Yeah but what are you going to do when a lot of the good American players are currently playing for the Penguins.
- NJPensfan

I don't know why sweden and usa didn't send good squads since the other countries are. my guess would be the world cup that is in september

I don't know why sweden and usa didn't send good squads since the other countries are. my guess would be the world cup that is in september
- martox

I'm guessing it must not be high on their care list. Don't know what else it could be. Really, I don't know.

I don't want Kunitz to rot period. Seeing the shell that was once Chris Kunitz on the ice every night is depressing as hell. He has been a phenomenal Penguin and I hate seeing him like this. I don't want my final memories Kunitz bring how bad of a contract he was. I would love to see him retire cup in hand in a Pens uni
- Victoro311

I think Kunitz has instantly opened up space for Sid and that line has improved significantly with his addition. Sheary was getting murdered. Kunitz is winning battles and scored a big goal last night. His hands are toast, but at the very least, Tampa's D is noticeably looking out for him as they turn to retrieve the puck. Since they're focused on getting hit, they're less focused on Crosby.....and he's been picking up the loose pucks pretty easily.

I don't know why sweden and usa didn't send good squads since the other countries are. my guess would be the world cup that is in september
- martox

US has a lot of stars still playing in the playoffs. Bishop, Pavelski, Kessel, Shattenkirk, Tyler Johnson, and Backes are all team America guys. As of last round they still hand a good amount of guys too. Carlson and Oshie just to name a few.

I don't know why sweden and usa didn't send good squads since the other countries are. my guess would be the world cup that is in september
- martox

First and most important imo the coach did an awful job not getting any stars to compete for their country. btw - he should've stepped down last year. Guys a f'n stiff Worse than AV

I think Kunitz has instantly opened up space for Sid and that line has improved significantly with his addition. Sheary was getting murdered. Kunitz is winning battles and scored a big goal last night. His hands are toast, but at the very least, Tampa's D is noticeably looking out for him as they turn to retrieve the puck. Since they're focused on getting hit, they're less focused on Crosby.....and he's been picking up the loose pucks pretty easily.
- madmike71

Agreed. He has made that line noticeably better. I know it sounds crazy, but I think they need to remove BB from his bubblewrap and try deploying him for a game if for no other reason than to give Sheary a blow. Try him a right wing with Geno, because it can't be any worse than the rotation Malkin is stuck with at the moment.

Yeah but what are you going to do when a lot of the good American players are currently playing for the Penguins.
- NJPensfan

Russia got the Washington contingency, we get Brock Nelson. No Okposo, No Carlson, no Niskanen, no Orpik, No Gibson, No Kesler, No Oshie.

He's not even one of the best third liners in the NHL right now. Almost a stretch to call him one of the best 4th liners currently.
- znagle58

Wrong.

US has a lot of stars still playing in the playoffs. Bishop, Pavelski, Kessel, Shattenkirk, Tyler Johnson, and Backes are all team America guys. As of last round they still hand a good amount of guys too. Carlson and Oshie just to name a few.
- Victoro311

I'm surprised you didn't mention Rust and Cole.

I'm surprised you didn't mention Rust and Cole.
- Oneonta Penguin

They're not ready yet. They'll be USA material by next Winter Olympics

Wrong.
- Grinder47

Correct, but he would be one of the most overpaid 3rd or 4th liners. If you're saying he's a legit top 6 forward, that would be wrong. Those players get paid to score, Kuni hasn't been that kinda player for two years now. $3.6 million is a lot to pay for a top 6 forward who can't really skate or score anymore but can hit, or a bottom 6 forward for any reason unless it's a very good two-way center.

First and most important imo the coach did an awful job not getting any stars to compete for their country. btw - he should've stepped down last year. Guys a f'n stiff Worse than AV
- 21peter

he is. but the next guy in line (probable next in line) is even worse. it is like the pens. had Bylsma then kicked him and got a worse coach in mj. now they have a great coach in MS.

Correct, but he would be one of the most overpaid 3rd or 4th liners. If you're saying he's a legit top 6 forward, that would be wrong. Those players get paid to score, Kuni hasn't been that kinda player for two years now. $3.6 million is a lot to pay for a top 6 forward who can't really skate or score anymore but can hit, or a bottom 6 forward for any reason unless it's a very good two-way center.
- NJPensfan

I think Kunitz will be back next year and he absolutely will be overpaid. He won't retire.....I'm certain of that. I highly doubt the Pens go the "buyout" route for such a respected player.

