I agree in part. Especially when it comes to Hornie. I don't see Sheary and Simon as first line material and I can't blame him if he doesn't either.

Edit... I like some things in Simon's game. Seems to have good vision and gets rid of the puck pretty quickly.
- madmike71

Simon does a good job of shielding the puck with his body to make plays. Nice for the cycle game Sid likes too play.

On those brief shifts where Simon and ZAR were his wings, did anyone catch who played RW. At some point I think they're going to give Jake and Sid another shot, wondering who would be the other options.

Simon does a good job of shielding the puck with his body to make plays. Nice for the cycle game Sid likes too play.

On those brief shifts where Simon and ZAR were his wings, did anyone catch who played RW. At some point I think they're going to give Jake and Sid another shot, wondering who would be the other options.
- Tojo.

To me, it seemed like Simon had a lot more pep in his step the past two games. Probably knows hes on the cusp of being back in the AHL.

With the pens playing this well I don’t know why everyone wants to change the lines up now? Usually everyone here gets on Sullivan for doing that. Keep the lines the same and add Hornqvist in as RW1. Done.

To me, it seemed like Simon had a lot more pep in his step the past two games. Probably knows hes on the cusp of being back in the AHL.
- MattStrat

Simon is just so good on the puck. He has incredible patience and makes smart decisions that help create chances.

Someone was ranting on Twitter that in person scouting is useless with all the data we have. Oleksiak is exhibit A against that: his underlying numbers were horrible. Thankfully, the Pens saw a talented guy they could help.
- Tojo.

They are crazy good at identifying misused dmen.

The Pens are like the Bar Rescue of Dmen.

Pens are at their best when Crosby, Malkin and Kessel are running their own lines...

If anything... they should search for a 4th line Center that is an upgrade over Rowney... I doubt they’ll be able to bid the highest for brassard..

I’m hoping they can make a play for Tomas plekanec to play the role of 4th line Center..

Sheahan has been playing well lately at the 3rd line Center spot

With the pens playing this well I don’t know why everyone wants to change the lines up now? Usually everyone here gets on Sullivan for doing that. Keep the lines the same and add Hornqvist in as RW1. Done.
- pens4life-66

It's because of Hornqvist coming back, and also wondering if there are better fits for Kessel and Sid. Might just be Hornqvist there, but he and ZAR are too similar so they might need a LW change there as well. So I'd say you have to tinker at least a little.

Pens are at their best when Crosby, Malkin and Kessel are running their own lines...

If anything... they should search for a 4th line Center that is an upgrade over Rowney... I doubt they’ll be able to bid the highest for brassard..

I’m hoping they can make a play for Tomas plekanec to play the role of 4th line Center..

Sheahan has been playing well lately at the 3rd line Center spot
- Kunit

The thing I'd say about Brassard is most of the other top contenders, the ones willing to pay a lot to get him, don't really need a center.

Someone was ranting on Twitter that in person scouting is useless with all the data we have. Oleksiak is exhibit A against that: his underlying numbers were horrible. Thankfully, the Pens saw a talented guy they could help.
- Tojo.

Don't disagree on Oleksiak, but I do think in person scouting adds minimal value. I guess you can isolate on one player better than you could through video...but meh..

Pens are at their best when Crosby, Malkin and Kessel are running their own lines...

If anything... they should search for a 4th line Center that is an upgrade over Rowney... I doubt they’ll be able to bid the highest for brassard..

I’m hoping they can make a play for Tomas plekanec to play the role of 4th line Center..

Sheahan has been playing well lately at the 3rd line Center spot
- Kunit

If the Pens acquire Plekanec he will be 3C, not 4C.

Sheahan had been awesome as of late, but he’s been killing Phil’s production.

The thing I'd say about Brassard is most of the other top contenders, the ones willing to pay a lot to get him, don't really need a center.
- Tojo.

True, and the Pens don't really "need" him either. But if we gave up Sheary as the roster player...look at these drool worthy lines..

