You’re giving these people a lot of credit by chocking it up to recency bias. These guys have been dumping on Simon all year, and dumped on Sheary before that, and it just comes down to the assumption that small, non-physical players have no use in hockey. No one should confuse Simon for a top line talent, but 1.8 even strength points per 60 is solid top 6 production and like you said he hasn’t played with Crosby for a lot of the season. The guy has been productive wherever he’s been put in the lineup and we’re lucky to have him, especially on his current contract.
- Victoro311

You're right... And you've exhibited a better understanding of larger sample sizes of Simon hate than I haha.

All of this. He just looked a step behind and was watching a bit.

That being said, I’m not a fan of Sully messing with what is clearly working to get another line going.
- Thorny87

Yeah and that's not to say he hasn't looked good on the top line before, because he has, it's just for whatever reason(s) he didn't last night.

I really don't think McCanns play Thursday night warranted a demotion half way through the game.

Yeah and that's not to say he hasn't looked good on the top line before, because he has, it's just for whatever reason(s) he didn't last night.

I really don't think McCanns play Thursday night warranted a demotion half way through the game.
- MattStrat

Sure they had a poopty game but most of the Pens looked like ass last night for a majority of the game.

Sure they had a poopty game but most of the Pens looked like ass last night for a majority of the game.
- j.boyd919

Still was not a legit reason to change up the 1st line in the first place

Yeah and that's not to say he hasn't looked good on the top line before, because he has, it's just for whatever reason(s) he didn't last night.

I really don't think McCanns play Thursday night warranted a demotion half way through the game.
- MattStrat

I don’t believe it was a demotion. I believe it was to help the third line with the mindset that the first line can still be good with anyone else.