Is it just me or is the NHL almost back to the trap/deadpuck era of clutch, grab, defense-first, boring ass hockey?
- 87_71_11_29

Obstruction is pretty much back to what it was at earlier levels and scoring is nearly as low as the dead puck era. Save percentages have also been climbing.

Is it just me or is the NHL almost back to the trap/deadpuck era of clutch, grab, defense-first, boring ass hockey?
- 87_71_11_29

It's getting there. Interference is never called anymore. Everyone is female doging about Crosby and Malkin not producing, but they are still 2 of only 10 players to be scoring at a rate of a point per game or better. Last year there were 13 guys at a point per game or better, and 21 the year before, so scoring across the board seems to be down and getting worse.

Is it just me or is the NHL almost back to the trap/deadpuck era of clutch, grab, defense-first, boring ass hockey?
- 87_71_11_29

Every off season seems to address goal scoring whether it be within the rules or the games design.
And then a quarter of the way through the season it has zero effect.

I wonder how many diving penalties will be called in the playoffs

NEWS FLASH.
Paul Martin isn't going to pan out past this year.
- Danny_Devito

Of course he's not. But he still gives the pens a better chance at winning the cup this year than any draft pick or prospect you want to trade him for.

It's getting there. Interference is never called anymore. Everyone is female doging about Crosby and Malkin not producing, but they are still 2 of only 10 players to be scoring at a rate of a point per game or better. Last year there were 13 guys at a point per game or better, and 21 the year before, so scoring across the board seems to be down and getting worse.
- PensFan1103

I feel like this year they've been held off the score sheet more often though. If they do score.. they get 2 or 3 on a night... if they dont... they both get goose eggs. And when they both get goose eggs on the same night... woooof.

Is it just me or is the NHL almost back to the trap/deadpuck era of clutch, grab, defense-first, boring ass hockey?
- 87_71_11_29

Almost? No it's here

Of course he's not. But he still gives the pens a better chance at winning the cup this year than any draft pick or prospect you want to trade him for.
- j.boyd919

I think PM is good, but I dont see him as a difference maker. Not having PM doesnt mean the Pens wont make the ECF.

So you're for weakening the blue line for the rest of the year?
- jmatchett383

There comes a point in time where you have to be realistic. It's rather funny ... we have had nice surprising performances from Comeau and even Downie; got a big boost with the return of a healthy Letang who has played well and even had a pretty significant season from MAF; have seen much improvement in Despres and even Scuderi and acquired David Perron who appears to be on a renaissance in Pittsburgh. When you look at that, one would think this team is on top of the standings. It's not. Not even close. It's far from the team of even last year, which was flawed as well. There are far too many problems to fix.

If you as a GM don't see anything changing, start recouping some assets. If PMart can get you a second and a good prospect, or a mid first round pick in this draft and a middling prospect, go to town. He isn't going to be back next year.

People can say this team has the talent to win it. Sure, it does. However, in order for that to happen ... Crosby, Malkin and Fleury have to be going at full bore the same time. The last time we have seen that, we raised the Cup in Detroit. We haven't seen that since.

Of course he's not. But he still gives the pens a better chance at winning the cup this year than any draft pick or prospect you want to trade him for.
- j.boyd919

My point of trading Martin is because keeping him represents the same thing we keep telling ourselves. "We have a chance"
Every single year we think we can go all in and win it. If we took one season (and personally I thought that season should have been last year) and lowered our expectations in order to set ourselves up for next, then it would be worth it.

Keeping Martin for a cup run with an incomplete team seems like a waste of an asset.
I get it. It's the NHL and anything can happen in the playoffs. But I literally keep telling myself that every year...

There comes a point in time where you have to be realistic. It's rather funny ... we have had nice surprising performances from Comeau and even Downie; got a big boost with the return of a healthy Letang who has played well and even had a pretty significant season from MAF; have seen much improvement in Despres and even Scuderi and acquired David Perron who appears to be on a renaissance in Pittsburgh. When you look at that, one would think this team is on top of the standings. It's not. Not even close. It's far from the team of even last year, which was flawed as well. There are far too many problems to fix.

