I mentioned it here before, but a guy I'm following is Cam Talbot. Had a real nice season last year. Obviously in a backup role, but I'm interested to see if he can repeat. He's an UFA and you know he'll probably want out of New York.
- madmike71

I responded to your mention of this earlier, I'm pretty sure. I have reservations about Talbot and here's why:

The Rangers were a defense first team. On top of this, teams play with an even more defensive mentality when their back up goaltender is in especially when their regular one is arguably the best in the in the league. Therefore, in my opinion, Talbots' numbers were the result of the team tightening up for him rather than the result of his actual good play.

To further demonstrate this, see Talbot in the playoffs. He came in only when Hank got chased and the team knew it was going to lose. As a result, the team was either already in next game mentality and more concerned over sending messages than sound defensive play, or they were in frenzy mode trying to get multiple goals back in a limited amount of time. This resulted in lack luster playoff numbers for Talbot.

What I'm saying is that to me, it looks like that Talbot was just another average to possibly below average goalie that went the way the team went with no visible ability to actually affect the game with his play. Sure I'd rather have him than Fasth, but if teams are overvaluing him, I don't want to pay good money on this gamble.

i like the Recchi choice. good guy, will do well in the role.

still interested to see if anything else is done to this team. got to think they are looking for another top 6 winger. dont know whether they'll go big with a guy like kane or look for a low risk-high reward guy like satan or fedotenko in 2009.

ideally, this would be my roster.

Kane-Crosby-Bennett
Kunitz-Malkin-Hornqvist
Dupuis-Spaling-Downie
Bissonette-Goc-Comeau

Letang-Despres
Ehrhoff-Maatta
Bortuzzo-Harrington
- SuperHenderson13

You realize that Kunitz and Hornqvist are essentially the same type of player. They need to be on separate lines. Also, who did you trade Martin for? Or did you actually give up Martin and Sutter for Evander Kane... The talented, but young player with an attitude. That kinda cancels out why we got rid of Neal, doesnt it? Just curious. The real challenge is what will the line up as is. Assuming they are completely healthy?

You realize that Kunitz and Hornqvist are essentially the same type of player. They need to be on separate lines. Also, who did you trade Martin for? Or did you actually give up Martin and Sutter for Evander Kane... The talented, but young player with an attitude. That kinda cancels out why we got rid of Neal, doesnt it? Just curious. The real challenge is what will the line up as is. Assuming they are completely healthy?
- toad268

Honestly, I'm probably in the minority here. But I would like to see Hornqvist with Sid and Kunitz with Geno. I thought when 71 had 14, that was when Geno was at his best. If Horn dog doesnt work with Sid, then its easy to swap them back to the comfort zone.

Someone pointed out this same concept before with Ehrhoff. I'd give Ehrhoff a shot with Letang on the top pairing and put Martin on the second with Maatta. If Ehrhoff and Letang mesh, then the second pairing is also really, really strong. We also will have a better idea moving forward in the likely scenario that Martin walks and Ehrhoff resigns. That will be a big factor, imo, whether of not they re-sign Ehrhoff. Again, if it doesn't work switch them up.

Point is, this is one thing I thought Bylsma was poor at. The regular season is about winning games but its also about trying new things to set yourself up for the playoffs.

I responded to your mention of this earlier, I'm pretty sure. I have reservations about Talbot and here's why:

The Rangers were a defense first team. On top of this, teams play with an even more defensive mentality when their back up goaltender is in especially when their regular one is arguably the best in the in the league. Therefore, in my opinion, Talbots' numbers were the result of the team tightening up for him rather than the result of his actual good play.

To further demonstrate this, see Talbot in the playoffs. He came in only when Hank got chased and the team knew it was going to lose. As a result, the team was either already in next game mentality and more concerned over sending messages than sound defensive play, or they were in frenzy mode trying to get multiple goals back in a limited amount of time. This resulted in lack luster playoff numbers for Talbot.

