Ryan Wilson: Penguins Open To AHL Solutions For Playoffs, Need To Consider Player Usage Penguins Open To AHL Solutions For Playoffs, Need To Consider Player Usage

What we are seeing now is why I questioned the Despres trade. Trading him makes sense but trading him for another defenseman, after already getting Cole, doesn't. Now Poulliot is back in the minors and the team has no forwards that can score outside the top 6.

It would be nice if Lapierre showed some sandpaper occasionally, I haven't seen it. I know he played in the west all these years but all I can ever remember him doing was running behind an official anytime a scrum erupted.

I disagree with the idea of Bennett suffering due to misuse. He hasn't produced or created on any line this year. To compare his ppg in 2012 (26 games) to Comeau's 70 games this year is unfair due to the small sample size and the fact that it was 2 years ago. Sure Comeau hasn't scored in the last 4 without Malkin but he has at least had chances. I realize Comeau had played the last game and a half with Sid but even in the 2 and a half he played with Sutter he created chances....also I think Pitt did pretty good with the UFAs they signed this summer. Comeau and Downie have produce well for their cap hit. Winnik would've been a nice signing then but the cap space wasn't there at the time

I thought GMJR did a decent job this offseason. I also think all these valuable depth forwards are going to start becoming more expensive to acquire with the increased reliance on analytics. Meaning, there aren't going to be cost effective options like in past years unless they are developed within the organization. And we all know that doesn't appear to be promising.

This is great news and I agree. It's either a kick in the ass for the bottom 6 or they are serious. I would love to see if they can produce the next few games. If not, I am open to bring in Kasperi Kapanen; Jayson Megna; Bryan Rust; Oskar Sundqvist; and Scott Wilson like you mentioned. Even Farnham.

Honestly, any of those players in more than likely an upgrade over BB, Adams and Lap who I actually had decent expectations for. He hasn't shown much.

I'd say it's a stretch that they would bring in Kasperi and maybe Sundvist, although his size would help us. Although, bringing in even more players and shuffling the deck could hurt chemistry a lot, but at this point I'm almost willing to give it a shot. I posted it in the last blog and we are like 19-3-1 or something around there when we receive secondary (bottom 6) scoring. We can't count solely on the big guns to carry us. The bottom 6 HAS to step up. It's been this way for years.

A big maybe, Kasperi/Sundvist comes in and meshes with Geno allowing either Comeau or Kunitz to slide down. That would help our secondary scoring a lot IMO.

Perron-Sid-Horn
Kasperi/Sund-Geno-Comeau
Kunitz-Sutter-Winnik

Or

Perron-Sid-Horn
Kunitz-Geno-Kasperi/Sund
Winnik-Sutter-Comeau

4th lines would be in the air with BB, Lap, Spaling, Downie or a call up. Either way hopefully we can see this next year. We really need to be counting on Sundqvist and Kasperi to not be a Beau Bennett. They need to produce on the ELC, although next year we should have some cap to help the bottom 6 more.

So we are comparing the Pens to the Leafs now? Wheres the fancy stat that says nobody wants to play in that town unless they are completely desperate for a pay check? You don't think Kessel will jump ship as soon as he can?

BB should be promoted when he shows some effort on the ice. He has yet to do that and he also is a pretty slow skater. I think the ship has sailed on BB. Id rather see Adams on the 4th over BB.

Next year for a bottom 6 Id like to see something like:

Kunitz-UFA-Comeau
Spaling-Sundquest-Downie

I'm sure glad management figured this out in time to pick up some decent wingers.....wait....

Yes and getting another D man for Despres when all you have to trade is D talent is as dumb as it gets. This team and it's management is not impressing me one bit.

What we are seeing now is why I questioned the Despres trade. Trading him makes sense but trading him for another defenseman, after already getting Cole, doesn't. Now Poulliot is back in the minors and the team has no forwards that can score outside the top 6.
- Genev21

I won't argue this at all. I'm not upset with the move. But all things considered, I would have liked to trade Despres for a forward. Preferably a promising young forward...like a Brett Ritchie.

This is great news and I agree. It's either a kick in the ass for the bottom 6 or they are serious. I would love to see if they can produce the next few games. If not, I am open to bring in Kasperi Kapanen; Jayson Megna; Bryan Rust; Oskar Sundqvist; and Scott Wilson like you mentioned. Even Farnham.

Honestly, any of those players in more than likely an upgrade over BB, Adams and Lap who I actually had decent expectations for. He hasn't shown much.

