So, serious question for all of you:

I think that about 100%, possibly more, of the people who post on here regularly agreed that the type of hit on Letang was complete bull, and that players like Rinaldo should be thrown out of the league, and that he should have been suspended more than 8 games.

Let's say, theoretically, that the Penguins had Lapierre and he responds in kind with an equally/more blatamt cheapshot against Giroux or Voracek. Would you feel the same way about Lapierre?
- jmatchett383

I don't have all this hate for Rinaldo. He's just a hitter, a dirty one.

And YES to your question. I'd have loved to see Lapierre doing that to Giroux as well. At least we would have answered in the same coin.

Maybe if Ian had been better he wouldn't have had this problem. Not like The Great One or The Golden Brett have to share nicknames.
- Antilles

And it's not like "Lappy" is some unique hockey name. I'd bet that pretty much any player in any level of hockey with a last name that starts with Lap is called Lappy.

So, serious question for all of you:

I think that about 100%, possibly more, of the people who post on here regularly agreed that the type of hit on Letang was complete bull, and that players like Rinaldo should be thrown out of the league, and that he should have been suspended more than 8 games.

Let's say, theoretically, that the Penguins had Lapierre and he responds in kind with an equally/more blatamt cheapshot against Giroux or Voracek. Would you feel the same way about Lapierre?
- jmatchett383

i think most of us would say yes. I think back to Cooke's last couple of bad hits before he toned things down and the majority of people here were saying that he had to go. And Cooke was a guy who has legitimate hockey skills, so it made it even more maddening. I for one am not looking forward to the first time Lapierre makes a bad hit. I know the goon squad around here is super excited for it when it happens, but most of the posters probably are not.

Yes and frankly I'm still mad Del Zotto got nothing for his hit on Borts. Scum is scum.
- usethe1-2-2

Agreed. No penalty/injury = no suspension. Flying elbows to the head are fine right?

Another point... I get people wanted another player of this type on the team. Mostly because Downie is freaking tiny and moreso an agitator than enforcer... Couldn't we have traded something else for him?
- Guile

The Penguins wanted to rid themselves of Goc, plain and simple. Which is why they traded him away.

It's been rare that a Penguins coach has talked as negatively as Johnston did about Goc last week.

It was a stupid hit and he deserved the 8 games he got. And I'm pretty sure Letang missed the game after the Rinaldo hit, so I don't think he was faking it.
- jmatchett383

Agreed.

I dont care what yoru stats say, Playoffs are a physical match up. Goc never showed that. Neither does Sutter. Pens have been outplayed by inferior teams the past several years due to their lack of physical play.
- sammy87

We are getting killed by our division because they all out physical us. Love the trade and Max better realize on this team you have to answer for yourself. Engo is gone. Donnie is no HW. Borts is willing but that's about it.

My lines would be-
Sid with Perron, Hornqist
Geno with Kunitz, Bennett
Sutter with Comeau, Donnie
Spaling with Lapierre, Farnham.

Spare parts Adams, Arcobello.

So, serious question for all of you:

I think that about 100%, possibly more, of the people who post on here regularly agreed that the type of hit on Letang was complete bull, and that players like Rinaldo should be thrown out of the league, and that he should have been suspended more than 8 games.

Let's say, theoretically, that the Penguins had Lapierre and he responds in kind with an equally/more blatamt cheapshot against Giroux or Voracek. Would you feel the same way about Lapierre?
- jmatchett383

Unfortunately this is obviously what the league wants. I don't see how you can make a case that they don't. Until guys start sitting for 20/30 or more games and the team as a whole pays a larger price (picks/$$$), nothing will change.

Anybody think 8 games will change Rinaldo?

So, serious question for all of you:

I think that about 100%, possibly more, of the people who post on here regularly agreed that the type of hit on Letang was complete bull, and that players like Rinaldo should be thrown out of the league, and that he should have been suspended more than 8 games.

Let's say, theoretically, that the Penguins had Lapierre and he responds in kind with an equally/more blatamt cheapshot against Giroux or Voracek. Would you feel the same way about Lapierre?
- jmatchett383

Going after someone to injure is crap and shouldn't be in the game. Injuries for sure are gonna happen, it shouldn't be deliberate.

Edit: And what a (frank)ing stupid-ass business model the league has! It's not like MORE people are tuning in when guys like Crosby or Letang or Savard are on the IR. How many great players had to retire from bad hits too? Just absurd.

Not at all. I think it puts a bullseye on the stars.
- madmike71

People will claim they already do, which is true. But watch how much that target grows after rat face Lapierre barrels a Tavares or Nash face first into the boards.

If he can do everything Goc can, and drop bodies its a win. Im not going to pretend I have been following his career, i just dont have the time to follow anyone other than the Pens and a few players here and there.

Im down on Sutter as well, he just wont lay a hit and grind it out. Some games you dont have to, some you do. Playoff time, its not an option.
- sammy87

Just remember Sutter was probably one of our best players last playoffs. He had an extra step on him.

