From all of the comments in the past couple of days, it's obvious that the Penguins see the same issues that we've seen as far as puck management and dealing with the Isles transition game.

Tonight is a big test to see if they can practice what they've preached.

Especially for a guy who plays physical, and at times in the past has lost his cool. He has really kept his emotions in check this season.
- rival22

You're right, he's matured and when you can skate like that, you don't need to take many penalties.

Yeah, Malkin quietly is averaging 2 points per game so far.
- cap1681

Yeah, but I wouldn't want him on my team...

Think about why I'd take Grabner over Tavares for the Pens. It's truly not hard to conceive. Grabner brings a different element. If we didn't have Crosby and Malkin, sure JT would be the choice.

No, its not as insane as someone saying they'd take Kunitz over Crosby, especially since the the poster is a fan of a team that hadn't made the play-offs in a while and were in lottery selection mode. Again, we already have two JT types on our roster. Grabner - we don't have one of him really.
- Oneonta Penguin

it is insane...just bc the islanders need milan lucic more than sidney crosby doesnt mean if given the option they wouldnt think twice.

making the playoffs or not making the playoffs has absolutely no impact on this discussion and prob just your way of getting a rise out of him... either way, most people would agree that if Shero was given the option between JT and grabner, its a no brainer...and by the sound of it, you would be happy with the outcome.

fwiw, if there were an expansion team and they were able to "steal" any player from any team...an argument can be made that JT should be taken over Crosby AND Malkin ...and no, thats not me being an islander fan or me taking a shot at the other two

This board is almost unreadable. Been staying away lately.

it is insane...just bc the islanders need milan lucic more than sidney crosby doesnt mean if given the option they wouldnt think twice.

making the playoffs or not making the playoffs has absolutely no impact on this discussion and prob just your way of getting a rise out of him... either way, most people would agree that if Shero was given the option between JT and grabner, its a no brainer...and by the sound of it, you would be happy with the outcome.

fwiw, if there were an expansion team and they were able to "steal" any player from any team...an argument can be made that JT should be taken over Crosby AND Malkin ...and no, thats not me being an islander fan or me taking a shot at the other two
- LetsGoIsles

You had me until the last paragraph.

it is insane...just bc the islanders need milan lucic more than sidney crosby doesnt mean if given the option they wouldnt think twice.

making the playoffs or not making the playoffs has absolutely no impact on this discussion and prob just your way of getting a rise out of him... either way, most people would agree that if Shero was given the option between JT and grabner, its a no brainer...and by the sound of it, you would be happy with the outcome.

fwiw, if there were an expansion team and they were able to "steal" any player from any team...an argument can be made that JT should be taken over Crosby AND Malkin ...and no, thats not me being an islander fan or me taking a shot at the other two
- LetsGoIsles

Need Milan Lucic over Crosby? LOL. Have you watched Lucic this year? Obviously not.

and that last paragraph tells me there is a common theme with most Islander fans, like yourself and the other guy who doesn't want Crosby for even a seventh round pick. They don't know much when it comes to this game.

And the fact I'd take Grabner over Tavares is obvious. If you actually watched Pittsburgh play and knew its roster, the answer is pretty obvious from my vantage point. There is alot of love for Grabner on this board and its warranted.

it is insane...just bc the islanders need milan lucic more than sidney crosby doesnt mean if given the option they wouldnt think twice.

making the playoffs or not making the playoffs has absolutely no impact on this discussion and prob just your way of getting a rise out of him... either way, most people would agree that if Shero was given the option between JT and grabner, its a no brainer...and by the sound of it, you would be happy with the outcome.

fwiw, if there were an expansion team and they were able to "steal" any player from any team...an argument can be made that JT should be taken over Crosby AND Malkin ...and no, thats not me being an islander fan or me taking a shot at the other two
- LetsGoIsles

There's also an arguement that communism is a good idea

Him winning it or not doesn't have an effect on his price tag. His price has already been set. The question, does Pittsburgh think he is worth that amount. The price tag will be the same win or lose.
- Oneonta Penguin

Respectfully, I disagree. Yes, Letang my have a certain pricetag or "worth" to our organization, but how much more marketable does he become to another team in need of a top defensemen if he takes home the Norris? If he wins, his value goes through the roof and perhaps he decides to see what other teams will offer him instead of taking the "hometown discount" to stay in the burgh.

This board is almost unreadable. Been staying away lately.
- Deadstar

Seems like a wise decision...

Sirhan Sirhan for Time Person of the Year!

This board is almost unreadable. Been staying away lately.
- Deadstar

Won't be getting any better if the Pens advance. Most likely playing the Sens, which would be downright horrible on here.

My least favorite would be a visit from the Rangers troll club.

