From DK's site...

• Spotted Bryan Rust walking about without any big limp. Thought I’d share.
- madmike71

I guess that's good news, hoping for end of March, at the worst I'm hoping he plays the last three games in April.

I guess that's good news, hoping for end of March, at the worst I'm hoping he plays the last three games in April.
- 668710

If he has no boot or limp we can probably rule out high ankle sprain or break/fracture.

Good news

Pk is all 1-1-2 now in the nhl. Every line plays the same system and forcheck. Hockey is way more boring than the 90s. I would love the pens to have a trapping 3 rd line and a hit everything fourth.
- Grinder47

Oh I understand that. I was just laughing at your whole “stats are a crutch” statement. I’m well aware what PKs and PPs do. I’ve discussed both systems on this blog numerous times. Not just the Pens systems but also other teams comparing and how the Pens could borrow from other systems I’ve seen with, gasp, my eyes. So you’re whole crutch statement is still pretty inaccurate.

Legit question, do you play hockey?
- j.boyd919

At the moment no. I did play my whole life through Jr's however if you are trying to qualify whether I have the prerequisite experience to talk about hockey.

I’ve forgotten more about hockey than you know.
- j.boyd919

That's cute.

If he has no boot or limp we can probably rule out high ankle sprain or break/fracture.

Good news
- Thorny87

That would be good news, let's hope he's good to go here in March

At the moment no. I did play my whole life through Jr's however if you are trying to qualify whether I have the prerequisite experience to talk about hockey.
- MacPatty

No. It was no prerequisite, because I don’t believe you have to have played hockey to understand it. That’s retarded logic.

It was a question to segue into a conversation about playing on a hockey team with a poopty hockey player who brings everything down, because I know that when I’m playing hockey and I’m on the ice with specific players, I know how my production suffers and there’s literally nothing I can do about it because one person on the ice has zero hockey IQ, has zero hands, skates with his head down, doesn’t know position, etc. We have one linemate where plays go to die and it happens countless times a game.

This was more for the JJ affecting Forwards conversation and I was just curious if you’ve ever had that affect your game, if you played.

No. It was no prerequisite, because I don’t believe you have to have played hockey to understand it. That’s retarded logic.

It was a question to segue into a conversation about playing on a hockey team with a poopty hockey player who brings everything down, because I know that when I’m playing hockey and I’m on the ice with specific players, I know how my production suffers and there’s literally nothing I can do about it because one person on the ice has zero hockey IQ, has zero hands, skates with his head down, doesn’t know position, etc. We have one linemate where plays go to die and it happens countless times a game.

This was more for the JJ affecting Forwards conversation and I was just curious if you’ve ever had that affect your game, if you played.
- j.boyd919

Happens in all sports. A very specific kid comes to mind thinking back to my basketball days in middle and high school. Just had no concept of the playbook, didn't know how to play off ball, and when he got the ball, it was basically a guaranteed iso black hole cus his on ball skills were pretty poopty too. Not to mention our defense was absolutely attacked through him because he was a SEIVE. Didn't matter how else the rest of us played. Old Jesse would discombobulate our offense and opponents could score at will against him so when he was in we blew.

The less players a team sport has on the ice/court/field at any given time, the more impact one individual player has on the team's overall play when they're in the game. Given that hockey is a 5 skater sport, its pretty silly to dismiss Johnson's negative effect on teammates out of hand because "he's just one player" especially when you consider the responsibility the blue line has in springing forwards.

Happens in all sports. A very specific kid comes to mind thinking back to my basketball days in middle and high school. Just had no concept of the playbook, didn't know how to play off ball, and when he got the ball, it was basically a guaranteed iso black hole cus his on ball skills were pretty poopty too. Not to mention our defense was absolutely attacked through him because he was a SEIVE. Didn't matter how else the rest of us played. Old Jesse would discombobulate our offense and opponents could score at will against him so when he was in we blew.

The less players a team sport has on the ice/court/field at any given time, the more impact one individual player has on the team's overall play when they're in the game. Given that hockey is a 5 skater sport, its pretty silly to dismiss Johnson's negative effect on teammates out of hand because "he's just one player" especially when you consider the responsibility the blue line has in springing forwards.
- Victoro311

Exactly. I was just asking if he played the game because I was curious if he’s experienced it. No malicious intent. I know I have on more than one occasion.