Guentzel-Sid-Hornqvist
Hagelin-Malkin-Rust
ZAR-Brassard-Kessel
Simon-Sheahan-Reaves

Also...it's worth noting that GMJR said on his radio show about Sheahan being able to play wing as well. I don't really envision a scenario where that makes sense though. He may be slightly underslotted as a 4th line C but would bring a ton of value there, imo.

Bluey just sent down...for Horny I'd say...

- MattStrat

Nice. The nickname tho. The move to bring up a horny dude is also good.

If the Pens acquire Plekanec he will be 3C, not 4C.

Sheahan had been awesome as of late, but he’s been killing Phil’s production.
- Rinosaur

Is this really the case? Other than last game's shotless anomaly, he's pretty much shooting the same as his season average. Still getting the PP and occasional looks with Malkin.

I guess the one area which may be hurting him is the D zone starts. Since he's with Sheahan a lot, I'm assuming his getting less starts out of the Ozone.

True, and the Pens don't really "need" him either. But if we gave up Sheary as the roster player...look at these drool worthy lines..

Guentzel-Sid-Hornqvist
Hagelin-Malkin-Rust
ZAR-Brassard-Kessel
Simon-Sheahan-Reaves

Also...it's worth noting that GMJR said on his radio show about Sheahan being able to play wing as well. I don't really envision a scenario where that makes sense though. He may be slightly underslotted as a 4th line C but would bring a ton of value there, imo.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

That has 3peat written all over it.

That has 3peat written all over it.
- madmike71

GMJR has said he will acquire a C (i assume he means 3C) and even though I don't think the Pens need it (Sheahan at 3C), JR has to be taken at his word. I just hope they don't dump 1st rounders for someone. UFA will a nice chance to get those assets without cost.

And in regards to the last blog where some of the faithful are saying this team isn't a contender. Firstly, I think the definition of 'contender' is quite restrictive. Second, we need to think back to just last season. the D was a mess, HBK wasn't exactly clicking. All teams have some flaws, but that doesn't mean the Pens aren't contenders with the current group. Most sources have the Pens tied with a second tier group to win it all (after TBY and VEG) which I'd say is pretty good. But as we all know, Presidents Trophies (which ends up being the team that looks like it has no flaws) don't guarantee cups.

Is this really the case? Other than last game's shotless anomaly, he's pretty much shooting the same as his season average. Still getting the PP and occasional looks with Malkin.

I guess the one area which may be hurting him is the D zone starts. Since he's with Sheahan a lot, I'm assuming his getting less starts out of the Ozone.
- DeflatedPucks

Well, he’s got 1 point since moving to that line.

GMJR has said he will acquire a C (i assume he means 3C) and even though I don't think the Pens need it (Sheahan at 3C), JR has to be taken at his word. I just hope they don't dump 1st rounders for someone. UFA will a nice chance to get those assets without cost.

And in regards to the last blog where some of the faithful are saying this team isn't a contender. Firstly, I think the definition of 'contender' is quite restrictive. Second, we need to think back to just last season. the D was a mess, HBK wasn't exactly clicking. All teams have some flaws, but that doesn't mean the Pens aren't contenders with the current group. Most sources have the Pens tied with a second tier group to win it all (after TBY and VEG) which I'd say is pretty good. But as we all know, Presidents Trophies (which ends up being the team that looks like it has no flaws) don't guarantee cups.
- DeflatedPucks

They are still one of the best teams in the league, just had a slow start which is fine. The season is stupid long anyway. I think JR will do everything possible to make a run for 3 peat.


If they are set with Sheehan as a 3C....Is Dom Moore still playing? He was always a good 4C.

Well, he’s got 1 point since moving to that line.
- Rinosaur

I believe Phil himself said a few days ago that he doesn't care about the scoring title as he has two Stanley Cups. From what Im viewing, Phil gets a few shifts a period with Malkin/Crosby.....Sully is awesome switching up lines throughout the period....to be honest I can't remember a game where the lines stayed the same the entire game. I love how Sully continually changes it up.