What I'm saying is that to me, it looks like that Talbot was just another average to possibly below average goalie that went the way the team went with no visible ability to actually affect the game with his play. Sure I'd rather have him than Fasth, but if teams are overvaluing him, I don't want to pay good money on this gamble.
- Victoro311

It's definitely hard to gauge backup goalies. What would make Talbot any better than Zatkoff basing off of pure numbers? I think it's a gamble.

We really have to hope Murray or Jarry can become a number 1 goalie in a few years. Ultimately, I think that's the only solution.

Just read Rossi's article on Johnton's meeting with Geno. I think it's a bit overblown, but I am curious how Geno feels about losing both his linemates without a clear solution.

It's definitely hard to gauge backup goalies. What would make Talbot any better than Zatkoff basing off of pure numbers? I think it's a gamble.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

We really have to hope Murray or Jarry can become a number 1 goalie in a few years. Ultimately, I think that's the only solution.

Yeah that's what I'm saying. At the end of the day, Talbot's numbers don't mean all that much by themselves. Its probably about as likely that he would piss and poop himself as a full time starting goalie as it is that he would shine and become an above average to good #1. The most likely scenario is that he would be an average to below average goalie in a starting job, and if you're the Pens that's just not gonna cut it. You can't take this gamble, especially since we all know some idiot will overpay for him (looking at you, Caps or Leafs). May as well gamble in house with the cheaper Zatkoff who also had a pretty good season this year.

Just read Rossi's article on Johnton's meeting with Geno. I think it's a bit overblown, but I am curious how Geno feels about losing both his linemates without a clear solution.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Just read it too. He makes a point, but it is still super overblown. The real point is that Johnston needs to make sure that at no point during the season does Geno enter bum mode, which he tends to do from time to time. Granted, Geno in bum mode is still a top 15 to top 10 player in the league, but a Geno with fire under his ass is the most dominant offensive force in the world and lifts the entire team's moral in a way that I've never seen Crosby's high level play do. There's just something electrifying about it that the team can feel I guess. I don't really understand it but its definitely there. Get him to give about 104 games at his max level and the Cup is ours.

Just read it too. He makes a point, but it is still super overblown. The real point is that Johnston needs to make sure that at no point during the season does Geno enter bum mode, which he tends to do from time to time. Granted, Geno in bum mode is still a top 15 to top 10 player in the league, but a Geno with fire under his ass is the most dominant offensive force in the world and lifts the entire team's moral in a way that I've never seen Crosby's high level play do. There's just something electrifying about it that the team can feel I guess. I don't really understand it but its definitely there. Get him to give about 104 games at his max level and the Cup is ours.
- Victoro311

Even that, honestly I'm fine with his little lazy stretch. As long as he re-enters other-wordly-mode for playoffs. I think he will score more goals this year with Neal gone and he's shooting more frequently. I will never say that Malkin is better than Crosby overall, but Malkin has a gear that is unlike any other player in the game. He just takes over.

Saw some advanced stats today. Beau Bennett was leading in almost every category...even moreso than 87, 71, etc. I still have mostly irrational high hopes for him. I thought last year was his breakout year...and this year seems to be make or break (no pun intended) for him.

Saw some advanced stats today. Beau Bennett was leading in almost every category...even moreso than 87, 71, etc. I still have mostly irrational high hopes for him. I thought last year was his breakout year...and this year seems to be make or break (no pun intended) for him.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I've said it over and over again as people keep suggesting moves in order to keep 19 on the third line, Beau looked damn good in his limited time on the top lines during the playoffs. He looked like he belonged on Crosby's right, facilitated chances, and even notched a goal or two (or did that come on Sutter's line? I can't really remember).

Bylsma's decision to send him back down to Sutter and bring Stemp up to the first will always perplex me, and is part of the reason that we didn't sign him or anyone like him. I understand if a kid hasn't proven anything then there's no real argument for giving him the minutes during the playoffs, but if you decide to roll with him, and it works out, why in the hell would you replace him with a guy who's the definition of mediocre?

