Ovetime goals often go in this way. David Volek on Tom Barrasso (1993), Keith Primeau on Johan Hedberg (2000). Man the Penguins have caused me such grief! But at the least this has been an entertaining series and Penguins fans need to lighten up. We still have a chance. I wish they would skate Neal and Crosby toghther. They did well when Malkin and Kunitz were out down the stretch. Also Neal needs to be on first pp and Letang needs to be set free. If he is not going to play offensive they'd be better off with Bortuzzo in there. I think Byslma was wrong to bench him, killed his confidence. He has no points in this series...if he'd attack more we may have won 5-2 last night.
- matante15

I know it sounds absolutely crazy...but...put Bortuzzo (or someone else) in on D...move Letang to forward.

I'm dead serious too.

Burns and Byfuglien have done it...

if columbus had half of the hands to match their heart and hitting, theyd be up 3 to 1.
- stayinthefnnet

+1

Also like your avatar name. It's very timely today.

I know it sounds absolutely crazy...but...put Bortuzzo (or someone else) in on D...move Letang to forward.

I'm dead serious too.

Burns and Byfuglien have done it...
- icedog97

I've actually thought about that, but next year, do you really want to spend 7 mil per year on letang at forward? Niskanen and Martin have shown they can take over Letangs spot on the PP and it seems right now he's just a 2nd pairing guy. Maatta will eventually take his place.

Letang was doing the same things last season too. I can't see how they keep Letang, especially with that new cap hit

I've actually thought about that, but next year, do you really want to spend 7 mil per year on letang at forward? Niskanen and Martin have shown they can take over Letangs spot on the PP and it seems right now he's just a 2nd pairing guy. Maatta will eventually take his place.

Letang was doing the same things last season too. I can't see how they keep Letang, especially with that new cap hit
- drummer829

I'm not thinking about next year right now...I'm talking about trying to make use of a guy who can clearly skate and has offensive skills and abilities...in this post season

I not trying to pick what you are saying apart just looking for a better understanding.

Is Steigy suggesting that the players aren't playing the correct "style of game" or the coaches haven't implemented the correct "style of game"?
- astgood9414

He basically said they emphasize offense over defense. Blame whomever you want, coaches or players. It's a team that is more concerned with scoring goals than keeping it out of their own net. He went on to say that he wasn't sure it's a formula for winning in the playoffs.

He was soft peddling the criticism a bit, but it was a little more "biting" than you'd expect from him.

I don't see how anybody could argue with it. The team frequently has multiple clusterf*ck moments in every playoff game. Not a lot of structure like you see from the Bruins.

I saw someone tweet something about the 2003 draft (Fleury's), and how loaded it was.

First round was sick (E Staal, Horton, Vanek, Suter, Phaneuf, Carter, Dustin Brown, Seabrook, Parise, Getzlaf, Perry, Kesler etc etc). Pens picked 2nd in 2nd round and got freaking Ryan Stone. Picked after him in that round was Loui Eriksson, Patrice Bergeron, Shea Weber, and David Backes.

What a draft...

I'm not thinking about next year right now...I'm talking about trying to make use of a guy who can clearly skate and has offensive skills and abilities...in this post season
- icedog97

I'm thinking of next year... I don't know how this team will be able to compete with the rangers or philly, and even of they got to the conf finals, they'd get swept again by Boston.

I know it sounds absolutely crazy...but...put Bortuzzo (or someone else) in on D...move Letang to forward.

I'm dead serious too.

Burns and Byfuglien have done it...
- icedog97

So has Engelland.

I saw someone tweet something about the 2003 draft (Fleury's), and how loaded it was.

First round was sick (E Staal, Horton, Vanek, Suter, Phaneuf, Carter, Dustin Brown, Seabrook, Parise, Getzlaf, Perry, Kesler etc etc). Pens picked 2nd in 2nd round and got freaking Ryan Stone. Picked after him in that round was Loui Eriksson, Patrice Bergeron, Shea Weber, and David Backes.

What a draft...
- rival22

It's one of only (I believe) 2 drafts since expansion where every 1st rounder has played at least 1 NHL game (Hugh Jessiman played 2 games in 10/100). It's regarded as one of the best 2 drafts ever, the only true rival being 1979 (Ramage, Gartner, Vaive, Bourque, Propp, McCrimmon, Howe).

I'm thinking of next year... I don't know how this team will be able to compete with the rangers or philly, and even of they got to the conf finals, they'd get swept again by Boston.
- drummer829

They'll beat NYR if they get them. NYR are a nightmare matchup for Philly, but a very nice draw for Pittsburgh. They're like Columbus but without the hitting and forecheck (so, basically, take the best part of Columbus' game away) and a better goaltender.

