I think if anyone else not named Sid and Jake can figure out how to score some (frank)ing goals, the Pens will have a chance. But right now their PP is kinda dry. Their defense is making really bad pinches at the blue line. On a few instances, too many guys were below the goal line leaving the slot wide open.

I think they played a solid game aside from some glaring mistakes, especially in the second period, and if they keep playing like that and can get a few bounces from other guys they can win the series but if they don’t start getting help on the score sheet, I think Washington takes the series.
- j.boyd919

It kind of sucks but there has been diddly squat from anyone not named Sid or Jake or Patric. Geno is trying but gets caught when he starts stickhandling through the zone too much. Where is Rust? Where is Sheary? Kessel? Brassard?

The defensive pinching is horrid when it does happen. It's like they are giving up on forwards and are trying to force the issue themselves. Of course, since the forecheck has been weak, the puck usually comes out and it's an odd-man break coming back.

I think Murray needs to steal a few games, too. He has been solid but he has not shut the Caps down in any way shape or form.

And on the other side, the Caps are getting scoring up and down the lineup. Stephenson, Connelly, Orlov.

Sadly, I feel like this is the year the Caps finally best the Pens. I still don't think they will make it to SCF though.

Any chance we see Sprong or do you guys think Rowney slots back in as wing on the 4th?
- Rinosaur

Hagelin. He had a regular jersey today. Hags-Malkin-Rust was about the same as it was with Hornqvist and that will be a big help in hopefully getting that line going.

After last game I'm not sure what Sully will do with the bottom 6. Maybe:

Simon-Sheahan-Kessel
Sheary-Brassard-Kuhnhackl

Hagelin. He had a regular jersey today. Hags-Malkin-Rust was about the same as it was with Hornqvist and that will be a big help in hopefully getting that line going.

After last game I'm not sure what Sully will do with the bottom 6. Maybe:

Simon-Sheahan-Kessel
Sheary-Brassard-Kuhnhackl
- Tojo.

If Hagelin is back, here's what I'd like to see:

Jake-Sid-Horn
Hags-Geno-Kessel
Sheary-Brass-Rust
Simon-Sheahan-Kuhn

Not much of a departure from what they had in the Philly series, but I think it works best.

It kind of sucks but there has been diddly squat from anyone not named Sid or Jake or Patric. Geno is trying but gets caught when he starts stickhandling through the zone too much. Where is Rust? Where is Sheary? Kessel? Brassard?

The defensive pinching is horrid when it does happen. It's like they are giving up on forwards and are trying to force the issue themselves. Of course, since the forecheck has been weak, the puck usually comes out and it's an odd-man break coming back.

I think Murray needs to steal a few games, too. He has been solid but he has not shut the Caps down in any way shape or form.

And on the other side, the Caps are getting scoring up and down the lineup. Stephenson, Connelly, Orlov.

Sadly, I feel like this is the year the Caps finally best the Pens. I still don't think they will make it to SCF though.
- chimpira

IF the Pens lose... I'm rooting for Washington and Vegas or Winnipeg to go to the cup.

IF the Pens lose... I'm rooting for Washington and Vegas or Winnipeg to go to the cup.
- j.boyd919

Every year I kind of feel bad for Ovechkin and think to myself that it may not be so bad to see him raise the Cup, but then we play the Caps and remember how much I (frank)ing hate that team and then say "nah".

Hagelin. He had a regular jersey today. Hags-Malkin-Rust was about the same as it was with Hornqvist and that will be a big help in hopefully getting that line going.

After last game I'm not sure what Sully will do with the bottom 6. Maybe:

Simon-Sheahan-Kessel
Sheary-Brassard-Kuhnhackl
- Tojo.

Apparently despite the jersey Hags isn't cleared for contact yet. If not him then yes I go Sprong. Sully will probably beef up the PK instead with Rowney.

Every year I kind of feel bad for Ovechkin and think to myself that it may not be so bad to see him raise the Cup, but then we play the Caps and remember how much I (frank)ing hate that team and then say "nah".
- Victoro311

Same

Every year I kind of feel bad for Ovechkin and think to myself that it may not be so bad to see him raise the Cup, but then we play the Caps and remember how much I (frank)ing hate that team and then say "nah".
- Victoro311

Winnie the Peg for me ... if the Pens lose, then the winner of Boston/TB goes to SF.

