been that way for a while. they have been getting around that "straight sell out" thing by giving extra tickets away to corporations and sponsors and such.

people are tired of the same thing year after year. im still surprised by this, but not blown away. people are sick of the corporate attitude at the arena, the continuing ticket price hikes, and just a lack of atmosphere at Consol.

I think it speaks volumes, but I think the big screen outside is more popular than going to the game.

for those that don't live here, trust me, I don't think I have ever seen a pedestrian view of these playoffs from the fans end. you could walk throughout the city and have no idea that this team is in the playoffs.

just crazy the difference between this year and last year.
- SuperHenderson13

Yeah, all of this is true. They've priced a lot of the rabid fans out. This year def has a different feel. I think the way the playoffs have gone the last few years, skepticism has crept into the fan base.

Consol sucks. more noise comes out of my garage during pens games. Then again i dont allow kids or cell phones. i have pretty much zero interest in paying for pens tickets anymore.

Saw Yohe say on Twitter that he'd put Neal with Sid & Kunitz and have Malkin with Bennett and Jokinen. His reasoning was that Malkin is deferring too much, and taking away Neal would force him to shoot. Mentioned his succes with Talbot and Fedotenko.

I agree with his idea and reasoning, but would maybe put Stempniak with Geno. Talbot and Fedotenko were good with him because they'd battle for loose pucks. Stempniak seems a little grittier than Jokinen or Beau.
- rival22

I think this would be a great idea but I like BB on the second line and Stempy on the 3rd.

Per Adam Gretz (@AGretz) “In 12 postseasons between Juniors, AHL and NHL, MAF has finished with a SV% over .900 3 times. Over .910 just once” Good grief.

That's just horrible. So, so horrible.

Geno is over 200 lbs.
- ScienceJesus

Not according to team stats.

Isn't Horton out with an injury? I don't think it's fair to factor him in, if we're talking this series alone.
- BulliesPhan87

Pyatt's not playing either so it's minus one for both. 5 200+ lbs for Jackets and 2 for Pens that is among forwards.

On defense Johnson 238, Murray 208, Nikitin 223, Prout 222, Savard 219, Tyutin 212, Wysnewski 209

Our Defense Orpik 219, Skuds 212, Letang 201, Maata 206, Nisk 209, Martin 200

So it looks like they also significantly outweigh us on defense so wearing us down physically is a good strategy for them. How do you counter that?

I think it mean not posting down low like Croby and Malkin like to do. It's not a great strategy against a larger team. Better off attacking and shooting off the rush. You can't play Bylsma's 'Penguin grind them down hockey' against a much larger team, it won't work.

Pyatt's not playing either so it's minus one for both. 5 200+ lbs for Jackets and 2 for Pens that is among forwards.

On defense Johnson 238, Murray 208, Nikitin 223, Prout 222, Savard 219, Tyutin 212, Wysnewski 209

Our Defense Orpik 219, Skuds 212, Letang 201, Maata 206, Nisk 209, Martin 200

So it looks like they also significantly outweigh us on defense so wearing us down physically is a good strategy for them. How do you counter that?
- powerhouse

You have to out-skate them. Plain and simple. Beat them to the puck. Unfortunately, the Pens haven't been the faster team. Look what Gibby was doing with his skating. They should be icing the fastest team possible. Unfortunately, Sid and Kuni are definitely a step slower than they were for most of the season.

You have to out-skate them. Plain and simple. Beat them to the puck. Unfortunately, the Pens haven't been the faster team. Look what Gibby was doing with his skating. They should be icing the fastest team possible. Unfortunately, Sid and Kuni are definitely a step slower than they were for most of the season.
- madmike71

I edited and pretty much agreed with you in my comments above. I just did not realize how much bigger Columbus is than us on the front and back end.

I edited and pretty much agreed with you in my comments above. I just did not realize how much bigger Columbus is than us on the front and back end.
- powerhouse

I hate to say it, but they actually miss Gibbons. They had problems keeping up with him. One thing that I have noticed is the Jackets seem to wear down late in these games. It's been two third periods in a row where they weren't able to maintain the same pace as they did earlier in those games.

