Ryan Wilson: Time For Mike Johnston To Stop Pretending That This Is Working Time For Mike Johnston To Stop Pretending That This Is Working

le first! oh and good blog

is it Corsi that Crosby is having trouble with or Fenwick

Hopefully once JR trades for his 2nd pairing guy, as he told Yohe he would, Johnston will open things up more.

Like in Ryan's story about his high school team, maybe Johnston truly feels he has to cover up for a bad defense (well... a bad scuderi mostly... Everyone else at least deserves an NHL roster spot.) by neutering the offense. It's time to open things up.

Does anybody know where to go to see what Defensemen that Crosby has spent the most time with?

I kinda hope the answer is Scuderi because that would explain so much and is something that will be improved the second they trade for someone (or play Clendenning or Pouliot).

is it Corsi that Crosby is having trouble with or Fenwick
- jimbro83

I think he's injured. It's the only explanation for why he's playing this bad.

I think he's injured. It's the only explanation for why he's playing this bad.
- rangerdanger94

honestly don't know what is wrong. feel it is mental but CAN be his wrist acting up again

Must admit, I haven't had a chance to follow Rob Scuderi since he was traded back to the Penguins; I followed and admired him as a King. So maybe one of you Scuderi bashers can explain to me how it is that he is a +8 and Kris Letang is a -11 yet much of the Penguin's problem would be solved by moving Scuderi. ???

What no Click Bait????

#StillChasingThat Corsi

Wasn't Malkin quoted this weekend that the players are arguing w/ eachother?

Looking back to the eartly 90's Pens, kinda sorta leaves you to wonder if the player mutiny isn't all bad. A 'teaching' coach as apparently as Johnston is would be a great fit for a much younger team like Edmonton, but maybe not this team full of grizzled vets, and stars on the cusp of their career peaks, if not some of them beyond.
Even while Sid and Geno are 'saying all the right things' in interviews the past few days, I agree with Ryan here... statistics aside, THE PENS ARE BORING TO WATCH!!

Wasn't Malkin quoted this weekend that the players are arguing w/ eachother?
- rrentz

He back-tracked a bit yesterday

is it Corsi that Crosby is having trouble with or Fenwick
- jimbro83

It's his wrist Jimbro - he keeps having to give the wanking motion at all the Rags fans that are cheering for 'another' cup....................the 'Presidents' kind!

MJ has defended the style by saying winning is entertainment. He needs his team to find a win no matter what. If he sticks with the same team & the same style & loses he is making the decision for management that they cannot win with him - keeping in mind he has a winning record to date! The players have to stand up & take responsibility here as I said last blog - they all say they can make it right.

This game is now a psychological test more of a sporting event!! Let's see what they have!!

Must admit, I haven't had a chance to follow Rob Scuderi since he was traded back to the Penguins; I followed and admired him as a King. So maybe one of you Scuderi bashers can explain to me how it is that he is a +8 and Kris Letang is a -11 yet much of the Penguin's problem would be solved by moving Scuderi. ???
- Klaatu

Scuderi's +/- is weirdly high in part because Fleury is weirdly good and opposing goaltenders are weirdly bad when Scuderi is on the ice. Fleury's sv% is over 6% higher than opposing goaltenders when Scuderi is on the ice.

Letang's +/- is weirdly low in part for the opposite reason. Fleury's sv% is just under 7% lower than opposing goaltenders when Letang is on the ice.

Beyond that, Cole and Letang were clearly like oil and water together.

It's his wrist Jimbro - he keeps having to give the wanking motion at all the Rags fans that are cheering for 'another' cup....................the 'Presidents' kind!
- Aussiepenguin

I used to wear a cup to protect my fenwick

I think he's injured. It's the only explanation for why he's playing this bad.
- rangerdanger94

What did we do to be "blessed" by the appearance of the two most annoying rags fans on this site? Seriously tell us so we can avoid it.

Looking back to the eartly 90's Pens, kinda sorta leaves you to wonder if the player mutiny isn't all bad. A 'teaching' coach as apparently as Johnston is would be a great fit for a much younger team like Edmonton, but maybe not this team full of grizzled vets, and stars on the cusp of their career peaks, if not some of them beyond.
Even while Sid and Geno are 'saying all the right things' in interviews the past few days, I agree with Ryan here... statistics aside, THE PENS ARE BORING TO WATCH!!
- skridscousin

Fully agree. MJ is more of a juniors/ Edmonton or Buffalo coach.

When watching games I find myself not even paying attention anymore when it gets to the third period. The games are exciting in the first, then in the second/third the Pens almost put me to sleep until the final minute of the game. The games get that boring. It's honestly like clockwork how often it happens.

Why are there moronic NYR fans here ... As if they know anything about hockey...

Hopefully once JR trades for his 2nd pairing guy, as he told Yohe he would, Johnston will open things up more.

Like in Ryan's story about his high school team, maybe Johnston truly feels he has to cover up for a bad defense (well... a bad scuderi mostly... Everyone else at least deserves an NHL roster spot.) by neutering the offense. It's time to open things up.

Does anybody know where to go to see what Defensemen that Crosby has spent the most time with?

I kinda hope the answer is Scuderi because that would explain so much and is something that will be improved the second they trade for someone (or play Clendenning or Pouliot).
- poopmouth

I don't have numbers to back this up, but I do have my own eyes.
I am a season ticket holder and I have noticed a couple things:

1) Crosby seems to be on the ice with Scuderi a great deal of the time. I particularly seem to notice this in the 3rd period when the Pens are pressing for a goal. The Pens maneuver their way around the zone and 87 sets up a D-man for a great scoring opportunity, only to see that the D man is Scuderi and nothing comes of the chance. Hey, if I were the opponent, Id let Scuds alone and double cover 87 too...

2) MJ's system: When the Pens are leaving their zone, they always seem to be facing Fleury. when they do, they can't generate any speed or attack--the other D is back and Pens must dump it in. On the flip, when they are facing forward, they generally get a very good scoring opportunity. The ability is still there, but this hideous defensive system--that isn't even working--must be scrapped.

Could this be like the firing of Therrien, when the team had the reigns lifted from them and soared after Iron Mike was let go?

How's Letang doing?

Is he available for trade? What would it cost?

How's Letang doing?

Is he available for trade? What would it cost?
- riceroni

Hes doing amazing How does a decent 1st pairing D-man and decent 3rd pairing D-man sound? We will throw in Scuderi.

How's Letang doing?

Is he available for trade? What would it cost?
- riceroni

Letang has sucked almost as much as Crosby. He has a limited NTC so doubt he's going anywhere. How much would it take to get Wiercioch?

RW did you really use charts to show how bad the pens are right now? As if no one here knows. Come on, anyone with any knowledge of hockey could tell you they suck lately just by looking at the recent games. We don't need fancy numbers. Also you should stop wussyfooting around it and just come out and say it. The coach needs to be fired! Thats the first and only logical step forward to making this team a threat again.

Letang has sucked almost as much as Crosby. He has a limited NTC so doubt he's going anywhere. How much would it take to get Wiercioch?
- jfkst1

You aren't much of a salesman. Treat him like a used car, lie and act like he is great and will last for ever so we can get more for him. haha

RW did you really use charts to show how bad the pens are right now? As if no one here knows. Come on, anyone with any knowledge of hockey could tell you they suck lately just by looking at the recent games. We don't need fancy numbers. Also you should stop wussyfooting around it and just come out and say it. The coach needs to be fired! Thats the first and only logical step forward to making this team a threat again.
- Zac_O

I thought this was one of RW's better articles. Hated it yesterday, but at least he is acknowledging and demonstrating why the Pens are failing.