I dont really understand this Sprong fascination, what exactly has he shown? Everyone talks about an elite shot. Elite shooters score a lot, Sprong hasn't done that and he's lined up next to two of the best players who've ever played. You want to see an elite shot you look at Boeser, he came in and scored right away, then continued to score. Sprong floats too much, if he played like Sheary or Rust he would be in the line up every night.

And Pouliot? Go ask Canucks fans about him, after the honeymoon wore off he was just as useless as he was in Pittsburgh, Plain and simple Pouliot cant think fast enough for the NHL.
- stackthepads

A few years ago James Neal wrote a pretty cool article on being a sniper in the NHL. James Neal always had an elite shot, but by his own admission it took him a year after turning pro to figure out how to score on NHL goalies because he telegraphed where he was going too much. You can have an elite release and not score because you don't have the rest of the equation down yet.

On the other hand you can completely lack a shot and score a lot. Look at Hornqvist.

Three years in a row with hits to the head of Maatta, Sid and now Dumo. I admit it, I'm a little bit of a neanderthal and I would have liked to see Reaves smear one of the Capitals......preferably legally (but not necessary).

Beyond that, Reaves is capable of clean hockey. Nobody else on the team knocks guys off the puck like he did. Plus, opposing Dmen ditched the puck pretty quickly with him bearing down on them. Let's be honest, with Rowney at center and Kuhn on the other wing, Reaves never had a chance to prove he could play the game in Pittsburgh.

He wouldn't play every game for me in the playoffs, but he sure as hell would be on the ice for this series. Simon, Kuhn and Rowney have been bad. Rowney has been embarrassingly bad.

Three years in a row with hits to the head of Maatta, Sid and now Dumo. I admit it, I'm a little bit of neanderthal and I would have like to see Reaves smear one of the Capitals......preferably legally (but not necessary).

Beyond that, Reaves is capable of clean hockey. Nobody else on the team knocks guys off the puck like he did. Plus, opposing Dmen ditched the puck pretty quickly with him bearing down on them. Let's be honest, with Rowney at center and Kuhn on the other wing, Reaves never had a chance to prove he could play the game in Pittsburgh.

He wouldn't play every game for me in the playoffs, but he sure as hell would be on the ice for this series. Simon, Kuhn and Rowney have been bad. Rowney has been embarrassingly bad.
- madmike71

Im a little bit neanderthal

Ryan Wilson logic: If you don't agree with me, you're an idiot/neanderthal.

I wouldn't play Reaves because the last thing you need is more PPs for Washington, and Wilson would just smile at Reaves if he tried to fight him, and you really don't want Reaves playing more than 4-5 minutes, so it's not worth the roster spot.
- jmatchett383

I'll respectfully disagree for 3 reasons.

1) He wouldn't be replacing anyone whose efforts I'd miss.

2) Reaves actually did have an effect on Wilson earlier this year so there's evidence he fears him at least a little.

3) Reaves actually has positive advanced stats playing with Sheahan. The problem he largely had was while playing with Rowney who just isn't an NHL center. So I'd be fine playing him 4th line minutes tonight. He's not a world beater, but he's a capable 4th liner with a competent center.

Reaves advanced stats w/ Sheahan: https://www.naturalstattr...p2=8475772&p3=0&p4=0&p5=0

I dont really understand this Sprong fascination, what exactly has he shown? Everyone talks about an elite shot. Elite shooters score a lot, Sprong hasn't done that and he's lined up next to two of the best players who've ever played. You want to see an elite shot you look at Boeser, he came in and scored right away, then continued to score. Sprong floats too much, if he played like Sheary or Rust he would be in the line up every night.

And Pouliot? Go ask Canucks fans about him, after the honeymoon wore off he was just as useless as he was in Pittsburgh, Plain and simple Pouliot cant think fast enough for the NHL.
- stackthepads

This. Everyone who keeps bringing up Pouliot doesn't realize he didn't prove them wrong.

A few years ago James Neal wrote a pretty cool article on being a sniper in the NHL. James Neal always had an elite shot, but by his own admission it took him a year after turning pro to figure out how to score on NHL goalies because he telegraphed where he was going too much. You can have an elite release and not score because you don't have the rest of the equation down yet.

On the other hand you can completely lack a shot and score a lot. Look at Hornqvist.
- Victoro311

James Neal didnt start out as a sniper. In Dallas he was touted as a power forward with a good shot. He became a sniper when he lined up next to Malkin, you'll notice Neal isnt really a sniper anymore without Malkin. He has one 40 goal season and one 31 goal season, the rest are middle twenties, thats good but not elite... or really sniper by my books.

Sprong has been touted as a sniper and nothing else. There are no other positives touted about his game. He has no 200 foot play, he isnt fast compared to the new NHLs standards, he isnt hard on the puck and plays with no intensity. If he isnt a sniper, he isnt an NHL player.... So far from what I've seen, he isnt a sniper.

If he doesn't start with the Pens next season we've now reached Pouliot territory. There's nothing else for him to learn at the AHL level. It has to be trial by fire at this point in his development.
- Rinosaur

Sprong would have to clear waivers, so he won't be in the AHL next year.

James Neal didnt start out as a sniper. In Dallas he was touted as a power forward with a good shot. He became a sniper when he lined up next to Malkin, you'll notice Neal isnt really a sniper anymore without Malkin. He has one 40 goal season and one 31 goal season, the rest are middle twenties, thats good but not elite... or really sniper by my books.

Sprong has been touted as a sniper and nothing else. There are no other positives touted about his game. He has no 200 foot play, he isnt fast compared to the new NHLs standards, he isnt hard on the puck and plays with no intensity. If he isnt a sniper, he isnt an NHL player.... So far from what I've seen, he isnt a sniper.
- stackthepads

You either missed or willfully ignored my point.

I see Geno and Dumo!

LOL Milbury is a real diack. Talking poop about the city of Winnipeg.

I take offense to this
- Guile

Don't care victoro's alt

What exact time is puck drop? 7:48?

What exact time is puck drop? 7:48?
- pensfan024

7:46

Kuhn-Brass-Sheary for the 4th line

Kuhn-Brass-Sheary for the 4th line
- Rinosaur

wow, I didn't even catch that. Let's see if it sticks.

wow, I didn't even catch that. Let's see if it sticks.
- Tojo.

Yeah, I'm not sure I can figure this one out unless the idea is to roll the 3rd and 4th evenly and give Brass more room on the ice.

Watching from puck drop this time. Better start tonight boys!

Hopefully we score first today & then go on with it. I think the Caps have scored first in nearly every playoff game so far this season.

jeff jimerson owner of the jimsdale jimerdome

great (frank)ing name

Hahaha. Great call

Horny... come on, bro.

Refs definitely calling a tight game so far

Kessel almost had to kill a penalty

Ok boys... try and not take another o-zone penalty.

Yeah, I'm not sure I can figure this one out unless the idea is to roll the 3rd and 4th evenly and give Brass more room on the ice.
- Rinosaur

It's interesting. Don't have a weak line. If Hags were in Simon's spot that line was really good. Intrigued with the Sheahan line, ZAR makes a nice screen for Kessel.