People on here keep complaining that the young D guys aren't getting their shot. Well, the same can be said for our forwards too as it seemed the last regime had a set idea of what the lines were and refused to break the mold. Perhaps with a new regime in place there can finally be some of the line shuffling that I've been wanting to happen for a while. Perhaps some Kun on Malkin's left and Sweet Beau on Crosby's right. If Kapanen defies the odds and works out, these are the top 2 that I want to see Johnston try:

Horny-Crosby-Beau
Kunitz-Malkin-Kapi

I've said it over and over again as people keep suggesting moves in order to keep 19 on the third line, Beau looked damn good in his limited time on the top lines during the playoffs. He looked like he belonged on Crosby's right, facilitated chances, and even notched a goal or two (or did that come on Sutter's line? I can't really remember).

Bylsma's decision to send him back down to Sutter and bring Stemp up to the first will always perplex me, and is part of the reason that we didn't sign him or anyone like him. I understand if a kid hasn't proven anything then there's no real argument for giving him the minutes during the playoffs, but if you decide to roll with him, and it works out, why in the hell would you replace him with a guy who's the definition of mediocre?

People on here keep complaining that the young D guys aren't getting their shot. Well, the same can be said for our forwards too as it seemed the last regime had a set idea of what the lines were and refused to break the mold. Perhaps with a new regime in place there can finally be some of the line shuffling that I've been wanting to happen for a while. Perhaps some Kun on Malkin's left and Sweet Beau on Crosby's right. If Kapanen defies the odds and works out, these are the top 2 that I want to see Johnston try:

Horny-Crosby-Beau
Kunitz-Malkin-Kapi
- Victoro311

Nitpicking here but Hornqvist is a right wing...but so is Beau and Kapanen. So it's a little tricky. More to the point, Beau showed me a lot last year as well in a short sample. He was so many miles better than what we got used to with Gibbons on the top line it wasnt even funny. He put on some weight, played surprisingly physical, and he's the one winger in the top six with above average puck skills (excluding Kap).

We pick on Beau a lot for the injuries but there's just as much of a chance that he stays healthy for the next 5 years as there is he gets injured this year. As I understand it, his first wrist injury was a complete freak accident. But it will always be a concern, just like we will always worry about Crosby and concussions.

Lastly, I'll say that I don't think Kapanen will play this year....but if he defies the odds, it will be one of the most important pieces to the team, as it puts Dupuis, Downie, Spaling, etc in their bottom 6 roles which is much more ideal, IMO.

Nitpicking here but Hornqvist is a right wing...but so is Beau and Kapanen. So it's a little tricky. More to the point, Beau showed me a lot last year as well in a short sample. He was so many miles better than what we got used to with Gibbons on the top line it wasnt even funny. He put on some weight, played surprisingly physical, and he's the one winger in the top six with above average puck skills (excluding Kap).

We pick on Beau a lot for the injuries but there's just as much of a chance that he stays healthy for the next 5 years as there is he gets injured this year. As I understand it, his first wrist injury was a complete freak accident. But it will always be a concern, just like we will always worry about Crosby and concussions.

Lastly, I'll say that I don't think Kapanen will play this year....but if he defies the odds, it will be one of the most important pieces to the team, as it puts Dupuis, Downie, Spaling, etc in their bottom 6 roles which is much more ideal, IMO.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Nitpicking here but Hornqvist said he has no preference over which wing he plays

Also, Beau said that it doesn't really matter what wing he plays either. What did he say? Hockey is hockey? And he has actually seen more time on the left than he has on the right, so BB and Hornqvist are pretty interchangeable when it comes to what wings they play. Still, if both have no real preference, I'd rather see Beau on the right since he is more of a perimeter player and Horny will wind up spending the majority of his time in front of the net anyways.