That's just horrible. So, so horrible.
- thickman1178

He played in the Q. They don't play defense in that league whatsoever. Games are 6-5 or worse.

I hate to say it, but they actually miss Gibbons. They had problems keeping up with him. One thing that I have noticed is the Jackets seem to wear down late in these games. It's been two third periods in a row where they weren't able to maintain the same pace as they did earlier in those games.
- madmike71

They have had trouble in the third according to my brother in law in Columbus.

He played in the Q. They don't play defense in that league whatsoever. Games are 6-5 or worse.
- Oneonta Penguin

So he should be used to how the Pens play D.

So he should be used to how the Pens play D.
- madmike71

Good comeback ... I opened myself up for that.

You have to out-skate them. Plain and simple. Beat them to the puck.
- madmike71

Part of that is effort and willingness. Things that we haven't been seeing from the Penguins.

i'm assuming the game will be on NBCSN or CNBC, right?

heading out to the second home in stone harbor, nj for a long weekened.

still think we win it in 6 but tomorrow pretty much decides the series.

You sacrifice contracts that aren't helping you that others would value. Neal is a 30-40 goal scorer making a good wage. Letang is making 7.25 million which is four million too much based on his gaffes and fragileness.

Why on earth do you want to add a third line center making 5 million? That is what Kesler would be on this roster. I love him to death. He plays hard. That said, he is an injury waiting to happen. We don't have the assets to trade for Kesler. As I said before, if we did, he would be a Penguin right now. It's obvious he isn't.

You screw up everything more with that deal.

Kesler fills in at third center for Sutter. So, now instead of having to look for only one forward for Geno's line - having a feeling Jokinen won't be back, you now need two.

So, you have improved the third line ... Stempy-Kesler-Kassian, but ruined the second line. Geno can't do it all by himself.
- Oneonta Penguin

You didn't follow the thread of discussion so you're missing exactly what I was proposing. No biggie.

I don't view Kesler as a 3rd liner. He's the type of player we need. And, haven't you seen what happens to a 2 line team? Don't you think we need to distribute the talent more evenly?

Key point..Pens will never win anything with James Neal, Sutter, Despres, Stemps, Jokinen, and the like. All way tooo soft. No grit, no ballz. Don't care how many goals they score.

Would you feel confident going into Boston and playing Chara, Bergeron, Marchand, and Lucic with Neal, Sutter, Despres, Jokinen, and Niskanen? If you do, good luck to you. You'll need it.

Im not arguing Neal isn't a good value. He is. However I just don't think he is a guy you win a cup with. Too streaky. Not physical enough. If he isn't scoring, he is worthless.

Talk how many goals he scores. I don't care. Everyone is blinded by all the skill this team possesses. What good has all this skill done for them the past 5 years? Early exists, playoff meltdowns, and underachievement.

Sit back and ask yourself why? Its because they have regular season talent (i.e. skill, flash, dash) and not enough playoff talent (i.e. skilled grit, nastiness, toughness, competitiveness).

You didn't follow the thread of discussion so you're missing exactly what I was proposing. No biggie.

I don't view Kesler as a 3rd liner. He's the type of player we need. And, haven't you seen what happens to a 2 line team? Don't you think we need to distribute the talent more evenly?

Key point..Pens will never win anything with James Neal, Sutter, Despres, Stemps, Jokinen, and the like. All way tooo soft. No grit, no ballz. Don't care how many goals they score.

Would you feel confident going into Boston and playing Chara, Bergeron, Marchand, and Lucic with Neal, Sutter, Despres, Jokinen, and Niskanen? If you do, good luck to you. You'll need it.

Im not arguing Neal isn't a good value. He is. However I just don't think he is a guy you win a cup with. Too streaky. Not physical enough. If he isn't scoring, he is worthless.

