Ryan Wilson: New look lineups for Game 4 New look lineups for Game 4

I didn't remember where the series was at but given the extreme saltiness and blaming the league in this blog, do I correctly assume the pens are not winning at this juncture?

I didn't remember where the series was at but given the extreme saltiness and blaming the league in this blog, do I correctly assume the pens are not winning at this juncture?
- halo63

2/10 trolling attempt.

Kessel should be with Malkin no doubt. I'd look into doing something like this:

Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist
Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel
Sheary-Brassard-Rust
Simon-Sheahan-Sprong/Kuhnhackl

Obviously you don't touch the top line.

That second line has been great whenever they play together. Don't know why it keeps getting broken up. Third line Phil hasn't really worked since 2016.

This third line has been quite good all playoffs. Really think its a matter of time before they start lighting the lamp.

Sheahan's been great and I'm squeamish of putting him on the 4th unit with Brassard underperforming, but I really do like that 3rd unit a lot. A trade off could be instead of rewarding Sheahan by putting him on the 3rd line, reward him by putting him with skilled wingers that can actually do something. Simon doesn't score because his shot just isn't that accurate, but he has solid skill and does a lot for puck support from the wing. Sprong can add the scoring punch if he figures out how to light the lamp at this level.

I didn't remember where the series was at but given the extreme saltiness and blaming the league in this blog, do I correctly assume the pens are not winning at this juncture?
- halo63

What does this even mean? How can you assume the Pens are not winning at this juncture? Are you saying they are going to throw a game on purpose?

Halo? More like buh-bye!

Kinda see what RW is saying about Vrana on the top line but the Caps are better team with Wilson in the lineup.

Who comes into lineup for him?

I didn't remember where the series was at but given the extreme saltiness and blaming the league in this blog, do I correctly assume the pens are not winning at this juncture?
- halo63

What?

2/10 trolling attempt.
- Guile

If it is indeed a trolling attempt your score is rather generous...

I didn't remember where the series was at but given the extreme saltiness and blaming the league in this blog, do I correctly assume the pens are not winning at this juncture?

Its moments like this when I realize how great being a Pens fan really is. Here we have a troll who is so embarassed of his own team/city, that he wont even list it, while trying to troll us...You literally could be from anywhere, it doesn't matter, because any team in the league could and should be this jealus of the Pens. I expect it from division rivals, but you can't be that, because the commenters from our rivals at least have enough pride in their team to list it.

At what point do you consider giving DeSmith a shot? Murray has been fighting the puck for a few games, lots of stuff is squeezing through the equipment. As a goalie, that's the worst feeling. I know Murray's mentally tough, but your timeline to ride out a slump is short.

At what point do you consider giving DeSmith a shot? Murray has been fighting the puck for a few games, lots of stuff is squeezing through the equipment. As a goalie, that's the worst feeling. I know Murray's mentally tough, but your timeline to ride out a slump is short.
- steve_o66

Murray's been pretty average but I dont' think he's been bad enough to merit a benching. He's at least giving us legitimate chances to win, but he's not giving us any edges.

At what point do you consider giving DeSmith a shot? Murray has been fighting the puck for a few games, lots of stuff is squeezing through the equipment. As a goalie, that's the worst feeling. I know Murray's mentally tough, but your timeline to ride out a slump is short.
- steve_o66

I say you only bring DeSmith if Murray completely falls apart. He hasn't been super stellar but he has not exactly been awful. Sure he lets in a softie over the glove every once in a while. But, hey, look at Fleury last night LOL.

If the D can stop pinching every damn time and the Pens can avoid giving up the odd-man rushes, then Murray will do just fine.

At what point do you consider giving DeSmith a shot? Murray has been fighting the puck for a few games, lots of stuff is squeezing through the equipment. As a goalie, that's the worst feeling. I know Murray's mentally tough, but your timeline to ride out a slump is short.
- steve_o66

At the point he let's in 4 and even then it's being considered, no definite. Remember what happened in game 6 in Philly?

If he let in four in a period, yes to De, if he let's in his 4th in the 3rd, probably nay to De.

DSP with a 3 point game

2/10 trolling attempt.
- Guile

It was weak. RW is always salty.

