I can't see him playing with Letang. Any pairing with Letang will get a lot of 5-on-5 minutes, and I don't think that you want Murray with anymore than 3rd pairing minutes at 5-on-5 (plus a lot of PK).
- rival22

I don't know how he did it in SJ then. He's been with Boyle (a worse Letang type) the last couple of years. Let's wait and see. Whatever Daaaaan do will be the best for us

Thinking about it, a Murray/Niskanen 3rd pairing is really good...

Except he's a top-6 defenseman here already.

I love Despres and believe he is the future of our blueline, but our D going into the playoffs is in all likelihood going to be the following:

Orpik - Martin
Eaton - Letang
Murray - Niskanen

Despres/Engelland

Yes it's true that Despres is likely already the 2nd/3rd most talented defensemen on the roster and I'd hate to see him sit, but come playoff-time, the pairings will likely be what was noted above.
- ursomp71

Looks good to me, we might see Eaton and Nisk swapped but I think the players look right. I'm just excited to watch Murray lay someone out tonight.

Looks good to me, we might see Eaton and Nisk swapped but I think the players look right. I'm just excited to watch Murray lay someone out tonight.

- canadianpenfan

Gonna have to wait a few days.

Gonna have to wait a few days.
- Gunner Staal

He's not playing?

He's not playing?
- canadianpenfan

Traveling today, here sometime tonight, should practice tomorrow

He's not playing?
- canadianpenfan

No. They said he will not play against Montreal. They will let him settle in and practice Wednesday. Morrow should be in though.

No. They said he will not play against Montreal. They will let him settle in and practice Wednesday. Morrow should be in though.
- HopintheCordoba

I heard they aren't sure if Morrow will be in the lineup tonight.

He's not playing?
- canadianpenfan

As ryman stated he is traveling to Pittsburgh today. He was already on his way back to SJ at the time of the trade.

I heard they aren't sure if Morrow will be in the lineup tonight.
- Killian

They did say that, but he will play.

So I assume Despres will play then if Letang is good to go? Or is it Engellend? Like we need him against the Habs without Prust...

As ryman stated he is traveling to Pittsburgh today. He was already on his way back to SJ at the time of the trade.
- Gunner Staal

Yeah, Sharks were on a week long road trip, and were in Anaheim for the game last night (coming from Minn), so Murray had to fly back to San Jose yesterday, get his stuff, and fly cross country to Pgh today. He deserves a couple of days to rest and figure out what time zone he is in lol.

So I assume Despres will play then if Letang is good to go? Or is it Engellend? Like we need him against the Habs without Prust...
- canadianpenfan

If Letang does come off IR would it be surprising to see Despres sent down?

If Letang does come off IR would it be surprising to see Despres sent down?
- Deadstar

No but do they have to send someone down if Murray hasn't reported yet?

No but do they have to send someone down if Murray hasn't reported yet?
- canadianpenfan

I think placing Letang/Malkin on IR gives us roster flexibility currently.

However, upon either player's return before the trade deadline, Shero will likely have to send down Bennett & Despres (unless another trade occurs).

The parings will be interesting. Martin and Orpik are set, but Eaton, Murray & Niskanen all like to play the left side. I guess it's easiest to move Niskanen natural side, even though he likes playing the off side.

No but do they have to send someone down if Murray hasn't reported yet?
- canadianpenfan

I think so... you figure he will be in Pittsburgh at some time to day. He's no longer on San Jose's roster, and his salary is on Pittsburgh's books, so I'm guessing he's on their roster today.

No but do they have to send someone down if Murray hasn't reported yet?
- canadianpenfan

I think the idea was always to momentarily send Bennett and Despres down if they had to. But Shero made a point of saying they will both play and take part in the playoffs. It would only be for until roster expansion April 3rd.

Malkin and Letang on IR might affect things though. If they take their time coming back we may not see any move at all. Not sure though.

I think placing Letang/Malkin on IR gives us roster flexibility currently.

However, upon either player's return before the trade deadline, Shero will likely have to send down Bennett & Despres (unless another trade occurs).
- ursomp71

Yea that's a given, I'm just talking about tonights game. Despres should get one more game if he can, especially against Montreal.

I think so... you figure he will be in Pittsburgh at some time to day. He's no longer on San Jose's roster, and his salary is on Pittsburgh's books, so I'm guessing he's on their roster today.
- rival22

Then why wasn't he sent down yesterday? If they know he's not playing anymore before the deadline why keep him up on an off day?

Yea that's a given, I'm just talking about tonights game. Despres should get one more game if he can, especially against Montreal.





Then why wasn't he sent down yesterday? If they know he's not playing anymore before the deadline why keep him up on an off day?
- canadianpenfan

Josh Yohe ‏@JoshYohe_Trib 3m Letang called himself a game time decision.

edit: this answers none of our questions. Just thought Id share.

Looks good to me, we might see Eaton and Nisk swapped but I think the players look right. I'm just excited to watch Murray lay someone out tonight.



- canadianpenfan

Canadian, what would you do with 245 pounds coming straight at you at high speed?

Douglas Murray can definitely hit. He's as bulky as it comes.

Josh Yohe ‏@JoshYohe_Trib 3m Letang called himself a game time decision.

edit: this answers none of our questions. Just thought Id share.
- Deadstar

Thanks.

Yea that's a given, I'm just talking about tonights game. Despres should get one more game if he can, especially against Montreal.





Then why wasn't he sent down yesterday? If they know he's not playing anymore before the deadline why keep him up on an off day?
- canadianpenfan

Who, Despres? I would think that it depended on Letang's availability. If Letang can't go tonight, keeping Despres around is needed because he'll likely play.

Canadian, what would you do with 245 pounds coming straight at you at high speed?

Douglas Murray can definitely hit. He's as bulky as it comes.
- Orpik44

Buy it a drink and pawn it off on my drunk friend.

Josh Yohe ‏@JoshYohe_Trib 3m Letang called himself a game time decision.

edit: this answers none of our questions. Just thought Id share.
- Deadstar

At this point, I hope he stays out. They simply don't need him right now. Same with Geno.