Talk how many goals he scores. I don't care. Everyone is blinded by all the skill this team possesses. What good has all this skill done for them the past 5 years? Early exists, playoff meltdowns, and underachievement.

Sit back and ask yourself why? Its because they have regular season talent (i.e. skill, flash, dash) and not enough playoff talent (i.e. skilled grit, nastiness, toughness, competitiveness).
- 87_71_11_29

Your thoughts on Kris Letang. Can't wait for this.

By the way, Jokinen is a UFA and might not be back; Niskanen is a UFA and probably won't be back because we have a worthless 7.25 million blueliner on the roster; Stempniak is a UFA and might not be back. What's the point of bringing them up?

You didn't follow the thread of discussion so you're missing exactly what I was proposing. No biggie.

I don't view Kesler as a 3rd liner. He's the type of player we need. And, haven't you seen what happens to a 2 line team? Don't you think we need to distribute the talent more evenly?

Key point..Pens will never win anything with James Neal, Sutter, Despres, Stemps, Jokinen, and the like. All way tooo soft. No grit, no ballz. Don't care how many goals they score.

Would you feel confident going into Boston and playing Chara, Bergeron, Marchand, and Lucic with Neal, Sutter, Despres, Jokinen, and Niskanen? If you do, good luck to you. You'll need it.

Im not arguing Neal isn't a good value. He is. However I just don't think he is a guy you win a cup with. Too streaky. Not physical enough. If he isn't scoring, he is worthless.

Talk how many goals he scores. I don't care. Everyone is blinded by all the skill this team possesses. What good has all this skill done for them the past 5 years? Early exists, playoff meltdowns, and underachievement.

Sit back and ask yourself why? Its because they have regular season talent (i.e. skill, flash, dash) and not enough playoff talent (i.e. skilled grit, nastiness, toughness, competitiveness).
- 87_71_11_29

I generally agree with what you're saying, I just don't like the pieces you're talking about. I don't want anybody closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. Kesler is one of those guys that has a lot of mileage on him.

By the way, I still believe Despres can develop into a good player for this team as long as Disco isn't the coach. He isn't soft. Kid has size and skill, just needs experience. Sutter is a guy that I have no problem moving. Hell I'd even move Neal if it's for the right player.

I'm probably in the minority around here, but I don't want JJ back. I'd rather have Stempy.

I generally agree with what you're saying, I just don't like the pieces you're talking about. I don't want anybody closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. Kesler is one of those guys that has a lot of mileage on him.

By the way, I still believe Despres can develop into a good player for this team as long as Disco isn't the coach. He isn't soft. Kid has size and skill, just needs experience. Sutter is a guy that I have no problem moving. Hell I'd even move Neal if it's for the right player.

I'm probably in the minority around here, but I don't want JJ back. I'd rather have Stempy.
- madmike71

I wouldn't mind Stempniak back. probably over Jokinen because I think he'll be cheaper while giving similar output.

our bottom 6 needs an identity. people are saying grit, grit, and more grit and i'm fine with that. but you could also look at it another way. I have always thought your bottom 6 could be made up of 1 of 3 things: speed, skill, or grit. right now the penguins don't even almost have one.

guy I have always liked is dave bolland. he would be a perfect 3rd line center. probably going to want too much though.

Your thoughts on Kris Letang. Can't wait for this.

By the way, Jokinen is a UFA and might not be back; Niskanen is a UFA and probably won't be back because we have a worthless 7.25 million blueliner on the roster; Stempniak is a UFA and might not be back. What's the point of bringing them up?
- Oneonta Penguin

Bringing them up to mention them as the type of player I DONT want. To soft, no grit.

You are obviously a Neal guy. I get it. You're obviously a skill guy and love the goals, flash, dash. Good. Don't be the one complaining on this board 2 years from now when they still have no cup and you're wondering how they cant win "with all their talent".

Since you asked...I think Shero signed Letang to protect the asset and buy himself some time. if any of the young d-men (Pouliot, Smlson, Dumoulin, Harrington, etc..) show him anything, he'll move Letang. If not, he keeps him.