On Draisaitl's goal, CMD had a slick kick from his skates to his stick that channels something out of Sid's playbook

https://www.nhl.com/video...sh/t-277350912/c-66565603

Exactly. I was just asking if he played the game because I was curious if he’s experienced it. No malicious intent. I know I have on more than one occasion.
- j.boyd919

you've played on more than one occasion? ohhhhhh burrrr. im so (frank)ing scared.

you've played on more than one occasion? ohhhhhh burrrr. im so (frank)ing scared.
- DeflatedPucks

Only a few times. I go play street hockey with balls on feet every Wednesday night at the basketball courts in the hood when the street lights come on

No. It was no prerequisite, because I don’t believe you have to have played hockey to understand it. That’s retarded logic.

It was a question to segue into a conversation about playing on a hockey team with a poopty hockey player who brings everything down, because I know that when I’m playing hockey and I’m on the ice with specific players, I know how my production suffers and there’s literally nothing I can do about it because one person on the ice has zero hockey IQ, has zero hands, skates with his head down, doesn’t know position, etc. We have one linemate where plays go to die and it happens countless times a game.

This was more for the JJ affecting Forwards conversation and I was just curious if you’ve ever had that affect your game, if you played.
- j.boyd919

Sometimes offense or production isn't the only thing that makes a player important. I am not defending JJ here, I dont think he is very good, but as a goalie from the net out perspective I will take him in the defensive zone over Malkin everyday. JJ is predictable, you know what you are going to get, he knows how to help a goalie out by boxing out players and he doesnt do anything you dont expect as a goalie. You know he is going to try to get infront of every shot if he can so you can adjust your post to post, you know he is under pressure he is going to put the puck into a safe space. Malkin is a complete clusterf*ck in the defensive zone, he doesnt cover anyone properly, he is very likely to try some out of nowhere play, he has no problem throwing a blind pass through the slot, he blows the zone way before he knows the puck is secured.

So yeah, offense dies on JJs stick, but keeping the puck out of your net is just as important as putting it in the opponents. Im sure there are a whole bunch of stats you can bring up that try to describe how he isnt good defensively, (he isnt really, like i said not trying to say he is) but I dont think the stats account for a defender whos game is built around keeping the puck on the perimeter, and letting a forward try their luck from there. As a goalie if my dmen keep the puck to the perimeter and they get one in, thats on me.

Sometimes offense or production isn't the only thing that makes a player important. I am not defending JJ here, I dont think he is very good, but as a goalie from the net out perspective I will take him in the defensive zone over Malkin everyday. JJ is predictable, you know what you are going to get, he knows how to help a goalie out by boxing out players and he doesnt do anything you dont expect as a goalie. You know he is going to try to get infront of every shot if he can so you can adjust your post to post, you know he is under pressure he is going to put the puck into a safe space. Malkin is a complete clusterf*ck in the defensive zone, he doesnt cover anyone properly, he is very likely to try some out of nowhere play, he has no problem throwing a blind pass through the slot, he blows the zone way before he knows the puck is secured.

So yeah, offense dies on JJs stick, but keeping the puck out of your net is just as important as putting it in the opponents. Im sure there are a whole bunch of stats you can bring up that try to describe how he isnt good defensively, (he isnt really, like i said not trying to say he is) but I dont think the stats account for a defender whos game is built around keeping the puck on the perimeter, and letting a forward try their luck from there. As a goalie if my dmen keep the puck to the perimeter and they get one in, thats on me.
- stackthepads

This post is bananas on so many different levels.

This post is bananas on so many different levels.
- j.boyd919

ok then, enlighten me

ok then, enlighten me
- stackthepads

It’ll have to be a little later. I’m still at the office. Working late tonight unfortunately.

It’ll have to be a little later. I’m still at the office. Working late tonight unfortunately.
- j.boyd919

okay, Ill check back later.

This post is bananas on so many different levels.
- j.boyd919

I seriously have no words.

Sometimes offense or production isn't the only thing that makes a player important. I am not defending JJ here, I dont think he is very good, but as a goalie from the net out perspective I will take him in the defensive zone over Malkin everyday. JJ is predictable, you know what you are going to get, he knows how to help a goalie out by boxing out players and he doesnt do anything you dont expect as a goalie. You know he is going to try to get infront of every shot if he can so you can adjust your post to post, you know he is under pressure he is going to put the puck into a safe space. Malkin is a complete clusterf*ck in the defensive zone, he doesnt cover anyone properly, he is very likely to try some out of nowhere play, he has no problem throwing a blind pass through the slot, he blows the zone way before he knows the puck is secured.