You had me until the last paragraph.
- rival22

dont worry, i wasnt coming into a pens blog expecting anyone to agree but JT is 3 and 4 years younger than crosby and malkin...and crosby is one big hit away from eating out of a straw for the rest of his life...

its not a no-brainer and i certainly wouldnt be shocked by any means if sid or malkin were taken before jt...im just saying, it would be a discussion and an ARGUMENT can be made that jt would go before those 2.

and for the guy who still cant understand why hes out of his mind for wanting grabner over jt, well agree to disagree but considering everyone jumped on my "last paragraph" and no one jumped on agreeing with you about your "grabner over jt" ill read btwn the lines and assume most penguin fans think youre wrong.

There's also an arguement that communism is a good idea
- cap1681

Seems ti be the running idea in our country these days

Seems ti be the running idea in our country these days
- Cptmjl

Now we can agree on something...

The impressive thing to me is Malkin is still getting his points (at least on the PP), and hasn't retaliated. You are correct that getting Neal back would help Malkin immeasurably, as would switching Kunitz and Iggy. If the Malkin line starts producing 5 on 5, you guys are in a heap of trouble.
- Emperor Filonius

Lets face it. Unless you guys are completely off your games the pens are always going to out up pints. Trying to limit them is the best you can do while putting some in yourself. You guys have an all-star team.

dont worry, i wasnt coming into a pens blog expecting anyone to agree but JT is 3 and 4 years younger than crosby and malkin...and crosby is one big hit away from eating out of a straw for the rest of his life...
its not a no-brainer and i certainly wouldnt be shocked by any means if sid or malkin were taken before jt...im just saying, it would be a discussion and an ARGUMENT can be made that jt would go before those 2.

and for the guy who still cant understand why hes out of his mind for wanting grabner over jt, well agree to disagree but considering everyone jumped on my "last paragraph" and no one jumped on agreeing with you about your "grabner over jt" ill read btwn the lines and assume most penguin fans think youre wrong.
- LetsGoIsles

I hate this arguement. Crosby took a slapshot to the face, shattered his jaw, and knocked out 3/4s of his teeth, but he didn't have any concussion problems. If that didn't do it, i think he is past those problems.

So I took a flyer on Tomas Vokoun with the last pick in the playoff pool, what are my chances we see him start any games?

Now we can agree on something...
- madmike71

Little bit more of an important topic then who has the ugliest player

The level of stupidity is getting at an all time high during this series. With hockeybuzzers, fans, and evidently our players; the day starts out with people in the Islanders room talking about who is the best looking hockey player, to people saying Crosby wouldn't be the #1 pick in a make believe redistribution draft. Wow, I miss Flyers fans at least their anger didn't come from such a strange weird little place.

"what strange goings on here"

Him winning it or not doesn't have an effect on his price tag. His price has already been set. The question, does Pittsburgh think he is worth that amount. The price tag will be the same win or lose.
- Oneonta Penguin

I mean think about it...how much was Suter's ridiculous contact this offseason? 98 million over 13 years. So if Letang beats him out for the Norris, you don't think Letang can get that same contract (if not more) from a desperate team? I'm not saying it's going to happen, but it's possible.

This board is almost unreadable. Been staying away lately.
- Deadstar

Need a hug?

I hate this arguement. Crosby took a slapshot to the face, shattered his jaw, and knocked out 3/4s of his teeth, but he didn't have any concussion problems. If that didn't do it, i think he is past those problems.
- cap1681

his jaw isnt his head...a shoulder to the head (and i dont want to see him or anyone get hurt) is much different that a shot to the mouth...

im not a doctor but i know for a fact concussions dont go away and are much more susceptible after having 1 or 2

I mean think about it...how much was Suter's ridiculous contact this offseason? 98 million over 13 years. So if Letang beats him out for the Norris, you don't think Letang can get that same contract (if not more) from a desperate team? I'm not saying it's going to happen, but it's possible.
- Killian

I could care less what he can get from other teams. Shero has a bottom line, will offer it, if its declined Letang will be dealt.

The level of stupidity is getting at an all time high during this series. With hockeybuzzers, fans, and evidently our players; the day starts out with people in the Islanders room talking about who is the best looking hockey player, to people saying Crosby wouldn't be the #1 pick in a make believe redistribution draft. Wow, I miss Flyers fans at least their anger didn't come from such a strange weird little place.

"what strange goings on here"
- nbartley9

1) i wont defend it cuz im not a part of it but it should be noted a penguins fan started that discussion...
2) as pointed out by a few of your fellow penguins fan, your penguins hat is strapped on so tight, i wouldnt expect you to be a part of this "put our allegiance aside" discussion.