Even though we can use all the points we can get, splitting that back to back was good outcome. Playing back to back after a big travel to the West Coast ain’t no joke.
- Victoro311

Its actually kinda crazy with the long travel and big time zone changes. Even still, if they didnt poop the bed in 2nd period vs the Ducks they could very well have 4 points from the two games.

The Pens seem to have an unusual amount of back-to-backs. Is this just a crap schedule or do all teams get the same amount? I'm not well-versed in how scheduling is created.

The Pens seem to have an unusual amount of back-to-backs. Is this just a crap schedule or do all teams get the same amount? I'm not well-versed in how scheduling is created.
- Rinosaur

It changes year to year but I believe someone mentioned here earlier in the season that the Pens were tied with another team with the most this season at 19. Its possible I dreamt this.

Why?
- Aussiepenguin

It changes year to year but I believe someone mentioned here earlier in the season that the Pens were tied with another team with the most this season at 19. Its possible I dreamt this.
- MattStrat

Hahha nah, you're right. They are tied with the Sens for the most back to backs, but they are last in the league in travel time.

No I was for it this offseason to free up cap for a 3C, but a) That cap won’t eeally be useful anymore since there’s no UFA to sign, and b) our wings have really underperformed so we need all the talent we can get. I still don’t want to resign him and give him his final pay day
- Victoro311

I agree with this all day, everyday.

No I was for it this offseason to free up cap for a 3C, but a) That cap won’t eeally be useful anymore since there’s no UFA to sign, and b) our wings have really underperformed so we need all the talent we can get. I still don’t want to resign him and give him his final pay day
- Victoro311

My biggest issue is term. I’d be fine with a three year extension, but he’s going to want five or six and teams will give it to him.

Ultimately my gut tells me he re-signs a five year contract for $5.5

No I was for it this offseason to free up cap for a 3C, but a) That cap won’t eeally be useful anymore since there’s no UFA to sign, and b) our wings have really underperformed so we need all the talent we can get. I still don’t want to resign him and give him his final pay day
- Victoro311

I'm one of his biggest supporters and even I don't think it's a good idea to give Hornqvist his next contract. I wouldn't hate it like others because even if it's bad on the backend I'm focused on a 3 year window and I don't see him declining yet. But that money can be better spent on a center or a younger power forward (Kane, JVR, Maroon).

For this year, would be nuts to trade him. Too important to the PP and leadership group. And his 15 ES points ties him with Guentzel and Sheary for 4th on the team behind the big 3 so he's carrying his weight there as well.

Nice to see DeSmith play well after being thrown to the wolves in the Peg. He really helped control the play when the team was hemmed in. A little too well at the start, the ref had to tell him to play the puck more.

I just think too much emphasis gets placed on zone exits in entries instead of overall possession.

Most of the forwards on the team are better then Hornqvist and Hagelin at entering the zone with possession. Yet they are better than most at winning puck battles so they end up having the pick more despite not entering and exiting as cleanly.

https://www.naturalstattr...=&td=&tgp=82&lines=single

So it wasn't an anti-advanced stat take, I just don't believe controlled entries always leads to better possession and wanted to talk a little about why that line has been so effective.
- Tojo.

I agree. Some guys are better at controlled entries than others while some are good at hunting down pucks. And at times getting the puck deep is the safe play. Sometimes if a play isn't there you can't force it. Hockey isn't like basketball where you're expected to score on most of your possessions. An extreme example was the 1st period of the Rangers game. Pitt gets the puck deep, retrieve it then Malkin scores, while later 2 turnovers at the offensive blueline lead to 2 goals against.

Oleksiak is a smart player.
- Rinosaur

My only issue with him is has has to move the puck faster. He waits to long at times and runs out of options. He makes some nice rushes but he's normally alone on an island because the forwards are forced to slow down at the blue line before he enters the zone.

I'm one of his biggest supporters and even I don't think it's a good idea to give Hornqvist his next contract. I wouldn't hate it like others because even if it's bad on the backend I'm focused on a 3 year window and I don't see him declining yet. But that money can be better spent on a center or a younger power forward (Kane, JVR, Maroon).

For this year, would be nuts to trade him. Too important to the PP and leadership group. And his 15 ES points ties him with Guentzel and Sheary for 4th on the team behind the big 3 so he's carrying his weight there as well.
- Tojo.

They’ll let him walk in the off-season and try to bank on ZAR being his replacement. Very similar type of player who has done fairly well in WBS. +/- might not be a big deal but he leads the team with a +19. 24 points in 35 games and only 1 point from the PP so he might help with the bad even strength numbers

My only issue with him is has has to move the puck faster. He waits to long at times and runs out of options. He makes some nice rushes but he's normally alone on an island because the forwards are forced to slow down at the blue line before he enters the zone.
- willi

That’s at least something he can improve on. His defensive instincts you cannot. He’s made some VERY impressive decisions defensively that you simply cannot teach.

They’ll let him walk in the off-season and try to bank on ZAR being his replacement. Very similar type of player who has done fairly well in WBS. +/- might not be a big deal but he leads the team with a +19. 24 points in 35 games and only 1 point from the PP so he might help with the bad even strength numbers
- drummer829

I like ZAR as a prospect, but I don't see him as a Hornqvist replacement. Just 1 PP point means he probably won't be the new net front guy. They're going to need to add a guy or else change up their PP a little (which who wants to change that formula).

Go get Kane and Letestube. Come on.

Sheahan and Oleksiak are not enough.