Good news and worse news (Letang) (Penguins)

Penguins

Good news and worse news (Letang)

By Ryan Wilson

Jan 16, 2017 • 11:54 am

0comment-bubble

Do you want the good news or the bad news?

The good news is that WB/S Penguins star Jake Guentzel has been called up to the NHL for the second time. He has been tremendous in the AHL. He has 21 goals and 21 assists in only 31 games this year. He is the second leading scorer in the league. It is a well deserved promotion even if the Penguins are already strong at the forward position. So where does he fit?

This is a strong forward lineup and these are the 12 forwards I anticipate playing on a nightly basis in the playoffs. The line combos can certainly be altered, but these are the 12 best forwards in the organization right now. To have the ability to roll a fourth line with Kunitz and Cullen is quite a luxury if Guentzel can handle that top six spot next to Malkin.

There is some more good news.

No change in his timetable as far as I know, but nice to see players get to skate again after suffering from an injury.

That was the good news. The bad news is worse than the good news is good.

Kris Letang is on IR which means this isn't a day to day thing. The working assumption is that he injured his knee.

Week to week isn't month to month so there's that. Unfortunately, in the past when the Penguins have designated a player week to week it has gone on for close to two months.

One trend I have noticed is that when Kris Letang looks like he has suffered an injury that will cost him time he always seems to find his way back onto the ice for either one shift or to finish the game. He then will miss multiple games.

With Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin out of the lineup this is the fallout

Not great. There is going to be a lot of stress on this grouping of players to perform in roles that are above where they should be. It isn't fair to the players, but sports aren't fair. Who knows maybe Justin Schultz proves his worth some more with another opportunity in an elevated role.

If this defense corp. is unable to step up the forwards aren't going to be able to own the neutral zone which will hamper their ability to create offense. A great forward group can be severely limited if controlled exits and entries dry up.

Chad Ruhwedel gets the promotion for now. Pittsburgh seems content on letting Pouliot continue to play in the AHL.

Hopefully the injury luck doesn't significantly alter Jim Rutherford's plans on the trade market. I'd try to absorb the injuries and keep the focus on the long term. This group can still win games. It just isn't going to be at the rate the team has been accustomed to. Pittsburgh is currently seven points clear of the Philadelphia Flyers who currently occupy the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern standings. The Penguins also have four games in hand. The Penguins are still in a good spot due to their impressive play so far this year. That wiggle room in the standings is perfect for when you hit a rough patch like the one they are currently in.

Although winning tonight's game isn't going to be easy. The Washington Capitals are the hottest team in hockey. A great team that is playing great.

The Capitals have won nine in a row.

They will be without John Carlson tonight. Look for Matt Niskanen to step into his role.

Matt Murray was the first goalie off the ice and he will be going up against reigning Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby. Holtby has stopped 135 out of 138 shots in the last five games and that includes three shutouts.

After the Penguins navigate tonight's game Carey Price will be waiting for them on Wednesday.

Thanks for reading!

Show Comments
Loading...
Loading...
0
Show comments for this article