I've never really been much of a "homer" fan, I give and take, and when the team does something stupid I'm just as all over them as anybody else.

That's not to say that I automatically agree with everyone else's opinions but that's what makes this site interesting
- Rayven

That's more than anyone can or should be allowed to do. I've been banned so I feel your pain. We wouldn't be fan(atics) otherwise.

the players play the system that the coach coaches, they try and execute the game plan the coach gives them, so unless the inmates are running the asylum . . .
- Rayven

That is my biggest criticism of Bylsma. He refuses to staple a guy to the bench for repetitive stupidity. How many terrible give aways have we seen Malkin, Neal, Letang, Kennedy, Niskanen and so on make, but sure enough when their next shift is up they are out there....giving the puck away again.

Same thing penalties. How many stupid penalties can a player take until you bench them? For Bylsma that number is unlimited.

I don't have a problem with Bylsma's system. I have a problem with his lack of balls in dealing with his players.

Wow

@MikeHeika: Stars have acquired rights to Ottawa defenseman Sergei Gonchar, 39, for a conditional 6th round pick. Hope to sign him to 2-year deal.

@NHLexpertpicks: #Sens Sergei Gonchar has an offer from Metallurg #KHL for over $6M. He is waiting to see what his #NHL options are.

Wow

@MikeHeika: Stars have acquired rights to Ottawa defenseman Sergei Gonchar, 39, for a conditional 6th round pick. Hope to sign him to 2-year deal.

@NHLexpertpicks: #Sens Sergei Gonchar has an offer from Metallurg #KHL for over $6M. He is waiting to see what his #NHL options are.
- HopintheCordoba

I'm sure that Gonchar's camp leaked that KHL offer out there to get a feel for NHL interest in him. Well done.

That is my biggest criticism of Bylsma. He refuses to staple a guy to the bench for repetitive stupidity. How many terrible give aways have we seen Malkin, Neal, Letang, Kennedy, Niskanen and so on make, but sure enough when their next shift is up they are out there....giving the puck away again.

Same thing penalties. How many stupid penalties can a player take until you bench them? For Bylsma that number is unlimited.

I don't have a problem with Bylsma's system. I have a problem with his lack of balls in dealing with his players.
- Ben37

Mark Madden calls them "the get along gang". Nobody but the rookies ever suffer any anguish.

I'm sure that Gonchar's camp leaked that KHL offer out there to get a feel for NHL interest in him. Well done.
- rival22

Obviously smart move. I'm sure it's not far from real. He's very well liked there and he can offer some help. His game is better suited for the smaller rink at this point though.

That is my biggest criticism of Bylsma. He refuses to staple a guy to the bench for repetitive stupidity. How many terrible give aways have we seen Malkin, Neal, Letang, Kennedy, Niskanen and so on make, but sure enough when their next shift is up they are out there....giving the puck away again.

Same thing penalties. How many stupid penalties can a player take until you bench them? For Bylsma that number is unlimited.

I don't have a problem with Bylsma's system. I have a problem with his lack of balls in dealing with his players.
- Ben37

Unless I'm mistaken you were criticizing the use of the 40ft stretch pass asking why they continue to do it if it isn't working.

They are using it to try and beat Boston's neutral zone pressure. They'll keep using it because that's what Disco Dan (love that moniker) has told them to do, and like good soldiers they do it, until someone on the Pitt$burgh coaching staff comes up with another play to try and break that neutral zone pressure you'll continue to see it. If it starts to work, you'll start seeing some goals scored and then you'll be happy

- Orpik44

Now there's a man I don't trust... just LOOK AT HIM

Now there's a man I don't trust... just LOOK AT HIM
- Ledgermain

He looks like a villian from some 80's action movie

Mark Madden calls them "the get along gang". Nobody but the rookies ever suffer any anguish.
- madmike71

That is my biggest question when it comes to his decisions. What leads to rookie scratches? He seems to place value in experience over playing well. Bennett can play a perfectly good game, get a couple of chances and not do anything that hurts the team and he'll sit the next 13 games because Tanner Glass has played more NHL games. I don't get it.

Obviously smart move. I'm sure it's not far from real. He's very well liked there and he can offer some help. His game is better suited for the smaller rink at this point though.
- HopintheCordoba

I just got the TSN text alert so it's legit

He looks like a villian from some 80's action movie
- sammy87

Slightly like a more leprechaun version of Bernie from Weekend at Bernie's.

