[quote=Rinosaur

It's all about choices and while Reaves isn't the main problem, he's a part of the reason why the top-six has struggled.

Say what? I'm sure you mean some bizarre trickle-up effect, but dude doesn't skate along side anyone in top six. This is like saying guns kill people. To find the struggles of the top six, the players need to look no further than a mirror.

“We won the Cup (in 2016), and teams played us even harder than they usually do,” Rutherford said. “Now we expect them to come again this (coming season), so it was important to get him.”

Said coach Mike Sullivan: “I think that Ryan is a guy that when he is in your lineup, people take notice.”

However, Rutherford and Sullivan said they believe Reaves can bring abrasiveness to the lineup without sacrificing an ability to play.

source: Triblive Patrick Williams 6/23/17


If the organization wanted abrasiveness - they got. OUr opinions don't matter. Did Pens pay too much for Reaves is a different question.

But where would the extra cap space have came from to sign MDZ ?
- willi

Because you sign him INSTEAD of Hunwick.

If you're comparing Reaves to the rest of the 4th line guys to prove his worth than you're way off. It's about who the Pens could have kept and used in his place.

His salary $1.125M, so his spot does have a negative affect on how they could have spent that money. Kuntiz at $2M would have been MUCH better use of money and he has been a correct piece to the puzzle.

Not sure if you've watched this season, but they clearly don't have the right pieces to the puzzle and Reaves is one of them. He's a departure from the type of pieces acquired previously that led to this team's identity and success.
- Rinosaur

Reaves could be a functional player with better linemates. He can skate and he knocks people off the puck better than anyone on the team. Give him linemates that can skate and score a bit and I'm fairly certain nobody would care he gets a jersey every night. I mean, Carter Rowney drew a regular shift at wing during last years playoffs.

I just can't get worked up over the 12th forward on the team when they started the season with two NHL centers and still have a huge hole at 3c.

But where would the extra cap space have came from to sign MDZ ?
- willi

Not signing Hunwick.

Because you sign him INSTEAD of Hunwick.
- Rinosaur

MDZ $3 Mil cap hit
Hunwick. $2.25 cap hit

Pens current space is around $400k. So who goes to make the cap space

I can read it each day cause it’s right. This team has little to no depth and few tradable assets to try for another cup. The guy picked with the 31st pick (and I don’t buy pens had a certain player in mind that they got anyway) would be a boon. To remove that asset for a 4th liner who isn’t doing the “job” he was supposed to do took already depleted depth and made it worse. Are people really upset that a third string goalie getting a win wasn’t covered more?
- ChrisMS

If you read the blogs & didn't follow the team, Reaves apparently is the main issue with the team. You agree with that apparently.

It's not correct. There are many different things wrong with the team & the way it should constructed but you wouldn't realise that reading the blogs as the overwhelming message is Reaves & the 2 time cup winning Knuckles - but Reaves most of all.

I think it's a case where Ryan probably thinks he's a better player & he should have got an opportunity to play NHL - or you tell me why he is relentlessly complaining about this absurd deterrent nonsense?

Someone said he was like Tanner and they're not far off. RW is definitely not nearly as much of a homer-in-denial, but they be are relentless with their agendas.
- Rinosaur

Spanner does it for clicks & to purposely agitate. He used to reply to further that only now he has just been hammered so much about his 'opinions' he no longer responds to comments. Too hot in the kitchen so to speak. He created the environment then complained about the environment!

(frank) me, not only every 2nd blog (even after WINS), but now the thread is about Reaves.

If we don't turn the puck over to create odd man rushes do GA happen on a regular basis? If our Stars or top 6 played with more speed & accuracy (trust the process), do we score more ES goals? If our F back checked (like Philbo in the game V Ducks), with more determination would that help our winning %?

I think if the above got fixed which is very simple isn't it, the Pens would be winning more games. We wouldn't be talking about a player that plays 4 minutes a night (which is madness he should just sit), that is apparently the cause of our woes reading the blogs! No way to signing Kunitz at 2m - that's bat poop crazy talk!

Thoughts?

Happy birthday King Reaves!
- DeflatedPucks

Way to stir the pot

I have a hard time believing there's one person here that likes Reaves being in the lineup, but I guess I wouldn't be shocked.
- Rinosaur

Grinder.

"It's all about choices and while Reaves isn't the main problem, he's a part of the reason why the top-six has struggled."

