Ryan Wilson: Speculation About Future Top Four Defense Candidate Speculation About Future Top Four Defense Candidate

could be just what the doctor ordered. good stuff.

If he can return to form, Pitkanen is/would be a good addition to a team wanting to add an offensive boost to their blue line. My only main knock on his offensive game is his predictability. His favorite move, when skating in from the point, is to basically take the puck to the left corner and throw it in front, hoping for a deflection/"garbage" goal. It's not a bad move from time to time, but you'll see teams move a defender over to that post to cut off the pass and then try to break out for an odd-man rush. If he can be reined in a bit and be more of a Goligoski type offensively, and hopefully use his size a bit more defensively, he could be a nice addition.

Just my 2 cents.

Phaneuf for Kessel

Phaneuf for Kessel
- Garnie

Only if TML can include Lupul.

I hope for a 6 point game against florida for crosby

@ Garnie your avi cracked me up. Nice work!

Sid hasn't produced but he could have had a 2/3 assist game on Saturday. I couldn't believe Kessel missed wide on that backhand attempt. That pass was unreal.

I think we already have a top four defenseman who broke his leg two years ago? Maybe he can return to form?

Sid hasn't produced but he could have had a 2/3 assist game on Saturday. I couldn't believe Kessel missed wide on that backhand attempt. That pass was unreal.
- dbell646

Didn't see the game, but it's only a matter of time before those two start clicking.

Didn't see the game, but it's only a matter of time before those two to start clicking.
- madmike71

He had 2 unbelievable passes one went to Kessel who beat the goalie backhand and just missed the other went to Maatta for a great opportunity he shot it over the net. Still like to see him get some goals or at least shots but he's making plays

More defensive depth is always good but lets not forget the Pens shut out the hottest offense in the league two games ago. They also lost to the best (current) team in the league by one goal and totally dominated them in the second period of that game. The first two losses were against goalies playing out of this world.

Things arnt as bad as the 2-3-0 record might make it seem. I don't feel that more personnel is necessarily needed, I just feel Suckderi should be scratched more.

More defensive depth is always good but lets not forget the Pens shut out the hottest offense in the league two games ago. They also lost to the best (current) team in the league by one goal and totally dominated them in the second period of that game. The first two losses were against goalies playing out of this world.

Things arnt as bad as the 2-3-0 record might make it seem. I don't feel that more personnel is necessarily needed, I just feel Suckderi should be scratched more.
- MattStrat

I see what you did there.

Pens defense so far has been fine. Not sure how sustainable it is yet it's been better than expected. Some of it is Fleury playing well but overall I can't complain about the defense. The lack of cohesiveness in the neutral and especially the offensive zone is the biggest issue. That's not something I blame the coaching staff on. The special teams is a coaching issue that needs to be improved on.

Pens defense so far has been fine. Not sure how sustainable it is yet it's been better than expected. Some of it is Fleury playing well but overall I can't complain about the defense. The lack of cohesiveness in the neutral and especially the offensive zone is the biggest issue. That's not something I blame the coaching staff on. The special teams is a coaching issue that needs to be improved on.
- jfkst1

I think urgency on the PP is what's missing. They aren't passing quickly or moving around. They're staying stationary and passing so slow, barely shooting. I think what's missing from the first line is a shoot first mentality. Way too many shots being passed up for passes on that line.

I think urgency on the PP is what's missing. They aren't passing quickly or moving around. They're staying stationary and passing so slow, barely shooting. I think what's missing from the first line is a shoot first mentality. Way too many shots being passed up for passes on that line.
- MattStrat

An easy fix on the PK is not having Scuderi in the lineup. He's been a lot better at ES than the PK shockingly enough.
I don't really care what PP they run, but they have 4 players that are in the top 50 in PPP for their position this decade. So not having a top 5 PP is inexcusable.
Overall though, the team is playing sound with good structure the last two games. If they keep that up, they'll be contenders.

BTW, Paul Martin is already hurt
http://www.mercurynews.co...harks-fighting-injury-bug

That's the thing, I don't think they need more offensive d-men. They need more guys like Dumo. Not great at one particular thing but good at almost everything. After Lovejoy is gone pouliot will probably be ready for the second line with Cole (at least how I'd do it). Then they can dump scuds and have Dumo Clendening as the last pair. The future of the defense is pretty good as is in my opinion.

For the life of me I can't figure out who you're talking about and it's gonna bug the crap out of me until i figure it out

Under the assumption the Penguins have a coaching problem (not saying they do)...

Of all the coaches on the hot seat, all over the league, who would you prefer replace Mike Johnston?

So, we are once again looking for top four options and come up with a 32-year old vet (not old), who played only 52 games in his last two seasons with Carolina and has missed the last two years? Experience wise, he fits the bill. However, he is one of the last people I'd consider due to his layout and injury. This is a pass.

regarding coaches...for poops and gigs...I think Guy Boucher would be my choice.

But I think more importantly for the time being, Tocchet should be fired immediately. He has a pretty bad track record as a coach, his tenure here has been bad, and the PP needs to be revamped.

So, we are once again looking for top four options and come up with a 32-year old vet (not old), who played only 52 games in his last two seasons with Carolina and has missed the last two years? Experience wise, he fits the bill. However, he is one of the last people I'd consider due to his layout and injury. This is a pass.
- Oneonta Penguin

Pitkanen of 3 years ago is exactly what we need. It's a chance I'd take given that be should only be getting a cheap prove it contract.

Point is a pretty moot though considering he wants to return next season.

regarding coaches...for poops and gigs...I think Guy Boucher would be my choice.

But I think more importantly for the time being, Tocchet should be fired immediately. He has a pretty bad track record as a coach, his tenure here has been bad, and the PP needs to be revamped.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I like this idea of firing tocchet. It'll at least shake up a dead pp. Who do you want brought in to replace him?

I see what you did there.
- jmatchett383

Haha it totally fits...

Pitkanen of 3 years ago is exactly what we need. It's a chance I'd take given that be should only be getting a cheap prove it contract.

Point is a pretty moot though considering he wants to return next season.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I don't understand why it is a topic of interest either. There are so many unpredictable variables for the 2016-17 Pens roster. I couldn't care less about Pitkanen right now.