Well, he said no Cup winner the last 7 seasons had a PP% higher than 16th. The Penguins are at 8th right now. So, based on his "common characteristics" we can either deduce that either:
a) having a top-15 PP% means you can't win a Cup, or

b) every Cup winner is unique and the track record of teams in past seasons has no bearing of chances of success this season.
- jmatchett383

Defense beats Offense more often than naught in playoffs for sports.
- Guile

POTD

Hmm interesting, we need help on the PP; I just so happen to know one of the greatest power play minds in the history of the NHL is available. But a few people say he wouldn't be able to help our team so I guess that's out......



WWJJD

But for costing 2.2 million, that is more acceptable in a "bad" 3rd line center. Sutter gets extra flak for holding out to get more money, and playing sub par this season.
- Guile

Holding out to get more money?!?

POTD
- Johnny Wrath

Thats a tad excessive... I am sure someone will have some crazed rant over Sutter, Adams, urine filled balloons, Crosby, the Pen's fanbase, other fanbases hating the Pen's fanbase, euthanasia, the inconsistency of officiating, or why they hate RW's statistical opinions that should earn POTD.

Holding out to get more money?!?
- hardnosed

He did not sign right away, his camp/agent reported wanting more money... what would you call that?

Hmm interesting, we need help on the PP; I just so happen to know one of the greatest power play minds in the history of the NHL is available. But a few people say he wouldn't be able to help our team so I guess that's out......



WWJJD
- nbartley9

If you REALLY want Vinny Lecavalier that badly....

Here's the scary thing about any trades this year for the Pens...

Will any of it be enough to get past the Isles in the playoffs?

I know that sounds crazy...but looking at the salary situation and the way the two teams have played against each other this year, my gut tells me the Pens are holding the short stick.

The Isles are definitely going to go for it in terms of short term spending and they have the cap room to do it. Rumors like the Jagr and Elias one (front page now on hocekybuzz) definitely sound legit and what a team in this position would do.

The Pens can't beat the Isles now...how will they ever if the Isles really go for it and beef up that roster even more for the playoffs?

Thats a tad excessive... I am sure someone will have some crazed rant over Sutter, Adams, urine filled balloons, Crosby, the Pen's fanbase, other fanbases hating the Pen's fanbase, euthanasia, the inconsistency of officiating, or why they hate RW's statistical opinions that should earn POTD.
- Guile

Ha!!

Also POTD

Ha!!
- nbartley9

I can't believe anyone actually read through that giant list

Thats a tad excessive... I am sure someone will have some crazed rant over Sutter, Adams, urine filled balloons, Crosby, the Pen's fanbase, other fanbases hating the Pen's fanbase, euthanasia, the inconsistency of officiating, or why they hate RW's statistical opinions that should earn POTD.
- Guile

Ryan Wilson's graphs are starting to smell like urine-filled balloons being dropped on Sidney Crosby by other team's fanbases who hate the Pens' fanbase. Sutter's Corsi rel is forcing Adams to resort to euthanasia, which is having a positive vibe on the Penguins' fanbase, but this may be due to poor officiating. Jaromir Jagr.

Hmm interesting, we need help on the PP; I just so happen to know one of the greatest power play minds in the history of the NHL is available. But a few people say he wouldn't be able to help our team so I guess that's out......



WWJJD
- nbartley9

The answer is simple, not sure why Johnston is making it so complicated by splitting up unites.

Malkin doesn't have a power play goal since December 6th.

I agree with RW's point earlier this year that Malkin's shot has to be the centerpiece of the power play. It hasn't been. Johnston has to figure out a way to get Malkin going, whether it's strategic or just demanding him to shoot the puck every time he gets a chance. All the other pieces are in place.

Get Geno going on the PP, and it'll snap right back into place.

Ryan Wilson's graphs are starting to smell like urine-filled balloons being dropped on Sidney Crosby by other team's fanbases who hate the Pens' fanbase. Sutter's Corsi rel is forcing Adams to resort to euthanasia, which is having a positive vibe on the Penguins' fanbase, but this may be due to poor officiating. Jaromir Jagr.
- jmatchett383

Sorry I jumped the gun, POTD!

Hell lets just have 2

He did not sign right away, his camp/agent reported wanting more money... what would you call that?
- Guile

Holding out is when you don't play or practice while negotiating for more money. Ryan Johansen was holding out.

What you're describing is called negotiating a contract. Are players supposed to just accept the first offer they've presented with?

Ryan Wilson's graphs are starting to smell like urine-filled balloons being dropped on Sidney Crosby by other team's fanbases who hate the Pens' fanbase. Sutter's Corsi rel is forcing Adams to resort to euthanasia, which is having a positive vibe on the Penguins' fanbase, but this may be due to poor officiating. Jaromir Jagr.
- jmatchett383

You need an F Sutter or two thrown in there

Holding out is when you don't play or practice while negotiating for more money. Ryan Johansen was holding out.

What you're describing is called negotiating a contract. Are players supposed to just accept the first offer they've presented with?
- hardnosed

He didn't sign until near the arbitration date, without filing for arbitration. That whole negotiation was odd and it was reported that Spaling was a backup 3rd center incase Sutter did not sign. For the cluster(frank) he made it, hes earned more flak.

