So Perrons hits & hustle aren't going to be missed, & a $4m winger doesn't have to score??

- Aussiepenguin

Perron's hits were mostly inconsequential - they didn't open things up, they were just tallies on a stat sheet.

And Perron HAD to hustle because he simply couldn't keep up.

He wasn't an asset to that line. Hagelin is already proving to be one whether he's scoring or not.

Now, if he goes 6 weeks without a goal like Perron did, that's a different story. But I don't see that happening.

Perron's hits were mostly inconsequential - they didn't open things up, they were just tallies on a stat sheet.

And Perron HAD to hustle because he simply couldn't keep up.

He wasn't an asset to that line. Hagelin is already proving to be one whether he's scoring or not.
- hardnosed

Just as an example, have a look at Daleys goal against the Bolts. Without Perron, Daley doesn't score! His hustle for that goal is the type of thing this team needs more of!

If that type of hustle isn't needed then Shags better be able to 1. Score or 2. Assist in scoring. From what I've seen about him, he won't be hitting anything anytime soon except the bed head against the wall!

#shagsomegoals

So if Kuni is down for awhile, I hope Cullen doesn't get that spot. Bennett will be back soon, but I'd like to see Rust for a game or two. Kid is beating everyone to the puck and playing tough on the boards.
- madmike71

Rust would be the guy whose game resembles Kunitz' the most, especially between those three. I am in the growing majority who are impressed with his game. He looks like he belongs in the NHL and he has impressed enough to get a shot at playing with top notch talent like Crosby.

So if Kuni is down for awhile, I hope Cullen doesn't get that spot. Bennett will be back soon, but I'd like to see Rust for a game or two. Kid is beating everyone to the puck and playing tough on the boards.
- madmike71

True that. I'd have no problem with trying Rust out there. He's been flying and battling. Not only that though he's showed some pretty impressive displays of nice hands at times too.

Rust would be the guy whose game resembles Kunitz' the most, especially between those three. I am in the growing majority who are impressed with his game. He looks like he belongs in the NHL and he has impressed enough to get a shot at playing with top notch talent like Crosby.
- Thunderbolt

Funny, when I interviewed and wrote my story on Bryan Rust for UND.com I had a little segment on him being a Penguins prospect and I compared him and Chris Kunitz for their ability to play bigger than their bodies on the boards, get to the dirty areas, and having great hockey sense and always finding a way to be in the right place at the right time for their play makers, although T. J. Tynan was no Crosby unfortunately my editor cut that part, but the kid always reminded me a bit of Kunitz

Unfortunately, I don't think Rust has taken a shift on the left side in his life so I don't know if he can slot there. Also, I remember when he played with Malkin last season he seemed to be out of his element.

Just as an example, have a look at Daleys goal against the Bolts. Without Perron, Daley doesn't score! His hustle for that goal is the type of thing this team needs more of!

If that type of hustle isn't needed then Shags better be able to 1. Score or 2. Assist in scoring. From what I've seen about him, he won't be hitting anything anytime soon except the bed head against the wall!

#shagsomegoals
- Aussiepenguin

Perron is just too slow. Look at the Kessel goal on the 2 on 1... That goal doesn't happen with Perron's slow ass skating there. Not to mention the crafty drop pass Hagelin made to get Kessel that break that he needed to get the shot off in the 2nd period. Almost snuck it by Mason. Hands down Hagelin is the speed they need on that line. When you're the fastest line in hockey you don't need some idiot that takes runs at people after they pass the puck...

