Lines at morning skate:

Spaling-Crosby-Hornqvist
Comeau-Malkin-Kunitz
- cap1681

Oh geez. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I like horn and sid back together, but spaling makes it ugly. I like Kunitz back with malkin, but he needs to get back to his little gritty, speedy forechecking ways. Comeau is fine I guess

Comeau didn't look too out of place with Malkin. But definitely a bust with Sid.
I approve Kuni with Malkin, but spaling getting a bump to the first line must be an attempt to raise his value hahahha

Also, no Megna. Guy racks up a lot of points and sits for Sill...
- Conse

Yeah, Spaling shouldn't be up there. Comeau is fine with Malkin and Kunitz. But at this point, if Bennett can't see time on that top line then something is wrong.

Oh geez. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I like horn and sid back together, but spaling makes it ugly. I like Kunitz back with malkin, but he needs to get back to his little gritty, speedy forechecking ways. Comeau is fine I guess
- drummer829

It's just about the best they can do for now. It makes more sense than what they ran out on the Island. Spaling will be fine as the retrieval/backcheck guy on the top line.

I don't remember that specifically. I know they had some shady dealings with LA where injured players were getting traded back and forth. But, okay, have RoR sign the extension with Colorado to Edmonton's terms (NTC exemption to Edmonton if he wants a NTC) and then trade him.
- jmatchett383

I could have the teams wrong (ie, could have been Flames & Capitals or something).

ROR can't sign an extension until July 1 (ie, where there is only 1 year left on his current deal). So it would have to be put on hold for 8 months. Once again, assuming that ROR wants to sign a long-term extension w/ the prior to having played there Oilers.

I could have the teams wrong (ie, could have been Flames & Capitals or something).

ROR can't sign an extension until July 1 (ie, where there is only 1 year left on his current deal). So it would have to be put on hold for 8 months. Once again, assuming that ROR wants to sign a long-term extension w/ the prior to having played there Oilers.
- s0rcerer1984

Oh, I thought his contract expired after this season, sorry. Well then, yeah, nix that.

This is going to be long, i haven't posted for a long time...

Problems run deeper than one winger. 14 has looked like an absolute boat anchor most of this season. 9's impact is so underrated by this fan base it's criminal. So we have actually lost 2 top 6 wingers and gained 1 from last year.

Everyone praises this coach after 15 REGULAR SEASON games when our old coach was a regular season HOF'er. But not shockingly to some when the tough get going this team goes folding, just like they did under Bylsma. Now, don't get me wrong, I like the system and the team needed a new voice, but save the accolades until he achieves something the guy we couldn't run out of town fast enough hasn't. I for one have more problems with the currents staff's use of players than i did with Bylsma. Dan dressed the wrong players, that's more forgivable than playing them with the wrong linemates when it's obvious.

I think before exploring trades, which we need at some point, they need to optimize the lines with the personnel they have. How anyone could decide taking 72 away from 87 after the start they had was a good idea is beyond me. That's the first thing they need to do, reunite 14, 87 and 72. At least it masks how bad 14 looks.

17 played well with Malkin, again don't understand why they messed with it. You could see 72 and 71 don't have the same chemistry after 2 games, why leave them like that?

Right now we have one line going, and it's the 3rd. Worry about getting one of the top 2 going before deciding who we need to add.

Sucks for Malkin, but ...

14-87-72
17-71-13 (Would put Megna here for the time being)
19-16-23

is the best bet for success as currently constructed.

Ideally i would like to move Kunitz down with Bennett and Sutter assuming he can't get back to where he was pre Olympics last year, and because I think age is the culprit I don't see him doing it. I actually really like 17 with Malkin, so my targets would be a RW for Malkin and a LW for Sid. But as long as Sid has 72 I would consider a W for Malkin to be the priority. Until a trade can be had I think Megna should be occupying that spot.

Another thing that pisses me off- why keep throwing the ineffective line out there when you need a goal? I don't care if we have 87 and 71, if it is clear that 16 and 19 are carrying the play thoughout the course of the game, as has been common lately, give them an ozone start or god forbid some powerplay time.