So yeah, offense dies on JJs stick, but keeping the puck out of your net is just as important as putting it in the opponents. Im sure there are a whole bunch of stats you can bring up that try to describe how he isnt good defensively, (he isnt really, like i said not trying to say he is) but I dont think the stats account for a defender whos game is built around keeping the puck on the perimeter, and letting a forward try their luck from there. As a goalie if my dmen keep the puck to the perimeter and they get one in, thats on me.
- stackthepads

Alright. So. In hockey, the goal is to score more goals than the other team. As a goaltender, you want you’re team to score more than the other team, am I right? Right. Okay. So.. if I’m a goalie... I’m going to want the players on the ice that put forth the best opportunity to score more goals than the other team. To limit the shots on me and to maximize our offensive output. JJ does not do that. Not only does offensive die with him, but he’s not good at defense either. He chases people behind the net. He leaves his defensive partners on an island to go for big hits thus creating odd man rushes. He screens his goalie by standing in the shooting lane. He makes awful reads in front of the net trying to “box” out guys and fails often. There’s a reason he has the most goals against of any defenseman on the Pens. Because he’s not good at defense.

So you’re gonna get a guy who tries, but sucks, which leads to goals against.

With Geno (to be honest, comparing having Geno vs JJ on the ice at all is ridiculous.) you have one of the top point producers of his generation. A top 5 forward in the last 10-15 years. Yeah he’s gonna make some boneheaded plays but he’s going to generate way more opportunities than JJ. They’re probably a wash defensively (even though I don’t think you can really compare the responsibilities of a C and a D) and if they’re a wash defensively, Geno blows JJ off the planet. The whole “id rather have JJ than Geno in the d zone” argument is silly because you’re just going to be stuck pulling the puck out of your own note with JJ. At least Geno can get the puck down ice and generate chances.

You claim that JJs game is built to keep the shooter to the perimeter but he leads the team in goals against. That’s really all there is to it. I didn’t even really busy out any stats other than goals against because, to people against stats, that’s the only stat that matters, am I right? Or is it wins? I forget.

I think Geno is grossly underrated defensively. Turnovers are not a symptom of bad defense. The top offensive producers in the game commit the most turnovers because they take the most chances.

From DK's site...

• Spotted Bryan Rust walking about without any big limp. Thought I’d share.
- madmike71

That's definitely encouraging at least. That and hearing the latest news about Maatta, Dumo, and Tanger and hopefully we will see them soon.

I think Geno is grossly underrated defensively. Turnovers are not a symptom of bad defense. The top offensive producers in the game commit the most turnovers because they take the most chances.
- Rinosaur

Also because they have the puck on their stick more than others.

Alright. So. In hockey, the goal is to score more goals than the other team. As a goaltender, you want you’re team to score more than the other team, am I right? Right. Okay. So.. if I’m a goalie... I’m going to want the players on the ice that put forth the best opportunity to score more goals than the other team. To limit the shots on me and to maximize our offensive output. JJ does not do that. Not only does offensive die with him, but he’s not good at defense either. He chases people behind the net. He leaves his defensive partners on an island to go for big hits thus creating odd man rushes. He screens his goalie by standing in the shooting lane. He makes awful reads in front of the net trying to “box” out guys and fails often. There’s a reason he has the most goals against of any defenseman on the Pens. Because he’s not good at defense.

So you’re gonna get a guy who tries, but sucks, which leads to goals against.

With Geno (to be honest, comparing having Geno vs JJ on the ice at all is ridiculous.) you have one of the top point producers of his generation. A top 5 forward in the last 10-15 years. Yeah he’s gonna make some boneheaded plays but he’s going to generate way more opportunities than JJ. They’re probably a wash defensively (even though I don’t think you can really compare the responsibilities of a C and a D) and if they’re a wash defensively, Geno blows JJ off the planet. The whole “id rather have JJ than Geno in the d zone” argument is silly because you’re just going to be stuck pulling the puck out of your own note with JJ. At least Geno can get the puck down ice and generate chances.

