Pens just fell into a wild card spot. Let that sink in for a bit.
- sammy87

10th place in feb 2009 enroute to cup..means nothing.

This team still has time to get their poop together. No (frank)ing results up and down the lineup. Who cares if certain guys look good on the ice, it's been equating to Jack poop.

I saw some shots from Crosby, but still not enough to make me think he's turned a corner on this crap. And those (frank)ing blind passes... It's beyond time for him to drop this poop. It hasn't worked well since Dupuis and Kunitz were on fire and reading off each other from all that practice together.

Geno was all over the ice tonight but you can't go 1v5 like Mario every game. Sure the team had some more hustle after Sid fought, but they should be playing like that from the get go, no coming out flat and then trying partway through the second.

There was some good cycling and line changes but this team takes too many stupid (frank)ing penalties. If this team is fine taking them to stick up for each other that's one thing, but they're all so (frank)ing undisciplined on top of that.

Power play blows but even worse is this pk. Can't get through the playoffs with a cruddy pk. Then you're double shifting the supposed pk God's in Scuderi and sometimes Adams, ffs MJ.

It pretty much seems like outside of Letang we won't be getting any production from the other D. I don't need to look up the stats, this D Corp is contributing less than it ever has.

Crosby is so predictable, it's the same spot with him every game. I love the guy but if this poop with him and Kunitz is true then it's enough to move him to Genos line or out of town to teach Sid no one aside for him gives a poop that he demands he play on his line.

And I would absolutely remove Crosby and maybe even Malkin from the power play as someone said. It's more likely than either of them ever seeing time in the press box. A message needs to be sent, more so to Sid. Or hell blowup the PP all together, demand simpler smarter plays and quit trying to be be cute with the puck. MJ needs to start by making examples out of our captain, his problem isn't something an extra hour on the ice is going to fix. Again this team can get its poop together, I'm not panicking I'm just pissed.

Yep. Can't say that I disagree. This team in it's present form is going nowhere. Rutherford is a fool by the way. His inability to improve the team makeup must be evaluated fully and fairly. He sucks. Period.
- powerhouse

I disagree with you here. Given the situation, cap wise and what we have on the farm, I think JR has done a masterful job as far as moves. Comeau and Downie have made significant contributions. No one saw this coming from either. Neal for Hornqvuist and Spaling ... has equalled out a bit. Many people thought Neal couldn't score without elite centers. Guess what, he could score 30 with a not so great center.

Perron was a great deal regardless. A first and a fourth line guy for Perron with term left. Greis is Greis ... ok backup. Letting Nisky and Orpik go ... he had to. They weren't worth the $$$.

He brought in one of the best defensemen free agents on a pretty good one year deal (Ehrhoff). The only questionable move is the hiring of the HC. Was that JR, or was that Mario and Crew?

He didn't have much cap space to work with. I think his medal will be judged on how he handles the deadline.

This team still has time to get their poop together. No (frank)ing results up and down the lineup. Who cares if certain guys look good on the ice, it's been equating to Jack poop.

I saw some shots from Crosby, but still not enough to make me think he's turned a corner on this crap. And those (frank)ing blind passes... It's beyond time for him to drop this poop. It hasn't worked well since Dupuis and Kunitz were on fire and reading off each other from all that practice together.

Geno was all over the ice tonight but you can't go 1v5 like Mario every game. Sure the team had some more hustle after Sid fought, but they should be playing like that from the get go, no coming out flat and then trying partway through the second.

There was some good cycling and line changes but this team takes too many stupid (frank)ing penalties. If this team is fine taking them to stick up for each other that's one thing, but they're all so (frank)ing undisciplined on top of that.

Power play blows but even worse is this pk. Can't get through the playoffs with a cruddy pk. Then you're double shifting the supposed pk God's in Scuderi and sometimes Adams, ffs MJ.

It pretty much seems like outside of Letang we won't be getting any production from the other D. I don't need to look up the stats, this D Corp is contributing less than it ever has.

