Posted then on the generic Hockeybuzz blog and then remembered no one reads that
Sprong definately has a high ceiling, been following him for years. He has performed at every level that he has PLAYED at.
I am frustrated because after having him for multiple years, we still have no clue what we have in him. His junior career showed greatness, his AHL career matched what you would want to see in a NHL scorer, his NHL career... oh wait, he never had one.

For those looking at his points/60 or other NHL stats, don't bother. His 40 or so games were played with anchors and he was put out in a shut down role/line for over 80% of games. We ruined any chance of him succeeding here, and by doing so also ruined most of his trade value. I still think we could of got more for him, and by the other NHL teams reactions of the trade, it looks like he had much more value than the guy we got.

I wish him the best, and hope he becomes a 25-30 goal scorer. Pens have probably the worst asset management in the NHL over the past few years. Am I bitter? Yep.. but were still gonna pull off a couple more trades and win the cup, so I can't be that mad

I was waiting for someone to post this, seems it backs up what some of us have been seeing. He's been making some really solid plays

per @404ResponseCode on Twitter

Jusso Riikola before/after recent benching (5v5 per naturalstattrick):

8 games before: 15:12/gm, 40.66%CF, 45.74%SCF, 40%HDCF

6 games since: 16:04/gm, 57%CF, 62.75% SCF, 68.18% HDCF


interesting, looking deeper at this today and two things jumped out: Riikola has been top-5 in the NHL at limiting shots/chances/HD chances over this time, and Pettersson is right there with him
- Thorny87

He's played some solid defense lately. Getting more comfortable which is good to see.

He's played some solid defense lately. Getting more comfortable which is good to see.
- acdc1206

meh those numbers are heavily skewed by 2 "good" games against COL and PHI in which score effects came into play big time.

They spend more time in their own zone in the offensive zone in my opinion. Just because they weren’t successful at goal prevention doesn’t mean they weren’t pinned in their own zone or playing in their own zone.

Do you disagree?
- j.boyd919

Sullivan wants a fast break/quick strike team. That will lead to stretches where you are forced to defend rather than attack. So I agree with you there.

The problem I see and it started last year is they have no commitment to defense. They give up way too many odd man breaks and lose there man in the scoring area (slot) too much. This is a team problem, not just one, two or five guys.

meh those numbers are heavily skewed by 2 "good" games against COL and PHI in which score effects came into play big time.
- Feds91Stammer

Means nothing to you I know but to my eyes he has looked a fair bit better the past handful of games since being paired with his fellow countryman.

Have you been watching the games?... And Im not asking that in a saucey or condensending way. If you told me that you've been watching the games I wouldn't find it far fetched at all.

Sullivan wants a fast break/quick strike team. That will lead to stretches where you are forced to defend rather than attack. So I agree with you there.

The problem I see and it started last year is they have no commitment to defense. They give up way too many odd man breaks and lose there man in the scoring area (slot) too much. This is a team problem, not just one, two or five guys.
- Thunderbolt

Well I think those are different problems.

Problem with the quick strike/counter attack team is that the roster isn’t constructed to play that style of hockey. The pens are sorely lacking players that make good first breakout passes.

They also have dmen who suck at in zone coverage which forces the forwards to come low to help. Which completely takes one or two forwards away from “quick strike” transitions. Leaving whoever gets the puck for the break to two options: the one guy at the blue line for the outlet pass or dump it to center ice and let the guys regroup.

Problem with this is, if they do get it to the one guy for the breakout, all the other players are too deep to get up into the rush so the one forward going 1 on 2 or 3 just dumps and chases, eliminated any potential quick strikes.

It’s both a system problem as well as a roster problem in my opinion.

The odd man breaks are problems with bad pinches by the dmen.

Losing guys in the scoring area is just a personnel problem. You’re roster is constructed of players that suck at defense and get lost in the D zone.

Your eye test and confirmation bias is killing you here.
- Feds91Stammer

I just don't like his face lol

I just don't like his face lol
- 668710

He ghosted you after a Tinder dated, didn’t he?

He ghosted you after a Tinder dated, didn’t he?
- Rinosaur

Lol that wouldve been funny. But know I've hated him ever since during one of his injuries where he wasn't working out he was stuffing his face at Piper's pub. Me and my buddy we're like dude better run a bunch of miles after that cause you already slow as (frank).

Lol that wouldve been funny. But know I've hated him ever since during one of his injuries where he wasn't working out he was stuffing his face at Piper's pub. Me and my buddy we're like dude better run a bunch of miles after that cause you already slow as (frank).
- 668710

Dude was replenishing his glycogen. Not sure what the problem with stuffing your face is.

I guess we won't have to wait to see Pettersson. Looks like he's in.

Dude was replenishing his glycogen. Not sure what the problem with stuffing your face is.
- j.boyd919

I just don't like him haha. Now I'd rather them be able to move JJ but we all know that ain't happening.

I guess we won't have to wait to see Pettersson. Looks like he's in.
- madmike71

Wow that's quick! Who's out? Hopefully Maatta lol

Anyone going to the isles game Thursday? If so, PM me, I'll be there rocking my old school Mario jersey.

Wow that's quick! Who's out? Hopefully Maatta lol
- 668710

Riikola.....If DK's site is correct.

Riikola.....If DK's site is correct.
- madmike71

Damn why not Johnson or Maatta

Riikola.....If DK's site is correct.
- madmike71

Haha. People post stats about how he and Maatta have been pretty good the last few games together. Then he’s out. I really do wonder if any of the coaching staffs give a shït about advanced stats.

Damn why not Johnson or Maatta
- 668710

You know why...ha ha.

Edit.... Just like you know why Cullen will return to the lineup when he's healthy. Even though the 4th line has gained some traction finally.

You know why...ha ha.

Edit.... Just like you know why Cullen will return to the lineup when he's healthy. Even though the 4th line has gained some traction finally.
- madmike71

I know I know.ugh

Nice play tanger

Haha. People post stats about how he and Maatta have been pretty good the last few games together. Then he’s out. I really do wonder if any of the coaching staffs give a shït about advanced stats.
- Thorny87

They all have their own internal advanced stats that they look at. I read an article a while back on Torts and his analytics. They have their own video guys watching every game and logging every “scoring chance” on their own definitions. It’s like that with every team. Lightning had guys to do that when I was there too.

So 1.39 seasons worth of games over 6 seasons is a good enough sample size for you in this case?

29 other GM's had the opportunities to claim him on waivers each time he was put to them and didn't....but you're the one who's right about him...
- MattStrat

“You’re not an NHL Exec/GM/Scout” is the worst response on a forum, just my opinion. Obviously we’re all just fans here. I think Chayka would’ve given him a shot for sure

I think that's Geno's first 5v5 goal in over a month.

Damn.... Now Brass finally contributes. Keep the pedal down boys.

I told you guys Maatta could make plays give him a chance

Playing 20 minutes a night this season, put up 22 points in 71 games last year. Not terrible by any means. It’s probably lower tier top 4 production. Is he blowing the nhl up? No. But he’s found himself a steady spot in the Nucks top 4.
- j.boyd919

Buddy of mine is a junior scout in southern BC. He’s a big fan of DP’s game but admits when he does make mistakes that they’re huge and obvious