Stop making sense when there's pitchforks and torches about.

Sad thing is, win tonight and these Penguins are in 1st place in their division, a couple points out of the #1 seed in the East. Even with all the injuries, even with the last 4 weeks of inconsistent play.

No wonder other fanbases hate us.
- hardnosed

4 weeks? You do realize the Penguins win% for the calendar year to date is exactly 0.500, right?

The answer is simple, not sure why Johnston is making it so complicated by splitting up unites.

Malkin doesn't have a power play goal since December 6th.

I agree with RW's point earlier this year that Malkin's shot has to be the centerpiece of the power play. It hasn't been. Johnston has to figure out a way to get Malkin going, whether it's strategic or just demanding him to shoot the puck every time he gets a chance. All the other pieces are in place.

Get Geno going on the PP, and it'll snap right back into place.
- hardnosed

Geno should be at the left point, launching one times for the full two minutes.

Im taking Sutter over Dom Moore, Steve Ott, Rikkell and Kuznetsov any day...especially in the playoffs. Dom Moore is borderline because he always shows up come playoff time and always seems to play a critical role but frankly if you look across the board at all teams third line centers minus a few exceptions are very similar in nature. I dont diagree with Spaling but again im not certain hes an upgrade either in what youre looking for in a 3rd line center.
- did109

2015 cap hit, 2015 pts/60, and Career Corsi for% (Source: Hockey Reference)
Sutter $3.3, 1.3, 45.5
Moore $1.5, 1.3, 49.5
Ott $2.6, 1.0, 47
Rikkell $925k, 1.6, 51.3
Kuznetsov $2.8, 1.6, 47.6

Sutter is the worst 3C for his salary at the very least. Arguably the worst 3C for any playoff team.

Adams and Sill aren't good AHL players that get killed in possession and are liabilities every minute they are on the ice. Booth won't produce offensively, but at least he won't get outscored horrifically like those two either.
- jfkst1

Booth is terrible. You don't watch any games at all if you think he is better. He serves zero purpose. He should be in the AHL right now.

Here's the scary thing about any trades this year for the Pens...

Will any of it be enough to get past the Isles in the playoffs?

I know that sounds crazy...but looking at the salary situation and the way the two teams have played against each other this year, my gut tells me the Pens are holding the short stick.

The Isles are definitely going to go for it in terms of short term spending and they have the cap room to do it. Rumors like the Jagr and Elias one (front page now on hocekybuzz) definitely sound legit and what a team in this position would do.

The Pens can't beat the Isles now...how will they ever if the Isles really go for it and beef up that roster even more for the playoffs?
- icedog97

We can beat the Islanders with the team we have, no additions. No one in the East really scares me this year, there is only one thing standing in the way of the penguins and the cup and that's composure.
We get frustrated too easily and teams have been taking advantage of that for years. The best way to get us frustrated is the play physical/dirty against us. GMJR has done a good job addressing this by adding more grit.

But to answer your question a bit better, yes. Jagr added to this team makes us better. Think about the hardest part of playing against us, it's figuring out who to match against Crosby or Malkin. Adding Jagr would make our 3rd line another thing to worry about. If Jagr is on his game he is just as lethal at Crosby or Malkin.

Sutter + Bennett for Jagr + Zubrus + 3rd

Ryan Wilson's graphs are starting to smell like urine-filled balloons being dropped on Sidney Crosby by other team's fanbases who hate the Pens' fanbase. Sutter's Corsi rel is forcing Adams to resort to euthanasia, which is having a positive vibe on the Penguins' fanbase, but this may be due to poor officiating. Jaromir Jagr.
- jmatchett383

One of your best efforts. I laughed.

We can beat the Islanders with the team we have, no additions. No one in the East really scares me this year, there is only one thing standing in the way of the penguins and the cup and that's composure.
We get frustrated too easily and teams have been taking advantage of that for years. The best way to get us frustrated is the play physical/dirty against us. GMJR has done a good job addressing this by adding more grit.

But to answer your question a bit better, yes. Jagr added to this team makes us better. Think about the hardest part of playing against us, it's figuring out who to match against Crosby or Malkin. Adding Jagr would make our 3rd line another thing to worry about. If Jagr is on his game he is just as lethal at Crosby or Malkin.

Sutter + Bennett for Jagr + Zubrus + 3rd
- stackthepads

I'm not a fan of Sutter and think Bennett sucks, but that deal doesn't serve a purpose. Getting two players older than Moses doesn't serve a purpose.

2015 cap hit, 2015 pts/60, and Career Corsi for% (Source: Hockey Reference)
Sutter $3.3, 1.3, 45.5
Moore $1.5, 1.3, 49.5
Ott $2.6, 1.0, 47
Rikkell $925k, 1.6, 51.3
Kuznetsov $2.8, 1.6, 47.6

Sutter is the worst 3C for his salary at the very least. Arguably the worst 3C for any playoff team.
- jfkst1

I like how you use 2 2015 statistics and one career statistic. I'm not arguing, because the argument has been beaten to death and no one's budging, but at least use consistent samples for your argument. Otherwise, I could say that current-day Wayne Gretzky would be better than Sutter at 2 of these 3 categories (lower cap hit and higher career Corsi For %).

So anyway what are you trading for Sekera and Tlusty?