Winnik, Sid, Hornie
Perron, Geno, Downie
Kunitz, Sutter, Comeau

I really think Winnik is opening up some space for Sid. I've like what that line is doing.
- madmike71

Winnik has earned the look for now, so I won't argue. Even if he doesn't stay up, he can bumped up in a punch if things aren't working out. Same goes for Downie.

If Winnik and Comeau both stay up I wouldn't mind the reunion of the Kunitz-Sutter-Bennett line. That worked OK for the short while that it was intact and it was deployed as the second line. That may actually be able to do some damage as a third line going up against lesser competition.

Winnik-Crosby-Hornqvist
Perron-Malkin-Comeau
Kunitz-Sutter-Bennett
Spaling-Lapierre-Downie

Not a fan of the (frank) brothers Lapierre and Downie playing on the same line, but that looks to me like a pretty damn solid roster. Maybe interchanging Downie and Comeau would do both the second and fourth line some good.

New idea for playoff format
Number one overall plays number 16
Number two overall plays number 15
And so on and so on
Tired of the old same old same old playoffs?
This gives some very interesting matchups
Check them out in the overall standings of the league itself.
- holeinone

I think this has been suggested a few times, I wouldn't oppose that, but it does conflict with the "best of the east facing the west in the championship" ideal by having them interplay sooner.

You could change it to being like the NFL, highest seed ALWAYS plays the lowest available. For just last year, the east I don't believe that would have changed anything, but for the west the 2nd round would have looked different. Would have had Anaheim vs Minnesota and LA vs Chicago 2nd round.

Not a groundbreaking change, but it would mix things up a bit from the norm.

I think this has been suggested a few times, I wouldn't oppose that, but it does conflict with the "best of the east facing the west in the championship" ideal by having them interplay sooner.

You could change it to being like the NFL, highest seed ALWAYS plays the lowest available. For just last year, the east I don't believe that would have changed anything, but for the west the 2nd round would have looked different. Would have had Anaheim vs Minnesota and LA vs Chicago 2nd round.

Not a groundbreaking change, but it would mix things up a bit from the norm.
- Guile

I think the last thing the NHL needs to focus on changing is the playoff format.

I think the last thing the NHL needs to focus on changing is the playoff format.
- rangerdanger94

Pfft... I am sure this site's members can find worse things the NHL "needs" to fix

I think the last thing the NHL needs to focus on changing is the playoff format.
- rangerdanger94

Considering that they just changed it, yes. There has been rather a lot of structural change to the makeup of the league over the last few years. Conferences, Wild Cards, &c. I think the term 'wild card' should not be a hockey term. Seems kitschy to me; like as in having MLS teams called "DC United" and "Real Salt Lake".

Also we all hate the All-Star Game and we think the Department of Player Safety is something of a joke. I wonder what they'll do with Byfuglien after he tried to kill a man the other night.

Is there a think tank somewhere called "Foundation for Players from Places in Canada to play Canada's Game in Canada and not in Warm Places"? There seems to be a renewal in Canadian angst these days.

Considering that they just changed it, yes. There has been rather a lot of structural change to the makeup of the league over the last few years. Conferences, Wild Cards, &c. I think the term 'wild card' should not be a hockey term. Seems kitschy to me; like as in having MLS teams called "DC United" and "Real Salt Lake".

Also we all hate the All-Star Game and we think the Department of Player Safety is something of a joke. I wonder what they'll do with Byfuglien after he tried to kill a man the other night.

Is there a think tank somewhere called "Foundation for Players from Places in Canada to play Canada's Game in Canada and not in Warm Places"? There seems to be a renewal in Canadian angst these days.
- Johnny Wrath

Hold up... Wait! Rangers fans don't like cross checks to the back of the head now? Whaaaaaa?

BREAKING: #Pens place Beau Bennett on waivers. Likely to call up Bryan Rust. #FantasyHockey

BREAKING: #Pens place Beau Bennett on waivers. Likely to call up Bryan Rust. #FantasyHockey


- znagle

April Fool's

April Fool's
- jfkst1

Slow day in here. Except that comment came quick

So, pens really can't recall any D?

Slow day in here. Except that comment came quick
- znagle

You gave yourself away by saying Rust and not a D.

So, pens really can't recall any D?
- Conse

No they can't.

You gave yourself away by saying Rust and not a D.
- madmike71

I know I had Chorney coming up first. Wanted to make it look like management had no clue what they are doing and rile up those that hate our management

Pens are like your mom. She really wants the D but that female dog can't have it

Islanders select JP Dumont 3rd overall.

Considering that they just changed it, yes. There has been rather a lot of structural change to the makeup of the league over the last few years. Conferences, Wild Cards, &c. I think the term 'wild card' should not be a hockey term. Seems kitschy to me; like as in having MLS teams called "DC United" and "Real Salt Lake".

Also we all hate the All-Star Game and we think the Department of Player Safety is something of a joke. I wonder what they'll do with Byfuglien after he tried to kill a man the other night.

Is there a think tank somewhere called "Foundation for Players from Places in Canada to play Canada's Game in Canada and not in Warm Places"? There seems to be a renewal in Canadian angst these days.
- Johnny Wrath

imo the ASG is fine as is, so long as it stays entirely irrelevant.

Comeau is a 3rd liner, always has been always will be.

Comeau is a 3rd liner, always has been always will be.
- nbartley9

Two seasons in the top 6 with the Islanders might beg to differ

I'd like to think hes a tweener, a middle 6 player. Not sure if thats a real term for hockey though.

Two seasons in the top 6 with the Islanders might beg to differ

I'd like to think hes a tweener, a middle 6 player. Not sure if thats a real term for hockey though.
- Guile

Downs is more fit for a top 6 roll than Comeau.

Raffi Torres is a 3rd liner, always has been always will be.
- nbartley9

Islanders 5th overall pick.

i think Blake will be back to his point producing self during playoffs. Regular Season almost over. Pens will be alright in the Playoffs.

Two seasons in the top 6 with the Islanders might beg to differ

I'd like to think hes a tweener, a middle 6 player. Not sure if thats a real term for hockey though.
- Guile

Top 9 forward. I'd view Downie and Winnik as the same. They might fit in for a period of time, but I wouldn't view them as being reliably productive in those positions for long periods of time unless they really develop strong chemistry with their linemates. Perron and Hornqvist are likely the only two top 6 forwards on this team anymore. Kunitz and Dupuis at this point probably fall into this same top 9 category.

Downs is more fit for a top 6 roll than Comeau.
- nbartley9

I'd say they are both equally capable... Downie with a more overall effect and Comeau with more straight goal scoring sniper attributes. Lately I am PRAYING they give Downie the shot in the top 6 of course.

I'd say they are both equally capable... Downie with a more overall effect and Comeau with more straight goal scoring sniper attributes. Lately I am PRAYING they give Downie the shot in the top 6 of course.
- Guile

The only top 6 F's on the roster are PH and Perron.

The underlying concern not mentioned in the blog about Bennett is the double knee braces are just the latest in a long string of ongoing health problems with the guy. I REALLY want to see the kid succeed, but at what point does the organization have to take a step back and decide if he is EVER going to be healthy enough to perform close to his talent ceiling?