I honestly didn't even think the Pens would make the playoffs this year. I figured they'd just be gassed and would be fighting for one of the last spots, so I'm elated that they've made it this far.

I think them making it this deep in the playoffs after two long seasons is a testament to how good this team is. Once they were actually in the playoffs, all I hoped was if they were going to lose it wasn't to Philly or CBJ.

As much as I hate Wilson and hate seeing him as a reason for the Pens to lose, I'm a big fan of Ovie. If the Pens lose, I'll be pulling for Ovie to get his shot even though I don't think they'd make it through Tampa or Boston.

Also, as much as I hate the Caps and want the Pens to win, I'm ok with the Pens losing to the Caps of all teams. There would be something poetic about it.

Every year I kind of feel bad for Ovechkin and think to myself that it may not be so bad to see him raise the Cup, but then we play the Caps and remember how much I (frank)ing hate that team and then say "nah".
- Victoro311

I like players on every team, so when the Pens lose, I gravitate to the teams I enjoy watching the most, and I like Ovi, Kuzi, Backstrom, Nisky, Orlov and Carlson. I like Winnipeg (Scheifele, Buff, Laine, Ehlers) and I like Vegas just for the story and every (frank)ing goal is a highlight reel goal, so those are probably my top 3. I'd be cool with Nashville winning too. Don't really care about Boston, Tampa, or San Jose.

I like players on every team, so when the Pens lose, I gravitate to the teams I enjoy watching the most, and I like Ovi, Kuzi, Backstrom, Nisky, Orlov and Carlson. I like Winnipeg (Scheifele, Buff, Laine, Ehlers) and I like Vegas just for the story and every (frank)ing goal is a highlight reel goal, so those are probably my top 3. I'd be cool with Nashville winning too. Don't really care about Boston, Tampa, or San Jose.
- j.boyd919

I would be pulling for the Caps until they lose to either Boston or Tampa then I'll be pulling for Vegas and once Vegas loses to WPG I'll be pulling for the Jets.

Peg all the way if we're out. Big Buff has been unstoppable and Schiefele has been clutch. They play an awesome style of hockey. Speed skill and physicality.

Anyone know what time this hearing is supposed to happen?

His chin/jaw is the first thing getting hit there. Even from that angle its evident.
- MattStrat

wrong!

Hard not to root for Vegas and Fleury, but I really like the Jets as well as the Lightning.

wrong!
- islesrbettr

Compelling argument. We've been waiting for someone to really give an in-depth reason on why it was a clean hit.

Hard not to root for Vegas and Fleury, but I really like the Jets as well as the Lightning.
- Tojo.

If the Pens aren't in it I would like a Jets/TB Final.

Hagelin just acquired daddy strength. This worked out well for us two years ago with Geno.

Compelling argument. We've been waiting for someone to really give an in-depth reason on why it was a clean hit.
- Rinosaur

Hahaha

Anyone else finding how long it's taking to hear about this hearing weird?

Dirty or not, doesn't matter,


The Caps will still lose because they can't win when it matters and they choke.

Anyone else finding how long it's taking to hear about this hearing weird?
- MattStrat

I can't even find what time it's supposed to occur.

Apparently despite the jersey Hags isn't cleared for contact yet. If not him then yes I go Sprong. Sully will probably beef up the PK instead with Rowney.
- Tojo.

I'll puke if Rowney gets back in the lineup. He tanks his line and he's done it all season.

I'm all for Sprong too. He's taken a lot of heat about his lack of defensive awareness, but what has Simon and Sheary done defensively? They've sucked. We need goal scoring and I have little faith that Simon and Sheary are going to score at this point.

I can't even find what time it's supposed to occur.
- Rinosaur

It's probably not a hearing. George is meeting Tommy for some Manhattans. He will also present Tommy with a bag of "Violent Gentlemen" swag.

Anyone else finding how long it's taking to hear about this hearing weird?
- MattStrat

I find it weird they have a career goon in charge of player safety. People would argue.... "well he was an honest goon". F that. He got paid to beat people up. His job was to hurt people. The NHL's lack of self awareness never ceases to amaze....