So, serious question for all of you:

I think that about 100%, possibly more, of the people who post on here regularly agreed that the type of hit on Letang was complete bull, and that players like Rinaldo should be thrown out of the league, and that he should have been suspended more than 8 games.

Let's say, theoretically, that the Penguins had Lapierre and he responds in kind with an equally/more blatamt cheapshot against Giroux or Voracek. Would you feel the same way about Lapierre?
- jmatchett383

I would be fine with him hitting both period. Doesn't have to be dirty it just needs to be hard. Send a message and let Philly come after him. This is the NHL clean hits pisses opposing teams off too.

The crowning achievement of the Flyers season was probably the road win against LA. And who said I like Ryan White? He's a mediocre upgrade on Zac Rinaldo who is a more or less clean hitter who offers little more and was only called up due to our suspensions and injuries (much like Farnham, Sill, etc.).
- jmatchett383

I'm just saying I don't get the logic...

Pens/Flyers have made so many parallel moves for "goons/fighters/hardos" over the last 5 years to offset each others "grit/toughness" it is uncanny. To single any player or move out.... is the complete definition of pot calling the kettle black.

Let's leave it at that.

Yup. In an ideal world, I don't want this rat on my team. But, circumstances seem to dictate and even necessitate it.

I don't blame the Flyers for Rinaldo, the Isles for Clutterbuck, etc..

The League rewards teams that initiate crap, bs, and physicality. And, it only gets worse in the playoffs.

It is what it is.
- 87_71_11_29

True, and even more true in the playoffs.

Marcel Goc is a more skilled player, but when he gets hooked or tripped up going to the net and nothing is called, it doesn't accomplish much.

Lapierre going to the net after a loose puck, knocking defensemen into goalies and jabbing at a goalie will be more productive in the "wild west" that the NHL playoffs are.

Final thought on this trade..

Imagine you're John Tavares. You lineup for the faceoff and see Marcel Goc across from you. Are you intimidated? No. Do you fear his physicality? No. Do you need to account for Goc in any way by looking over your shoulder, engage in some trash talk, etc..? No. JT is free to roam around and do his business. Not good from Pens perspective.

Goc was irrelevant in every way. Just a guy that can win a few faceoffs and apparently drive possession even though he didn't really do anything.

When Tavares lines up across Lapierre, there are entirely different thoughts going through his head. Not saying there is any intimidation going on. But, he needs to account for the guy.

That's the difference between Goc and Lapierre.
- 87_71_11_29

Very well said. But you should put it in a chart.

I'd rather Goc. I hate Lapierre.

Winnik is coming. I can feel it. Big 4th line winger to go with Lapierre and Downie.

People will claim they already do, which is true. But watch how much that target grows after rat face Lapierre barrels a Tavares or Nash face first into the boards.
- canadianpenfan

I'm really not sure it can grow that much. Would Staal have crosscheck Crosby in the head 3 times last year instead of 2?

Just a thought on last night...

Anyone count how many cross checks to the face Penguins players took after scoring? Good lord Perron took 4 from Trouba on one goal. Hornquist got similar treatment.

Also, not sure how it's possible that we didn't have too many men on Downie's (?) goal, that was either a blown call or Downie is the fastest skater in the world. Whoever jumped on was in the offensive zone before the player he replaced reached the bench.

I'd rather Goc. I hate Lapierre.
- simethos

I'd rather have kept Goc as well + bringing Lapierre for something else.

I'm really not sure it can grow that much. Would Staal have crosscheck Crosby in the head 3 times last year instead of 2?
- rival22

No but he might make sure 1 does the trick.

Bottom line is the Pens have been a soft team. JR is slowly but surely addressing that. If the $, contracts and numbers are pretty identical Ill take the size, grit and nastiness in a heartbeat. Goc has been given plenty of time and opportunity to stand out. He never has.

I'm really not sure it can grow that much. Would Staal have crosscheck Crosby in the head 3 times last year instead of 2?
- rival22

Like I said... This is the game the NHL wants. No penalty called on Staal. Chara flat out punched Sid in his broken jaw in the ECF a couple of years ago. Only 8 games for a butt plug like Rinaldo. They are obviously happy with their product.

Winnik is coming. I can feel it. Big 4th line winger to go with Lapierre and Downie.
- Barnaby36

I'd love Winnik. Cost has to be high though. I imagine every team is placing offers for him.

JR pulls that off somehow, hats off to him.

Bottom line is the Pens have been a soft team. JR is slowly but surely addressing that. If the $, contracts and numbers are pretty identical Ill take the size, grit and nastiness in a heartbeat. Goc has been given plenty of time and opportunity to stand out. He never has.
- all-pgh

Agreed. Faceoffs are pretty much the same, and Goc has 8 points in 55 games. Lapierre has 9 points this season, so it's not like we are losing any prodcution