Honestly HCMJ has not helped by shuffling the lines on a weekly basis. There's still two injured forwards, but it's time to piece together some lines with their spots held by placeholdlers.

That's the issue with 191 man games lost. It's not just the guys missing, it's the lack of continuity. Crosby and Perron are playing well together but their on-ice communication and interplay are bound to improve. Malkin has had a revolving door of wingers. Sutter has been up and down the lineup with a rotation of wingers coming through.

It's time to build cohesion. Perron/Crosby/Hornqvist, Kunitz/Malkin/Comeau, Bennett/Sutter/Downie, Spaling/Goc/Adams are hopefully coming soon. In the meantime, get that third line back together, and let Arcobello and Rust be placeholders on the top two lines for now, so that 72 and 17 can just be plugged in on their return, on lines with centers that they've gelled with already.

After seeing Maatta's reinjury... Pouliot might flat out be over cautious, whether intentional or not, regarding his shoulder. Nothing he can really do about it if its become a subconscious thing, that'll just fade over a bit more time.
- Guile

Yeah that's what I was thinking. He never even cleared out the front of the net, just kind of sat and watched play

Yeah that's what I was thinking. He never even cleared out the front of the net, just kind of sat and watched play
- znagle

I know I did the same with a twisted ankle for the months after it was better. Still kept favoring the other leg (which was the non dominant one), till it got sore and I needed 2 days off it completely.

Who do you want for a 4C? Ryan Kessler?
- sammy87

No, just someone who plays hard and can bring some energy while still being able to chip in occasionally. Just someone plays like their future depends on it, like Farnham

I know I did the same with a twisted ankle for the months after it was better. Still kept favoring the other leg (which was the non dominant one), till it got sore and I needed 2 days off it completely.
- Guile

Yeah and this one was a serious injury at that

The condescending tone of your " our D is so deep ", comment annoyed me. You guys got some bounces and beat us convincingly; end of story.

Coming around to tell us your a superior team because of your defensive depth, chaps my ass.

Your captain got absolutely smoked 5 or 6 times yesterday after noon, the NBC broadcast finally called attention to it when they commented about Moore saving McD, when he was totally blown away. So take your other worldly defensive depth, summon Mrs. St.Louis; and get ready for a playoff match up with us that wont end as nicely for you as it did using her magical powers.

F Sutter
- nbartley9

Damn, UFB's being lobbed! I love it...

Yeah that's what I was thinking. He never even cleared out the front of the net, just kind of sat and watched play
- znagle

The Penguins' system does not encourage clearing out the front of the net. The idea is that the goalie has a better chance at a one guy screen than a two guy screen.

The Penguins' system does not encourage clearing out the front of the net. The idea is that the goalie has a better chance at a one guy screen than a two guy screen.
- hardnosed

Well, I don't mind that idea. I know there were a handful of goals that went in while Orpik was slamming a person out front in front, creating a 2 person screen for a second.

The Penguins' system does not encourage clearing out the front of the net. The idea is that the goalie has a better chance at a one guy screen than a two guy screen.
- hardnosed

Until the puck gets deflected on a tip or a rebound is banged home. I've noticed no fight at times for rebounds, just glares. No stick lifts or body taking

Until he has a Cup, he can never have that title.


You have 7 less GA than we do, not that impressive.
- nbartley9

Completely disagree with that. Just because he doesn't have a cup does NOT mean he isn't the best goalie in the world. Hank is the best goalie in the world/NHL, and that's that.

Completely disagree with that. Just because he doesn't have a cup does NOT mean he isn't the best goalie in the world. Hank is the best goalie in the world/NHL, and that's that.
- j.boyd919

Agreed. 71 percent of the world is covered by water. The rest? Hank

Agreed. 71 percent of the world is covered by water. The rest? Hank
- znagle

Funny thing is, the Penguins used to have his number before last year. But he's been a brick wall in the last 15 or so meetings.

I know they experiment with Spaling, Downie, and even Sutter on Malkin's line, but how come they never tried inserting Goc into that line? I think he's a decent, under valued player, and I think he's creative enough to play with the likes of Geno. Much more than Spaling is. He could even center the 2nd line, putting Malkin on the wing.

With the way they're playing lately (losing HARD to two division rivals!), I think they need to consider some kind of a change. Even slight line adjustments. I know I'd like to see Goc used better. I'd also like to see Adams sit his ass down for a change. Farnham needs to be brought back. I loved that guy's energy. Reminds me of Talbot when he was first up with Pittsburgh. The kid's got heart, and God knows this team needs it. I find myself saying over and over and over again: "I miss Dupuis so goddamn bad!"

