If geno is still a penguin, and jack Johnson is still a penguin, and mike Sullivan is still head coach of the penguins, and gmjr is still their gm, what’s the chances genos bad attitude returns? Seems fairly unlikely they trade or buyout the root of the problem, jj
— optimistic (@DinoABagatti) May 8, 2019
Yes to all. I’m betting Rutherford’s motivation with this Malkin nonsense is to rattle his cage and try to motivate him. It’s such an unprofessional and dopey way of going about it, but that is what I think Rutherford is trying to accomplish.
Jack Johnson isn’t going anywhere because he isn’t perceived to be a problem. This general manager has a huge ego and while he is willing to trade away minor mistakes (losing value along the way) he is too head strong to admit failure on Jack Johnson this early in the contract.
Mike Sullivan will start the season as head coach. If the Penguins want to win the Stanley Cup they’ll fire him midway through the season.
1. Is there a realistic chance of a Canes vs Avs cup final? If so, with what kind of strategy can they do it? 2. Are you going to watch IIHF Worlds? Thanks!
— Roni (@mathe_roni) May 8, 2019
If Colorado can get by tonight in Game 7 they have a shot against the Blues. I had the Avalanche losing to Calgary and they demolished the Flames and have taken a Sharks team that got by an excellent Vegas team to seven games. The issue with the Avalanche is they can’t afford to have their top forwards go through a cold stretch. Nate MacKinnon is terrific and has had a great postseason so I’m not going to bet on him going cold if they get through the Sharks. I love how Cale Makar has stepped right in and provides the Avs some more dynamic play from the blue line. His pairing with Sam Girard has been really good. Young players with puck skills on the back end. This can only help the top forwards and also the depth. What a concept.
As for the IIHF World Championships I have no problem tuning in if it is convenient. The rosters are always all over the place, but there are great players who play every year. It would be nice to see Patric Hornqvist find a pulse, although I think somebody who went through the injuries he did this past year would sit this one out and get some rest. I’ll say this I want a phone notification for the next time Richard Panik has a penalty shot or a shootout attempt. Holy cow
Panik just took a shot with the BACKHAND TOE and snipped five hole..... Put it on repeat have a good night #RareDanglesPB Alert! pic.twitter.com/QfKLOKUm0G
— Pavel Barber (@HeyBarber) May 7, 2019
Why not allow hand passes in the N and O-zones? Seems like a way to improve scoring chances unless there’s a legit hockey reason not to switch.
— Jeff Rose (@jefe810) May 8, 2019
Any cheap, realistic free agent targets that you personally like the look of? I imagine that at least *some* money is going to be moved out and freed up before July 1st.
— Alex Clark (@AClark_17) May 8, 2019
I wrote about a couple of options a few weeks ago. Players I would keep an eye on are Tyler Ennis and Jason Pominville. These aren’t July 1 signings because chances are if they sign right away they are going to come above a comfortable AAV for the value you’ll get on the ice. If players like that slip then I think it is a great idea to strike. Penguins should really be trying to create four scoring lines.
As for money moving out Olli Maatta leads the way as a prime candidate. Phil Kessel is hovering as an option to be traded. The three that should be aggressively shopped are Jack Johnson, Erik Gudbranson, and Patric Hornqvist so that means they are probably safe.
Thanks for reading!