He basically said they emphasize offense over defense. Blame whomever you want, coaches or players. It's a team that is more concerned with scoring goals than keeping it out of their own net. He went on to say that he wasn't sure it's a formula for winning in the playoffs.

He was soft peddling the criticism a bit, but it was a little more "biting" than you'd expect from him.

I don't see how anybody could argue with it. The team frequently has multiple clusterf*ck moments in every playoff game. Not a lot of structure like you see from the Bruins.
- madmike71

I totally agree. I think are defensive structure is the problem. If you watch the first three games especially, you can see we end up with three forwards way to low in the zone chasing back a 3 on 2 the other way. Our defenseman look bad when they have to deal with an odd man rush that has just gathered speed in the neutral zone because we have no forwards to slow down the offensive attack.

I think Bylsma has proved that he isn't going to change his approach to the game and I wouldn't mind seeing a defense first approach.

I totally agree. I think are defensive structure is the problem. If you watch the first three games especially, you can see we end up with three forwards way to low in the zone chasing back a 3 on 2 the other way. Our defenseman look bad when they have to deal with an odd man rush that has just gathered speed in the neutral zone because we have no forwards to slow down the offensive attack.

I think Bylsma has proved that he isn't going to change his approach to the game and I wouldn't mind seeing a defense first approach.
- astgood9414

The odd part is the Pens played a much tighter defensive game in games 3 and 4 against Boston last year. The offense wasnt there, but those games were an awesome battle to watch. Wish they would get back to playing the way they did in those 2 games.

The odd part is the Pens played a much tighter defensive game in games 3 and 4 against Boston last year. The offense wasnt there, but those games were an awesome battle to watch. Wish they would get back to playing the way they did in those 2 games.
- Rawdog9755

I think they did a decent job last night of playing D. The beginning of the third they had trouble exiting the zone but made adjustments within the first 5 minutes to pretty much shut the Blue Jackets down.

My general feeling is the Blue Jackets were some what lucky to be in that game. They scored 5 on 3 after a mistake on Sutter's part and the rolling puck on the Fleury goal.

I'm, also, sure you remember when we played the Lightning. We played well defensively because the Penguins knew they couldn't score at will without Malkin and Crosby. I don't understand why we don't play like that all the time. The team scores goals that has never been issue. I upsets me when I hear about Malkin and Crosby not scoring when we are putting up 3 and 4 goals a game. Who cares if they aren't scoring, the team has a whole is scoring enough to win. We should be happy we have had such solid secondary scoring.

I saw someone tweet something about the 2003 draft (Fleury's), and how loaded it was.

First round was sick (E Staal, Horton, Vanek, Suter, Phaneuf, Carter, Dustin Brown, Seabrook, Parise, Getzlaf, Perry, Kesler etc etc). Pens picked 2nd in 2nd round and got freaking Ryan Stone. Picked after him in that round was Loui Eriksson, Patrice Bergeron, Shea Weber, and David Backes.

What a draft...
- rival22

Id give Malkins left nut to have Backes on this team.

Ovetime goals often go in this way. David Volek on Tom Barrasso (1993), Keith Primeau on Johan Hedberg (2000). Man the Penguins have caused me such grief! But at the least this has been an entertaining series and Penguins fans need to lighten up. We still have a chance. I wish they would skate Neal and Crosby toghther. They did well when Malkin and Kunitz were out down the stretch. Also Neal needs to be on first pp and Letang needs to be set free. If he is not going to play offensive they'd be better off with Bortuzzo in there. I think Byslma was wrong to bench him, killed his confidence. He has no points in this series...if he'd attack more we may have won 5-2 last night.
- matante15

I believe that it was actually Tugnutt in net for the 2000 marathon game.

Another awesome blog, Ryan. I haven't posted much on here the past few years but have always read what yourself, JT, and B Metz have had to say game after game.

This series has made me dust off the login and join the conversation. This team's flaws are glaring and they have been since the Olympic break. There's not size on the back end. Not enough sandpaper up front. Sure, Fleury's made another bone head play, but guess what? He's been doing going back to his days in Juniors. That's the risk you take with MAF. They were lucky to get the W in gm 1. They're consistently getting outworked along the boards. I haven't seen a team struggle to clear the front of their net since the '88-'89 Pens let Tim Kerr set up like a PennDot Pylon. Orpik got straight up bullied during the 2-man advantage. The lack of compete that a lot of the veterans are showing is disturbing.