You claim that JJs game is built to keep the shooter to the perimeter but he leads the team in goals against. That’s really all there is to it. I didn’t even really busy out any stats other than goals against because, to people against stats, that’s the only stat that matters, am I right? Or is it wins? I forget.
- j.boyd919

I knew I made a mistake when I framed my argument around JJ.
I agree with your post here for the most part, I didn't lay out my original argument properly, so let me try to clear up my stance.

Let me start by saying, I am in no way saying I would rather have JJ over Malkin or even anyone on the team. Over the course of a game of course I want Malkin, everything you say about Malkin generating goals and scoring chances is truth.

I am just talking about when defending, having a player like JJ, (or maybe Hainsey is a better example equally reviled and I dont have to defend JJ) is preferable in the defensive zone because they are predictable. Looking out from the net the decisions you have to make are greatly reduced when you have a dman or fwd who is always going to make the same/safe plays. I am not arguing for chip it off the glass and get it out because that's just throwing the puck away, but more with a predictable dman/fwd if the puck is in the middle of the ice they are going to push it to the outside, they will create board battles over trying a risky pass, the puck may not go down ice for a scoring chance but it also isn't going to go to the opponent in the slot for a scoring chance either (most of the time).
I don't want to ramble anymore, I hope I got across what I am trying to say.

Maybe I can sum it up quick by saying: Predictable players are preferable in the defensive zone than unpredictable players and my JJ vs Malkin argument was because I think they are both at opposite spectrum ends of the predictability scale.

I knew I made a mistake when I framed my argument around JJ.
I agree with your post here for the most part, I didn't lay out my original argument properly, so let me try to clear up my stance.

Let me start by saying, I am in no way saying I would rather have JJ over Malkin or even anyone on the team. Over the course of a game of course I want Malkin, everything you say about Malkin generating goals and scoring chances is truth.

I am just talking about when defending, having a player like JJ, (or maybe Hainsey is a better example equally reviled and I dont have to defend JJ) is preferable in the defensive zone because they are predictable. Looking out from the net the decisions you have to make are greatly reduced when you have a dman or fwd who is always going to make the same/safe plays. I am not arguing for chip it off the glass and get it out because that's just throwing the puck away, but more with a predictable dman/fwd if the puck is in the middle of the ice they are going to push it to the outside, they will create board battles over trying a risky pass, the puck may not go down ice for a scoring chance but it also isn't going to go to the opponent in the slot for a scoring chance either (most of the time).
I don't want to ramble anymore, I hope I got across what I am trying to say.

Maybe I can sum it up quick by saying: Predictable players are preferable in the defensive zone than unpredictable players and my JJ vs Malkin argument was because I think they are both at opposite spectrum ends of the predictability scale.
- stackthepads

Do you play tendie? Not being facetious, just curious. I can understand where you’re coming from in that sense a bit. We have a guy on our team who plays wing, but will come low like a center therefore leaving his center on an island and leaving his point wide open to stroll down Main Street. Then the next shift he actually plays the right position and then his center is caught off guard because he actually has to pay attention to not only the guy he’s supposed to cover but he’s got to watch the winger who’s constantly out of position to make sure he’s supposed to play his real position.

I can understand how as a goaltender it can be frustrating not knowing what a certain player is going to do on any given shift.

Do you play tendie? Not being facetious, just curious. I can understand where you’re coming from in that sense a bit. We have a guy on our team who plays wing, but will come low like a center therefore leaving his center on an island and leaving his point wide open to stroll down Main Street. Then the next shift he actually plays the right position and then his center is caught off guard because he actually has to pay attention to not only the guy he’s supposed to cover but he’s got to watch the winger who’s constantly out of position to make sure he’s supposed to play his real position.

I can understand how as a goaltender it can be frustrating not knowing what a certain player is going to do on any given shift.
- j.boyd919

Yes I was a goalie, that's where my love of defensive defenders comes from.

Your description does a better job than my rant at explaining my point. I dont like free wheeling in the defensive zone, I would be curious to see how many scoring chances are generated both ways on high risk plays in the defensive zone. Im sure most coaches have no patience for it at all, but a player like Malkin needs to walk the fine line I understand that and promote it. I just wouldn't put him on the ice in the dying minutes if you dont need a goal. I dont think he can help himself, he is score.