this would be a fantastic time for Malkin to step up with a beaut
- stayinthefnnet

It's tough when he's anchored with rust and cullen. How do our coaches watch that line and think guentzel was the problem?

The Pens would be tough to beat if they played more than one period every game.

It's tough when he's anchored with rust and cullen. How do our coaches watch that line and think guentzel was the problem?
- buckster2342

lol Rust is so bad. I wouldn't mind seeing Guentzel-Geno-Cullen though.

I'm honestly fine if he never develops the offensive ability to a large extent. he was fine at moving the puck last year and got some looks on goal. just never could connect it seemed. but his actual defensive play and zone/entry control has been MUCH worse than last year and that is absolutely killing them.
- stayinthefnnet

defense, zone entry, zone exit hasn't been all that hot, positioning hasn't been that great either.

lol Rust is so bad. I wouldn't mind seeing Guentzel-Geno-Cullen though.
- j.boyd919

i wouldn't say rust is awful by any means. but i don't necessarily like putting a straight line speed guy with no hands with 71 who likes to go east to west, and cullen, who is on the slower side.

i just like cullen down just anchoring the fourth.

i wouldn't say rust is awful by any means. but i don't necessarily like putting a straight line speed guy with no hands with 71 who likes to go east to west, and cullen, who is on the slower side.

i just like cullen down just anchoring the fourth.
- stayinthefnnet

What a pass by dumo, but that takeaway by sid was siiiiick

defense, zone entry, zone exit hasn't been all that hot, positioning hasn't been that great either.
- j.boyd919

agreed. all of that. and he was an absolute stud at all of those little things last year and it made a difference at the end. i'd be fine if he never develops into a 35 plus point guy if he figures that out again.

sweet no call too. (frank) you guys. lets go boys. malkin and dumo both involved big time there, but (frank)ing crosby just making it happen.

What a pass by dumo, but that takeaway by sid was siiiiick
- buckster2342

hahahahah (frank)in Dumo. As soon as I talk poop, he actually does something.

this would be a fantastic time for Malkin to step up with a beaut
- stayinthefnnet

Nice!!

What a pass by dumo, but that takeaway by sid was siiiiick
- buckster2342

hell yeah. now just need to tighten up on defense to get a point out of this gong show. considering how bad the start was that wont be bad.

i wouldn't say rust is awful by any means. but i don't necessarily like putting a straight line speed guy with no hands with 71 who likes to go east to west, and cullen, who is on the slower side.

i just like cullen down just anchoring the fourth.
- stayinthefnnet

awful in a 2nd line role, that's what I mean. I think he's perfect for the 4th line though

What a beauty of a goal to tie it. Can't say I'm surprised by this third period. The whole game the Pens had been entering the Isles zone with ease.

hell yeah. now just need to tighten up on defense to get a point out of this gong show. considering how bad the start was that wont be bad.
- stayinthefnnet

Right now, I don't know if they're capable of tightening up the D. They make so many poor decisions these days. The secret to the cup was team defense and beating everybody to the puck. They haven't done much of that so far this season.

Right now, I don't know if they're capable of tightening up the D. They make so many poor decisions these days. The secret to the cup was team defense and beating everybody to the puck. They haven't done much of that so far this season.
- madmike71

agreed. but like many people have said, if that is a level that they can turn on in the playoffs, i'm not exactly thrilled over the notion but i am understanding that it's not a style of play they can realistically stretch over 82 games.

well that's a (frank)ing punch in the Richard. oh well.

Shame to waste a point like that.

Lol... didn't they talk before that FO?

Shame to waste a point like that.
- madmike71

haha thats what happens when they only decide to play 9 minutes of a game though. ugh.

Nice job leaving Lee untouched next to Murray lol

Harsh...but whatever. If the Pens wanted to really show up for 45/50 mins a game they'd probably be 1st overall in the league. Hopefully this is a little lesson tonight to not wait until 3rd periods to show up.

Waste of a (frank)ing comeback.

Nice job leaving Lee untouched next to Murray lol
- j.boyd919

Even nicer job on the shot block attempt by Hornqvist. If he takes away the low pass by going down to the ice, this game is likely headed to OT. That was some matador D that probably only served to screen the goalie. Come on Horny, sell out on that, it's the end of the game!

I can't wait for the "4 goal ___" jokes.

I gotta say, Bonino must not realize he's in a contract year 'cause he's invisible most nights. We never see any of those slick little plays like he did in the playoffs. If I'm Ruth, I'd give serious consideration to letting him walk. Sure not signing him to anything over 2.5. 3 max.

agreed. but like many people have said, if that is a level that they can turn on in the playoffs, i'm not exactly thrilled over the notion but i am understanding that it's not a style of play they can realistically stretch over 82 games.
- stayinthefnnet

Injury prevention is the key to this time of year. Stay healthy win enough games turn it on when it matters.