Then there's the elephant in the room- Sid. He looked like he didn't even want to be on the ice in those 2 games against the Isles, he looks frustrated and disengaged. The team has gotten 1 PP total in the last 3 games combined, and don't think for a second it doesn't have everything to do with a certain teams captain showing up the refs and slamming his stick against the glass like an upset pee wee. What's more is I think he knows this and he's pouting instead of leading.

Bottom line- he's happy when he's producing and he sulks when he doesn't. Give him his winger back that he was lighting the league on fire with.

I don't know what the answer is but he needs to keep his emotions in check, the captain is setting a bad example for the rest of the team if he doesn't. The refs are sending him and the team a message over the last few games, I hope he receives it loud and clear.

Positives from the 1st quarter, we couldn't ask for better goaltending and the defense for the most part has played really well. 47 makes mistakes but there is absolutely no reason for him to ever sit. He brings a snarl we sorely lack and he does everything well, albeit he seems prone to inopportune penalties and d zone gaffes. He's young and learning, he needs to make those mistakes to get better.

Also, losing b2b games to the Isles sucks but it doesn't worry me too much, that's a damn good team. Once they learn to play everyone with the emotion they play us with they will be a fixture atop the conference.

Now that i'm done ranting, Perron is definitely someone I could get on board with.

Arizona is not trading Boedker. It makes no sense to trade a young, promising forward when that is one of the teams biggest weakness.

This is going to be long, i haven't posted for a long time...

Problems run deeper than one winger. 14 has looked like an absolute boat anchor most of this season. 9's impact is so underrated by this fan base it's criminal. So we have actually lost 2 top 6 wingers and gained 1 from last year.

Everyone praises this coach after 15 REGULAR SEASON games when our old coach was a regular season HOF'er. But not shockingly to some when the tough get going this team goes folding, just like they did under Bylsma. Now, don't get me wrong, I like the system and the team needed a new voice, but save the accolades until he achieves something the guy we couldn't run out of town fast enough hasn't. I for one have more problems with the currents staff's use of players than i did with Bylsma. Dan dressed the wrong players, that's more forgivable than playing them with the wrong linemates when it's obvious.

I think before exploring trades, which we need at some point, they need to optimize the lines with the personnel they have. How anyone could decide taking 72 away from 87 after the start they had was a good idea is beyond me. That's the first thing they need to do, reunite 14, 87 and 72. At least it masks how bad 14 looks.

17 played well with Malkin, again don't understand why they messed with it. You could see 72 and 71 don't have the same chemistry after 2 games, why leave them like that?

Right now we have one line going, and it's the 3rd. Worry about getting one of the top 2 going before deciding who we need to add.

Sucks for Malkin, but ...

14-87-72
17-71-13 (Would put Megna here for the time being)
19-16-23

is the best bet for success as currently constructed.

Ideally i would like to move Kunitz down with Bennett and Sutter assuming he can't get back to where he was pre Olympics last year, and because I think age is the culprit I don't see him doing it. I actually really like 17 with Malkin, so my targets would be a RW for Malkin and a LW for Sid. But as long as Sid has 72 I would consider a W for Malkin to be the priority. Until a trade can be had I think Megna should be occupying that spot.

Another thing that pisses me off- why keep throwing the ineffective line out there when you need a goal? I don't care if we have 87 and 71, if it is clear that 16 and 19 are carrying the play thoughout the course of the game, as has been common lately, give them an ozone start or god forbid some powerplay time.

Then there's the elephant in the room- Sid. He looked like he didn't even want to be on the ice in those 2 games against the Isles, he looks frustrated and disengaged. The team has gotten 1 PP total in the last 3 games combined, and don't think for a second it doesn't have everything to do with a certain teams captain showing up the refs and slamming his stick against the glass like an upset pee wee. What's more is I think he knows this and he's pouting instead of leading.

Bottom line- he's happy when he's producing and he sulks when he doesn't. Give him his winger back that he was lighting the league on fire with.

I don't know what the answer is but he needs to keep his emotions in check, the captain is setting a bad example for the rest of the team if he doesn't. The refs are sending him and the team a message over the last few games, I hope he receives it loud and clear.

Positives from the 1st quarter, we couldn't ask for better goaltending and the defense for the most part has played really well. 47 makes mistakes but there is absolutely no reason for him to ever sit. He brings a snarl we sorely lack and he does everything well, albeit he seems prone to inopportune penalties and d zone gaffes. He's young and learning, he needs to make those mistakes to get better.