Crosby is so predictable, it's the same spot with him every game. I love the guy but if this poop with him and Kunitz is true then it's enough to move him to Genos line or out of town to teach Sid no one aside for him gives a poop that he demands he play on his line.

And I would absolutely remove Crosby and maybe even Malkin from the power play as someone said. It's more likely than either of them ever seeing time in the press box. A message needs to be sent, more so to Sid. Or hell blowup the PP all together, demand simpler smarter plays and quit trying to be be cute with the puck. MJ needs to start by making examples out of our captain, his problem isn't something an extra hour on the ice is going to fix. Again this team can get its poop together, I'm not panicking I'm just pissed.
- ImScore71

what if sid is 80% he dropped the gloves to try to spark the team...if he had a minor injury...that is nagging that will need surgery in the offseason...what do u do then. We dont know poop about poop here...so best to just wait and see. To suggest or hint that sid needa a night in the presser..I mean he aint kessel man.

Completely disagree. If the decision was being made to move a star I'd sooner move Crosby. He clearly is not the same player. And as the season wears on, year after year it becomes more apparent. Nothing lasts forever and Crosby has had it rough.
- powerhouse

From Lemieux's and Burkle's position, 87 gives the Pens the international attention, TV coverage, which means more money than sell out games. A goofy Russian that can't speak English doesn't bring that attention. The Pens would regress into a smaller market.

I disagree with you here. Given the situation, cap wise and what we have on the farm, I think JR has done a masterful job as far as moves. Comeau and Downie have made significant contributions. No one saw this coming from either. Neal for Hornqvuist and Spaling ... has equalled out a bit. Many people thought Neal couldn't score without elite centers. Guess what, he could score 30 with a not so great center.

Perron was a great deal regardless. A first and a fourth line guy for Perron with term left. Greis is Greis ... ok backup. Letting Nisky and Orpik go ... he had to. They weren't worth the $$$.

He didn't have much cap space to work with. I think his medal will be judged on how he handles the deadline.
- Oneonta Penguin

I love JR. Just wish we would have gotten an experienced coach. Somebody with balls enough to tell Sid about those RIDICULOUS blind back hand passes. Or somebody that doesn't see merit in letting Robert Bortuzzo jumping into the play when he's not even good at playing defense.

I love JR. Just wish we would have gotten an experienced coach. Somebody with balls enough to tell Sid about those RIDICULOUS blind back hand passes. Or somebody that doesn't see merit in letting Robert Bortuzzo jumping into the play when he's not even good at playing defense.
- madmike71

I just amended my post and said the only questionable move was bringing in Johnson. Question for the board ... people were female doging up a storm when the Desjardins thing happened and he bolted for Vancouver. Do you see this team any better with him in charge? I'm not so sure.

There wasn't a veteran coach out there that interested me. Keenan? Torts? Yuck and Yuck. Blame Mario on that. They could have canned DB earlier and maybe made a run at Trotz earlier.

I just amended my post and said the only questionable move was bringing in Johnson. Question for the board ... people were female doging up a storm when the Desjardins thing happened and he bolted for Vancouver. Do you see this team any better with him in charge? I'm not so sure.

There wasn't a veteran coach out there that interested me. Keenan? Torts? Yuck and Yuck. Blame Mario on that. They could have canned DB earlier and maybe made a run at Trotz earlier.
- Oneonta Penguin

Not sure who would have been a better coach, but it didn't seem like too many wanted the job.

I love JR. Just wish we would have gotten an experienced coach. Somebody with balls enough to tell Sid about those RIDICULOUS blind back hand passes. Or somebody that doesn't see merit in letting Robert Bortuzzo jumping into the play when he's not even good at playing defense.
- madmike71

to be fair, MJ wasnt the first choice haha.

god i am just so (frank)ing disgusted right now.

feel bad for fleury.