I also agree with you on Kap. Some people act like Kapanen making the team out of camp is a given due to Old Man Ruth's earlier comments, but in reality It's a long shot that we'll see him up in the Burg at all this year. If that happens, keeping the Kunitz-Crosby-Duper line is a no brainer (as much as I want to see this get shaken up), and ideally the second line would be Hornqvist-Malkin-Bennett. It looks pretty good, and much better than our top 6 last year. Getting Geno a net front presence is huge, but it was nice having that third guy with 70 point potential in James Neal. But then again, I'm being greedy. Most teams are lucky to have one of those guys.

I think that's true when talking about Kane or ROR or someone of that ilk. But someone like David Perron, I think that is fair, if not generous.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

But I think that's a lateral move as far as a trade. Why would Edm do that deal?

But I think that's a lateral move as far as a trade. Why would Edm do that deal?
- 87_71_11_29

GMs can make stupid or non favorable trades all the time... ask JR about it

Nitpicking here but Hornqvist said he has no preference over which wing he plays

Also, Beau said that it doesn't really matter what wing he plays either. What did he say? Hockey is hockey? And he has actually seen more time on the left than he has on the right, so BB and Hornqvist are pretty interchangeable when it comes to what wings they play. Still, if both have no real preference, I'd rather see Beau on the right since he is more of a perimeter player and Horny will wind up spending the majority of his time in front of the net anyways.

I also agree with you on Kap. Some people act like Kapanen making the team out of camp is a given due to Old Man Ruth's earlier comments, but in reality It's a long shot that we'll see him up in the Burg at all this year. If that happens, keeping the Kunitz-Crosby-Duper line is a no brainer (as much as I want to see this get shaken up), and ideally the second line would be Hornqvist-Malkin-Bennett. It looks pretty good, and much better than our top 6 last year. Getting Geno a net front presence is huge, but it was nice having that third guy with 70 point potential in James Neal. But then again, I'm being greedy. Most teams are lucky to have one of those guys.
- Victoro311

Neal is addition by subtraction. PH is a better player. He doesn't even need to match Neal's goal output.

I think 71 is going to have a monster year. A potential MVP year.

Now that Neal is no longer around for him to defer to, he can go back to be his ass-kicking self and dominate the puck. Whoever his linemates are, just get to the net.

Even that, honestly I'm fine with his little lazy stretch. As long as he re-enters other-wordly-mode for playoffs. I think he will score more goals this year with Neal gone and he's shooting more frequently. I will never say that Malkin is better than Crosby overall, but Malkin has a gear that is unlike any other player in the game. He just takes over.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Completely agree. It's funny, we all judge the Pens on how the playoffs end. But, then we also get all worked up if a player (or the team) have a rough patch for a couple weeks in the middle of a long season.

I want Malkin and Crosby to be dominant in the regular season, but I also care more that they pace themselves and are in top gear for the playoffs.

Neal is addition by subtraction. PH is a better player. He doesn't even need to match Neal's goal output.

I think 71 is going to have a monster year. A potential MVP year.

Now that Neal is no longer around for him to defer to, he can go back to be his ass-kicking self and dominate the puck. Whoever his linemates are, just get to the net.
- 87_71_11_29

This might be just me, but I am very anxious for Crosby and Malkin to be battling for most points one season. Or at least both in the top 3 or 5 at the end of the year. Just want to see that rivalry be competitive, each trying to outscore the other, and both lines being fueled by it.

Also, entertainment value.

Just read Rossi's article on Johnton's meeting with Geno. I think it's a bit overblown, but I am curious how Geno feels about losing both his linemates without a clear solution.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I don't get Rossi... He was writing a book on/with Malkin, what ever happened with that? The guy who in theory who has the most access to Malkin and the one who should be pumping his tires the most, is the main guy running the "emotionally fragile" Malkin narrative.

Completely agree. It's funny, we all judge the Pens on how the playoffs end. But, then we also get all worked up if a player (or the team) have a rough patch for a couple weeks in the middle of a long season.

