Per Bucci just now on twitter: we're tied for 4th with the Caps for 5v5 goals. We're really not at all a hopeless case especially considering that our special teams are high end despite the PP's recent rut. We just need the back end to round into form with the return of Schultz and we have a realistic shot a deep run. Obviously we're not at Toronto or the Leafs' level, but if we can stay out of that second wild card we should be able to make it out of the Met, and then anything can happen in the ECF. We've been there before, after all, so we have experience on our side.

Per Bucci just now on twitter: we're tied for 4th with the Caps for 5v5 goals. We're really not at all a hopeless case especially considering that our special teams are high end despite the PP's recent rut. We just need the back end to round into form with the return of Schultz and we have a realistic shot a deep run. Obviously we're not at Toronto or the Leafs' level, but if we can stay out of that second wild card we should be able to make it out of the Met, and then anything can happen in the ECF. We've been there before, after all, so we have experience on our side.
- Victoro311

this optimism makes it sound like you were reading something gary busey wrote...

Per Bucci just now on twitter: we're tied for 4th with the Caps for 5v5 goals. We're really not at all a hopeless case especially considering that our special teams are high end despite the PP's recent rut. We just need the back end to round into form with the return of Schultz and we have a realistic shot a deep run. Obviously we're not at Toronto or the Leafs' level, but if we can stay out of that second wild card we should be able to make it out of the Met, and then anything can happen in the ECF. We've been there before, after all, so we have experience on our side.
- Victoro311

PIT just has to avoid the last WC spot and they have a chance.

assuming pitt makes it outside that last spot, imo anything less than a second round appearance would be a disappointment. I was one round off last year when I expected them to lose in the CF last year, but this year I'm pretty confident in my prediction. as long as jersey isn't in their opponent, the pens have atleast a chance against the field. without question tho, this is tampas year (and bernie's) - they're firing on all cylinders.

Just pulled this tidbit off the Devils blog regarding Bjugs:

"Through nine games, he ranks 4th on the Pens in 5v5 scoring chances (behind all three members of the top line) and sits 3rd on a per 60 basis. We know Bjugstad has finishing talent – he has scored 15+ four times, and once potted 24 goals while shooting at a reasonable 11.6% clip – so he can put the puck in the net if the chances are there."

Per Bucci just now on twitter: we're tied for 4th with the Caps for 5v5 goals. We're really not at all a hopeless case especially considering that our special teams are high end despite the PP's recent rut. We just need the back end to round into form with the return of Schultz and we have a realistic shot a deep run. Obviously we're not at Toronto or the Leafs' level, but if we can stay out of that second wild card we should be able to make it out of the Met, and then anything can happen in the ECF. We've been there before, after all, so we have experience on our side.
- Victoro311

yes, yes...come aboard the hopeful semi-positive train.

All Aboard!

assuming pitt makes it outside that last spot, imo anything less than a second round appearance would be a disappointment. I was one round off last year when I expected them to lose in the CF last year, but this year I'm pretty confident in my prediction. as long as jersey isn't in their opponent, the pens have atleast a chance against the field. without question tho, this is tampas year (and bernie's) - they're firing on all cylinders.
- DeflatedPucks

Pens have played the Bolts so well the past 4 or 5 years though...Im not that scared of them. Plus for whatever reason(s) the Presidents trophy winners very rarely go all the way. I also love being the underdog.

Ive always had the attitude that if a team is meant to win they will beat anyone and to make it to the final dance they will have to play a top team in the east. Whether its the 1st and/or 2nd and/or 3rd round.

Per Bucci just now on twitter: we're tied for 4th with the Caps for 5v5 goals. We're really not at all a hopeless case especially considering that our special teams are high end despite the PP's recent rut. We just need the back end to round into form with the return of Schultz and we have a realistic shot a deep run. Obviously we're not at Toronto or the Leafs' level, but if we can stay out of that second wild card we should be able to make it out of the Met, and then anything can happen in the ECF. We've been there before, after all, so we have experience on our side.
- Victoro311

Our 5v5 Scoring for is great, we are even 6th overall in GF% at 5v5. The save % is actually 9th at 5v5 play. There are a lot of positives regarding the way we play at 5v5. Plus, Sid and Jake are 3rd and 8th in 5v5 scoring, Jake is 3rd in 5v5 goals. Just have to find a way to limit shots against. Still allowing too many chances there.

Crazy 5v5 stat - Tampa has 7 d men with 2 or more goals at 5v5 for a total of 22 goals.
Pens have only 3 dmen who have scored 5v5 goals 12 total, and Letang has 9 of those.

Crazy 5v5 stat - Tampa has 7 d men with 2 or more goals at 5v5 for a total of 22 goals.
Pens have only 3 dmen who have scored 5v5 goals 12 total, and Letang has 9 of those.
- burgh4life87

Yikes. You'd like to think all of them would have at least 1.

Dumo finally converted on one of those sweet set ups from Sid for an ESG. He is now 1 for 1000 in that department

Yikes. You'd like to think all of them would have at least 1.

Dumo finally converted on one of those sweet set ups from Sid for an ESG. He is now 1 for 1000 in that department
- Thorny87

Yah, it's strange. I went to check last year's totals and found something weirder. Maatta led all dmen with 5v5 goals and points. I know he was having a down year, but he has generated nothing close to last year.

Yah, it's strange. I went to check last year's totals and found something weirder. Maatta led all dmen with 5v5 goals and points. I know he was having a down year, but he has generated nothing close to last year.
- burgh4life87

his assists per 60 are up from last year but instead of Schultz last year he has had JO and RiikLOLa

his assists per 60 are up from last year but instead of Schultz last year he has had JO and RiikLOLa
- Feds91Stammer

I'm not quite sure people understand how bad Riikola has been. He has some good qualities, but overall he has not been strong. He should really be playing in the AHL right now

his assists per 60 are up from last year but instead of Schultz last year he has had JO and RiikLOLa
- Feds91Stammer

Yeah I don’t think it’s super coincidental that Maatta had his best year of raw production last year since his rookie season when last year was the first time he had a valid top 4 d partner and remained healthy since that rookie season.

Yeah I don’t think it’s super coincidental that Maatta had his best year of raw production last year since his rookie season when last year was the first time he had a valid top 4 d partner and remained healthy since that rookie season.
- Victoro311

My thoughts exactly. And he's still only 24. I think he and Schultz should be a pairing as soon as Maatta is healthy.

My thoughts exactly. And he's still only 24. I think he and Schultz should be a pairing as soon as Maatta is healthy.
- burgh4life87

Him and Letang have always been really good together as well. Basically, just put Maatta with a top 4 defenseman and he’s golden. Stop making him try to lift up a bad partner because 4 years of sample size says he can’t do it.

Him and Letang have always been really good together as well. Basically, just put Maatta with a top 4 defenseman and he’s golden. Stop making him try to lift up a bad partner because 4 years of sample size days he can’t do it.
- Victoro311

I completely agree. He and Niskanen were solid together too