I'm not saying that +/- is everything, but I do tend to think very few prospects are ready to play at the NHL level in their first year at a Cup contending caliber. And fewer still that are Dmen. Also, its not like the Penguins are bereft of NHL level Dmen in their system w/ Harrington and Dumoulin seemingly ready to go. Just saying a single season in WBS would not be the worst thing in the word for either Pouliet or the Penguins.

Also, Pouliet is unlikely to get significant PP time w/ the 1st PP unit killing it & Ehrhoff/Marting being a more reliable option on the 2nd PP unit.
- s0rcerer1984

It seems players like Pouliot, with high offensive ceilings, get overlooked for their defensive work. I think his defensive play is already on par with the likes of Dumoulin and Despres.

If Pouliot were to be called up this year, it would be virtually a guarantee he'd be on the powerplay. Granted, if we keep using 4 forwards, it's a little harder to get PP time...but the whole point is, if he's called up, he's an instant upgrade to Tang/Martin/Maatta in that regard and we should utilize his best asset.

I can't find the article, and I don't even know if it was credible, but I remember seeing something about Scuderi's partial no trade clause, that he only has to name 5 teams that he'd accept a trade to... If that's the case, then he's not going anywhere.

You'd guess the 5 teams would be LA, and probably the close NY teams (that's 4 if you count NJ), so it's not much of a market, and I'd guess the Islanders have no interest with their earlier moves. Maybe LA if the Voynov thing ends really bad and they can get out of that contract, but that's a big ?. Depending on Staal negotiations, Rangers likely aren't going to take on multi years of another d-man who costs more than he's worth.
- rival22

He definitely has a LMC. Just no idea the specifics of it.

It seems players like Pouliot, with high offensive ceilings, get overlooked for their defensive work. I think his defensive play is already on par with the likes of Dumoulin and Despres.

If Pouliot were to be called up this year, it would be virtually a guarantee he'd be on the powerplay. Granted, if we keep using 4 forwards, it's a little harder to get PP time...but the whole point is, if he's called up, he's an instant upgrade to Tang/Martin/Maatta in that regard and we should utilize his best asset.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Those are lots of assumptions, especially for a young player coming into a new team at a new level.

Those are lots of assumptions, especially for a young player coming into a new team at a new level.
- 87_71_11_29

Oh, definitely. I should have added the classic "imo".

Just my take on it, didn't mean to state that like its common knowledge or anything...my B.

Oh, definitely. I should have added the classic "imo".

Just my take on it, didn't mean to state that like its common knowledge or anything...my B.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I hear ya. The way 58 is playing right now, I want to continue to let him QB the 1st PP. That's what he's here for and making $7mill for right? He has steadily gotten better each game this year.

Did you guys see the Pensburgh list of NHL teams as chain restaurants?
http://www.pensburgh.com/...eams-as-chain-restaurants

It was pretty well done, and a couple of them actually made me laugh out loud

I hear ya. The way 58 is playing right now, I want to continue to let him QB the 1st PP. That's what he's here for and making $7mill for right? He has steadily gotten better each game this year.
- 87_71_11_29

For sure. He's making some better decisions and shooting with greater accuracy. Plus he is right handed. I hope MJ can continue to mold Letang (and all our PMD to be honest).

I still think he has his warts. He seems to gain entry with ease and then the first move is a failed pass or something. It seems that is an area where DP excels. (not proven in the NHL yet, of course). Gaining entry, keeping puck in the zone, distrubuting the puck, getting shots through on net are all strengths of his. Has a very Gonchar-esque presence on the PP. I would actually like to see both 58 and DP on the first unit someday.

Any legitimate reason why Zack Sill is still practicing with the team today? Line flow on drills?

Any legitimate reason why Zack Sill is still practicing with the team today? Line flow on drills?
- rival22

Has it been made official BB is back tomorrow night?

Has it been made official BB is back tomorrow night?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Not according to Hynes.

Even if Bennett is back, Sill would be the 13th forward.

Even if Bennett is back, Sill would be the 13th forward.
- hardnosed

Why? We've played (and traveled) without a 13th forward for a couple of weeks now.

Why? We've played (and traveled) without a 13th forward for a couple of weeks now.
- rival22

Probably no game tonight and with Bennett not back with the team yet no real reason to send him down I guess. Let him get some practice in. I bet he goes down tomorrow when they announce BB back

A couple things from the twitters...

Jenn Menendez @JennMenendez · 15m 15 minutes ago
Olli Maatta was at Southpointe with the #Pens today for an off-ice workout.

Seth Rorabaugh ‏@emptynetters 13m13 minutes ago
Johnston said Maatta may have on-ice workouts this week.

Seth Rorabaugh ‏@emptynetters 9m9 minutes ago
Also, Johnston lauded Beau Bennett as having a good weekend in Wilkes. Said there would be a meeting today to discuss a potential recall.


Maatta is a machine... I guess that means things are going as well as hoped.

I will say that Pouliot has essentially no business being here in WBS with the exception of gaining ice time. The guy skates circles around opponents and teammates. He's got awesome size and a real knack for placement on both 5v5 and the PP. He often finds himself cleaning up where a teammate breaks down or delivers a poor pass. That can't be taught. If Pitt wasn't flooded with D-Men like they are, he could def. make the team.

As I always have been saying even when others didn't agree, Harrington is ready. The kid is so sound as a solid defensive d-man.

As far as everyones love affair with Megna...the kid can score and has picked up his game, but understand he is like that in the AHL it doesn't always transfer to the NHL. He should be putting up Bennett numbers when Bennett isn't here, but sadly he hasn't caught fire until Bennett joined his line.

Bennett is ready to rejoin Pitt. He's skating well he's making passes and has gotten some solid shots on net even though none have made it by the net minder. The numbers Bennett has put up over this weekend is what NHL talent should be doing when in the AHL. Megna and Ebbett are the same thing, take their numbers with a grain of salt they should light up the AHL but sadly they don't unless they play together or if someone like Bennett is on their line. Megna however would be an improvement over Sill but nothing more than that.

I will say that Pouliot has essentially no business being here in WBS with the exception of gaining ice time. The guy skates circles around opponents and teammates. He's got awesome size and a real knack for placement on both 5v5 and the PP. He often finds himself cleaning up where a teammate breaks down or delivers a poor pass. That can't be taught. If Pitt wasn't flooded with D-Men like they are, he could def. make the team.

As I always have been saying even when others didn't agree, Harrington is ready. The kid is so sound as a solid defensive d-man.

As far as everyones love affair with Megna...the kid can score and has picked up his game, but understand he is like that in the AHL it doesn't always transfer to the NHL. He should be putting up Bennett numbers when Bennett isn't here, but sadly he hasn't caught fire until Bennett joined his line.

Bennett is ready to rejoin Pitt. He's skating well he's making passes and has gotten some solid shots on net even though none have made it by the net minder. The numbers Bennett has put up over this weekend is what NHL talent should be doing when in the AHL. Megna and Ebbett are the same thing, take their numbers with a grain of salt they should light up the AHL but sadly they don't unless they play together or if someone like Bennett is on their line. Megna however would be an improvement over Sill but nothing more than that.
- Reverend Killtaker

I appreciate the info Reverend. Why not try to trade Scuderi now? I know he's a good guy and all but his time with this team is over. Let the kids play now!

I appreciate the info Reverend. Why not try to trade Scuderi now? I know he's a good guy and all but his time with this team is over. Let the kids play now!
- Barnaby36

Someone has to want him to trade him.