Ryan Wilson: Penguins burned in the shootout Penguins burned in the shootout

WBS seems to be the best coached team in the AHL. Its turning into a huge advantage for the Pens as we consistantly have lowly rated guys who can come into the NHL and hold their own.

Granted its a bit different for a call-up to perform for 10 games versus an entire season; as adrenaline and the drive to put in a good performance that you can't maintain is very strong on initial call-ups. Its potential your only chance at the big show.

My brother got me tickets to the Avs game for my birthday. WOOT! I'll be in the Green St. Patty's Day Crosby jersey when he scores his 1000th point. Hopefully our brother back in the 'burgh will see us on the TV.

Kessel was terrible last night IMO. Didnt look interested or engaged. I was glad he wasnt given the opening OT line start and I didn't think he deserved to get one of the the shootout shots. He's just going to shoot anyway. Every goalie knows that.

Kessel was terrible last night IMO. Didnt look interested or engaged. I was glad he wasnt given the opening OT line start and I didn't think he deserved to get one of the the shootout shots. He's just going to shoot anyway. Every goalie knows that.
- MattStrat

Kessel with Bonino is just not working this year.

Kunitz should be resigned before the end of the season.

Kunitz should be resigned before the end of the season.
- Grinder47

I'd like to see Kunitz back next year for around 1mil, maybe 1.5 at the most.

I'd like to see Kunitz back next year for around 1mil, maybe 1.5 at the most.
- j.boyd919

Thats what Im hoping as well. A lot of people around here thinking he's going to be completely gone off the books next year. I dont see it that way.

Thats what Im hoping as well. A lot of people around here thinking he's going to be completely gone off the books next year. I dont see it that way.
- MattStrat

If he is gone, I think the Pens would be fine, but I would prefer to keep him around. I like the idea of Kunitz as a 4th line LW.

Thats what Im hoping as well. A lot of people around here thinking he's going to be completely gone off the books next year. I dont see it that way.
- MattStrat

I could see him going to Vegas since they'll want veterans and probably be overpaying at first.

WE WON! Good game though, lots of good chances, play was really going back and forth a lot of the game.

If he is gone, I think the Pens would be fine, but I would prefer to keep him around. I like the idea of Kunitz as a 4th line LW.
- j.boyd919

Its def nice tp be able to move your 4 th line winger to 1 st line winger without a hicup.

I'd like to see Kunitz back next year for around 1mil, maybe 1.5 at the most.
- j.boyd919

He should have better pay elsewhere. Already won 3 cups. So its a question of whether he prefers the situation here or prefers double or triple the salary elsewhere.

I could see someone offering him $3 million next year. His performance is probably worth 2 as a solid bottom 6 guy who contributes offensively. But he does add leadership to a young team so overpayment might happen.

If its a 1 year deal I might be fine going a tad higher than 1.5, but roughly view him in the same salary range.

Its def nice tp be able to move your 4 th line winger to 1 st line winger without a hicup.
- Grinder47

Stylistically always seemed like a guy who could do that easily.

WBS seems to be the best coached team in the AHL. Its turning into a huge advantage for the Pens as we consistantly have lowly rated guys who can come into the NHL and hold their own.

Granted its a bit different for a call-up to perform for 10 games versus an entire season; as adrenaline and the drive to put in a good performance that you can't maintain is very strong on initial call-ups. Its potential your only chance at the big show.
- sditulli

I think it has a lot to do with their philosophy about the WBS franchise, they treat it as it's own entity as opposed to treating it as a training ground for prospects and young players. Their main focus for WBS is to have a successful franchise that competes for the Calder Cup every year. It establishes that mentality and blueprint for success before the players ever reach the NHL level. Some franchises treat their AHL affiliate as nothing more than a place to train young players but not the Pens, they value the benefits of being successful at that level whether it's with young players developing or with veteran tweeners like Kostopoulos, Porter and Erixon. A winning mentality breads winning play.

I'm glad Ryan brought up the shootout, as both Crosby and Kessel looked like they were half-assing it.

He should have better pay elsewhere. Already won 3 cups. So its a question of whether he prefers the situation here or prefers double or triple the salary elsewhere.

I could see someone offering him $3 million next year. His performance is probably worth 2 as a solid bottom 6 guy who contributes offensively. But he does add leadership to a young team so overpayment might happen.

If its a 1 year deal I might be fine going a tad higher than 1.5, but roughly view him in the same salary range.
- sditulli

Do you think the pens would trade him this year before the deadline if a team called JR and gave him a reasonable offer? Let's say a 2nd round pick.

NHL.com - 5 reasons to watch Hawks Wild????

They forgot #1 - it's the only game on???

I think it has a lot to do with their philosophy about the WBS franchise, they treat it as it's own entity as opposed to treating it as a training ground for prospects and young players. Their main focus for WBS is to have a successful franchise that competes for the Calder Cup every year. It establishes that mentality and blueprint for success before the players ever reach the NHL level. Some franchises treat their AHL affiliate as nothing more than a place to train young players but not the Pens, they value the benefits of being successful at that level whether it's with young players developing or with veteran tweeners like Kostopoulos, Porter and Erixon. A winning mentality breads winning play.
- jaydogg1974

I have no idea. Whatever they are doing they are doing right. It does seem like some Penguin coaches stay pretty actively involved down there too.

Do you think the pens would trade him this year before the deadline if a team called JR and gave him a reasonable offer? Let's say a 2nd round pick.
- drummer829

It might be a smart trade. But they wouldn't trade Kunitz for a 1st.

Do you think the pens would trade him this year before the deadline if a team called JR and gave him a reasonable offer? Let's say a 2nd round pick.
- drummer829

Absolutely not. Maybe if it was some ridiculous offer of a 1st and a prospect. But for a team that needs forward depth due to always having injuries, and looking to make another deep playoff run, why would the Pens trade away strong forward depth?

Absolutely not. Maybe if it was some ridiculous offer of a 1st and a prospect. But for a team that needs forward depth due to always having injuries, and looking to make another deep playoff run, why would the Pens trade away strong forward depth?
- j.boyd919

That is not why. Its not forward depth that is issue. Its about treating players the right way. Some guys are merceneries on your team, but a guy like Kunitz has earned the right now to be shipped away if he doesn't want to leave.

That is not why. Its not forward depth that is issue. Its about treating players the right way. Some guys are merceneries on your team, but a guy like Kunitz has earned the right now to be shipped away if he doesn't want to leave.
- sditulli

Earned the right to be shipped away if he doesn't want to leave? Wha?

According to Pierre LeBrun the pens and stars are talking about Fleury.