Perron is just too slow. Look at the Kessel goal on the 2 on 1... That goal doesn't happen with Perron's slow ass skating there. Not to mention the crafty drop pass Hagelin made to get Kessel that break that he needed to get the shot off in the 2nd period. Almost snuck it by Mason. Hands down Hagelin is the speed they need on that line. When you're the fastest line in hockey you don't need some idiot that takes runs at people after they pass the puck...
- dink32788

I'm liking the Perron-Hagelin deal more and more. Hagelin has a game that can stand the test of time too (speed and fore checking) so I'm not particularly worried about his 4 mil AAV becoming an anchor

Perron is just too slow. Look at the Kessel goal on the 2 on 1... That goal doesn't happen with Perron's slow ass skating there. Not to mention the crafty drop pass Hagelin made to get Kessel that break that he needed to get the shot off in the 2nd period. Almost snuck it by Mason. Hands down Hagelin is the speed they need on that line. When you're the fastest line in hockey you don't need some idiot that takes runs at people after they pass the puck...
- dink32788

As I keep saying I hope he does work out!

If you read back I originally commented about Hardnosed saying Shags doesn't need to score. For $4m I think the general consensus might be he does. Philbo has missed at least a half dozen open nets or shots he should have scored on. Perron wasn't the reason Philbo wasn't scoring - not that I'm defending Perron, just throwing it out there. Plus, Perron has been on every line this season, so he hasn't always graced the wing of Geno. (& still couldn't score on any of them ).

Funny, when I interviewed and wrote my story on Bryan Rust for UND.com I had a little segment on him being a Penguins prospect and I compared him and Chris Kunitz for their ability to play bigger than their bodies on the boards, get to the dirty areas, and having great hockey sense and always finding a way to be in the right place at the right time for their play makers, although T. J. Tynan was no Crosby unfortunately my editor cut that part, but the kid always reminded me a bit of Kunitz

Unfortunately, I don't think Rust has taken a shift on the left side in his life so I don't know if he can slot there. Also, I remember when he played with Malkin last season he seemed to be out of his element.
- Victoro311

It's probably a good thing I am not the coach and have to take things like that into consideration. He is a year older, stronger and wiser; maybe that will help him.

We are loaded with right wings who struggle to play the left side (Rust, Bennett and Sprong). I would much rather see one of them step up and take this opportunity to be a top six left wing than trade for someone. It would be cheaper and younger to go this route.

Unfortunately, I don't think Rust has taken a shift on the left side in his life so I don't know if he can slot there. Also, I remember when he played with Malkin last season he seemed to be out of his element.
- Victoro311

Rust is much more comfortable out there this year. Sure, he's playing with bottom 6 players, but he's not deferring, he's pressing things on his own. If he can move up (playing the left side would be an issue maybe) he would have to continue to do his thing and not defer to others too much.

Honestly Sheary, Rust, Kuhnhackl and Porter all contributed last night. I know I'm basically alone on this, but I love Kuhnhackl's game. Smart, instinctive, and he brings an element of physicality. When he gets a chance to make a play on the puck on the penalty kill, he makes the most of it.

As I keep saying I hope he does work out!

If you read back I originally commented about Hardnosed saying Shags doesn't need to score. For $4m I think the general consensus might be he does. Philbo has missed at least a half dozen open nets or shots he should have scored on. Perron wasn't the reason Philbo wasn't scoring - not that I'm defending Perron, just throwing it out there. Plus, Perron has been on every line this season, so he hasn't always graced the wing of Geno. (& still couldn't score on any of them ).
- Aussiepenguin

Like I said, if he goes 6 weeks without scoring like Perron did that's a problem.

My point is that he can be effective if he scores 15-20 goals a year on that line, as long as Kessel and Malkin (with his help) are putting up 60 or more combined.

It's probably a good thing I am not the coach and have to take things like that into consideration. He is a year older, stronger and wiser; maybe that will help him.