If you as a GM don't see anything changing, start recouping some assets. If PMart can get you a second and a good prospect, or a mid first round pick in this draft and a middling prospect, go to town. He isn't going to be back next year.

People can say this team has the talent to win it. Sure, it does. However, in order for that to happen ... Crosby, Malkin and Fleury have to be going at full bore the same time. The last time we have seen that, we raised the Cup in Detroit. We haven't seen that since.
- Oneonta Penguin

You make a good point about this team having flaws. But look around the league. All teams have flaws. Some more tham others. The big thing about the playoffs are how you're playing in the last 10-15 games of the season.

Obstruction is pretty much back to what it was at earlier levels and scoring is nearly as low as the dead puck era. Save percentages have also been climbing.
- jfkst1

Blame the refs, blame the league, blame Beau Bennett and Craig Adams. Hell, there are people who blame the lockout on the dead puck era. Blame everything except the undisciplined nature of the Penguins' core and their commitment to doing things the same way since 2010.

NEWS FLASH.
Paul Martin isn't going to pan out past this year.
- Danny_Devito

I look at it this way. PM gives you solid top 4 minutes throughout the playoffs along with allowing less capable guys to be used for depth.

When he and Hoff walk it is not as if we're "losing" him. That will open several million that can be used to address other needs. Also allowing young guys to play.

Throw that $$ at Boychuk this summer.

Letang-Mattaa
Puliot- Boychuk
Despres - Scuds (ugh)
Dumo/Harrington

Or put Puliot with Letang and call them Pu-Tang? Not sure if anyones come up with that one yet?

There comes a point in time where you have to be realistic. It's rather funny ... we have had nice surprising performances from Comeau and even Downie; got a big boost with the return of a healthy Letang who has played well and even had a pretty significant season from MAF; have seen much improvement in Despres and even Scuderi and acquired David Perron who appears to be on a renaissance in Pittsburgh. When you look at that, one would think this team is on top of the standings. It's not. Not even close. It's far from the team of even last year, which was flawed as well. There are far too many problems to fix.

If you as a GM don't see anything changing, start recouping some assets. If PMart can get you a second and a good prospect, or a mid first round pick in this draft and a middling prospect, go to town. He isn't going to be back next year.

People can say this team has the talent to win it. Sure, it does. However, in order for that to happen ... Crosby, Malkin and Fleury have to be going at full bore the same time. The last time we have seen that, we raised the Cup in Detroit. We haven't seen that since.
- Oneonta Penguin

The current Pens team is on pace for 105 pts. which would still have won the division last year by a comfortable margin. Last year's team finished with 109 pts. The difference is the conference and division are much better.

My point of trading Martin is because keeping him represents the same thing we keep telling ourselves. "We have a chance"
Every single year we think we can go all in and win it. If we took one season (and personally I thought that season should have been last year) and lowered our expectations in order to set ourselves up for next, then it would be worth it.

Keeping Martin for a cup run with an incomplete team seems like a waste of an asset.
I get it. It's the NHL and anything can happen in the playoffs. But I literally keep telling myself that every year...
- Danny_Devito

What could we have done LAST year that would make us better THIS year?

My point of trading Martin is because keeping him represents the same thing we keep telling ourselves. "We have a chance"
Every single year we think we can go all in and win it. If we took one season (and personally I thought that season should have been last year) and lowered our expectations in order to set ourselves up for next, then it would be worth it.

Keeping Martin for a cup run with an incomplete team seems like a waste of an asset.
I get it. It's the NHL and anything can happen in the playoffs. But I literally keep telling myself that every year...
- Danny_Devito

Yeah.. no sh*t we tell ourselves that every year.. because it's the truth. The Stanley Cup is never and will never be a guaranteed thing. Every year the penguins DO have a chance. That's how it works. If a team with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin don't feel as though they have a chance go win the cup every year, than they might as well trade Sid and Geno and start the rebuild now. Sometimes I feel as though people don't understand how hard it is to actually win the Cup....