The Pens are built to be a pure finesse team front to back. The D is built to lift sticks and poke check, not much else. Smaller wingers won't instill fear into opposing defensemen chasing down a dump in. I think Bylsma plateaued with team in the 2011 season. This offseason will be the most interesting in almost a decade. With Sid and Geno now in their prime Shero's work will be cut out for him and I wouldn't be surprised if his seat start to get warmer.

I believe that it was actually Tugnutt in net for the 2000 marathon game.

Another awesome blog, Ryan. I haven't posted much on here the past few years but have always read what yourself, JT, and B Metz have had to say game after game.

This series has made me dust off the login and join the conversation. This team's flaws are glaring and they have been since the Olympic break. There's not size on the back end. Not enough sandpaper up front. Sure, Fleury's made another bone head play, but guess what? He's been doing going back to his days in Juniors. That's the risk you take with MAF. They were lucky to get the W in gm 1. They're consistently getting outworked along the boards. I haven't seen a team struggle to clear the front of their net since the '88-'89 Pens let Tim Kerr set up like a PennDot Pylon. Orpik got straight up bullied during the 2-man advantage. The lack of compete that a lot of the veterans are showing is disturbing.

The Pens are built to be a pure finesse team front to back. The D is built to lift sticks and poke check, not much else. Smaller wingers won't instill fear into opposing defensemen chasing down a dump in. I think Bylsma plateaued with team in the 2011 season. This offseason will be the most interesting in almost a decade. With Sid and Geno now in their prime Shero's work will be cut out for him and I wouldn't be surprised if his seat start to get warmer.
- Incredible Malk

Nice post with some good points. That's why I'd like to see Despres, he has size and can skate, stick handle and shoot. He is 6'4" at 220lbs, we sure could use him.

Nice post with some good points. That's why I'd like to see Despres, he has size and can skate, stick handle and shoot. He is 6'4" at 220lbs, we sure could use him.
- powerhouse

That's what I've been saying for a couple of years. They need bigger players. Niskanen is a good player, but he got thrashed last year by the B's. I think they've done nothing but undermine Simone's confidence. He went from being the best D in that Flyer series to a guy that's on the trading block.

I don't think it's possible that he'd be playing worse than Scuds is right now. Imagine if they had faith in Despres and used Scuds money on a good forward. The guy I wanted was MacArthur. Tell me he wouldn't look good in the top 9 right now.

Id give Malkins left nut to have Backes on this team.
- Grinder47

Agree. Backes is the type of guy that is needed here. High character; can score; can play defense; can play rough if need be and can ruffle feathers.

That's what I've been saying for a couple of years. They need bigger players. Niskanen is a good player, but he got thrashed last year by the B's. I think they've done nothing but undermine Simone's confidence. He went from being the best D in that Flyer series to a guy that's on the trading block.

I don't think it's possible that he'd be playing worse than Scuds is right now. Imagine if they had faith in Despres and used Scuds money on a good forward. The guy I wanted was MacArthur. Tell me he wouldn't look good in the top 9 right now.
- madmike71

I too was on the Clark McArthur bandwagon as well.

I too was on the Clark McArthur bandwagon as well.
- Oneonta Penguin

Yep, me too.

things that I think need answered

1. Can we make some in house moves?
-Letang to forward? Could his speed work well with Crosby? The problem is that that adds yet another immature forward to our top 6. I think he'd be better off with Malkin and Neal with Crosby but I don't think I could trust a line with Malkin and Letang.
-Could we bring in a group of youth to take over. Sure, right now guys like Megna, Despres, Bortuzzo, even Harrington are quality NHL players, but the way teams like Detroit have turned players like them into NHL quality talent is by letting them play it out throughout the regular season. sometimes they surrendered a couple of points in the standings, but it is a long term model to success
-Does MAF have a future here? I still think the answer is yes, in fact, I say sign him to a new deal. you can surely get him for a good deal at this point. add a coach that will hold the players accountable, and I think you get a much better MAF

2. What outside factors need to be brought in?
-Is the penguins locker room to "buddy-buddy" right now. do they need that extreme personality that might create some tension or get players thinking. Is a guy like Ryan Kesler the answer?
-What players would you look to add to add some of that youth and heart to the bottom 6 or even the top 6?
-Does this team need to look to send James Neal somewhere else in exchange for another top 6 winger at a similar age?

3. The Coaching
-Is Dan Bylsma as big of a problem as people think?
-If he is fired, who would you look to bring in?
-What qualities do you think a new coach would need to have to get this team going?

all fair questions, feel free if you have any answers to these.

I have to weigh in on this.

Fleury is my favorite player, he's great to watch.

but my god does he have the ability to lose important statement games with statement saves. All he has to do in that last 30 seconds is keep the puck out and pit are up 3-1 and all the talk is positive about how he has handled the pressure.