We are loaded with right wings who struggle to play the left side (Rust, Bennett and Sprong). I would much rather see one of them step up and take this opportunity to be a top six left wing than trade for someone. It would be cheaper and younger to go this route.
- Thunderbolt

This season Bennett actually showed some aptitude on the left with Crosby for a short while when Bennett-Crosby-Hornqvist was a thing. If he doesn't come back neutered after his injury and doesn't play timid I'd like to see what Bennett-Crosby-Hornqvist can do. I feel like it could recreate what Perron-Crosby-Horqvist did last season before they all got injured. Then when Kunitz comes back if Bennett wasn't that great, Bennett can slot down to the third for scoring depth. I love what the bottom six has been doing. They're grinding and cycling to keep the puck in the offensive zone (best way to prevent goals) but I never really get the feeling they're getting close to actually scoring. We're gonna need secondary scoring at somepoint when the stars get cold for a game or so (it's happened plenty of times this season). Bennett can add that scoring threat

Rust is much more comfortable out there this year. Sure, he's playing with bottom 6 players, but he's not deferring, he's pressing things on his own. If he can move up (playing the left side would be an issue maybe) he would have to continue to do his thing and not defer to others too much.

Honestly Sheary, Rust, Kuhnhackl and Porter all contributed last night. I know I'm basically alone on this, but I love Kuhnhackl's game. Smart, instinctive, and he brings an element of physicality. When he gets a chance to make a play on the puck on the penalty kill, he makes the most of it.
- hardnosed

I think Kuhnhackl has gotten better with every game but I'm still not quite sold. Sheary and Rust's speed have made their units extremely effective forecheckers and I love how that has translated into the bottom six's identity. The opposition is having a really tough time getting out of their own zone which, like I said, is the best way to prevent goals.

I don't have as big an issue with Porter as some. He's a run in the mill 4th/5th line talent. Very solid as an injury call up, but I don't want him playing over Bennett when Bennett's healthy.

I think Kuhnhackl has gotten better with every game but I'm still not quite sold. Sheary and Rust's speed have made their units extremely effective forecheckers and I love how that has translated into the bottom six's identity. The opposition is having a really tough time getting out of their own zone which, like I said, is the best way to prevent goals.

I don't have as big an issue with Porter as some. He's a run in the mill 4th/5th line talent. Very solid as an injury call up, but I don't want him playing over Bennett when Bennett's healthy.
- Victoro311

There's no way he'll play over Bennett. Porter does a lot of things decently, and he's always where he's supposed to be, doing what he's supposed to be doing. That late kill with Cullen where they ragged the puck for 30 seconds and won battle after battle in the Philadelphia zone was a thing of beauty.

Kuhnhackl and Rust complement each other well as bottom sixers.

There's no way he'll play over Bennett. Porter does a lot of things decently, and he's always where he's supposed to be, doing what he's supposed to be doing. That late kill with Cullen where they ragged the puck for 30 seconds and won battle after battle in the Philadelphia zone was a thing of beauty.

Kuhnhackl and Rust complement each other well as bottom sixers.
- hardnosed

I'd don't know. I've been around the block as a Penguins fan this past decade and dealt with some pretty mind numbing roster decisions. Per Yohe the other day though it sounded like Sullivan was excited to be getting Bennett back and was already mulling over where to insert him into the line up so maybe I shouldn't be so nervous.

But I agree. I don't know why people rip on Porter. He's leagues better than Sill, Adams, Harry Z and company. He's a call up and shouldn't play over a lot of people, but I'm to terms that we've given up on Plotnikov so I'm fine with Porter.

Rust is much more comfortable out there this year. Sure, he's playing with bottom 6 players, but he's not deferring, he's pressing things on his own. If he can move up (playing the left side would be an issue maybe) he would have to continue to do his thing and not defer to others too much.

Honestly Sheary, Rust, Kuhnhackl and Porter all contributed last night. I know I'm basically alone on this, but I love Kuhnhackl's game. Smart, instinctive, and he brings an element of physicality. When he gets a chance to make a play on the puck on the penalty kill, he makes the most of it.
- hardnosed

I like Kuhnhackl because he goes to the front of the net and battles much the same way Hornqvist does. It hasn't translated into goals, but it will.

