Wonder what it's like for multiple NY/CA/FL teams

Edit: Hell Columbus to Detroit is just over 200 miles, Green Bay to Chicago is almost the exact same.
- Pens_Burgh

They were more relaxed on the rules when there were less teams.

that team in Vegas is going to get absolutely crushed. no way it lasts.
- SuperHenderson13

Crushed how? They already have several thousand season ticket packages sold.

Crushed how? They already have several thousand season ticket packages sold.
- Zac_O

it wont last. i just dont believe people live/visit Las Vegas for hockey. If I were in Vegas the penguins were playing the team, I might go to watch, but i just dont see it working.

any new franchise can sell out season ticket packages to start. how many of them stick around after a few years is the real question.

to me, Quebec and Seattle should get teams... well actually if it was up to me, this league would go down to 28 teams.

I think it's hilarious that Dump and DP still aren't living up to expectations and playing worse than Scuds at this point. Lovejoy is the 3rd best Dman the Pens have..Yikes!

Lets say neither DP or Dumo make the team, that would make Maata and Staal as Shero's only NHL regulars?
- sammy87

None of that is true. Cole is the third best Dman and Lovejoy is not close. Dumo does not look that bad. He's not getting scored on or a liability. And no one is playing as bad as Scuds except Gonchar not even DP who is this boards me whipping boy. Pouliot still makes incredible passes and his shot gets to the net from the point. He just needs to work on being better in his own end. 20-30 games in WBS against inferior competition working on defense only should cure that. There is no cure to scuds game. Also Dumo playing a little more and getting a little more comfortable should b all he needs as well. It's really not that dire right now

it wont last. i just dont believe people live/visit Las Vegas for hockey. If I were in Vegas the penguins were playing the team, I might go to watch, but i just dont see it working.

any new franchise can sell out season ticket packages to start. how many of them stick around after a few years is the real question.

to me, Quebec and Seattle should get teams... well actually if it was up to me, this league would go down to 28 teams.
- SuperHenderson13

Las Vegas has an owner that is willing to lose money and try to build a team. They are exactly what the NHL wants. I agree that Seattle makes more sense. Except Seattle DOESN'T WANT A NHL TEAM. It's amazing that I have to say it so much.

We complain and complain about young players never getting a shot, and then when they look a little shaky in a couple preseason games, we want to make a deal for a dman.

I really don't see JR making any moves on defense for a while. Let the kids play with a full team and some stability.

I think after like Thanksgiving, we'll have a much better feel about these young players, and how their season will progress. Don't make any rash decision based on some split squad exhibition games.
- rival22

I agree with this 100%. You people act like the sky is falling

I agree with this 100%. You people act like the sky is falling
- Dcoms

Yesterday it was "you dudes". Now it's "you people"?? Maybe the sky is going to be falling ... when Joaquin is gonna hit the EC.

Yesterday it was "you dudes". Now it's "you people"?? Maybe the sky is going to be falling ... when Joaquin is gonna hit the EC.
- chimpira

Doesn't he know its " yinz"?

Careful where you say that. I've been called a fat ugly troll for saying that. But I'm not gonna let blackhawks fans bring up the pens bad years without bringing up theirs.
- Zac_O

Haha sure I saw both Kane and Toews in an interview on TV talking about how they were only playing for crowds of about five to eight thousand in Chicago in their first few seasons.

I agree with this 100%. You people act like the sky is falling
- Dcoms

My only concern is that with Scuderi and Gonchar around management won't give Clendening and especially Dumoulin the leash they need to grow. I think Dinger (I'm stealing it, Aussie) will be fine. He's playing solid, composed hockey and Magic Mike said he's leapfrogged some guys on the depth chart, which is promising in regards to him getting a top 6 spot. It's Dumoulin I'm worried about. He's playing completely nervous. I know the talent is there because he played good hockey last season when he was up and especially in the playoffs, and if you pay attention he's even shown flashes during this lack luster preseason but he's playing nervous out of his mind which is causing him to make mistakes. He reminds me of a quarterback on a tight leash throwing interception after interception because he's trying to do to much to keep his job (basically any Redskins QB). If management were to say ok Dumoulin, you've done your knock and payed your dues, you're getting a shot now and give him a longer leash without the geezers breathing down his neck I think we'd see a new man.

So.... when healthy...