I'd say it's a stretch that they would bring in Kasperi and maybe Sundvist, although his size would help us. Although, bringing in even more players and shuffling the deck could hurt chemistry a lot, but at this point I'm almost willing to give it a shot. I posted it in the last blog and we are like 19-3-1 or something around there when we receive secondary (bottom 6) scoring. We can't count solely on the big guns to carry us. The bottom 6 HAS to step up. It's been this way for years.

A big maybe, Kasperi/Sundvist comes in and meshes with Geno allowing either Comeau or Kunitz to slide down. That would help our secondary scoring a lot IMO.

Perron-Sid-Horn
Kasperi/Sund-Geno-Comeau
Kunitz-Sutter-Winnik

Or

Perron-Sid-Horn
Kunitz-Geno-Kasperi/Sund
Winnik-Sutter-Comeau

4th lines would be in the air with BB, Lap, Spaling, Downie or a call up. Either way hopefully we can see this next year. We really need to be counting on Sundqvist and Kasperi to not be a Beau Bennett. They need to produce on the ELC, although next year we should have some cap to help the bottom 6 more.
- znagle

Honestly, no use discussing. I've hated the personnel choices made by Johnston and Co. Ebbett, Adams, Lapierre, etc will play and be trusted and any young player with a hint of talent or creativity will ride the pine.

Honestly, no use discussing. I've hated the personnel choices made by Johnston and Co. Ebbett, Adams, Lapierre, etc will play and be trusted and any young player with a hint of talent or creativity will ride the pine.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Amen, bother.

This is the first blog RW has written that I just couldn't finish. Quoting an article that mentions the pens thoughts on bringing players up to replace the two players on the roster that aren't doing anything (Bennett and Adams) was a good start. I was hoping for maybe an analyse of possible call ups so we could debate on so and so's speed or skill ect. Instead RW turns this into another tired article to attack the players he doesn't like.
The second he mentioned replacing Sutter I knew the rest of the blog was a waste of time.

Honestly, no use discussing. I've hated the personnel choices made by Johnston and Co. Ebbett, Adams, Lapierre, etc will play and be trusted and any young player with a hint of talent or creativity will ride the pine.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I do agree, just fun to armchair GM. Ebbett and Adams bring nothing to the table. Lapierre and Bennett as well, although I still have a shred of hope for each.

This is the first blog RW has written that I just couldn't finish. Quoting an article that mentions the pens thoughts on bringing players up to replace the two players on the roster that aren't doing anything (Bennett and Adams) was a good start. I was hoping for maybe an analyse of possible call ups so we could debate on so and so's speed or skill ect. Instead RW turns this into another tired article to attack the players he doesn't like.
The second he mentioned replacing Sutter I knew the rest of the blog was a waste of time.
- stackthepads

I didn't think anyone still read this. I don't remember the last blog I finished.

Yes we all know at this point the bottom 6 is terrible, but throw out some other options and potential replacements the GM could do.

This is the first blog RW has written that I just couldn't finish. Quoting an article that mentions the pens thoughts on bringing players up to replace the two players on the roster that aren't doing anything (Bennett and Adams) was a good start. I was hoping for maybe an analyse of possible call ups so we could debate on so and so's speed or skill ect. Instead RW turns this into another tired article to attack the players he doesn't like.
The second he mentioned replacing Sutter I knew the rest of the blog was a waste of time.
- stackthepads

I'm not big on analytics and charts all the time either...but I thought it was interesting in comparing Bennett and Comeau. I wish BB could have gotten more of a chance with Geno. We have two players slotted outside where they ideally should be and are hoping both will perform to that level.

On another note..maybe just because Geno and Horny are out....but it seems the Pens are a slower team than they used to be. I dont know enough about Wilson. Kap/Sundqvist can't come up now anyway. I think I'd call up Megna or Farnham. They both provide a lot of speed. Without having any bottom 6 scoring, I would probably choose Megna who has at least shown he can score in the AHL.

Honestly, no use discussing. I've hated the personnel choices made by Johnston and Co. Ebbett, Adams, Lapierre, etc will play and be trusted and any young player with a hint of talent or creativity will ride the pine.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Where is an example of a player with skill or creativity riding the pine? Bennett is the only example I can think of and he deserves a good sit, he isn't bringing his A game 10 games from the playoffs.
Ebbett is up because he is a professional and has a favourable cap hit. He is also WBS's top scorer. Adams is playing himself into the press box which everyone wants.
Before Pouliot is mentioned we can't fit him under the cap right now, remember Horny and Geno aren't on IR so their caps still count.

I can understand mentioning Lapierre, I don't agree because I've seen him in the payoffs, in the past he has stepped up his game, I believe he will again this year.

So to sum it up....GMJR got handed a crappy team...and made it a little bit better but we are still crappy.