Also, losing b2b games to the Isles sucks but it doesn't worry me too much, that's a damn good team. Once they learn to play everyone with the emotion they play us with they will be a fixture atop the conference.

Now that i'm done ranting, Perron is definitely someone I could get on board with.

- canadianpenfan

Welcome back?

This may sound crazy, but how about:

Mathieu Perrault
Jason Chimera
Daniel Briere
Vinny Lecavalier (just kidding).

Arizona is not trading Boedker. It makes no sense to trade a young, promising forward when that is one of the teams biggest weakness.
- cap1681

Absolutely. Can you imagine what a joke it would be if a team traded a promising young forward like Boedker or JvR for some trash like Luke Schenn or a similar defenseman. What an idiot that GM would have to be.

This may sound crazy, but how about:

Mathieu Perrault
Jason Chimera
Daniel Briere
Vinny Lecavalier (just kidding).
- jmatchett383

Funny thing is that if Philly doesn't at least call Edmonton and dangle Vinny I will be a bit shocked. Not that'd we'd hear about it until long after.

Absolutely. Can you imagine what a joke it would be if a team traded a promising young forward like Boedker or JvR for some trash like Luke Schenn or a similar defenseman. What an idiot that GM would have to be.
- jmatchett383

He'd be the George Costanza of the NHL

Funny thing is that if Philly doesn't at least call Edmonton and dangle Vinny I will be a bit shocked. Not that'd we'd hear about it until long after.
- HopintheCordoba

Vinny and Umberger are about as untradeable as anyone can be right now. They're like Wade Redden was in NY, but you're no longer able to put them in the AHL. I'd trade Umgerger and a 5th for a 7th if I could, just to get rid of him.

Actually....Umberger for Scuderi. Would you?

Vinny and Umberger are about as untradeable as anyone can be right now. They're like Wade Redden was in NY, but you're no longer able to put them in the AHL. I'd trade Umgerger and a 5th for a 7th if I could, just to get rid of him.

Actually....Umberger for Scuderi. Would you?
- jmatchett383

Would Philly be willing to throw in a pick? Scuderi has improved and is healthy. I would like to see Harrington take over sooner rather than later. If they were willing to do that, I'd consider.

Arizona is not trading Boedker. It makes no sense to trade a young, promising forward when that is one of the teams biggest weakness.
- cap1681

If they cant resign Michalek, and move Yandle, gaining a 1st and promising D prospect isnt bad for losing a young F. If PHX plays it's cards right, they can gain a good amount from Yandle, 1st + for Boedker, then more assets next year for Doan on the deadline.

If they cant resign Michalek, and move Yandle, gaining a 1st and promising D prospect isnt bad for losing a young F. If PHX plays it's cards right, they can gain a good amount from Yandle, 1st + for Boedker, then more assets next year for Doan on the deadline.
- sammy87

Like i said, they have 4 guys under 25 that are either already top 4, or have the potential for top 4. Ideally, they would move Yandle to get a scorer to compliment Boedker and Hanzal.

This is going to be long, i haven't posted for a long time...

Problems run deeper than one winger. 14 has looked like an absolute boat anchor most of this season. 9's impact is so underrated by this fan base it's criminal. So we have actually lost 2 top 6 wingers and gained 1 from last year.

Everyone praises this coach after 15 REGULAR SEASON games when our old coach was a regular season HOF'er. But not shockingly to some when the tough get going this team goes folding, just like they did under Bylsma. Now, don't get me wrong, I like the system and the team needed a new voice, but save the accolades until he achieves something the guy we couldn't run out of town fast enough hasn't. I for one have more problems with the currents staff's use of players than i did with Bylsma. Dan dressed the wrong players, that's more forgivable than playing them with the wrong linemates when it's obvious.

I think before exploring trades, which we need at some point, they need to optimize the lines with the personnel they have. How anyone could decide taking 72 away from 87 after the start they had was a good idea is beyond me. That's the first thing they need to do, reunite 14, 87 and 72. At least it masks how bad 14 looks.

17 played well with Malkin, again don't understand why they messed with it. You could see 72 and 71 don't have the same chemistry after 2 games, why leave them like that?

Right now we have one line going, and it's the 3rd. Worry about getting one of the top 2 going before deciding who we need to add.