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

?
- BINGO!

Not quite
Perron Crosby Kessel
Plotnikov Malkin Hornquist
Fehr Bonino Bennet
Dupuis Sundquist Sprong
Cullen
Letang Maatta
Cole Clendening
Dumoulin Hamhuis
And that is trading Kunitz and Lovejoy for Hamhuis and Prust

Not quite
Perron Crosby Kessel
Plotnikov Malkin Hornquist
Fehr Bonino Bennet
Dupuis Sundquist Sprong
Cullen
Letang Maatta
Cole Clendening
Dumoulin Hamhuis
And that is trading Kunitz and Lovejoy for Hamhuis and Prust
- Dcoms

Prust?

Not quite
Perron Crosby Kessel
Plotnikov Malkin Hornquist
Fehr Bonino Bennet
Dupuis Sundquist Sprong
Cullen
Letang Maatta
Cole Clendening
Dumoulin Hamhuis
And that is trading Kunitz and Lovejoy for Hamhuis and Prust
- Dcoms

We already fleeced the Nucks when we shipped #FSutter to them. Is their management that bad? I mean Ray Shero-bad?

EDIT: Mind you, I was one of the "IN SHERO WE TRUST" folks when he was wheeling and dealing. It's the Scuderi deal, mostly.

My only concern is that with Scuderi and Gonchar around management won't give Clendening and especially Dumoulin the leash they need to grow. I think Dinger (I'm stealing it, Aussie) will be fine. He's playing solid, composed hockey and Magic Mike said he's leapfrogged some guys on the depth chart, which is promising in regards to him getting a top 6 spot. It's Dumoulin I'm worried about. He's playing completely nervous. I know the talent is there because he played good hockey last season when he was up and especially in the playoffs, and if you pay attention he's even shown flashes during this lack luster preseason but he's playing nervous out of his mind which is causing him to make mistakes. He reminds me of a quarterback on a tight leash throwing interception after interception because he's trying to do to much to keep his job (basically any Redskins QB). If management were to say ok Dumoulin, you've done your knock and payed your dues, you're getting a shot now and give him a longer leash without the geezers breathing down his neck I think we'd see a new man.
- Victoro311

I'm a Dumo fan so everything I say might be completely outside of realism. I feel I have to say that a lot. Any ways, Dumo has a boat load of talent as a defending defender. Which I love because I think that kind of defender is underrated so I overrate them. I personally believe his ceiling is a decent #3 d-man (this is pretty generous so don't persecute me for being bias). But more than likley he will be a good #5 d-man.

About the organization helping him get more confident is where I take issue and get upset towards him. This off season they gave him a 1-way deal. He hadn't proven himself at the NHL level very much so I was surprised. I assumed that they did that to boost his confidence and show they believe in him. In return he looks scared and shaky. So I believe the Organization has "given a longer leash" to him already.

I'm a Dumo fan so everything I say might be completely outside of realism. I feel I have to say that a lot. Any ways, Dumo has a boat load of talent as a defending defender. Which I love because I think that kind of defender is underrated so I overrate them. I personally believe his ceiling is a decent #3 d-man (this is pretty generous so don't persecute me for being bias). But more than likley he will be a good #5 d-man.

About the organization helping him get more confident is where I take issue and get upset towards him. This off season they gave him a 1-way deal. He hadn't proven himself at the NHL level very much so I was surprised. I assumed that they did that to boost his confidence and show they believe in him. In return he looks scared and shaky. So I believe the Organization has "given a longer leash" to him already.
- Zac_O

You don't notice him much and he is not flashy but he is very good positional player. He also has decent size and is not afraid to get physical. I believe his high end is higher than most people and this board believe. Mostly because we have so few really defense first type D men. And the ones we do, either overreact (Lovejoy)or are too passive(Scuds). Dumo is neither. he has the Goldylocks factor for a D man. He is 'just right'.

I'm a Dumo fan so everything I say might be completely outside of realism. I feel I have to say that a lot. Any ways, Dumo has a boat load of talent as a defending defender. Which I love because I think that kind of defender is underrated so I overrate them. I personally believe his ceiling is a decent #3 d-man (this is pretty generous so don't persecute me for being bias). But more than likley he will be a good #5 d-man.