I want Malkin and Crosby to be dominant in the regular season, but I also care more that they pace themselves and are in top gear for the playoffs.
- rival22

I think the way the roster is shaking out they will have more left. With a good bottom 6 they don't have to play as many hard minutes and new coach will probably get them better match ups much more often. At least I hope

I don't get Rossi... He was writing a book on/with Malkin, what ever happened with that? The guy who in theory who has the most access to Malkin and the one who should be pumping his tires the most, is the main guy running the "emotionally fragile" Malkin narrative.
- rival22

Rossi is a tool

I don't get Rossi... He was writing a book on/with Malkin, what ever happened with that? The guy who in theory who has the most access to Malkin and the one who should be pumping his tires the most, is the main guy running the "emotionally fragile" Malkin narrative.
- rival22

Why should Rossi be pumping his tires?

Say what you want about the guy but he was never shy about giving his opinion or criticizing players.

I think the way the roster is shaking out they will have more left. With a good bottom 6 they don't have to play as many hard minutes and new coach will probably get them better match ups much more often. At least I hope
- dbell646

I think that was an under-reported aspect of Sid's season. He led all NHL forwards in TOI. Played a ton of hard minutes to carry the team through all of those injuries. Kuni too. Def deserved the Hart.

I think that was an under-reported aspect of Sid's season. He led all NHL forwards in TOI. Played a ton of hard minutes to carry the team through all of those injuries. Kuni too. Def deserved the Hart.
- madmike71

Add in the Olympics and you got one tired superstar. I expect him to dominate again this year

Nitpicking here but Hornqvist said he has no preference over which wing he plays

Also, Beau said that it doesn't really matter what wing he plays either. What did he say? Hockey is hockey? And he has actually seen more time on the left than he has on the right, so BB and Hornqvist are pretty interchangeable when it comes to what wings they play. Still, if both have no real preference, I'd rather see Beau on the right since he is more of a perimeter player and Horny will wind up spending the majority of his time in front of the net anyways.

I also agree with you on Kap. Some people act like Kapanen making the team out of camp is a given due to Old Man Ruth's earlier comments, but in reality It's a long shot that we'll see him up in the Burg at all this year. If that happens, keeping the Kunitz-Crosby-Duper line is a no brainer (as much as I want to see this get shaken up), and ideally the second line would be Hornqvist-Malkin-Bennett. It looks pretty good, and much better than our top 6 last year. Getting Geno a net front presence is huge, but it was nice having that third guy with 70 point potential in James Neal. But then again, I'm being greedy. Most teams are lucky to have one of those guys.
- Victoro311

I want essentially all the wingers that are tapped for the top six to be put in a pot... and let their game play decide which wing they stay on. Obviously, some players can't play both wings well (Iginla), so we will see if they are capable. I would hate to have Hornqvist come in with so high of expectations and be made uncomfortable just to make the team happy. Leave him on the right, see how others do on the left.

I think Beau pulled it off pretty well last year (playing on his off wing). As far as his wrist, I am not worried, I just think it has always been the same exact injury, just not managed properly. hopefully they got it right this time.

I would love to see Kapanen make it. Imagine if he meshes with Sid. Maybe Hornqvist does go with Sid instead of Geno. I think Sid can play better with new linemates than Geno. So, put Kunitz with Geno and Kapanen, so he has some comfort, and put Hornqvist with Sid and Bennett... Both get some comfort.

This, of course, is assuming Kapanen makes the team and Bennett is healthy.

This makes the Sutter, Downie, Dupuis line look alot more solid.

Thoughts?

Add in the Olympics and you got one tired superstar. I expect him to dominate again this year
- dbell646

And skating around with Gibbons, etc. I agree he will dominate.

For as much as we talk about Fleury and line combinations, etc...the only thing that really matters is 87 and 71 are healthy in the postseason. If either are injured, I don't think we are a cup team.