I look at it this way. PM gives you solid top 4 minutes throughout the playoffs along with allowing less capable guys to be used for depth.

When he and Hoff walk it is not as if we're "losing" him. That will open several million that can be used to address other needs. Also allowing young guys to play.

Throw that $$ at Boychuk this summer.

Letang-Mattaa
Puliot- Boychuk
Despres - Scuds (ugh)
Dumo/Harrington

Or put Puliot with Letang and call them Pu-Tang? Not sure if anyones come up with that one yet?
- stowerkraut

Very good point. When you lose players you're gaining cap space.

What could we have done LAST year that would make us better THIS year?
- willi

It would have probably eliminated the Penguins in the first round instead of the second, but trading Orpik and Niskanen would have yielded a good return on both of them that could have benefited this year's squad.

Blame the refs, blame the league, blame Beau Bennett and Craig Adams. Hell, there are people who blame the lockout on the dead puck era. Blame everything except the undisciplined nature of the Penguins' core and their commitment to doing things the same way since 2010.
- Johnny Wrath

The penns core is the reason for the league wide reduction in scoring? Bettman needs to step in and break this core up if that's the case

There comes a point in time where you have to be realistic. It's rather funny ... we have had nice surprising performances from Comeau and even Downie; got a big boost with the return of a healthy Letang who has played well and even had a pretty significant season from MAF; have seen much improvement in Despres and even Scuderi and acquired David Perron who appears to be on a renaissance in Pittsburgh. When you look at that, one would think this team is on top of the standings. It's not. Not even close. It's far from the team of even last year, which was flawed as well. There are far too many problems to fix.

If you as a GM don't see anything changing, start recouping some assets. If PMart can get you a second and a good prospect, or a mid first round pick in this draft and a middling prospect, go to town. He isn't going to be back next year.

People can say this team has the talent to win it. Sure, it does. However, in order for that to happen ... Crosby, Malkin and Fleury have to be going at full bore the same time. The last time we have seen that, we raised the Cup in Detroit. We haven't seen that since.
- Oneonta Penguin

Wrong. The entire team has to be going full bore and trading Martin makes that less likely. 2nd round picks and middling prospects will not do jack sh*t in the next 4-5 years. You say that those 3 must be going full bore like it's basketball... where 1 or 2 players can take over a game. In a game like hockey that is a continues changing lineup on the ice, there has to be solid contributions up and down the lineup.. and yes, with the way this team is constructed now... probably won't work. But that's what the trade deadline is for. To add players that give your team the best shot at winning. If they keep Martin and trade a 2nd round pick for a player... and end up winning the cup... I'm fine with that. If they don't win the cup, I'm fine with that too. I'd rather see management take a chance than "play it safe" and recoup "assets" that won't amount to anything anyways.

The current Pens team is on pace for 105 pts. which would still have won the division last year by a comfortable margin. Last year's team finished with 109 pts. The difference is the conference and division are much better.
- jfkst1

That is fine and dandy. Remember, alot of those points came early in the season when everything was clicking. Now, since 2015, it has fallen greatly. In order to remain on that pace you say, the Pens need to go on a hot streak.

There are more poor matchups this year that Pittsburgh is not capable of overcoming in a seven game series. Our division opponents that qualify would all take us down. I'm convinced. There is not a favorable matchup.

I only see two favorable matchups right now for the Pens and they are Detroit and Boston. I would take my chances with those two. Maybe Tampa. The rest, nope.