Sucks for Malkin, but ...

14-87-72
17-71-13 (Would put Megna here for the time being)
19-16-23

is the best bet for success as currently constructed.

Ideally i would like to move Kunitz down with Bennett and Sutter assuming he can't get back to where he was pre Olympics last year, and because I think age is the culprit I don't see him doing it. I actually really like 17 with Malkin, so my targets would be a RW for Malkin and a LW for Sid. But as long as Sid has 72 I would consider a W for Malkin to be the priority. Until a trade can be had I think Megna should be occupying that spot.

Another thing that pisses me off- why keep throwing the ineffective line out there when you need a goal? I don't care if we have 87 and 71, if it is clear that 16 and 19 are carrying the play thoughout the course of the game, as has been common lately, give them an ozone start or god forbid some powerplay time.

Then there's the elephant in the room- Sid. He looked like he didn't even want to be on the ice in those 2 games against the Isles, he looks frustrated and disengaged. The team has gotten 1 PP total in the last 3 games combined, and don't think for a second it doesn't have everything to do with a certain teams captain showing up the refs and slamming his stick against the glass like an upset pee wee. What's more is I think he knows this and he's pouting instead of leading.

Bottom line- he's happy when he's producing and he sulks when he doesn't. Give him his winger back that he was lighting the league on fire with.

I don't know what the answer is but he needs to keep his emotions in check, the captain is setting a bad example for the rest of the team if he doesn't. The refs are sending him and the team a message over the last few games, I hope he receives it loud and clear.

Positives from the 1st quarter, we couldn't ask for better goaltending and the defense for the most part has played really well. 47 makes mistakes but there is absolutely no reason for him to ever sit. He brings a snarl we sorely lack and he does everything well, albeit he seems prone to inopportune penalties and d zone gaffes. He's young and learning, he needs to make those mistakes to get better.

Also, losing b2b games to the Isles sucks but it doesn't worry me too much, that's a damn good team. Once they learn to play everyone with the emotion they play us with they will be a fixture atop the conference.

Now that i'm done ranting, Perron is definitely someone I could get on board with.

- canadianpenfan

You had me at "Hello"

Like i said, they have 4 guys under 25 that are either already top 4, or have the potential for top 4. Ideally, they would move Yandle to get a scorer to compliment Boedker and Hanzal.
- cap1681

That's what makes sense to me. Trying to get a package for him. At this point, OEL is ready to take over back there and he's trailing off just a bit. Have to take advantage while you can. Still, I have this thought of PHX calling EDM and asking if they'd like Gagner back for some reason though.

That's what makes sense to me. Trying to get a package for him. At this point, OEL is ready to take over back there and he's trailing off just a bit. Have to take advantage while you can. Still, I have this thought of PHX calling EDM and asking if they'd like Gagner back for some reason though.
- HopintheCordoba

At this point? He's been the best player on the team going on 3 years now. Maybe not statistically, but he has been.

Prob posted already but I'm to lazy to check. http://www.pensburgh.com/...t-crosby-leads-by-example

Sounds like Megna in for Sill tonight.

Sounds like Megna in for Sill tonight.
- cap1681

That's a start, hopefully EJ doesn't bury him on L4 with Adams. He should take Spaling's spot.

Prob posted already but I'm to lazy to check. http://www.pensburgh.com/...t-crosby-leads-by-example
- kgrpitt

Good article.

I think 87 is starting to gain a reputation for things other than diving. And this new reputation is worse then being called a diver.

I am very alarmed at how he has performed in big games against good teams the past few years. Its beyond merely being circumstance, bad luck, or a hot goaltender at this point.

Also, right around the same time is when he started making these awful, blind cross-ice/drop passes.

At this point? He's been the best player on the team going on 3 years now. Maybe not statistically, but he has been.
- jmatchett383

I was trying to be conservative about it haha. It's more about Yandle going down a bit from where he was versus OEL making those strides. But yes, he's the real deal and has shown he's ready for some time now. It's not just him though. They've clearly had a defense that's their strength for years. Aside from Mike Smith troubles of late, they need to address forward.

Sounds like Megna in for Sill tonight.
- cap1681

I see a lot of love for Megnatron and im just not sure why? How come your excited for him to crack the line up? What is it you think he provides?