Okay, here's where I don't get on the same level as you guys: How would you rank Dumolin, Harrington, and Bortuzzo? Because I honestly don't see them enough and sometimes confuse them with each other (although I know they're very different players). I don't really think any of the 3 of them are surefire top-4 defenders, at least not as much as guys like Pouliot and/or Matta shold be.
- jmatchett383

Bortz is a 6th or 7th. I think Dumo could be a 5 or 6 although we have hardly seen him this year. Who knows about Harrington. Way too early to judge. His handful of games weren't great, but I don't think you can form a solid opinion on a young D in his first games in the NHL.

have no issue with bennett being out of the lineup. he has been invisible the past few games.

its funny, people whine about a lack of accountability, then the coaches hold a guy responsible and sit him a game and all of a sudden its bad coaching. lots of other guys could sit as well but we dont have that kind of roster space.

and by the way, anyone suggesting we should trade BD, DP, or SH for Jagr... please... send me whatever you're on. I wouldnt trade a 2nd for him let alone one of our best defensive prospects.
- SuperHenderson13

I've got issues with the coach three times over. Some of the decisions aren't game-time adjustments for the better, they're dumb. BB hasn't been in the lineup a dozen games after an injury and has been playing on the wrong wing all while playing with different linemates. There's zero cohesion from game to game. I have zero idea what this coach is doing and it's made worse that he doesn't pay attention to anyone outside of his circle. I know my opinion means nothing to the staff - and likely the blogosphere- but if 100,000 people recognize an issue that three or four guys don't, who is the problem? Yes they're on the inside day in and out, so are reporters that agree with ninety percent of what's talked about on here. Maybe seventy percent, but it's still mind boggling that he has chosen a closed door apapproach.

Okay, here's where I don't get on the same level as you guys: How would you rank Dumolin, Harrington, and Bortuzzo? Because I honestly don't see them enough and sometimes confuse them with each other (although I know they're very different players). I don't really think any of the 3 of them are surefire top-4 defenders, at least not as much as guys like Pouliot and/or Matta shold be.
- jmatchett383

Bortuzzo is at the bottom. Already in the NHL, probably already at his ceiling. Nothing more than a low end 5 or decent 6th defensemen.

I dont mind Dumolin. I think he can be a low end top 4 guy. Havent seen enough of him to get a clear picture.

Harrington is my favorite. I love his game. I think he has a very high ceiling and I think he could be a top 4 pairing guy sooner than later.

The way you play and the statistics you put up are 2 related but separate things.
- jmatchett383

Pens pp was at its best this season with Crosby ...Malkin... Horny...Kuntiz and Letang...there PP woes began when Kunitz was out... followed by Horny. Just a coincidence?..

Okay, here's where I don't get on the same level as you guys: How would you rank Dumolin, Harrington, and Bortuzzo? Because I honestly don't see them enough and sometimes confuse them with each other (although I know they're very different players). I don't really think any of the 3 of them are surefire top-4 defenders, at least not as much as guys like Pouliot and/or Matta shold be.
- jmatchett383

Personally,

#1 Pouliot, he should be playing over Bortz and paired with Scuderi

#2 Bortz, NHL experience, big guy just makes dumb decisions at times. Definitely a 5-6 dman

#3 Brian Dumoulin, I would actually play him over Bortz. There would be a few kinks to iron out with him, but I believe he can play full time right now. 6'4 and skates like Letang, good hockey IQ. Needs to work a little on D and being more physical. Top 4 potential next year or two.

#4 Harrington, at times he looks good and at times he looks like a deer in headlights. Maybe next year on him

Pens pp was at its best this season with Crosby ...Malkin... Horny...Kuntiz and Letang...there PP woes began when Kunitz was out... followed by Horny. Just a coincidence?..
- Brianandr1

The PP is a very small part of the game.

People have mentioned a decline in foot speed, his lack of winning board battles he used to win, a decrease in his forechecking ability, and an overall drop in his skating ability.