I'm not big on analytics and charts all the time either...but I thought it was interesting in comparing Bennett and Comeau. I wish BB could have gotten more of a chance with Geno. We have two players slotted outside where they ideally should be and are hoping both will perform to that level.

On another note..maybe just because Geno and Horny are out....but it seems the Pens are a slower team than they used to be. I dont know enough about Wilson. Kap/Sundqvist can't come up now anyway. I think I'd call up Megna or Farnham. They both provide a lot of speed. Without having any bottom 6 scoring, I would probably choose Megna who has at least shown he can score in the AHL.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Well I don't know what RW said about Comeau and Bennett but I imagine it was something along the lines of they are similar in output, using just Corsi. Except they aren't close, Comeau is much faster, his shot is better, he is better at getting open for a shot, he hits and I notice him almost every shift. Bennett has done F All and has been given all the chances in the world to work his way into the top six.

Now for call ups which I am hoping people with more knowledge can chime in, but I thought Rust looked good. I also like Farnam for the 4th line he isn't going to score but he brings a level of energy that I think gets the rest of the line pumped.
I'd like to know more about Wilson.
Megna could be great on the third or fourth if he hits the gym like a madman this summer. He has the size and speed to be really effective.

Ryan Wilson: Penguins Open To AHL Solutions For Playoffs, Need To Consider Player Usage
Penguins Open To AHL Solutions For Playoffs, Need To Consider Player Usage
- Ryan_Wilson

It doesn't matter who the Pens bring up b/c they are soft! They have no heart, and they will lose in first round to the ISLES!!! Enjoy

Ryan Wilson: Penguins Open To AHL Solutions For Playoffs, Need To Consider Player Usage
Penguins Open To AHL Solutions For Playoffs, Need To Consider Player Usage
- Ryan_Wilson

It doesn't matter who the Pens bring up b/c they are soft! They have no heart, and they will lose in first round to the ISLES!!! Enjoy

So to sum it up....GMJR got handed a crappy team...and made it a little bit better but we are still crappy.

Agreed! Sid is a little wimp who whines about every call/no call. He isn't a leader...he a premodana!




- pensfan024

So to sum it up....GMJR got handed a crappy team...and made it a little bit better but we are still crappy.





- pensfan024

Meh... It's not a crappy team, but there are holes. Without Geno and Horny at the moment it's a one line team.......and it's easy to shut down one line teams. We most certainly can't have any of our top 6 get hurt because there's virtually nobody to step up into those spots.

It's going to take more than one year to fix the depth issues, but I think GMJR has done a nice job in his short tenure.

BB should just be cut. When they traded despres they shoulda threw in beau and did Despres n bb 4 lovejoy n etem. Im not giving up hope but hope is all i have that the crosby malkin era gets another cup. We were supposed to b the Blackhawks before the Blackhawks. I know concussion n injury r apart. But so is drafting n complete playoff meltdown. Not to mention bargain shopping butif a kid from canada can realize that guys like mason raymond , mike santorelli or even winnik r cheap finds without having to pay draft picks at the deadline or overpay spaling or sutter then what the hell is this team worth watching anymore. By the way where is perron i thought he would b great. Hes been a ghost

Meh... It's not a crappy team, but there are holes. Without Geno and Horny at the moment it's a one line team.......and it's easy to shut down one line teams. We most certainly can't have any of our top 6 get hurt because there's virtually nobody to step up into those spots.

It's going to take more than one year to fix the depth issues, but I think GMJR has done a nice job in his short tenure.
- madmike71

Most teams in the league would feel the impact of losing a player of Hornqvists calibre, there is no team in the league that can absorbe the loss of a player of Malkins calibre with their depth. We are without both.
In the words of Geno "relax" everyone.

BB should just be cut. When they traded despres they shoulda threw in beau and did Despres n bb 4 lovejoy n etem. Im not giving up hope but hope is all i have that the crosby malkin era gets another cup. We were supposed to b the Blackhawks before the Blackhawks. I know concussion n injury r apart. But so is drafting n complete playoff meltdown. Not to mention bargain shopping butif a kid from canada can realize that guys like mason raymond , mike santorelli or even winnik r cheap finds without having to pay draft picks at the deadline or overpay spaling or sutter then what the hell is this team worth watching anymore. By the way where is perron i thought he would b great. Hes been a ghost
- Jordy8

Hes a 20g scorer, maybe 30...but there is nothing in his resume to suggest anything more. He's a good hard working F similar to Kunitz was 7-8 yrs ago. Thinking he would become Patrick Kane next to 87 is just silly. He does need to score a bit more but him and PH are huge upgrades. I do like what JR has done in just 1 year. It will be interesting to see what he does this coming off season.