If you trot out the same exact strategy power play after power play no matter what adjustments the penalty kill makes, eventually you get figured out.

At the beginning of last year, teams sat back. And the Penguins responded by scoring dirty goals.

Then teams started to chase more, apply more pressure. And the Penguins didn't adjust.

The PP needs to be more variable. In fact, the team as a whole needs to be more variable.

The same staid "do what we do" approach to adjustments was passed from Bylsma to Johnston.
- hardnosed

Yep. Same old look + passing on shots = ineffective.

I think this year's PP will struggle during the start of the season because of over thinking it (i.e. passing on shots, too many passes, etc). The exception could be #81, especially if he simply fires pucks to the net like a machine. Nonetheless, it'll be fun (and frustrating) to watch until they finally figure it out. With that line-up, dirty goals/ 2nd, 3rd chances should be plentiful; I just hope they cash-in instead of playing Globe Trotters.

In theory you're correct as to how the diamond style PK would work. However, once on the ice they'll have to shift like a zone defense in basketball. Malkin and Kessel will also be sliding up high at times and towards the center ice. I've played for many years, and as a defender you're head is constantly on a swivel. Too aggressive and the PP guys can skate past you. This setup wouldn't work for every team, but with the Pens having 5 great shots and 4 great playmakers on the ice it could work perfectly.

Remember, When that puck goes to Kessel Crosby can slide into the slot bringing the high defender low for a pass back to Letang creating a shot and chaos.
- cranktheradio

If you know the game netball, & maybe to a certain extent basketball, the D don't really need to watch the ball. They only have to shadow the player & interfere in the play to destabilise it. If the 3 D marking the outside guys play the player not the puck then it's going to be up to the 2 down low to make the play - that brings the floater & goalie into play. Not sure how many clear shots will be executed. I understand the dynamics but as I said without playing I don't get the feel of the plays.

If you know the game netball, & maybe to a certain extent basketball, the D don't really need to watch the ball. They only have to shadow the player & interfere in the play to destabilise it. If the 3 D marking the outside guys play the player not the puck then it's going to be up to the 2 down low to make the play - that brings the floater & goalie into play. Not sure how many clear shots will be executed. I understand the dynamics but as I said without playing I don't get the feel of the plays.
- Aussiepenguin

Understandable. I'm not familiar with netball, but in basketball you can definitely shadow a player. On skates its much harder as it takes a moment longer to readjust you're body when changing direction. Plus, you have a tendency to glide just a bit. You're head is in constant motion trying to track the puck while defending someone who can move quicker than you can react. It's much harder to "shadow" in hockey therefore once that puck moves it becomes easier to break a defense down.

However, I think the main factor on a power play is the ability to adjust and find those seams before the D can pick you up. Hence, even though Malkin and Kessel may start on the half wall, they could end up anywhere as the play dictates.

.....and since the Penguins go to the power-play more than any other team, HOLY SMOKES THATS A LOT OF GOALS!!!!
- Charlie Conway

Ten teams had more PP opportunities than the Penguins last season.

Yeah, I'm going to make a point to watch some Penguins games long enough to see a few of their PPs. Kessel can just clean beat goalies from ridiculous places with that shot. Him with Sid and Malkin could be a nightmare for teams.
- Zezel

We are certainly hoping to be a nightmare.

You know, for other teams.

Name this game show?

A guy named Marty from Pittsburgh gets asked the following;

"What does a guy from Philly dunk his pretzel in?"

Answer;

"A girl from New Jersey!"

Not sure if it was mentioned, but saw an article saying Kessel lost 13 lbs

My Kessel jersey from aliexpress finally arrived. Good lord, it looks and feels authentic and it was $25. Thank you, China.

My Kessel jersey from aliexpress finally arrived. Good lord, it looks and feels authentic and it was $25. Thank you, China.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

pm me a link please

Crickets.

Crickets.
- Topshelf Mountain

nothing to talk about, our team is awesome.. except for scuds....

I am hoping they PTO Tlusty and Franson and then send Kuni and scuds to Florida

Phil Kessel=Superstar. Love the guy. Very underrated.

nothing to talk about, our team is awesome.. except for scuds....

I am hoping they PTO Tlusty and Franson and then send Kuni and scuds to Florida
- nh4442

Yeah, I'm ready for hockey.

Kuni will bounce back this year. I like him on the first line and think 30 is retty realistic. Just hope to hell we're finally healthy.

Yeah, I'm ready for hockey.

Kuni will bounce back this year. I like him on the first line and think 30 is retty realistic. Just hope to hell we're finally healthy.
- Topshelf Mountain

idk about Kuni yet and I don't think he should be top 6, I think perron and plot should start there... and just see how kuni bonino dupes 3rd line works... but I understand that they want to get plot use to NHL so 3rd line mins will be good, and that they want to split kuni and horn up so that leaves your lines:
kuni sid kessel
perron geno horn
plot bonino dupes
? Cullen BB

?=sheary/rust/Wilson/sund/ufa

Not sure if it was mentioned, but saw an article saying Kessel lost 13 lbs
- drummer829

-13

idk about Kuni yet and I don't think he should be top 6, I think perron and plot should start there... and just see how kuni bonino dupes 3rd line works... but I understand that they want to get plot use to NHL so 3rd line mins will be good, and that they want to split kuni and horn up so that leaves your lines:
kuni sid kessel
perron geno horn
plot bonino dupes
? Cullen BB

?=sheary/rust/Wilson/sund/ufa
- nh4442

I feel like in order to be balanced, every line has to have a guy capable of carrying the puck. That's not strength of Kunitz, Boninio or Dupuis. They all do better work away from the puck.

When Fehr gets back, the most balanced combos IMO would be:

Kunitz/Crosby/Hornqvist
Dupuis/Malkin/Kessel
Perron/Bonino/Fehr
Plotnikov/Cullen/Bennett

I feel like in order to be balanced, every line has to have a guy capable of carrying the puck. That's not strength of Kunitz, Boninio or Dupuis. They all do better work away from the puck.

When Fehr gets back, the most balanced combos IMO would be:

Kunitz/Crosby/Hornqvist
Dupuis/Malkin/Kessel
Perron/Bonino/Fehr
Plotnikov/Cullen/Bennett
- hardnosed

no way perron moves down to 3rd and plot down to the 4th... hell id rather see bb on 3rd and dupes on 4th to limit his time

And how can you say kuni bonino dupes isn't balanced.. kuni and dupes are 1st liners remember! So if they are on the 3rd line, that even makes it more deadly... dupes has hands of gold and is fast as the wind, so he can carry the puck while kuni sits in front of the net and bonino can be a setup guy