Yes, he still puts up nice numbers, but so did Nikolai Zherdev for the majority of his career. But how you play is just as important as your stats, probably more important.

Personally,

#1 Pouliot, he should be playing over Bortz and paired with Scuderi

#2 Bortz, NHL experience, big guy just makes dumb decisions at times. Definitely a 5-6 dman

#3 Brian Dumoulin, I would actually play him over Bortz. There would be a few kinks to iron out with him, but I believe he can play full time right now. 6'4 and skates like Letang, good hockey IQ. Needs to work a little on D and being more physical. Top 4 potential next year or two.

#4 Harrington, at times he looks good and at times he looks like a deer in headlights. Maybe next year on him
- znagle

I agree with you... but with one minor change. I think as of right now, Dumoulin is more NHL ready than Pouliot. Pouliot is better no doubt, but he has a lot more kinks to work out, which makes him more risky as a player.

Scratch BB but keep Sill in the lineup? Brilliant.

I agree with you... but with one minor change. I think as of right now, Dumoulin is more NHL ready than Pouliot. Pouliot is better no doubt, but he has a lot more kinks to work out, which makes him more risky as a player.
- Guile

Does anybody find it interesting that Dumo has clearly fallen behind all of these guys? He's had one call up. The other guys are certainly getting some nice mileage reimbursement.

Does anybody find it interesting that Dumo has clearly fallen behind all of these guys? He's had one call up. The other guys are certainly getting some nice mileage reimbursement.
- madmike71

Perhaps they'd rather have him playing more minutes in WB/S as opposed to bottom-pair minutes in Pit. If that's the case, it's a sign that they're willing to allow him to develop well and not rush him.

Perhaps they'd rather have him playing more minutes in WB/S as opposed to bottom-pair minutes in Pit. If that's the case, it's a sign that they're willing to allow him to develop well and not rush him.
- jmatchett383

Yep your exactly right

I agree with you... but with one minor change. I think as of right now, Dumoulin is more NHL ready than Pouliot. Pouliot is better no doubt, but he has a lot more kinks to work out, which makes him more risky as a player.
- Guile

I agree completely that BD is more NHL ready right now, but with DP he will actually put the puck on net on the PP or even strength. Too much passing on our team. Last game DP was up he did not hesitate to put it on net. They are close, but with that I would rather have DP up but wouldn't complain if BD was up

Does anybody find it interesting that Dumo has clearly fallen behind all of these guys? He's had one call up. The other guys are certainly getting some nice mileage reimbursement.
- madmike71

Yes, that I am VERY confused by... I think almost everyone here was in agreement that Dumoulin looked the best during the time they called the 3 up back to back to back (and a few times together). He get caught trying to (frank) JR's daughter or niece?

I agree completely that BD is more NHL ready right now, but with DP he will actually put the puck on net on the PP or even strength. Too much passing on our team. Last game DP was up he did not hesitate to put it on net. They are close, but with that I would rather have DP up but wouldn't complain if BD was up
- znagle

Either, or even Bortz.... just not harrington

Perhaps they'd rather have him playing more minutes in WB/S as opposed to bottom-pair minutes in Pit. If that's the case, it's a sign that they're willing to allow him to develop well and not rush him.
- jmatchett383

Maybe. I guess that's probably the only positive way you can look at it. I'm not entirely sold that's the reason.

Yes, that I am VERY confused by... I think almost everyone here was in agreement that Dumoulin looked the best during the time they called the 3 up back to back to back (and a few times together). He get caught trying to (frank) JR's daughter or niece?
- Guile

Well... Let's remember GMJR was the guy that traded him here. Maybe he's still not sold or doesn't want to expose him at the NHL level.

I just think it's kind of strange since both Harrington and Pouliot clearly need some work in the D zone. Harrington has been a boarder line train wreck at times defensively.

Well... Let's remember GMJR was the guy that traded him here. Maybe he's still not sold or doesn't want to expose him at the NHL level.