That is my biggest criticism of Bylsma. He refuses to staple a guy to the bench for repetitive stupidity. How many terrible give aways have we seen Malkin, Neal, Letang, Kennedy, Niskanen and so on make, but sure enough when their next shift is up they are out there....giving the puck away again.

Same thing penalties. How many stupid penalties can a player take until you bench them? For Bylsma that number is unlimited.

I don't have a problem with Bylsma's system. I have a problem with his lack of balls in dealing with his players.
- Ben37

That's sorta where I'm at. It's too late by the playoffs, you gotta play those high skill guys. But make a statement in the regular season. You are taking dumb penalties or are careless with the puck? Then you sit out a few power plays or empty net situations where you can pad your stats.

He looks like a villian from some 80's action movie
- sammy87

I think that guy sold me my first car....

Now there's a man I don't trust... just LOOK AT HIM
- Ledgermain

stranger danger for sure

Wow

@MikeHeika: Stars have acquired rights to Ottawa defenseman Sergei Gonchar, 39, for a conditional 6th round pick. Hope to sign him to 2-year deal.

@NHLexpertpicks: #Sens Sergei Gonchar has an offer from Metallurg #KHL for over $6M. He is waiting to see what his #NHL options are.
- HopintheCordoba

What's the deal with the Stars' management? Sign elderly and trade for Gogos?

Unless I'm mistaken you were criticizing the use of the 40ft stretch pass asking why they continue to do it if it isn't working.

They are using it to try and beat Boston's neutral zone pressure. They'll keep using it because that's what Disco Dan (love that moniker) has told them to do, and like good soldiers they do it, until someone on the Pitt$burgh coaching staff comes up with another play to try and break that neutral zone pressure you'll continue to see it. If it starts to work, you'll start seeing some goals scored and then you'll be happy
- Rayven

Nope. I don't criticize the 40ft pass, I love the idea of moving the puck ahead. But if the well is dry you have to try something else. And I don't know but I have to assume that the coaching staff has told Letang that trying to pass through 5 guys doesn't work, so in my mind the fact that it happens so regularly is that the players aren't learning.

It's like Sansa Stark. How many times did Jofferey prove that he was a Richard to her, before she realized that he was a Richard?

stranger danger for sure
- Rayven

Nope. I don't criticize the 40ft pass, I love the idea of moving the puck ahead. But if the well is dry you have to try something else. And I don't know but I have to assume that the coaching staff has told Letang that trying to pass through 5 guys doesn't work, so in my mind the fact that it happens so regularly is that the players aren't learning.

It's like Sansa Stark. How many times did Jofferey prove that he was a Richard to her, before she realized that he was a Richard?
- Ben37

love the anecdote

You have a point, but it's up to the coaching staff to figure that out and give the new game plan to the players no ?

What's the deal with the Stars' management? Sign elderly and trade for Gogos?
- Orpik44

One thing we can assume about the new GM is he didn't watch the Ott/Pens series.

What if I told that was her 22 years ago?

- Orpik44

hey... how'd you get a picture of my girlfriend...?

love the anecdote

You have a point, but it's up to the coaching staff to figure that out and give the new game plan to the players no ?
- Rayven

It is if you believe that players are nothing but robots. In my view it falls to both parties. They both have to make an adjustment, both parties haven't.

I don't see Bylsma getting canned. what I see is both assistants taking a hike. I would love Billy G or Tocchet (or both) as the new assistants.

It is if you believe that players are nothing but robots. In my view it falls to both parties. They both have to make an adjustment, both parties haven't.
- Ben37

Fair enough, so your problem is that the coach hasn't tried to change anything, and the players haven't either, but to some degree the players can only do so much otherwise they get benched for not following the game plan. Or at least that's the way it should go, but it doesn't happen that way either.

It is if you believe that players are nothing but robots. In my view it falls to both parties. They both have to make an adjustment, both parties haven't.
- Ben37

Not to belabor this.... as the old saying goes, you can't fire the players.

This team absolutely never plays well against the trap. It's not new. The Isle gave them fits with the 1-3-1 in the first series. The Devils give them trouble year after year. The B's are taking the Pens out of their game with a clogged neutral zone and there seems to be, as usual, no plan B....(pun intended).