Agreed. 71 percent of the world is covered by water. The rest? Hank
- znagle

My fave

Jesus saves! Mario gets the rebound, he shoots, he scoresssssss!!!!

Funny thing is, the Penguins used to have his number before last year. But he's been a brick wall in the last 15 or so meetings.
- hardnosed

Yeah, the team around Hank has improved a lot as well. He isn't left out to dry as much anymore. Plus the fact we can't do anything within our division. If we lose to the Flyers tomorrow

My fave

Jesus saves! Mario gets the rebound, he shoots, he scoresssssss!!!!
- all-pgh

Funny thing is, the Penguins used to have his number before last year. But he's been a brick wall in the last 15 or so meetings.
- hardnosed

Better puck support than in Torts system has to be the case. These Rangers don't sit back, they are actually fun to watch.

I know they experiment with Spaling, Downie, and even Sutter on Malkin's line, but how come they never tried inserting Goc into that line? I think he's a decent, under valued player, and I think he's creative enough to play with the likes of Geno. Much more than Spaling is. He could even center the 2nd line, putting Malkin on the wing.

With the way they're playing lately (losing HARD to two division rivals!), I think they need to consider some kind of a change. Even slight line adjustments. I know I'd like to see Goc used better. I'd also like to see Adams sit his ass down for a change. Farnham needs to be brought back. I loved that guy's energy. Reminds me of Talbot when he was first up with Pittsburgh. The kid's got heart, and God knows this team needs it. I find myself saying over and over and over again: "I miss Dupuis so goddamn bad!"
- simethos

Spaling is three times the player Goc is. The last way I'd describe Goc is creative.

Spaling's 13 goals last year are more than Goc has scored in any of his 9 seasons.

Spaling gets to the right spots, but sometimes isn't handsy enough to finish.

Completely disagree with that. Just because he doesn't have a cup does NOT mean he isn't the best goalie in the world. Hank is the best goalie in the world/NHL, and that's that.
- j.boyd919

Which I totally respect, I just feel differently .


WWJJD


F Sutter

Better puck support than in Torts system has to be the case. These Rangers don't sit back, they are actually fun to watch.
- usethe1-2-2

They've also got a lot more speed, more than last year even.

I'm not worried. This team is starting to play the right way. They aren't second guessing themselves anymore and reverting back to their old ways. They have a few more months to get things in gear and find that chemistry (along with health).

Sid looks good, Geno looks great for who he has played with so far this season. Loved the Letang and Despres pairing for a bit yesterday. That could be a good one moving forward.

Two games to build off of tomorrow and wednesday. Should be fun.

I know they experiment with Spaling, Downie, and even Sutter on Malkin's line, but how come they never tried inserting Goc into that line? I think he's a decent, under valued player, and I think he's creative enough to play with the likes of Geno. Much more than Spaling is. He could even center the 2nd line, putting Malkin on the wing.

With the way they're playing lately (losing HARD to two division rivals!), I think they need to consider some kind of a change. Even slight line adjustments. I know I'd like to see Goc used better. I'd also like to see Adams sit his ass down for a change. Farnham needs to be brought back. I loved that guy's energy. Reminds me of Talbot when he was first up with Pittsburgh. The kid's got heart, and God knows this team needs it. I find myself saying over and over and over again: "I miss Dupuis so goddamn bad!"
- simethos

Goc's career high is 30 points and has 6 points in 53 games for us. Putting him any higher than 4c will hurt the team.

They've also got a lot more speed, more than last year even.
- hardnosed

I think that is just as much the system as it is the players. No more start and stop, block shots type deal.

Our third will be much better when Hornqvist and Comeau are back. But I agree we need a 4th line that can bring energy at the very least, guys like Farnham. Adams, Sill, Ebbet and Goc should never sniff NHL ice time again... but we all know they will
- znagle

I like what Farnham brings but he is a short stint/ small shelf life kind of guy. I would call him up during the postseason to wreak havoc...otherwise, he's going to get abused and worn down during the regular season....just my two cents

Spaling is three times the player Goc is. The last way I'd describe Goc is creative.

Spaling's 13 goals last year are more than Goc has scored in any of his 9 seasons.

Spaling gets to the right spots, but sometimes isn't handsy enough to finish.
- hardnosed

True or not, they have tried everyone else up there except Goc and Adams... why the hell not try a game or two?

HCMJ is pretty realistic... we are making the playoffs, lets see how everyone works with everyone else if we need it come playoff times.