I just think it's kind of strange since both Harrington and Pouliot clearly need some work in the D zone. Harrington has been a boarder line train wreck at times defensively.
- madmike71

Just heard Bennett is getting benched tonight. Arcobello starting in his place.

Well... Let's remember GMJR was the guy that traded him here. Maybe he's still not sold or doesn't want to expose him at the NHL level.

I just think it's kind of strange since both Harrington and Pouliot clearly need some work in the D zone. Harrington has been a boarder line train wreck at times defensively.
- madmike71

I am almost getting a bit near the point of "I don't give a (frank) until this team is healthy, or 1 player from healthy". Because its still possibly line experimenting with the very likely assumption we are making the playoffs no matter how much we screw up now.

BASED ON WHAT STATISTICS???? HIS NUMBERS ARE UP last season and the same as three season's ago... (26g/60pts)

Based on the fact that a few people said something so lets just repeat it because it seams that way???
- Brianandr1

Is it a boy or a girl?

Seriously watch old games vs this season. He isn't making the small plays he use to. His success is a result of playing with 87. He isn't generating opportunities on his own like he use to. He's old, deal with it.

Is it a boy or a girl?

Seriously watch old games vs this season. He isn't making the small plays he use to. His success is a result of playing with 87. He isn't generating opportunities on his own like he use to. He's old, deal with it.
- sammy87

Ummm... so at more points this season, that is implying Crosby is having a beyond better season than in the past, to hoist up Kunitz's numbers. That is what you just said... and this is not Crosby's best season.

So... yeah, try again mate.

Okay, here's where I don't get on the same level as you guys: How would you rank Dumolin, Harrington, and Bortuzzo? Because I honestly don't see them enough and sometimes confuse them with each other (although I know they're very different players). I don't really think any of the 3 of them are surefire top-4 defenders, at least not as much as guys like Pouliot and/or Matta shold be.
- jmatchett383

Harrington probably has the highest ceiling out of the 3, but he is the furthest away from being NHL ready. I think once he is ready he will be a competent 3/4 guy.

Dumoulin is already as good as Bortuzzo in my eyes, with a little more room to grow. I would have no problem with Dumoulin currently on our bottom pairing. I think he is a very good 5/6 guy, with the potential to be called into a 2nd pairing role if there is an injury, but I would prefer him in the bottom pairing.

Bortuzzo is a bottom pairing defenseman, brings some nice physicality, but I don't see him as anything more than that. I like him as a guy you sit some nights when you might need a little more offense and not necessarily need the physicality, but play him most nights otherwise.

Apparently it is time.

Despres - Letang is a pairing.
- usethe1-2-2

Scratch BB but keep Sill in the lineup? Brilliant.
- acdc1206

Yohe explained it pretty well on twitter I thought. With Sill, Ebbett, Adams, you know what you are going to get. Sitting them for a game isn't going to change anything. Sitting Bennett may actually have an effect on him and hopefully makes him wake up that he needs to play better. No amount of sitting is going to magically grant Sill, Ebbett, or Adams any skill. Those guys put in effort almost every night, the problem is even trying their hardest isn't going to show up. Bennett doesn't look to be giving things 100% and that is what the coaches are hoping to change by sitting him.

Yohe explained it pretty well on twitter I thought. With Sill, Ebbett, Adams, you know what you are going to get. Sitting them for a game isn't going to change anything. Sitting Bennett may actually have an effect on him and hopefully makes him wake up that he needs to play better. No amount of sitting is going to magically grant Sill, Ebbett, or Adams any skill. Those guys put in effort almost every night, the problem is even trying their hardest isn't going to show up. Bennett doesn't look to be giving things 100% and that is what the coaches are hoping to change by sitting him.
- PensFan1103

good, now go explain that to Ryan on Twitter...

good, now go explain that to Ryan on Twitter...
- SuperHenderson13

Can't. He blocked me.