From Lemieux's and Burkle's position, 87 gives the Pens the international attention, TV coverage, which means more money than sell out games. A goofy Russian that can't speak English doesn't bring that attention. The Pens would regress into a smaller market.
- sammy87

Honestly if you move Sid or Malkin where are you going to move them to and who's coming back? They have NMC so IF they agree to move it'll be to a hand full of teams so you wouldn't get full value

I just amended my post and said the only questionable move was bringing in Johnson. Question for the board ... people were female doging up a storm when the Desjardins thing happened and he bolted for Vancouver. Do you see this team any better with him in charge? I'm not so sure.

There wasn't a veteran coach out there that interested me. Keenan? Torts? Yuck and Yuck. Blame Mario on that. They could have canned DB earlier and maybe made a run at Trotz earlier.
- Oneonta Penguin

I agree. There wasn't anybody out there. I do blame Mario..... He even acknowledged they should have made a change sooner.

Because DP has to be..and he is not effin ready for the nhl..nevermind first pp duties. We dont need two d men back there. Tanger is enough. DP should never see a sniff of pp time. I dont care what his ceiling is...fact is there are better options all.over the bench than him .perron for sure and if u really need 2 d...despres and martin...hoff when he is back. DP needs more time...boy I miss maata...he was sure something special.
- taleisyreXIII

If you think that Pouliot is the problem with the PP then you aren't watching he same PP as I am. How about the two former Art Ross winners who suddenly refuse to shoot the puck?

Not sure who would have been a better coach, but it didn't seem like too many wanted the job.
- sammy87

The one's that wanted this job, we wouldn't want them for obvious reasons. Could you see Torts or Keenan with this team? The interest in this job wasn't there. You are right on that.

Not sure who would have been a better coach, but it didn't seem like too many wanted the job.
- sammy87

The whole hockey world knew this wasn't a job for a 1st timer. It was smart for WD to decline. This job is possible a career killer.

Honestly if you move Sid or Malkin where are you going to move them to and who's coming back? They have NMC so IF they agree to move it'll be to a hand full of teams so you wouldn't get full value
- willi

Yeah if they go that route their hands are tied. But I will always argue they can't build a solid 4 line team with adequate Dmen with 2 paychecks that big. And when your youth depth consists of BB, you're in trouble. Unless 1 of them wants out, then its easier.

The one's that wanted this job, we wouldn't want them for obvious reasons. Could you see Torts or Keenan with this team? The interest in this job wasn't there. You are right on that.
- Oneonta Penguin

Torts would have been great for the sound bites! But yeah he's terrible and there would have been a mutiny.

Honestly if you move Sid or Malkin where are you going to move them to and who's coming back? They have NMC so IF they agree to move it'll be to a hand full of teams so you wouldn't get full value
- willi

You will never get true value in return for either. That said, you have a chance to get some younger talent in here and use that money you save getting some good free agents. There is one lineup I really like in the NHL as far as talent and cap responsibility. It's St. Louis. They haven't won a Cup, but they are going to be Cup contenders for a long time. They draft well; don't get stupid at the deadline; make wise free agent signings (ok Stastny at 7 million is a stretch), but look at where their money is ... its balanced. Because of this, they can roll four good lines out there and three solid D pairings.

You will never get true value in return for either. That said, you have a chance to get some younger talent in here and use that money you save getting some good free agents. There is one lineup I really like in the NHL as far as talent and cap responsibility. It's St. Louis. They haven't won a Cup, but they are going to be Cup contenders for a long time. They draft well; don't get stupid at the deadline; make wise free agent signings (ok Stastny at 7 million is a stretch), but look at where their money is ... its balanced. Because of this, they can roll four good lines out there and three solid D pairings.
- Oneonta Penguin

true. they are also fortunate with having many talented players on ELCs. can look at it as making their own luck through proper drafting and development for sure, but at the same time things will get more difficult when they dont have the benefit of guys like tarasenko and schwartz on very cheap deals.