About the organization helping him get more confident is where I take issue and get upset towards him. This off season they gave him a 1-way deal. He hadn't proven himself at the NHL level very much so I was surprised. I assumed that they did that to boost his confidence and show they believe in him. In return he looks scared and shaky. So I believe the Organization has "given a longer leash" to him already.
- Zac_O

Assuming there is no trade
Guaranteed a roster spot:
1) Letang 2) Maatta 3) Cole 4 )Lovejoy 5) Scuds
Probable to have a roster spot:
1) Clendening 2) Dumo
On the bubble (for various reasons)
1) Gonchar 2) Pouliot 3) Erixion
If Pouliot is on the roster he has to play... My opening night would be
Letang Maatta
Cole Clendening
Lovejoy Pouliot
Dumo
Scuds
"the Kids" will have bad games/ injuries... that's when Scuds plays... and he will

Assuming there is no trade
Guaranteed a roster spot:
1) Letang 2) Maatta 3) Cole 4 )Lovejoy 5) Scuds
Probable to have a roster spot:
1) Clendening 2) Dumo
On the bubble (for various reasons)
1) Gonchar 2) Pouliot 3) Erixion
If Pouliot is on the roster he has to play... My opening night would be
Letang Maatta
Cole Clendening
Lovejoy Pouliot
Dumo
Scuds
- Brianandr1

Thats not a bad D lineup as long as Dumo doesnt sit for more than 2 games in a row. If its that he isnt confident sitting him would only make that worse.

You don't notice him much and he is not flashy but he is very good positional player. He also has decent size and is not afraid to get physical. I believe his high end is higher than most people and this board believe. Mostly because we have so few really defense first type D men. And the ones we do, either overreact (Lovejoy)or are too passive(Scuds). Dumo is neither. he has the Goldylocks factor for a D man. He is 'just right'.
- powerhouse

Thats just the thing, I like d-men that I dont notice because they are just doing what needs to be done quietly. It means I dont have to be worried about them.

The Goldilocks comparison

Sorry, folks, but the D is going to sink this team. Even if Letang and Maatta stay healthy all year (which is a big IF), Maatta hasn't much looked like a #2. And it still means that Cole, who St. Louis made a healthy scratch / 3rd pairing and couldn't get rid of him fast enough (for Bortuzzo!), is the #3. Not good. He is a decent defenseman. A good 3rd pairing defenseman on a Cup-contending team, a below average 2nd pairing D on a bad team, but certainly not a legit #3.

Who is #4? Please don't say Lovejoy. Sorry, but he's a slow floater. Anaheim made him a healthy scratch, too. Teams in Cup contention don't make good defenseman healthy scratches. Just because he is on the Pens, Pens' fans get homer goggles and suddenly think he is good. He is not. He was a minus player on the Ducks FFS!

Also, please don't use the series against NYR as a basis for judging the D. First, it is a small sample size. Second, NYR is offensively challenged. Third, Fleury played out of his head. Fourth, the Pens completely changed their style to support the D (thus the complete lack of offense).

I give the Pens D about a 10% chance of being good this year. That's IF Letang and Maatta stay healthy all year, IF Cole plays above his average, IF Clendening is able to play on a second-pairing level, IF one or more of Pouliot, Dumoulin, etc. are able to become legit NHL defensemen, IF pylons Scuderi and Gonchar never sniff the ice. Those are all big IFs.

The Pen's D is below average. The Pen's team D is average. Name the last Cup contender / winner with this kind of team.

TBF, outside of the Despres / Lovejoy debacle, I like what Rutherford has done so far, but the Pens are still a season or two of development and/or an off-season or two away from being a contender.

Thats not a bad D lineup as long as Dumo doesnt sit for more than 2 games in a row. If its that he isnt confident sitting him would only make that worse.
- Zac_O

I have zero issue with them demoting Pouliot and playing Dumo as the 6 instead... It would say its more of a personal preference... As long as the kids get a shot...

Most of us will be Pissed with an opening lineup of:
Letang Maatta
Cole Lovejoy
Scuds "your kid of choice"

Sorry, folks, but the D is going to sink this team. Even if Letang and Maatta stay healthy all year (which is a big IF), Maatta hasn't much looked like a #2. And it still means that Cole, who St. Louis made a healthy scratch / 3rd pairing and couldn't get rid of him fast enough (for Bortuzzo!), is the #3. Not good. He is a decent defenseman. A good 3rd pairing defenseman on a Cup-contending team, a below average 2nd pairing D on a bad team, but certainly not a legit #3.