Yeah.. no sh*t we tell ourselves that every year.. because it's the truth. The Stanley Cup is never and will never be a guaranteed thing. Every year the penguins DO have a chance. That's how it works. If a team with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin don't feel as though they have a chance go win the cup every year, than they might as well trade Sid and Geno and start the rebuild now. Sometimes I feel as though people don't understand how hard it is to actually win the Cup....
- j.boyd919

again, i can only speak for myself, but i do understand its hard to win the cup. i get it. but there is a difference in losing, and just sucking or self destructing.

the series they lost against MTL. absolutely heartbreaking, but as a fan i can understand and respect it. they did everything they could. they were consistently doing everything they were supposed to. just couldnt pull it out. they got beat. it happens.

then the TB series. Realistically, they should have pulled that out, but with the injuries they had, okay. again, understandable.

however, since then, no. its unacceptable. not THAT they get ousted. but HOW.

the flyers series. an absolute abortion.

the bruins series. hey, the bruins were really good that year. if the pens make it a series and lose in game 6 or so, i can accept that. tip your cap and move on. but they didnt even belong on the same ice surface.

the rangers series. overall, they were in it somewhat, but they ultimately let it slip away. they showed 0 killer instinct, and no ability to step up when it mattered most.

That is fine and dandy. Remember, alot of those points came early in the season when everything was clicking. Now, since 2015, it has fallen greatly. In order to remain on that pace you say, the Pens need to go on a hot streak.

There are more poor matchups this year that Pittsburgh is not capable of overcoming in a seven game series. Our division opponents that qualify would all take us down. I'm convinced. There is not a favorable matchup.

I only see two favorable matchups right now for the Pens and they are Detroit and Boston. I would take my chances with those two. Maybe Tampa. The rest, nope.
- Oneonta Penguin

i agree with the matchups. and that is worrisome. i understand any team having one or two teams that simply do not match up well with due to rosters or style of play. but, you cannot be a serious cup contender and be able to point to the vast majority of playoff teams in your conference and just say ah, nope. sorry. yeah we dont match up against them either. oh, them? no, not them either. Can we play the senators again?

Wrong. The entire team has to be going full bore and trading Martin makes that less likely. 2nd round picks and middling prospects will not do jack sh*t in the next 4-5 years. You say that those 3 must be going full bore like it's basketball... where 1 or 2 players can take over a game. In a game like hockey that is a continues changing lineup on the ice, there has to be solid contributions up and down the lineup.. and yes, with the way this team is constructed now... probably won't work. But that's what the trade deadline is for. To add players that give your team the best shot at winning. If they keep Martin and trade a 2nd round pick for a player... and end up winning the cup... I'm fine with that. If they don't win the cup, I'm fine with that too. I'd rather see management take a chance than "play it safe" and recoup "assets" that won't amount to anything anyways.
- j.boyd919

Second round pick and good prospect, or a first round pick and a middling prospect. It doesn't do jack poop keeping an asset like Martin when you ain't winning it. This team isn't good enough to get out of the second round. What good does that do you?

You are all about IFs. I'm about reality. The fact is this franchise is devoid of assets and talent in the farm. That is because of dumb deals for rentals. If there is one year to stop the asinine acquisitions and maybe start recouping some, this is it. I would rather deal Martin and get the first and a prospect than sit through another play-off year of disappointment,w hich probably ends in the second round, if not the first. There are many flaws on this team. However, people are truly delusional because they don't see them.

That is fine and dandy. Remember, alot of those points came early in the season when everything was clicking. Now, since 2015, it has fallen greatly. In order to remain on that pace you say, the Pens need to go on a hot streak.

There are more poor matchups this year that Pittsburgh is not capable of overcoming in a seven game series. Our division opponents that qualify would all take us down. I'm convinced. There is not a favorable matchup.

I only see two favorable matchups right now for the Pens and they are Detroit and Boston. I would take my chances with those two. Maybe Tampa. The rest, nope.
- Oneonta Penguin

Other teams have questions marks as well...NYR-Lundqvists health..NYI-29th ranked PK..CAPS- OVs lack of team success

Other teams have questions marks as well...NYR-Lundqvists health..NYI-29th ranked PK..CAPS- OVs lack of team success
- willi

I would take those problems over ours right now without question.