GMJR has said he will acquire a C (i assume he means 3C) and even though I don't think the Pens need it (Sheahan at 3C), JR has to be taken at his word. I just hope they don't dump 1st rounders for someone. UFA will a nice chance to get those assets without cost.

And in regards to the last blog where some of the faithful are saying this team isn't a contender. Firstly, I think the definition of 'contender' is quite restrictive. Second, we need to think back to just last season. the D was a mess, HBK wasn't exactly clicking. All teams have some flaws, but that doesn't mean the Pens aren't contenders with the current group. Most sources have the Pens tied with a second tier group to win it all (after TBY and VEG) which I'd say is pretty good. But as we all know, Presidents Trophies (which ends up being the team that looks like it has no flaws) don't guarantee cups.
- DeflatedPucks

I'm mixed on trading high picks and good prospects like Sprong and Gustavsson. I'm starting to warm to the idea simply because this team is playing great. If we added a player like Brassard, I don't think any team outside of Tampa can stop them.

I'm mixed on trading high picks and good prospects like Sprong and Gustavsson. I'm starting to warm to the idea simply because this team is playing great. If we added a player like Brassard, I don't think any team outside of Tampa can stop them.
- madmike71

To me the 1st isn't a big deal since it will be a late 1st rounder most likely. Make a deal and get a 2nd in return is good with me. Id like to see Sprong stay, not sure Hornquest comes back or not and thats another RW opening. If Hornquest is smart he will take a big check.

I believe Phil himself said a few days ago that he doesn't care about the scoring title as he has two Stanley Cups. From what Im viewing, Phil gets a few shifts a period with Malkin/Crosby.....Sully is awesome switching up lines throughout the period....to be honest I can't remember a game where the lines stayed the same the entire game. I love how Sully continually changes it up.
- Darklight11

I’m sure he doesn’t care, but that doesn’t help the Pens.

He hasn’t been getting a few shifts per game with Sid or Geno. It’s happened like once since changing the lines. Any other time it’s happened was simply due to a line change and was momentarily.

Is this really the case? Other than last game's shotless anomaly, he's pretty much shooting the same as his season average. Still getting the PP and occasional looks with Malkin.

I guess the one area which may be hurting him is the D zone starts. Since he's with Sheahan a lot, I'm assuming his getting less starts out of the Ozone.
- DeflatedPucks

Kessel gets more D zone starts when playing with Sheahan because of Sheahans FO ability and defensive abilities. That leads to less scoring for Phil.

Kessel gets more D zone starts when playing with Sheahan because of Sheahans FO ability and defensive abilities. That leads to less scoring for Phil.
- Feds91Stammer

Which in-turn has helped Sheahan because of the Guentzel and Kessel’s abilty on zone exits/entries.

When Hornqvist is healthy Id like to see them TRY the following...

Jake-Sid-Kessel
Hags-Geno-Horn
Simon-Sheahan-Rust

Hornqvist isn’t great on zone exits/entries, so I don’t like him on the third. The Hags/Geno/Horn line was clicking before he went down.

They are still one of the best teams in the league, just had a slow start which is fine. The season is stupid long anyway. I think JR will do everything possible to make a run for 3 peat.


If they are set with Sheehan as a 3C....Is Dom Moore still playing? He was always a good 4C.
- sammy87

Yeah but he’s on the Leafs, and they’re definitely not sellers

Which in-turn has helped Sheahan because of the Guentzel and Kessel’s abilty on zone exits/entries.

When Hornqvist is healthy Id like to see them TRY the following...

Jake-Sid-Kessel
Hags-Geno-Horn
Simon-Sheahan-Rust

Hornqvist isn’t great on zone exits/entries, so I don’t like him on the third. The Hags/Geno/Horn line was clicking before he went down.
- Rinosaur

Is personally flip Phil and Hornqvist if we’re going with them in the top 6.