It was one game kasper. They didn't know what to expect as far as the intensity picking up and it showed. Not saying they'll come out and take game 2 but they will get better as the series goes on. Even if they were to get swept at least they know what to expect if they make it again next year.

They're kids taking their lumps, it happens.
- canadianpenfan

I guess your right

this is why I still root for the Pens since I know the Islanders flat line alot

You're a big man. TIME AND PLACE. time and place.
- kencan98

i thought he was into women?

This is why the upcoming offseason is so huge for this team. With so much cap space, the move to Brooklyn happening potentially after next season, its just paramount that we get some solid players in here. I know JT and Moulson are best buds but unfortunately MM isnt getting the job done anymore. Either drop MM down to a different line or trade his ass. Boyes will be gone after this year.

Snow will have some pressure on him this offseason to make some moves. Step 1 was making the playoffs, now step 2 is improving the team to succeed int he playoffs. Cant do that with Boyes and MM on the first line with a superstar.
- NewYawkIslandez

I don't see Snow doing anything. It is scary world out there for him

MAF is signed for 2 more full seasons, and I'd be stunned if they don't sign Malkin. Letang is the one who is going to be due a huge raise, and he'll probably walk which will be a huge loss for sure. Fortunately, the Pens are loaded with puck moving defensemen in the system. Iginla will sign elsewhere as they can't afford him, but Bennett will slide into his spot. Don't be stunned if Kennedy is allowed to walk, and if Morrow stays for less in a 3rd line role.
- Emperor Filonius

Apologies on the Fleury contract mistake but I don't see how they can retain both Malkin and Letang without having anything else left. Both are going to command max money per season and rightly so. I don't see Iginla back, neither Murray. I can see Morrow returning for another year or so but with Dupuis hitting the open market, with a big contract offer waiting in the wings, I just don't see how this current group stays mostly intact over the next two or three seasons.

We have a superstar with two marginal players. You can't surround yoru star with two guys who can't skate..
- keaner17

JT needs a player who can create room for him. Someone who has an element of danger, whether that be speed (Grabner), toughness (Martin), or close to equal in skill (Strome?). I don't think Strome is the answer, but maybe the others mentioned are, or JJ or Ulstrom. Something to make that line more dangerous. It isn't now as constructed but it might not be too late to fix it.

Man where were you when Kencan was here?? That would have been classic
- kasperrko

You try and have a discussion with that person and he/she quotes back to you exactly what you said like it was his/hers own statement.

Discussing something with him/her is llike banging your head against the wall.
It only feels good when you stop.......

JT needs a player who can create room for him. Someone who has an element of danger, whether that be speed (Grabner), toughness (Martin), or close to equal in skill (Strome?). I don't think Strome is the answer, but maybe the others mentioned are, or JJ or Ulstrom. Something to make that line more dangerous. It isn't now as constructed but it might not be too late to fix it.
- David_Volek

How Grabs was NEVER tried with JT is beyond my understanding. Thats all on Cappy. He just doesnt get it sometimes.

I'm done with the Reasoner experience. The guy is a bag of s**t. He brings nothing to the table. He should never have been dressed for last nights game. I don't understand why Joensuu wasn't dressed last night. He was going well with Cizikas and Martin during that winning streak. He should never have been scratched.
- Jethro09

Reasoner was not good enough to play down the stretch in important games and now he plays in the playoffs? JJ was playing fine and should have stayed in the lineup. Moves like this make it real hard to have any faith in Jack.

Reasoner was not good enough to play down the stretch in important games and now he plays in the playoffs? JJ was playing fine and should have stayed in the lineup. Moves like this make it real hard to have any faith in Jack.
- ses111

You had faith?

You try and have a discussion with that person and he/she quotes back to you exactly what you said like it was his/hers own statement.

Discussing something with him/her is llike banging your head agianst the wall.
It only feels good when you stop.......
- Downeaster

How Grabs was NEVER tried with JT is beyond my understanding. Thats all on Cappy. He just doesnt get it sometimes.
- NewYawkIslandez

Yeah makes no sense. See we need a coach who is not afraid to tinker the lines and to bench players when they are doing absolutely nothing. He has some options but refuses to see them. Once again he is no NHL coach he might be good for the AHL where he belongs but here does not have the balls for it

Reasoner was not good enough to play down the stretch in important games and now he plays in the playoffs? JJ was playing fine and should have stayed in the lineup. Moves like this make it real hard to have any faith in Jack.
- ses111

man I thought you were the David Volek guy. Back to the drawing board

Apologies on the Fleury contract mistake but I don't see how they can retain both Malkin and Letang without having anything else left. Both are going to command max money per season and rightly so. I don't see Iginla back, neither Murray. I can see Morrow returning for another year or so but with Dupuis hitting the open market, with a big contract offer waiting in the wings, I just don't see how this current group stays mostly intact over the next two or three seasons.
- MidnightMarauder

No problem. I agree Iginla and Murray won't be back. Bennett is ready for a top 6 role, and the Pens are so stacked at D that Despres, their best NHL ready prospect, can't get on the ice.

