It is technically true but he may have had only one offensive zone start last night and the rest in the NZ. He definitely had 0 in the defensive zone.

The 0% CF% is still ridiculous though.
- Ryan_Wilson

absolutely. getting bennett back and being able to bump one of those guys off the fourth line will be a big help. it still is a little discomforting that so much weight must be placed in the return of bennett to properly balance lines. the big borses on this team still have mental struggles against the flyers, bennett or not.

I think any game where the system struggles is going to cause some to panic, just because we saw so much of that with Bylsma. Also, Johnston prefaced before camp that the regular season was about preparation for the playoffs. Fans should remember that whenever the team has a game like last night.
- TheRollingPuck

Yup lets see how he adjusts the next time he's presented with that scenario.

I think it's time to go back to Letang/ Ehrhoff and Martin/ Maatta that clicked so well in game one versus the Ducks. The current top two pairings just look out of sync.
- LGP_Cant_Er

I agree, I'm all for tinkering with the lines and pairings early on but so far the new pairings haven't worked as well as the early ones.

It is technically true but he may have had only one offensive zone start last night and the rest in the NZ. He definitely had 0 in the defensive zone.

The 0% CF% is still ridiculous though.
- Ryan_Wilson

Creative minded coach and a GM who places emphasis on analytics....you'd think someone has the balls to do something about Ole Gray Beard.

absolutely. getting bennett back and being able to bump one of those guys off the fourth line will be a big help. it still is a little discomforting that so much weight must be placed in the return of bennett to properly balance lines. the big borses on this team still have mental struggles against the flyers, bennett or not.
- stayinthefnnet

Bennett would not have helped last night.

Why did our grunts score 2 of the 3 goals?

I remember it when I see positive changes and learning occurring. And I hope that happens.
- powerhouse

Understandable. I just think people need to be patient with both the players and coaching staff.

Yup lets see how he adjusts the next time he's presented with that scenario.
- dbell646

That's why I'm interested in tonights game against the Wings. The team overall could stand to execute better, and the Wings are an ideal test in that regard.

Could have fooled me, sure sounds like you threw a match on that fire.
- usethe1-2-2

great.

Creative minded coach and a GM who places emphasis on analytics....you'd think someone has the balls to do something about Ole Gray Beard.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

You are barking up the wrong tree if you think that's why we lost last night.

10-1-1. This is the most embarrasing stat in the history of the penguins. Being owned in your home arena is just pathetic.

Lol, yep nothing to be concerned about.

Those unis were awesome though 👍

Just wait until Bennett is healthy. Lmao. Good one dude!

Bennett would not have helped last night.

Why did our grunts score 2 of the 3 goals?
- icedog97

Thats what we've all been wanting. Some help from the bottom 6 will make life much easier in the long run for Sid and Geno

You are barking up the wrong tree if you think that's why we lost last night.
- icedog97

Not what I said.

no need to overreacte Flyers alyways own the pens
- tymed8

alyways...

Thats what we've all been wanting. Some help from the bottom 6 will make life much easier in the long run for Sid and Geno
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Yeah, but it only helps when the bottom-6 and top-6 are both contributing.

Bennett would not have helped last night.

Why did our grunts score 2 of the 3 goals?
- icedog97

Additional top 6 winger wouldn't help?

Thats what we've all been wanting. Some help from the bottom 6 will make life much easier in the long run for Sid and Geno
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Right...but they scored because their approach was simpler.

Sometimes less talented guys see simpler (and fewer) options. So they make plays based on that.

Simple plays plus hard work.

That is how you beat the Flyers.

That is how you win in the playoffs.

Additional top 6 winger wouldn't help?
- usethe1-2-2

Not last night he wouldn't have...well maybe...but he's not why we lost.

Additional top 6 winger wouldn't help?
- usethe1-2-2

Not really. The system/game plan they were using was the root cause. Maybe a slight improvement, but probably not game-changing.

Not what I said.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Cool...said IF

Right...but they scored because their approach was simpler.

Sometimes less talented guys see simpler (and fewer) options. So they make plays based on that.

Simple plays plus hard work.

That is how you beat the Flyers.

That is how you win in the playoffs.
- icedog97

Back in the 2009 playoffs, prior to the SCF, every Crosby goal (with the exception of one of the hat trick goals vs. Washington) was scored by him driving towards the net, getting in an open spot, and shooting from high percentage areas. No dipsy-doo dangling skating through 4 guys and triple deking the goalie. Pure hard work and determination. The team doesn't seem to want to do that in the playoffs the last number of years.

Not really. The system/game plan they were using was the root cause. Maybe a slight improvement, but probably not game-changing.
- jmatchett383

Sure was. Philly played a stong game. Up until December I'm just looking at all these games as learning opportunities for us.

Not really. The system/game plan they were using was the root cause. Maybe a slight improvement, but probably not game-changing.
- jmatchett383

I think peopel are underestimating the ability to role four lines. Our fourth line is currently an anchor that we can do nothing with. Bennett's return pushes Geno to center, sutter to the 3rd line, and Goc to the fourth with a better winger (no craig adams). I think that helps out a ton.

I think peopel are underestimating the ability to role four lines. Our fourth line is currently an anchor that we can do nothing with. Bennett's return pushes Geno to center, sutter to the 3rd line, and Goc to the fourth with a better winger (no craig adams). I think that helps out a ton.
- usethe1-2-2

Our fourth line is NOT an anchor right now.

All that line business you just mentioned sounds great...but...why did the Pens roll all over the Flyers in the first 10 minutes and then get out played after that?

One team got better...forced a different game...dare I say the other did not ADJUST to it?

Plus...2 goals on 2 shots never helps. However that happens...not so great goaltending combined with mistakes by skaters...it is a recipe for disaster.

And sometimes you think a 4th line is not playing because they are bad when it might be the coach is trying to get his top lines out more.

Right...but they scored because their approach was simpler.

Sometimes less talented guys see simpler (and fewer) options. So they make plays based on that.

Simple plays plus hard work.

That is how you beat the Flyers.

That is how you win in the playoffs.
- icedog97

exacly. depth will always help. but ultimately the team will nly go as far as the top players take them.

I think peopel are underestimating the ability to role four lines. Our fourth line is currently an anchor that we can do nothing with. Bennett's return pushes Geno to center, sutter to the 3rd line, and Goc to the fourth with a better winger (no craig adams). I think that helps out a ton.
- usethe1-2-2

That's fine. But it doesn't matter who's on what line if you continually try an approach that doesn't work. If Sidney Crosby can't beat the defensive scheme, I doubt Beau Bennet will be able to.

Growing pains with a new system and players. We'll go with that. On to the next game verse Detroit!