You will never get true value in return for either. That said, you have a chance to get some younger talent in here and use that money you save getting some good free agents. There is one lineup I really like in the NHL as far as talent and cap responsibility. It's St. Louis. They haven't won a Cup, but they are going to be Cup contenders for a long time. They draft well; don't get stupid at the deadline; make wise free agent signings (ok Stastny at 7 million is a stretch), but look at where their money is ... its balanced. Because of this, they can roll four good lines out there and three solid D pairings.
- Oneonta Penguin

Not sure if I agree with your assessment of St Blues. To say they don't make bad trade dead lines deals is a bit of a stretch..Miller last year?? And they are going to be in cap crunch very soon. Tarasenko needs a new deal this year and Schwartz needs 1 next year. I doubt Tarasenko does a bridge contract after the year he's had and Schwartz is on 1 now. But yes, they do draft well

I disagree about not being able to build a winner with Sid, Geno and Letang. However, you can't have players like Sutter, Spaling, Ehrhoff, and Scuderi making 13 mil while being inconsequential players.

Not sure if I agree with your assessment of St Blues. To say they don't make bad trade dead lines deals is a bit of a stretch..Miller last year?? And they are going to be in cap crunch very soon. Tarasenko needs a new deal this year and Schwartz needs 1 next year. I doubt Tarasenko does a bridge contract after the year he's had and Schwartz is on 1 now. But yes, they do draft well
- willi

Miller was presumed to be the missing puzzle last year, so it certainly was a good deal. He came along with Ott. It didn't work out. STL gave up Halak (no biggy), Stewart (garbage), Carrier (fringe prospect) and two picks. Hell, they needed a goalie and went out and got one. That is a better deal than going out and getting an aging winger that wasn't needed, right?


They have some dudes coming off the books and there is one or two guys they can easily trade away to accommodate Tarasenko. I certainly see what I'd do to make it work. This isn't that hard to me. STL has a better roster up and down the roster than Pittsburgh does.

Their top three Dmen are set for the next two years at least at below market value prices.

I disagree about not being able to build a winner with Sid, Geno and Letang. However, you can't have players like Sutter, Spaling, Ehrhoff, and Scuderi making 13 mil while being inconsequential players.
- madmike71

Yeah if Dupes is done, they can move Scuds and the kinds can replace Ehroff and Martin, that frees up a ton of space. Not sure if thats possible though. Pouliott had a rough night, Harrington might never be in the NHL and jury is out on DUmo.

Yeah if Dupes is done, they can move Scuds and the kinds can replace Ehroff and Martin, that frees up a ton of space. Not sure if thats possible though. Pouliott had a rough night, Harrington might never be in the NHL and jury is out on DUmo.
- sammy87

Pouliot had a rough night. Big deal. You make it sound like tonight is a make or break game for him. You probably have to resign one of them. There are three Dmen I would seriously take a look at, but I'm not sure they will be available - Boychuk will probably resign on the Island; Franson seems like a natural in Nashville and then Petry. After that, its old farts and question marks.

Pouliot had a rough night. Big deal. You make it sound like tonight is a make or break game for him. You probably have to resign one of them. There are three Dmen I would seriously take a look at, but I'm not sure they will be available - Boychuk will probably resign on the Island; Franson seems like a natural in Nashville and then Petry. After that, its old farts and question marks.
- Oneonta Penguin

I read something on Petry, it said he lacked Niskanens physicality. If thats the case please pass on him. Nisk wasn't physical at all. Huge weakness the Pens have.

I don't think its make or break, but nothing Pouliott has shown so far says, yeah who needs Martin of Hoff with this kid! Id say maybe a Scuds replacement at this point. And I think he will be a NHL regular, how good, no idea.

I read something on Petry, it said he lacked Niskanens physicality. If thats the case please pass on him. Nisk wasn't physical at all. Huge weakness the Pens have.
- sammy87

Yeah...that's wrong. Petry isn't Scott Stevens, but he is more physical than Niskanen is.