If the Penguins win tonight:
"This win doesnt matter, it happened at home. They are still 1-2, will barely make it into the playoffs, and then lose to the Rangers again.

If the Penguins loss tonight:
Gawd the Cup window is closed. This team and coaching are jokes. Trade Malkin, fire Johnston, burn the thing to the ground. Look at Kessel's return policy.

It's early October folks, relax and enjoy the fact that hockey is back.

Whether it's Plotnikov or Perron, the lack of speed on the third line is mildly disturbing.

For all the talk of balanced lines, it's still a two-line team.

Whether it's Plotnikov or Perron, the lack of speed on the third line is mildly disturbing.

For all the talk of balanced lines, it's still a two-line team.
- hardnosed

We haven't seen enough games to determine if the team has better forward depth or not. And frankly, Crosby and Malkin have looked more underwhelming than anyone so far.

If the Penguins win tonight:
"This win doesnt matter, it happened at home. They are still 1-2, will barely make it into the playoffs, and then lose to the Rangers again.

If the Penguins loss tonight:
Gawd the Cup window is closed. This team and coaching are jokes. Trade Malkin, fire Johnston, burn the thing to the ground. Look at Kessel's return policy.

It's early October folks, relax and enjoy the fact that hockey is back.
- SuperHenderson13

But, but.... Scuderi!

There are multiple reasons for 2 loses, but in my eyes, Crosby's effort has not been great. Can't have your captain playing like he did against the Yotes. I'm a big fan, but he was gliding around in that game.

If the Penguins win tonight:
"This win doesnt matter, it happened at home. They are still 1-2, will barely make it into the playoffs, and then lose to the Rangers again.

If the Penguins loss tonight:
Gawd the Cup window is closed. This team and coaching are jokes. Trade Malkin, fire Johnston, burn the thing to the ground. Look at Kessel's return policy.

It's early October folks, relax and enjoy the fact that hockey is back.
- SuperHenderson13

I agree with both assessments. When is the last time Malkin was the elite player he is supposed to be (when he's not injured, of course)? I do like Kessel and his contract, though. FWIW, I think Kessel has been the best player the first two games. Crosby and Malkin have been no-shows. Too many games like that - something needs to be changed. The Pens didn't come back from being down after the second period once last year. That is pathetic and an indictment against this team's heart and resolve. And that's with Fleury having a career year...

I agree with both assessments. When is the last time Malkin was the elite player he is supposed to be (when he's not injured, of course)? I do like Kessel and his contract, though. FWIW, I think Kessel has been the best player the first two games. Crosby and Malkin have been no-shows. Too many games like that - something needs to be changed. The Pens didn't come back from being down after the second period once last year. That is pathetic and an indictment against this team's heart and resolve. And that's with Fleury having a career year...
- thevelvetfog1

Those "assessments" were hyperbole for the pessimists crowd.

We haven't seen enough games to determine if the team has better forward depth or not. And frankly, Crosby and Malkin have looked more underwhelming than anyone so far.
- jfkst1

Well, people were pretty adamant all offseason that forward depth was improved, without seeing any games at all.

And Crosby and Malkin are just continuing where they left off last year, but folks wanted to excuse them and blame forward depth.

Something about inconsistency and hobgoblins applies here.

I agree with both assessments. When is the last time Malkin was the elite player he is supposed to be (when he's not injured, of course)? I do like Kessel and his contract, though. FWIW, I think Kessel has been the best player the first two games. Crosby and Malkin have been no-shows. Too many games like that - something needs to be changed. The Pens didn't come back from being down after the second period once last year. That is pathetic and an indictment against this team's heart and resolve. And that's with Fleury having a career year...
- thevelvetfog1

If we lose tonight it will put a damper on the most anticipated season in many of years

Pittsburgh will not make the playoffs. Call it the Kessel factor. The Bruins traded away Kessel and proceeded to win the cup. He's a cancer.

Trading for the heartless floater Kessel was the worst decision this team has made in years.
- cesareborgia

Phil's a notorious slow starter. Tonight he'll get it going.

"Montreal is undefeated and leads the NHL in Score-Adjusted Fenwick at 63.11% That doesn't mean they are necessarily an elite team this year it just means they have been c rushing their opponents (Toronto, Boston, Ottawa)."

While I agree their opponents thus far haven't been "elite" yet, when you play middle of the pack teams and crush them you aren't just a good team, I think you are considered Elite especially its been all those road games in one week. Anyways, I'm just poking fun at the semantics and I get your point. I just find it funny, that no matter what success the habs have had they aren't considered an Elite team. But people have no problem saying the blues, pens, kings, even Columbus this off season, people are saying they are elite. cool story.

You know for a few years now, I think it's been pretty obvious the habs and pens would make incredible trade partners. I'm not sure Malkin fits anymore with out staal or a more balanced winger core. Mtl also has a back log of dman and probably in the top 5 NHL wide shut down 2 way centers in plekanec.

In no way am I suggesting malkin for plek's, but I wonder why a package hasnt or I wonder if a package could be made that would suit both parties. We need a #1 c you guys need top 2/4 def and an elite pk 2 way center.
- munky123

the habs aren't an elite team. They are an elite goalie. Yes that's how I meant to type it.

could crosby score some points tonight? He's killing my hockey pool. I wanted JT but he was drafted before Crosby.

anyone with a link to the game tonight? im having trouble finding a working one

We are in trouble they look slow and lethargic during player intros.

Not gonna lie. Our anthem sucks compared to the Hawks'.

anyone with a link to the game tonight? im having trouble finding a working one
- Le-Morte-dJames

https://www.youtube.com/c...Ccx6qumLCuD_JM2fkWLw/live

We are in trouble they look slow and lethargic during player intros.
- Reverend Killtaker

- SuperHenderson13

No, not at all, and yes, I know it was hyperbole (your last line kind of gives it away even though I knew what your point was from very start).

So, are any of you Richards going to address what I said or just make more personal attacks? It's been pretty negative on these boards the last few days, so don't even try to single me out as a fringe pessimist.

But then again, if you don't think I knew what your point was and if you think that your post was so next-level, maybe I don't care what you and your ilk think.

Oh, and as for how the Pens are playing, once again, I told you so. It's going to get worse, not better. Enjoy.

Well, people were pretty adamant all offseason that forward depth was improved, without seeing any games at all.

And Crosby and Malkin are just continuing where they left off last year, but folks wanted to excuse them and blame forward depth.

Something about inconsistency and hobgoblins applies here.
- hardnosed

Crosby was the best forward in the NYR series. Malkin was playing hurt. They both finished as top scorers last season in PPG. Neither have played nearly as well this year.

Plotnikov and Bennett are showing chemistry. I like it.

F Scuderi.

We look terrible

We look terrible
- pensfan024

Yeah, who could have seen that coming???

Yeah, who could have seen that coming???
- thevelvetfog1

MJ is gone by November I hope....Martin can coach until we find someone new.

Welp... Crosby's frustrated. Good. Hopefully he can turn that into something. Right now the third line is the only one that wants it.

Crosby shot the puck, Crosby shot the puck! We might win!