This is some (frank)ed up logic and thinking. Reaves has his own responsibilities, just like each player does on the team let alone the top 6 players. We live in a very odd reality when players can't be responsible for themselves, rather a 4th line player takes blame for the 6 other players. Wow.....just wow on that perspective....like really?

I'm pretty sure if you asked the top 2 lines if they are responsible for their own play or if Reaves is responsible for their play they would all say....(frank) no I am not responsible for my play, Reaves is...lol that is how silly your comment sounds

"It's all about choices and while Reaves isn't the main problem, he's a part of the reason why the top-six has struggled."

This is some (frank)ed up logic and thinking. Reaves has his own responsibilities, just like each player does on the team let alone the top 6 players. We live in a very odd reality when players can't be responsible for themselves, rather a 4th line player takes blame for the whole team. Wow.....just wow on that perspective of blame.
- Darklight11

Tired legs for the top 6 due to the 4th line playing 4 minutes was a reason I saw, but that didn't count when Sid played over 20 Minutes double shifting the 3rd line scoring 3 or 4 points (I can't remember ) in a couple of games.

Tired legs for the top 6 due to the 4th line playing 4 minutes was a reason I saw, but that didn't count when Sid played over 20 Minutes double shifting the 3rd line scoring 3 or 4 points (I can't remember ) in a couple of games.
- Aussiepenguin

So this is Reaves fault...or is it come down to a coaching decision? This whole blame a player while all players can look themselves in the mirror just makes no sense to me.

So this is Reaves fault...or is it come down to a coaching decision? This whole blame a player while all players can look themselves in the mirror just makes no sense to me.
- Darklight11

100% bubba. I've said this many times, give Reaves 10 minutes a night & see how he goes, if he fails sit him. No one has replied when I ask these Reaves retractors what they expect him to do in 4 minutes? I think it's terrible coaching, & there's trouble in paradise between Sully & JR.

Play him 9/10 or sit him. He has the most or 2nd most hits for the team (playing 4), & shoots the puck whenever he can. I've heard Bourque compliment his efforts many times, but because he cost us OUR FIRST ROUND PICK, he's a bum!

same (frank)ing mistake again with sitting sprong. if you are not gonna play him then send him down. DON'T YOU FUUUUUUUUUUUUCKING DARE "POULIOT" THIS GUY UP.

same (frank)ing mistake again with sitting sprong. if you are not gonna play him then send him down. DON'T YOU FUUUUUUUUUUUUCKING DARE "POULIOT" THIS GUY UP.
- martox

I'm disappointed too, I thought the first line looked worse with 41 not there

That Sheary guy really just drags Crosby down and flubs all his chances.

That Sheary guy really just drags Crosby down and flubs all his chances.
- Victoro311

No. Reaves drags Sid's line & every other line down.

That Sheary guy really just drags Crosby down and flubs all his chances.
- Victoro311

DeSmith back in goal. Strange decision unless they are showcasing him.

100% bubba. I've said this many times, give Reaves 10 minutes a night & see how he goes, if he fails sit him. No one has replied when I ask these Reaves retractors what they expect him to do in 4 minutes? I think it's terrible coaching, & there's trouble in paradise between Sully & JR.

Play him 9/10 or sit him. He has the most or 2nd most hits for the team (playing 4), & shoots the puck whenever he can. I've heard Bourque compliment his efforts many times, but because he cost us OUR FIRST ROUND PICK, he's a bum!
- Aussiepenguin

Well I am glad you are just a fanatic and not running or have any decision making in the team BUBBA! I seriously get a good laugh at fans that just blame blame blame...I bet your life is full of taking responsibility too!

Well I am glad you are just a fanatic and not running or have any decision making in the team BUBBA! I seriously get a good laugh at fans that just blame blame blame...I bet your life is full of taking responsibility too!
- Darklight11

It's called integrity. Although not sure what that has to do with my post. And yes, I take responsibility for my actions FYI.

Edit: I was agreeing with you if you misunderstood my comment.

Just arrived home to realize that my assumption that every game of this West coast swing was starting the same time (11:30pm here) was wrong. Dead wrong. Very pleased to have caught my error early.

Did I just see right?... The Pens PK is 3rd overall now?!

Just arrived home to realize that my assumption that every game of this West coast swing was starting the same time (11:30pm here) was wrong. Dead wrong. Very pleased to have caught my error early.

Did I just see right?... The Pens PK is 3rd overall now?!
- MattStrat

Wow if true. Big difference there.

That Sheary guy really just drags Crosby down and flubs all his chances.
- Victoro311

He's averaging about 4.25 points a month so....