For tonight I have a few questions that I've answered from some of the readers and I'll throw in some random news and notes at the end.
@GunnerStaal Should SJ split up Thornton/Pavelski to try and force Pens to adjust matchup that has shut them two down to this point?
— Matt (@Squizz612) June 8, 2016
Without Tomas Hertl the Sharks don't really have any great solutions at forward. They can try and load up the first line with Couture but then that would leave Marleau with nobody to work with. Splitting up Thornton and Pavelski probably isn't going to do much given how good the Penguins top three lines are. The Penguins have more high end forwards and have more quality depth players at that position as well. It was up to the San Jose defense to outplay the Pittsburgh forwards and that just hasn't happened.
@GunnerStaal What will be more beautiful: Phil hoisting the cup or the massive spike in sodium production in Toronto when it happens?
— AOL KEYWORD: Mike (@mikeFAIL) June 8, 2016
To be honest I think most of Toronto really likes Kessel and totally understands how things went down during his stay with the Maple Leafs. Kessel might have an additional trophy to put on his mantle as he is one of the favorites for the Conn Smythe.
Personally I think the most beautiful thing about Pittsburgh potentially winning the Cup and Kessel winning MVP would be the middle finger it gives USA Hockey.
@GunnerStaal Player who has surprised you the most during this #StanleyCup run so far? Guy who has legit caught you off guard. If any.
— Franklin Steele TSS (@FranklinSteele) June 8, 2016
I think it was a team that caught me off guard more than a player. I was extremely impressed with how Tampa Bay was able to play so well without both Anton Stralman and Steven Stamkos. I did not see that coming at all. Not only did avoid struggling but they blew through the first two rounds like it was nothing.
@GunnerStaal who is your pick for Conn Smythe? Obvious candidates are Phil, Sid, Murray. My vote is for Phil, esp. if he has a big game 5
— Adam Macino (@adm5163) June 8, 2016
Phil, Sid, Murray in that order. Phil Kessel is leading the team in both goals and points and has been a factor every round. Sidney Crosby is the reason (along with Malkin) that Kessel is allowed to have the line that he has. Crosby and Malkin being able to elevate players like Rust and Sheary make this whole operation possible. People shouldn't underestimate the impact Crosby and Malkin have had on Sullivan's ability to construct his lines. Matt Murray has been great but I look at this Penguins team and the reason why they've been so great is their ability to drive offense. I think an offensive player deserves the award for Pittsburgh.
@GunnerStaal brighter future matta or dumo, do you see sprong having a role next year?
— Nigel Drake (@hansomrobb) June 8, 2016
I really like Brian Dumoulin. I believe he is capable of more offense in future seasons. I foresee offensive output like Paul Martin that can creep into the 30 point range while also being great at driving play. Olli Maatta has been through a lot in his young career and he should be a good as well. However, I like where Brian Dumoulin's pucks skills are and I think he is a way better skater than Maatta. It would have been a crazy thought a year ago but I think the answer is Brian Dumoulin.
@GunnerStaal how much impact have hires like @stat_sam had on Pens roster construction? Will GMJR continue pursuit of possession players?
— AP (@sixertotheface) June 8, 2016
It is impossible to know how each team uses their analytical hires without being in the room with the front office. Sam Ventura is really smart and I'm sure he gave the Penguins some great information to consider. How much of that was used? I think we can logically surmise that some of it has been used. The kind of players the Penguins added to the team midseason all share similar qualities. They could all skate and they were also good on the CF/60 front.
I also wouldn't underestimate the impact Jason Botterill's has had in how the Penguins roster has been constructed.
@GunnerStaal Who is least likely to be a Penguins next season: Fleury, Bennett, or Pouliot?
— Jake Dobransky (@jakedobs10) June 8, 2016
It should be Fleury but it is probably Bennett. To be honest you could make a strong argument for each of those three players being on a different roster in 2016-17.
@GunnerStaal do you think this is the offseason where the Penguins need to find a top 6 winger replacement for Kunitz?
— Hunter (@HunterHodies) June 8, 2016
I think they will be looking to add a top six left winger. It is certainly an area of need. After the season ends I will begin to peruse through the rosters of other teams in order to come up with a plan of attack on that front.
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Pittsburgh's ability to enter and exit the zones has been a huge reason why they've been so great on their playoff run. Here is some data on which players on the Penguins are doing a nice job on that front.
Chart of Pens zone entries/exits in Final (blue=good), tracked by @oli_bou. Look at Kessel https://t.co/IBcqG3ZeYO pic.twitter.com/uwCsI8nXbv
— Ðrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) June 8, 2016
Phil Kessel has been an animal. No surprise to see Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin generating so much.
Here is a look at the different roles Pittsburgh players were in and how they did with them
Pittsburgh: We reject your premise of 'normal' pic.twitter.com/HTcc64DwuD
— Carolyn Wilke (@Classlicity) June 8, 2016
This is about as good as one of these can look. No players in that upper left corner. In years past they definitely would have had some players up there.
Here is an interesting fact about the Penguins coaches who have won a Stanley Cup
Penguins Cup coaches: Bob Johnson, Scotty Bowman and Dan Bylsma.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) June 7, 2016
All were in their first season as Penguins coach.
Phil Kessel is in some rare company
Players w/10+ goals, 20+ points, 10+ PP points & 90+ SOG in single playoff since 2006: Malkin in 2009, Zetterberg in 2008 & Kessel in 2016
— Pete Jensen (@NHLJensen) June 7, 2016
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We recorded a brand new Hockey Hurts Podcast discussing Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final you can find that here
NEW PODCAST We discuss Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final https://t.co/DJ7g8tH6Tb
— Ryan Wilson (@GunnerStaal) June 8, 2016
I also joined the Buckeye State Hockey podcast to talk about Penguins and Sharks
NEW: Union Blue Radio Episode 57: What A Time To Be Alive w/ @GunnerStaal #CBJ https://t.co/JkXQ8IOFgc pic.twitter.com/Hw8OThyzkQ
— Buckeye State Hockey (@BuckeyeStHockey) June 8, 2016
Game 5 tomorrow night. The Stanley Cup will be in the house.
Thanks for reading