Guess ask me again after the playoffs.

Do you believe they have the personnel defensively to play the sort of game that they need to in order to win in the playoffs (and by winning, I mean making a Cup run) ?
- MadCap2008

I think we need a couple pieces. Obviously we have the talent but it's never enough to have that + guy.
And I don't think Crosby is this vocal leader at all. He leads by example on the ice and that's about it. I see him very quiet on the bench at times. We need a veteran with lots of respect througout the league. Iginla is that man and we should go for him IF the price is right (probably won't be).

Wouldn't/shouldn't this be Crosby ? He's not a kid anymore. This team reminds me a bit of the Boudreau Caps, playing in spurts and seemingly thinking they can score when they need to (and ultimately winning a lot when they aren't playing well and/or smart - tough to convince guys that there is a problem when you are at the top of the standings). Fortunately for the Pens, the key players have won a Cup so they ultimately have that to fall back on, but I don't like their chances against Philly/Boston/New Jersey in a 7 game series at the moment.
- MadCap2008

IGINLA....MORROW...JAGR(??)

Wouldn't/shouldn't this be Crosby ? He's not a kid anymore. This team reminds me a bit of the Boudreau Caps, playing in spurts and seemingly thinking they can score when they need to (and ultimately winning a lot when they aren't playing well and/or smart - tough to convince guys that there is a problem when you are at the top of the standings). Fortunately for the Pens, the key players have won a Cup so they ultimately have that to fall back on, but I don't like their chances against Philly/Boston/New Jersey in a 7 game series at the moment.
- MadCap2008

Captains lead in different ways. I don't think Sid is the vocal type. It was well known that Mario wasn't that type of guy either. Sid is the kind of guy that plays every shift like it's his last. Ultimately, I think the letter on the sweater has very little to do with how a team plays.

I think your analysis is accurate. I'm starting to believe that Bylsma has lost the team. I don't think they respect him anymore and they believe they do not need to do all the little things that makes a team a real contender. Even though I hate his system, I don't think he coaches them to make the same mind numbing mistakes every night.

I'm really starting to worry that they'll flush another season down the toilet to come to the realization that changes are necessary to be successful in the playoffs.

I think they have a lot of good defenseman but I can't seem to get a read on it. I'd say gut feeling is no. They might if they played the right combinations during the playoffs. IMO I'd deal Nisk quick so Despres plays every night and Borts wouldn't leave the line up. Guess ask me again after the playoffs.
- dbell646

I would like for them to add one physical defenseman who can clear the crease and the slot on the penalty kill. Orpik used to be that player. This year he waits until the goal is scored to do so (see last night).

Do you believe they have the personnel defensively to play the sort of game that they need to in order to win in the playoffs (and by winning, I mean making a Cup run) ?
- MadCap2008

Defensively, if they play to the capabilities, yes, we have the pieces to make a run. That said, there always seem to be two or three off each night and this is defensively as in blueliners and forwards. We are missing something.

That said, our biggest problem is lack of discipline as far as taking needless penalties. Getting that corrected could go along way.

Captains lead in different ways. I don't think Sid is the vocal type. It was well known that Mario wasn't that type of guy either. Sid is the kind of guy that plays every shift like it's his last. Ultimately, I think the letter on the sweater has very little to do with how a team plays.

I think your analysis is accurate. I'm starting to believe that Bylsma has lost the team. I don't think they respect him anymore and they believe they do not need to do all the little things that makes a team a real contender. Even though I hate his system, I don't think he coaches them to make the same mind numbing mistakes every night.

I'm really starting to worry that they'll flush another season down the toilet to come to the realization that changes are necessary to be successful in the playoffs.
- madmike71

I am afraid too. Many people on this board don't think this way..and they should.

I'd consider trading Letang for PK Subban and Max Pacioretty. Definitely would.