Who is #4? Please don't say Lovejoy. Sorry, but he's a slow floater. Anaheim made him a healthy scratch, too. Teams in Cup contention don't make good defenseman healthy scratches. Just because he is on the Pens, Pens' fans get homer goggles and suddenly think he is good. He is not. He was a minus player on the Ducks FFS!

Also, please don't use the series against NYR as a basis for judging the D. First, it is a small sample size. Second, NYR is offensively challenged. Third, Fleury played out of his head. Fourth, the Pens completely changed their style to support the D (thus the complete lack of offense).

I give the Pens D about a 10% chance of being good this year. That's IF Letang and Maatta stay healthy all year, IF Cole plays above his average, IF Clendening is able to play on a second-pairing level, IF one or more of Pouliot, Dumoulin, etc. are able to become legit NHL defensemen, IF pylons Scuderi and Gonchar never sniff the ice. Those are all big IFs.

The Pen's D is below average. The Pen's team D is average. Name the last Cup contender / winner with this kind of team.

TBF, outside of the Despres / Lovejoy debacle, I like what Rutherford has done so far, but the Pens are still a season or two of development and/or an off-season or two away from being a contender.
- thevelvetfog1

I need anti-depressants after reading your posts. Lighten up dude!!

I have zero issue with them demoting Pouliot and playing Dumo as the 6 instead... It would say its more of a personal preference... As long as the kids get a shot...

Most of us will be Pissed with an opening lineup of:
Letang Maatta
Cole Lovejoy
Scuds "your kid of choice"
- Brianandr1

Cole / Lovejoy as a second pairing is brutal. Scuds / "your kid of choice" will be a shooting gallery.

I need anti-depressants after reading your posts. Lighten up dude!!
- Zac_O

I wish I could lighten up...I wish I could. But I've watched hockey a long time and this defense is brutal. The Crosby/Malkin window is closing and this is the worst D of their careers!

Think about it, the Pens D last year was just above average and that's WITH Martin and Ehrhoff, two legit top 4 D men. Who did we replace them with? A hodgepodge of bottom pairing scrubs.

Sorry, folks, but the D is going to sink this team. Even if Letang and Maatta stay healthy all year (which is a big IF), Maatta hasn't much looked like a #2. And it still means that Cole, who St. Louis made a healthy scratch / 3rd pairing and couldn't get rid of him fast enough (for Bortuzzo!), is the #3. Not good. He is a decent defenseman. A good 3rd pairing defenseman on a Cup-contending team, a below average 2nd pairing D on a bad team, but certainly not a legit #3.

Who is #4? Please don't say Lovejoy. Sorry, but he's a slow floater. Anaheim made him a healthy scratch, too. Teams in Cup contention don't make good defenseman healthy scratches. Just because he is on the Pens, Pens' fans get homer goggles and suddenly think he is good. He is not. He was a minus player on the Ducks FFS!

Also, please don't use the series against NYR as a basis for judging the D. First, it is a small sample size. Second, NYR is offensively challenged. Third, Fleury played out of his head. Fourth, the Pens completely changed their style to support the D (thus the complete lack of offense).

I give the Pens D about a 10% chance of being good this year. That's IF Letang and Maatta stay healthy all year, IF Cole plays above his average, IF Clendening is able to play on a second-pairing level, IF one or more of Pouliot, Dumoulin, etc. are able to become legit NHL defensemen, IF pylons Scuderi and Gonchar never sniff the ice. Those are all big IFs.

The Pen's D is below average. The Pen's team D is average. Name the last Cup contender / winner with this kind of team.

TBF, outside of the Despres / Lovejoy debacle, I like what Rutherford has done so far, but the Pens are still a season or two of development and/or an off-season or two away from being a contender.
- thevelvetfog1

I don't agree. I would say the Pens are a solid top 4 d man from being contenters... something THEY WILL FIND BY THE DEADLINE... perhaps it will come from within, or VIA trade... I don't see this "uncertainty" come April.. The Pens window is now

Cole / Lovejoy as a second pairing is brutal. Scuds / "your kid of choice" will be a shooting gallery.
- thevelvetfog1

Agreed that's why I said we ll all be pissed LOL