Ryan Wilson: Penguins leave Sprong in AHL for Toronto game Penguins leave Sprong in AHL for Toronto game

I would really much prefer Jooris on the wing tonight next to Sheahan, but hopefully it works out.

Anytime I see both Khun and Rowney on the 4th I wince.
- Rinosaur

Curious as to what those lines would look like. Who would be the 3rd LW if Sheahan stayed on the 4th line? Kuhnhackl?

Always a chance when the 4th line gets a shift Sheahan will play there with one of the others playing on the 3rd. But mostly I expect minimal 4th line use tonight as they try to get a W on the front end of thia back-to-back.

Curious as to what those lines would look like. Who would be the 3rd LW if Sheahan stayed on the 4th line? Kuhnhackl?

Always a chance when the 4th line gets a shift Sheahan will play there with one of the others playing on the 3rd. But mostly I expect minimal 4th line use tonight as they try to get a W on the front end of thia back-to-back.
- Tojo.

Yeah I agree. They will be a 3-line team for most of the foreseeable future.

The comment on the Rust hit is as "needless" as the hit was. It's hockey. That is part of the game. Rust saw it coming and didn't protect himself.

As far as Sprong goes I'd like to see him get the call, but Jooris isn't a scrub. The guy can actually play the game and can play all 3 forward spots. I have no problem with him getting brought up first.

If I were the Pens, I'd be trying Sprong at LW in WBS. With Kessel and Hornqvist, there is one spot to fight for in the top 9 on the right. After last game, Sheary understandably gets that for now. If Sprong was a LW, I could see playing him on Brassard's line and Sheahan centering the 4th. But calling him up to play with Rowney and Kuhnhackl for 5 minutes? I just don't see the point.

The comment on the Rust hit is as "needless" as the hit was. It's hockey. That is part of the game. Rust saw it coming and didn't protect himself.

As far as Sprong goes I'd like to see him get the call, but Jooris isn't a scrub. The guy can actually play the game and can play all 3 forward spots. I have no problem with him getting brought up first.
- cranktheradio

I said this on the last blog, I liked the Jooris pick-up. He's simply a better player than Rowney.

It's only a guess, but I don't think management liked Sprong saying he should be in the NHL a few weeks ago. Sullivan is definitely old school and he probably wasn't a fan of a 20 year old kid questioning his/Rutherford's judgment.

Guentzel-Sid-Sheary
Hags-Geno-Horn
Jooris-Brassard-Kessel
Kuhn-Sheahan-Rowney

This is what I would role with at least to start the game. You can't be a three line team against teams like Toronto.

Doesn't really matter though I guess based on the lines.

I said this on the last blog, I liked the Jooris pick-up. He's simply a better player than Rowney.

It's only a guess, but I don't think management liked Sprong saying he should be in the NHL a few weeks ago. Sullivan is definitely old school and he probably wasn't a fan of a 20 year old kid questioning his/Rutherford's judgment.
- madmike71

I could see this being a problem too. The other issue is the limited number of call ups. The team would be better with Jooris and Sprong on that 4th line. But, I'm guessing they didn't want to bring up 2 players. Sprong working with Kuhn and Rowney would be pointless. This move makes more sense.

And, yeah, I've always seen Jooris as a very good 4th line option because of his skill set (he's an above average skater and passer), his ability to play anywhere and in most situations, and his salary. Come playoffs, if someone goes down, we know that Jooris can still bring some skill to the 4c position.

Guentzel-Sid-Sheary
Hags-Geno-Horn
Jooris-Brassard-Kessel
Kuhn-Sheahan-Rowney

This is what I would role with at least to start the game. You can't be a three line team against teams like Toronto.

Doesn't really matter though I guess based on the lines.
- Rinosaur

I could see Jooris and Sheahan both bumping up and down the lineup.

I could see Jooris and Sheahan both bumping up and down the lineup.
- cranktheradio

I just can't stand the idea of Rowney at 4C when Sheahan is in the lineup.

I know this isn't Pens related, but anyone see the high stick Marchand put on Duclair?

This bum should not be in the NHL anymore.

I know this isn't Pens related, but anyone see the high stick Marchand put on Duclair?

This bum should not be in the NHL anymore.
- Rinosaur

Not sure that was intentional (it seemed like they were trying to avoid a head-on collision), but player rep carries on (and he did leave his feet)

I'm not expecting any discipline TBH. But then again I also thought Nyquist's high stick on Spurgeon was an 'accident'.

Not sure that was intentional (it seemed like they were trying to avoid a head-on collision), but player rep carries on (and he did leave his feet)

I'm not expecting any discipline TBH. But then again I also thought Nyquist's high stick on Spurgeon was an 'accident'.
- DeflatedPucks

I'm not expecting any discipline either.

It was 100% intentional. He was skating at him head on, saw every second and had plenty of time to avoid.

He literally skating right into him.

I just can't stand the idea of Rowney at 4C when Sheahan is in the lineup.
- Rinosaur

I thought Jooris was going to be the center. Guess we'll see.

I thought Jooris was going to be the center. Guess we'll see.
- Tojo.

DK's site has him at center. Rowney at RW.

I'm not expecting any discipline either.

It was 100% intentional. He was skating at him head on, saw every second and had plenty of time to avoid.

He literally skating right into him.
- Rinosaur

maybe it wasn't intentional but Marchand doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt anymore.

As long as Jooris doesn't...... bore us.. the top 3 lines can carry the team.

In actual fact I wouldn't mind if Jooris bored us if it was in an effective shut down defensive matter...

maybe it wasn't intentional but Marchand doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt anymore.
- ClarksonDavid

I've read one place where they felt it appeared like Marchand attempted to avoid him and I've re-watched the clip multiple times. I can't, for the life of me, see how this even a little objective.

He not only had time to change how he went into him, he was skating DIRECTLY at him. It was like he turned around and BOOM, there was Duclair. Marchand had him clear in his field of vision right in front of him.

I have no bias toward the Bruins, I really don't, so this isn't some kind of weird hatred of that team. Marchand is just the biggest scumbag in the league and he needs to be dealt with the way you would a lower level player who's a repeat offender.

i just dont get it. it appears to be a personal issue. if they arent going to ever play him, trade him. he is an RFA next year. if you are sprong, do you want to play for this organization?

i just dont get it. it appears to be a personal issue. if they arent going to ever play him, trade him. he is an RFA next year. if you are sprong, do you want to play for this organization?
- i'mjustafan

The RFA status was the biggest blunder; they started his ELC too soon.

As far as the other part? It's only his first full pro year, but yeah, something doesn't seem right.

His defensive game isn't great and probably never will be, but he's not terrible. The Pens are obviously better when he's on the ice. There's been mention of attitude problems, but who know how much of that is true.

My guess is if they're a disaster with Jooris in the lineup, they may call up him tomorrow.

I always like a chance to hear Don Cherry.

Man horny takes a beating

Why Geno? Cross ice isn’t there and he continues to force it

Three bad passes by Geno so far this game leading to turnovers

The Leafs are rusty right now. The Pens need to strike early and often before they get their legs back.