Porter is what he is and everyone knows that. He neither hurts the team nor helps them in any discernible manner. And that is all you can ask.

Sheary I am not a fan of, I think he panics with the puck too much and turns it over too easily. Maybe he needs to play at this level and get used to the speed. I think he is one of those guys who is too good for the AHL but not good enough for the NHL.

I like Kuhnhackl because he goes to the front of the net and battles much the same way Hornqvist does. It hasn't translated into goals, but it will.

Porter is what he is and everyone knows that. He neither hurts the team nor helps them in any discernible manner. And that is all you can ask.

Sheary I am not a fan of, I think he panics with the puck too much and turns it over too easily. Maybe he needs to play at this level and get used to the speed. I think he is one of those guys who is too good for the AHL but not good enough for the NHL.
- Thunderbolt

Sheary reminds me a lot of Brian Gibbons but without all of the "he is a god send on Crosby's wing!" bull poop surrounding him. I like the idea of that type of player on the fourth line. Speed to burn that makes him tenatious on the forecheck, solid two way game, ok hands, and some semblance of scoring ability. However, I hate it when players like that find their way into the top 6, like I was unimpressed with Sheary when he played up there for a while. They just don't have the tools to be effective scorers or offensive facilitators that top 6 guys need to be.

Unfortunately, I fully expect Sheary to be the stop gap on Crosby's left if Kunitz is down for an extended period of time

As I keep saying I hope he does work out!

If you read back I originally commented about Hardnosed saying Shags doesn't need to score. For $4m I think the general consensus might be he does. Philbo has missed at least a half dozen open nets or shots he should have scored on. Perron wasn't the reason Philbo wasn't scoring - not that I'm defending Perron, just throwing it out there. Plus, Perron has been on every line this season, so he hasn't always graced the wing of Geno. (& still couldn't score on any of them ).
- Aussiepenguin

I can't be the only one that hates the nickname for players poop. It's one thing if you know them personally or something, but throwing out random as nickname for players like "Philbo" and "shags" for people you don't know annoys the poop out of me. Seems very try hard to me, and annoys me so bad.

I can't be the only one that hates the nickname for players poop. It's one thing if you know them personally or something, but throwing out random as nickname for players like "Philbo" and "shags" for people you don't know annoys the poop out of me. Seems very try hard to me, and annoys me so bad.
- dink32788

Seems pretty try hard to get upset about something so minor.

I can't be the only one that hates the nickname for players poop. It's one thing if you know them personally or something, but throwing out random as nickname for players like "Philbo" and "shags" for people you don't know annoys the poop out of me. Seems very try hard to me, and annoys me so bad.
- dink32788

Aussie is an acquired taste. I feel funny calling Diick Allen "Sleepy" (that is all he goes by, only family members call him Diick) even though he grew up with my father and is a friend and neighbor of the family.

Seems pretty try hard to get upset about something so minor.
- Victoro311

Not really. It just feels like someone is trying to be a part of the team. Especially on /r/hockey. Some of the nickname for players it takes some time to actually realize who they are talking about lol

Not really. It just feels like someone is trying to be a part of the team. Especially on /r/hockey. Some of the nickname for players it takes some time to actually realize who they are talking about lol
- dink32788

It bothers me when Garth does it, but everything he writes is cringe-worthy.

Kuhnhackle is growing on me. Very effective on the boards. Still need to see more. We all understand what Porter is. Let's at least acknowledge we've had a lot worse in the bottom 6 the last few years. He's a reliable call up player.

Aussie is an acquired taste. I feel funny calling Diick Allen "Sleepy" (that is all he goes by, only family members call him Diick) even though he grew up with my father and is a friend and neighbor of the family.
- Thunderbolt

Aussie's a weirdo but he's our weirdo. Flyers fans aren't aloud to rip on him

Aussie's a weirdo but he's our weirdo. Flyers fans aren't aloud to rip on him
- Victoro311

That's great, I like it!