I'm not a Letang guy at all. He's paid like a #1 dman but is anything but.

I generally agree with what you're saying, I just don't like the pieces you're talking about. I don't want anybody closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. Kesler is one of those guys that has a lot of mileage on him.

By the way, I still believe Despres can develop into a good player for this team as long as Disco isn't the coach. He isn't soft. Kid has size and skill, just needs experience. Sutter is a guy that I have no problem moving. Hell I'd even move Neal if it's for the right player.

I'm probably in the minority around here, but I don't want JJ back. I'd rather have Stempy.
- madmike71

Pretty much agree with you. I think we agree in principle.

Not necessarily saying I want Kesler and him only. My overall premise: move Despres, Neal, Sutter for more gritty, playoff type players.

I don't want Stemps, JJ, or Nisk back. All too soft. Nisk has peaked IMO. let someone else overpay for him. We supposedly have all this young D talent. Time to see it.

We have NHL caliber d-men in the minors and AHL caliber forwards in the NHL.

I wouldn't mind Stempniak back. probably over Jokinen because I think he'll be cheaper while giving similar output.

our bottom 6 needs an identity. people are saying grit, grit, and more grit and i'm fine with that. but you could also look at it another way. I have always thought your bottom 6 could be made up of 1 of 3 things: speed, skill, or grit. right now the penguins don't even almost have one.

guy I have always liked is dave bolland. he would be a perfect 3rd line center. probably going to want too much though.
- SuperHenderson13

Guys like Bolland are indeed what we need. And yes, he is prob too pricey.

Pyatt's not playing either so it's minus one for both. 5 200+ lbs for Jackets and 2 for Pens that is among forwards.

On defense Johnson 238, Murray 208, Nikitin 223, Prout 222, Savard 219, Tyutin 212, Wysnewski 209

Our Defense Orpik 219, Skuds 212, Letang 201, Maata 206, Nisk 209, Martin 200

So it looks like they also significantly outweigh us on defense so wearing us down physically is a good strategy for them. How do you counter that?

I think it mean not posting down low like Croby and Malkin like to do. It's not a great strategy against a larger team. Better off attacking and shooting off the rush. You can't play Bylsma's 'Penguin grind them down hockey' against a much larger team, it won't work.
- powerhouse

Fair enough, re: Pyatt.

I thought Bylsma's "grind it out" comment was strange from the second I heard it. The Pens seem like a team suited toward focusIng on high octane offense to me, not a grind it out style.

You didn't follow the thread of discussion so you're missing exactly what I was proposing. No biggie.

I don't view Kesler as a 3rd liner. He's the type of player we need. And, haven't you seen what happens to a 2 line team? Don't you think we need to distribute the talent more evenly?

Key point..Pens will never win anything with James Neal, Sutter, Despres, Stemps, Jokinen, and the like. All way tooo soft. No grit, no ballz. Don't care how many goals they score.

Would you feel confident going into Boston and playing Chara, Bergeron, Marchand, and Lucic with Neal, Sutter, Despres, Jokinen, and Niskanen? If you do, good luck to you. You'll need it.

Im not arguing Neal isn't a good value. He is. However I just don't think he is a guy you win a cup with. Too streaky. Not physical enough. If he isn't scoring, he is worthless.

Talk how many goals he scores. I don't care. Everyone is blinded by all the skill this team possesses. What good has all this skill done for them the past 5 years? Early exists, playoff meltdowns, and underachievement.

Sit back and ask yourself why? Its because they have regular season talent (i.e. skill, flash, dash) and not enough playoff talent (i.e. skilled grit, nastiness, toughness, competitiveness).
- 87_71_11_29

I get what you're saying and that's the way I feel about some of the guys you mentioned. Neal is not what se need. We need Browns, Richards, Callahans and Bollands on this team.

@emptynetters: This Ducks-Stars Game 5 has a combined 119 penalty minutes. The *entire* Blue Jackets-Penguins series has 86 penalty minutes.