God I hope so. Especially since Pastrnak is better
- Nucker101

Did Pastrnak light your team up for 4 goals in one playoff game too?

Another thing about the current playoff format is that the Leafs and Bolts will most likely have to play each other before the Pens see either of them... But let's not get ahead of ourselves yet. There's a reason the games are played. Injuries can be a hell of a nousance (us pens fans know that all too well) and guts, determination and willingness to sacrifice matter more than a payroll in the playoffs.

Did Pastrnak light your team up for 4 goals in one playoff game too?
- Mino42

Keep in mind, it was the Flyers.

The sad thing is, we gave up 8 goals, and it was the 3rd best game we played. Games 1, 3, and 4 were far worse.

Another thing about the current playoff format is that the Leafs and Bolts will most likely have to play each other before the Pens see either of them... But let's not get ahead of ourselves yet. There's a reason the games are played. Injuries can be a hell of a nousance (us pens fans know that all too well) and guts, determination and willingness to sacrifice matter more than a payroll in the playoffs.
- MattStrat

So the Pengins have to play the Bolts or Leafs in round 3 instead of round 2. Still gotta beat them, plus Washington and whoever else (Philly, CBJ most likely). If nothing else, that works to the Pens' advantage.

Guentzel has a high PPG average over his first 2 seasons than Pastrnak had, and has been money in the playoffs.
- jmatchett383

Like I said, I would love nothing more to see the Pens pay Guentzel "Pastrnak money"


I've seen both of them play and am aware of the stats, just my opinion

Like I said, I would love nothing more to see the Pens pay Guentzel "Pastrnak money"


I've seen both of them play and am aware of the stats, just my opinion
- Nucker101

Fair enough. I think they play comparable styles. I think Pastrnak is also better, but with the cap increase, so will comparable salaries. It's more a % rather than a number.

Fair enough. I think they play comparable styles. I think Pastrnak is also better, but with the cap increase, so will comparable salaries. It's more a % rather than a number.
- jmatchett383

I agree with you there but I see them signing him to a bridge deal of sorts. I hope anyway...

I agree with you there but I see them signing him to a bridge deal of sorts. I hope anyway...
- Mino42

They might, but I think bridge deals for key pieces (which I would consider Guentzel to be) are dicey. If you think he's going to keep getting better, and you expect the cap to stay the same or go up (remember, expansion is coming), I'd lock him up like they did with Maatta.

Stay in the top 3 in the division and you avoid TB and Toronto until the 3rd round (assuming both of them finish in their top 3).

TB is by far the scarier team of the two. TB is a really complete team (especially if they get Karlsson) while Toronto has the big name top 6 forwards. Toronto is entering that phase of their core's development where it's time to perform. Similar to the Penguins in 2008 and 2009. They still have several core players on ELCs which makes these next years the ideal time to make a run.

I really look forward to watching both Toronto and TB next season.

For the Penguins in the Metro, I think pretty much everyone stayed the same, excluding the Islanders which took a drop given their loss of JT. I think the Penguins, Capitals, Blue Jackets, Rangers, & Devils all stayed about where they were when the season ended which means the Capitals remain the team to beat.

Leafs are gonna kill it this year. There defense is no where near as bad as ppl think. There team defense was weak but now with Tavares, Matthews, Kadri and Lindholm all strong 2 way players. As well there non stop never surrender wingers Hyman, Brown, Kappanen, Marleau .Then Nylander, Marner , Andreas Johnson are getting to be elite 2 way players as well especially in the wing position . Everyone mentioned can kill penalties , play on powerplay, score and are fast as lightning. Leafs are elite have the perfect blend of young and veteran mixture. They got depth all 4 lines are fast , impossible to contain . They have 2 50+ defense man . Solid potential top 3 to 4 with Dermott and Carrick and a Healthy Zaitsev and a mean new back end blast with Ozighanov. And plenty of depth in case if injuries like Holl, Maricin and future top pair dman Lilghren. Goaltenders are not that bad either I'd say. Yes Tampa is still looking good so are the pens but do not over look the leafs . No guarantees in Hockey ask Las Vegas, Chicago or LA but damn these leafs are looking fine

Leafs are gonna kill it this year. There defense is no where near as bad as ppl think. There team defense was weak but now with Tavares, Matthews, Kadri and Lindholm all strong 2 way players. As well there non stop never surrender wingers Hyman, Brown, Kappanen, Marleau .Then Nylander, Marner , Andreas Johnson are getting to be elite 2 way players as well especially in the wing position . Everyone mentioned can kill penalties , play on powerplay, score and are fast as lightning. Leafs are elite have the perfect blend of young and veteran mixture. They got depth all 4 lines are fast , impossible to contain . They have 2 50+ defense man . Solid potential top 3 to 4 with Dermott and Carrick and a Healthy Zaitsev and a mean new back end blast with Ozighanov. And plenty of depth in case if injuries like Holl, Maricin and future top pair dman Lilghren. Goaltenders are not that bad either I'd say. Yes Tampa is still looking good so are the pens but do not over look the leafs . No guarantees in Hockey ask Las Vegas, Chicago or LA but damn these leafs are looking fine
- Marcelus

No one said they are bad just they actually have to show it and not be the best team on paper.