No way you turn away from Murray at this point, but mannnn that Niskanen tieing goal with ZERO screen on a shot from the blue line has got to be stopped. We likely win the game if he stops that, still can't get over it. I could have had that one with my baseball glove.

No way you turn away from Murray at this point, but mannnn that Niskanen tieing goal with ZERO screen on a shot from the blue line has got to be stopped. We likely win the game if he stops that, still can't get over it. I could have had that one with my baseball glove.
- bochangs

The Pens should have closed that game down after it was 3-2. They usually are very good at doing that. That Nisky goal was a heart breaker. I kind of felt like it was not going to go our way after that ... the feeling that any shot on Murray would be a goal.

No way you turn away from Murray at this point, but mannnn that Niskanen tieing goal with ZERO screen on a shot from the blue line has got to be stopped. We likely win the game if he stops that, still can't get over it. I could have had that one with my baseball glove.
- bochangs

They also likely win the game without the Maatta turnover. We were pouring it on and then one cutesy turnover and fast break later its over in the other direction.

Kessel should be with Malkin no doubt. I'd look into doing something like this:

Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist
Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel
Sheary-Brassard-Rust
Simon-Sheahan-Sprong/Kuhnhackl

Obviously you don't touch the top line.

That second line has been great whenever they play together. Don't know why it keeps getting broken up. Third line Phil hasn't really worked since 2016.

This third line has been quite good all playoffs. Really think its a matter of time before they start lighting the lamp.

Sheahan's been great and I'm squeamish of putting him on the 4th unit with Brassard underperforming, but I really do like that 3rd unit a lot. A trade off could be instead of rewarding Sheahan by putting him on the 3rd line, reward him by putting him with skilled wingers that can actually do something. Simon doesn't score because his shot just isn't that accurate, but he has solid skill and does a lot for puck support from the wing. Sprong can add the scoring punch if he figures out how to light the lamp at this level.
- Victoro311

To play devil's advocate because I go back and forth I think the Malkin line has been better without Kessel. In theory, if he's not boosting that line spreading it out makes sense.

But 3rd line Kessel hasn't clicked at all. So I probably put him and Malkin together. I don't see it as cut and dry myself just because Hags-Malkin-Rust has been a very productive line and it keeps Geno and Phil from overpassing to each other.

I don't see Kuhnhackl coming out. I think he's actually played his role of PK specialist pretty well. I'd like to insert Sprong though. I'd take out Simon who's been invisible. Even though they need to start scoring, at least Sheary and Brassard are creating quality chances.

I didn't remember where the series was at but given the extreme saltiness and blaming the league in this blog, do I correctly assume the pens are not winning at this juncture?
- halo63

No offense, but your avatar has the lamest looking tiger ever.

If it is indeed a trolling attempt your score is rather generous...
- MattStrat

You done making fun of people for having had concussions?

Do you guys think the Pens would benefit if Sullivan walks out and puts on his robe and wizard hat?

They also likely win the game without the Maatta turnover. We were pouring it on and then one cutesy turnover and fast break later its over in the other direction.
- Victoro311

Horrible end to a dominating shift

At what point do you consider giving DeSmith a shot? Murray has been fighting the puck for a few games, lots of stuff is squeezing through the equipment. As a goalie, that's the worst feeling. I know Murray's mentally tough, but your timeline to ride out a slump is short.
- steve_o66

At no point. The only line scoring goals is Crosby's. This isn't Murray's problem. He lets in like one squeaker a game. Pens give up multiple odd man rushes and breakaways. It's a depth scoring issue right now, not a goaltending issue.

Murray's been pretty average but I dont' think he's been bad enough to merit a benching. He's at least giving us legitimate chances to win, but he's not giving us any edges.
- Victoro311

I think Murray has been better than average with moments of "wtf" and to be honest, that's how he's been the two years he's led the Pens to the cup.

This next statement is not directed at you, but hindsight is 20/20. Looking back on Murray's results the last two playoffs overlooks some of his performances. I think he's par for the course right now.

I don't care how good or even great a goalie is, while they can steal you a game or even a series, there are games where they're the ones that need bailing out.