Agreed. He has made that line noticeably better. I know it sounds crazy, but I think they need to remove BB from his bubblewrap and try deploying him for a game if for no other reason than to give Sheary a blow. Try him a right wing with Geno, because it can't be any worse than the rotation Malkin is stuck with at the moment.
- Emperor Filonius

If that happens I say the odds are long that he lasts long enough to break a sweat before needing medical attention. He's like Eric Idle in the European Vacation movie and the rest of the NHL is Chevy Chase.

I would do anything g for one of those HBK sammies from primantis.....except drive all the way to Pittsburgh to get one.

I think Kunitz will be back next year and he absolutely will be overpaid. He won't retire.....I'm certain of that. I highly doubt the Pens go the "buyout" route for such a respected player.
- madmike71

I agree he'll be back, they really have no other option with him.

he is. but the next guy in line (probable next in line) is even worse. it is like the pens. had Bylsma then kicked him and got a worse coach in mj. now they have a great coach in MS.
- martox

I know Gronborg is coaching in the World Cup, but isn't he really supposed to have more of a GM role moving forward?

I know Gronborg is coaching in the World Cup, but isn't he really supposed to have more of a GM role moving forward?
- 21peter

that is the thing. it is NOT gronborg coaching. it is per morts and he will quit after this and THEN it will be gronborg. from bad coach to even worse coach . it is actually mostly niklas lidstrom, mats sundin and peter forsberg that make GM decisions this world cup and the one in september (which I find weird since they have no experience with it) sry got world CUP and world CHAMPIONSHIP mixed up and yes it is alfie (just me wishing it was forsberg ). I don't follow swedish hockey that much except dif at times. lived in Bromma when I was young (very close to mats sundin) so for some reason cheered for AIK though I played for dif

I agree he'll be back, they really have no other option with him.
- NJPensfan

They don't. On the bright side, I think we have some internal options that can probably suffice for cheap money. I've said for weeks, losing Wilson was bigger than many people were saying. Kid can score and was really gaining confidence when that pile of steaming Columbus feces took him out. Maybe Sprong makes a jump. Maybe Simon. Maybe Sheary.

I think Kunitz will be back next year and he absolutely will be overpaid. He won't retire.....I'm certain of that. I highly doubt the Pens go the "buyout" route for such a respected player.
- madmike71

Yeah he would be stupid to retire. That's 3.6 he won't get and he's still better than a lot of players in the league ATM. No team is going to trade anything for him. If anything you're taking a salary back you dont want.

that is the thing. it is NOT gronborg coaching. it is per morts and he will quit after this and THEN it will be gronborg. from bad coach to even worse coach . it is actually mostly niklas lidstrom, mats sundin and peter forsberg that make GM decisions this world cup and the one in september (which I find weird since they have no experience with it)
- martox

That's what I'm saying, sven... Can't you f'n read
And btw isn't it Sundin, Lidas and Alfie?

You know - as much as I love to hate the Swedes, I've followed Swedish hockey for like a million years

Just read a few comments from last thread - yes Martox I thought trading 2 players for 1 $4m player that was under performing was bad! I was wwwwwwwrrrrr.......rrrrroooooooo...........ooooooooooonnnnnnnnggggggggggggggg!

But you don't know how happy I am to say that! Shags has found a niche, let's hope he gets his name on Stanley this year & next & that 4m will be the best money ever spent.

I still think if Dinger gets a better chance he will succeed.

Now there were plenty more of you that were ripping Boner to pieces not that long ago.........

Yeah he would be stupid to retire. That's 3.6 he won't get and he's still better than a lot of players in the league ATM. No team is going to trade anything for him. If anything you're taking a salary back you dont want.
- sammy87

I have hope when guys like James Benning and Brian Burke exist in this league. Heck, I didn't think Stanley Bowman would take Scuderi on...

That's what I'm saying, sven... Can't you f'n read
And btw isn't it Sundin, Lidas and Alfie?

You know - as much as I love to hate the Swedes, I've followed Swedish hockey for like a million years
- 21peter

ye sry I mixed up the world CUP and the world CHAMPIONSHIP and yes it is alfie (just me wishing it was forsberg for some reason). I don't follow swedish hockey that much except for dif and aik. Used to live in Bromma when I was younger so I used to cheer for AIK but played for DIF. <-- so this board understands see it as playing for Pittsburgh and cheering for Philly

They don't. On the bright side, I think we have some internal options that can probably suffice for cheap money. I've said for weeks, losing Wilson was bigger than many people were saying. Kid can score and was really gaining confidence when that pile of steaming Columbus feces took him out. Maybe Sprong makes a jump. Maybe Simon. Maybe Sheary.
- madmike71

I think Wilson could be very well the second coming of Kunitz as in the younger version. Sheary will be fine. Sprong has to work on a few things before he is ready. Not too sure people understand that ... the one's that keep bringing him up as in put him in the lineup NOW.