Well all of that got thrown out the window. He does it to himself, over his entire career he has been terrible at handling the puck, there actually was no need for him to play that puck, but so be it.

The team is going to have to go with him unless Vokoun can slide in, Zatkoff himself said he didn'twant to be in net so he knows the score.

Fleury does make it nerve wracking at the end of each period so at least you'renot bored when watching the Penguins. .

things that I think need answered

1. Can we make some in house moves?
-Letang to forward? Could his speed work well with Crosby? The problem is that that adds yet another immature forward to our top 6. I think he'd be better off with Malkin and Neal with Crosby but I don't think I could trust a line with Malkin and Letang.
-Could we bring in a group of youth to take over. Sure, right now guys like Megna, Despres, Bortuzzo, even Harrington are quality NHL players, but the way teams like Detroit have turned players like them into NHL quality talent is by letting them play it out throughout the regular season. sometimes they surrendered a couple of points in the standings, but it is a long term model to success
-Does MAF have a future here? I still think the answer is yes, in fact, I say sign him to a new deal. you can surely get him for a good deal at this point. add a coach that will hold the players accountable, and I think you get a much better MAF

2. What outside factors need to be brought in?
-Is the penguins locker room to "buddy-buddy" right now. do they need that extreme personality that might create some tension or get players thinking. Is a guy like Ryan Kesler the answer?
-What players would you look to add to add some of that youth and heart to the bottom 6 or even the top 6?
-Does this team need to look to send James Neal somewhere else in exchange for another top 6 winger at a similar age?

3. The Coaching
-Is Dan Bylsma as big of a problem as people think?
-If he is fired, who would you look to bring in?
-What qualities do you think a new coach would need to have to get this team going?

all fair questions, feel free if you have any answers to these.
- SuperHenderson13

1. Letang to forward? Could work, but I'd deal his ass in the offseason for a true forward, a prospect and a pick. We need cap space, so no to this. I think MAF regardless what happens will be our goalie until his contract ends and then we will see from there. I don't think we have that much capable youth outside of some blueliners to fill the void. Gibbons has earned a spot to me ... Megna - not sure.

2. We need a David Backes clone. Since we can't get the real one, we need someone who plays a similar style of game. Kesler, I like. But, please - no acquiring fragile players. We have had enough this year. Kesler is a trip on the IR waiting to happen. Trade Neal for exactly who? He is a retard, but he has netted 40 goals for the Pens in a year. Please don't bring up Evander Kane. He is a turd that I couldn't root for. He doesn't solve the problem either.

3. If he can't make it out of the first round, he should be gone. Rick Tocchet please behind the bench.

1. Letang to forward? Could work, but I'd deal his ass in the offseason for a true forward, a prospect and a pick. We need cap space, so no to this. I think MAF regardless what happens will be our goalie until his contract ends and then we will see from there. I don't think we have that much capable youth outside of some blueliners to fill the void. Gibbons has earned a spot to me ... Megna - not sure.

2. We need a David Backes clone. Since we can't get the real one, we need someone who plays a similar style of game. Kesler, I like. But, please - no acquiring fragile players. We have had enough this year. Kesler is a trip on the IR waiting to happen. Trade Neal for exactly who? He is a retard, but he has netted 40 goals for the Pens in a year. Please don't bring up Evander Kane. He is a turd that I couldn't root for. He doesn't solve the problem either.

3. If he can't make it out of the first round, he should be gone. Rick Tocchet please behind the bench.
- Oneonta Penguin

1. I would also look to trade Letang. I think this year is speaking the most volumes that this core is rotten and it is time for a change. The problem is that you look at teams like St. Louis, Boston, Chicago, San Jose, etc., you see all of their star players play a game that resembles playoff hockey. If their star players went 7 or 8 games without a scoring a goal, they would be done. The top 6 in Pittsburgh is too predictable, arrogant, and 1-D. They cant compete with guys who are out working them by a large margin.
I think MAF should remain our goalie. this year isn't his fault. when the team in front of you is giving up 40+ shots to the Columbus fricking blue jackets, something is wrong.

2. yea I didn't mean Kesler in general, just players like him. surely there are better and cheaper options out there. One team I'd like towards is LA. With them on the ropes, down 3-0, they might be looking to do something. They have a number of bigger gritty young guys like Cifford, Nolan, and King. All 3 rarely crack the line up together and with the emergence of some of their younger guys, those 3 could be expendable. Not a Kane fan. Not sure he'd be a better option than Neal. Not sure a guy like Jordan Eberle is either.

3. I see you jumped on my Rick Tocchet bandwagon, eh?