Leafs are gonna kill it this year. There defense is no where near as bad as ppl think. There team defense was weak but now with Tavares, Matthews, Kadri and Lindholm all strong 2 way players. As well there non stop never surrender wingers Hyman, Brown, Kappanen, Marleau .Then Nylander, Marner , Andreas Johnson are getting to be elite 2 way players as well especially in the wing position . Everyone mentioned can kill penalties , play on powerplay, score and are fast as lightning. Leafs are elite have the perfect blend of young and veteran mixture. They got depth all 4 lines are fast , impossible to contain . They have 2 50+ defense man . Solid potential top 3 to 4 with Dermott and Carrick and a Healthy Zaitsev and a mean new back end blast with Ozighanov. And plenty of depth in case if injuries like Holl, Maricin and future top pair dman Lilghren. Goaltenders are not that bad either I'd say. Yes Tampa is still looking good so are the pens but do not over look the leafs . No guarantees in Hockey ask Las Vegas, Chicago or LA but damn these leafs are looking fine
- Marcelus

They'll be a very exciting team.

Stay in the top 3 in the division and you avoid TB and Toronto until the 3rd round (assuming both of them finish in their top 3).

TB is by far the scarier team of the two. TB is a really complete team (especially if they get Karlsson) while Toronto has the big name top 6 forwards. Toronto is entering that phase of their core's development where it's time to perform. Similar to the Penguins in 2008 and 2009. They still have several core players on ELCs which makes these next years the ideal time to make a run.

I really look forward to watching both Toronto and TB next season.

For the Penguins in the Metro, I think pretty much everyone stayed the same, excluding the Islanders which took a drop given their loss of JT. I think the Penguins, Capitals, Blue Jackets, Rangers, & Devils all stayed about where they were when the season ended which means the Capitals remain the team to beat.
- SuperHenderson13

Woo hoo, Flyers are one of the few Metro teams to improve!!!

...and we'll still have to battle to finish 3rd.

Fetish with the Rangers and Tampa? Why would we help Tampa? If taking on Callahan for 2 years with a ton of cap space for a good prospect or pick that helps us down the road why wouldn’t we do it?

Injuries can happen ppl can have bad seasons, Matthews can look less dominant. Tavares can choke under the pressure if playing at home. Anything can happen. But it seems more likely that Matthews gets 50 + goals with Marleau and Nylander all year if he stays healthy and gets more powerplay time. Tavares can eclipse 40+ with an elite play maker like Marner and bulldog like Hyman. Kadri can get another 32+ maybe even 40+ playing 3rd lines instead of shut down 1St line roles . More more stupid line matching which is the MAIN reason we lost to Boston. Coach didn't trust JVR or Bozak had to protect em in turn caused so many too many men penalties and frustrated the young team. Gotta imagine Marner hits 90+ points on a line with 38 goal Tavares 27 goal Marleau. Forget on paper the leafs look like they will be dominant

Injuries can happen ppl can have bad seasons, Matthews can look less dominant. Tavares can choke under the pressure if playing at home. Anything can happen. But it seems more likely that Matthews gets 50 + goals with Marleau and Nylander all year if he stays healthy and gets more powerplay time. Tavares can eclipse 40+ with an elite play maker like Marner and bulldog like Hyman. Kadri can get another 32+ maybe even 40+ playing 3rd lines instead of shut down 1St line roles . More more stupid line matching which is the MAIN reason we lost to Boston. Coach didn't trust JVR or Bozak had to protect em in turn caused so many too many men penalties and frustrated the young team. Gotta imagine Marner hits 90+ points on a line with 38 goal Tavares 27 goal Marleau. Forget on paper the leafs look like they will be dominant
- Marcelus

I agree. Everyone on Toronto will have the best season of their careers.

Did Pastrnak light your team up for 4 goals in one playoff game too?
- Mino42

Pasta>Guentzel. All day.

Pasta>Guentzel. All day.
- j.boyd919

Agreed.

Fetish for each other? LOL. Seriously, that's not far off. I cannot explain it either.

Perhaps Yzerman has hypnotized the Rangers management with his Jedi mind tricks.

Pasta>Guentzel. All day.
- j.boyd919

I believe this to be true too.

So the Pengins have to play the Bolts or Leafs in round 3 instead of round 2. Still gotta beat them, plus Washington and whoever else (Philly, CBJ most likely). If nothing else, that works to the Pens' advantage.
- jmatchett383

Yeah what I meant was there's a good chance they wouldn't have to play both teams in a run. If Pens are ever going the distance again any time soon, they'll almost definitely have to face at least one of them.

Yeah what I meant was there's a good chance they wouldn't have to play both teams in a run. If Pens are ever going the distance again any time soon, they'll almost definitely have to face at least one of them.
- MattStrat

If we add patches we may not have an issue taking on either team.

Or you can just clog it up in front of your own net, and in the slot and take advantage of your scoring opportunities. Like Washington did.

Pasta>Guentzel. All day.
- j.boyd919

I love geuntzky but Cant believe someone would even compare them pasta sauce is a beast

Or you can just clog it up in front of your own net, and in the slot and take advantage of your scoring opportunities. Like Washington did.
- Grinder47

See: Pens 2017 cup run.