One thing I think you are underestimating is how much guys like playing here. The organization is great to them, and they know it. Dupuis has never had this kind of success elsewhere, has like 4 kids here in school, and can stay here the rest of his career and play in Sid's wing. I'd be stunned if he goes elsewhere. Anyways, like I said in my other post, I'm really not worried about it. Playoff time now, cap analysis in the offseason.

You had faith?
- Cptmjl

Good point I had some faith before the last 3 games.

Good point I had some faith before the last 3 games.
- ses111

Seems like the Islanders went right back to there old ways just in time. Actually if this was a full season this would have been about the time they fell apart

This year is a big learning experience for them. Making the playoffs, putting a good run together to get there, and playing the best team in the east who loaded up on vets at the deadline. The Penguins are playing great playoff hockey right now and the Isles looked shellshocked and surprised. That is actually to be expected with a team that's so young and inexperienced overall.

Even if they get swept in 4 they'll gain valuable experience from this and learn what kind of an effort it takes to be successful. Making the playoffs was a huge step, there's a lot more work to be done for these players and for Snow.
- Isles_since_6

Completely agree.

That being said, they need to make the adjustments that will allow them to at least be IN games. The guys that will augment this team to a serious threat in the playoffs, (strome, nelson, etc) are practicing with the team and watching this series. They are seeing what it takes to win and are seeing a great (pitt, obviously) team firing on all cylinders. They are seeing firsthand what needs to be done to be that #1 seed.

I call this invaluable experience.

Completely agree.

That being said, they need to make the adjustments that will allow them to at least be IN games. The guys that will augment this team to a serious threat in the playoffs, (strome, nelson, etc) are practicing with the team and watching this series. They are seeing what it takes to win and are seeing a great (pitt, obviously) team firing on all cylinders. They are seeing firsthand what needs to be done to be that #1 seed.
I call this invaluable experience.
- Mancalledsting

It seems they would've been better off watching it in their living rooms?

No problem. I agree Iginla and Murray won't be back. Bennett is ready for a top 6 role, and the Pens are so stacked at D that Despres, their best NHL ready prospect, can't get on the ice.

One thing I think you are underestimating is how much guys like playing here. The organization is great to them, and they know it. Dupuis has never had this kind of success elsewhere, has like 4 kids here in school, and can stay here the rest of his career and play in Sid's wing. I'd be stunned if he goes elsewhere. Anyways, like I said in my other post, I'm really not worried about it. Playoff time now, cap analysis in the offseason.
- Emperor Filonius

You guys can easily sweep through the east. Offseason should be the last thing on the Pens minds right now. Obviously they have the "win the cup now" mentality. If the Pens were in the west then the road would be much more difficult. I just don’t see how anyone else in the east can make it to the finals. Stranger things have happened but the talent level between Pitt and just about anyone else is enormous.

Good point I had some faith before the last 3 games.
- ses111

so when they win, hes a good coach
when they lose, hes a bad coach


who can guess what im about to say???

so when they win, hes a good coach
when they lose, hes a bad coach


who can guess what im about to say???
- LetsGoIsles

No, he was a bad coach when we were winning or losing. He's a bad coach. There is no defending the guy on so many different things. He's an absolute moron. He seems like he'd be a cool dude to grab a beer and a slice with but he is STILL a horrible coach.

How Grabs was NEVER tried with JT is beyond my understanding. Thats all on Cappy. He just doesnt get it sometimes.
- NewYawkIslandez

It was tried for a short while last year, while Grabner was having a pretty bad stretch, and since then, it's been etched in stone that it can't work for whatever reason. They tried it once this year and Grabner was left all alone (focus on Tavares) and got a goal...then they never tried it again

No, he was a bad coach when we were winning or losing. He's a bad coach.
- Cptmjl

oh, i dont disagree...

No, he was a bad coach when we were winning or losing. He's a bad coach. There is no defending the guy on so many different things. He's an absolute moron. He seems like he'd be a cool dude to grab a beer and a slice with but he is STILL a horrible coach.
- Cptmjl

THIS

And you know what sucks he will be resigned after the end of the year too since he got the team to the playoffs

oh, i dont disagree...
- LetsGoIsles

I don't think that even the most stalwart Capuano fan(if there was anyone like that?)could disagree at this point. For a beat reporter to question his decision to play Reasoner says a lot, especially Staple.

It was tried for a short while last year, while Grabner was having a pretty bad stretch, and since then, it's been etched in stone that it can't work for whatever reason. They tried it once this year and Grabner was left all alone (focus on Tavares) and got a goal...then they never tried it again
- UIF

Yep, remember that. If it works, change it. Capuano's motto