McCann changed the game, completely reversed momentum
- 668710

Absolutely. No question about it.

Where did all the people go that wanted Rutherford’s head in here!!!??? Are the pens even in a playoff spot without bjugstad, McCann and yes gudbranson!??? I’d say definitely not!
- pens4life-66

I still don’t like JRs overall scatterbrained approach, but the Florida trade was a good one. I feel as though a lot of people viewed that one as a lateral move at worst with upside for more though.

Penguins: Dark Horse for the Met.
- Victoro311

I see it shaping up as:

(1) WAS
(2) PIT
(3) CAR

Feels so good to beat those guys
- Thorny87

It feels GREAT!

Wilson getting slammed was awesome too haha.

That ending pretty much summed up Horny's luck.

1 g in 24 games.

That ending pretty much summed up Horny's luck.

1 g in 24 games.
- DeflatedPucks

At least he’s been noticeable recently. Went a good stretch with nothing. Him and Bjugstad will get some chemistry. Hope rust goes to that line eventually

I still don’t like JRs overall scatterbrained approach, but the Florida trade was a good one. I feel as though a lot of people viewed that one as a lateral move at worst with upside for more though.
- stayinthefnnet

Yeah I mean pretty much everyone was all in on the Brassard-FLD trade. That was objectively good the moment it happened.

I see it shaping up as:

(1) WAS
(2) PIT
(3) CAR
- DeflatedPucks

Capitals last 12 games:
Tampa 3, canes 2, flyers 2, devils, wild, panthers, canadiens, isles... that could be tough.

Capitals last 12 games:
Tampa 3, canes 2, flyers 2, devils, wild, panthers, canadiens, isles... that could be tough.
- pens4life-66

1-11

I don’t think they’re super similar beyond that they’re fast. McCann obviously has better hands and a better shot where as Rust is the better grinder.
- Victoro311

What I meant by my comparison was their energy level and spark they bring while getting points at the same time. Both are fast! Nice to have these kind of guys.
Also Bjugstad is playing very well!

Where did all the people go that wanted Rutherford’s head in here!!!??? Are the pens even in a playoff spot without bjugstad, McCann and yes gudbranson!??? I’d say definitely not!
- pens4life-66

They're the same ones that jerked off over Brassard and Beau Bennett's fancy stats without actually knowing they suck at hockey.

This team isn't where it is without the trades JR made.

What a sweet comeback.

They're the same ones that jerked off over Brassard and Beau Bennett's fancy stats without actually knowing they suck at hockey.

This team isn't where it is without the trades JR made.
- sammy87

Man, just about everyone here was stoked at the Brassard trade. It's like aliens came down and plucked up the real Brassard and left a lifeless shell in his place. Miss me with that sh!t....

I'll eat my words on Gudbranson for now. He's done a great job so far. He satisfies my statement of needing an ass kicker when needed. I still can't believe people think a team like the Pens don't need one after seeing whats happened to Crosby and Letang, how Malkin reacts, how Phil plays when they're physically imposed on. 2015-16 was the exception not the rule. They don't have quite the same speed and puck movement anymore but they do have a fantastic attack with 59 87 19. Murray is no longer a bum. Playing pretty good D of late. Get Letang back... starting to look like they can make some noise.

Man, just about everyone here was stoked at the Brassard trade. It's like aliens came down and plucked up the real Brassard and left a lifeless shell in his place. Miss me with that sh!t....
- Brayn

Yeah I’m not gonna evaluate that with the benefit of hindsight. I still maintain the original brassard trade was a solid move with the information at hand. So was the brassard move back the other way to Florida.

moo.

moo.
- Blackstrom2

Hey buddy how’s it been going

Yeah I’m not gonna evaluate that with the benefit of hindsight. I still maintain the original brassard trade was a solid move with the information at hand. So was the brassard move back the other way to Florida.
- stayinthefnnet

I don’t agree with this at all. Sheahan was playing great for a while before the trade. Our weakest point was on defense. We got rid of Cole without replacing him. How was that a good move?

I don’t agree with this at all. Sheahan was playing great for a while before the trade. Our weakest point was on defense. We got rid of Cole without replacing him. How was that a good move?
- WSCTeton17

Bjugstad is a point behind Sheahan production in 30 less games. McCann 2 points behind brass in 30 less games. Not sure how they botched that trade.

I don’t agree with this at all. Sheahan was playing great for a while before the trade. Our weakest point was on defense. We got rid of Cole without replacing him. How was that a good move?
- WSCTeton17

Best case scenario was sheahan was a good 4th line center. Both players in return have 3rd line+ potential

Bjugstad is a point behind Sheahan production in 30 less games. McCann 2 points behind brass in 30 less games. Not sure how they botched that trade.
- burgh4life87

I believe he was stating that the initial Brassard trade that brought him into Pittsburgh was bad. As in at the time, Sheahan was meshing well with Kessel as our 3C, and our defense needed shoring up. When we made the trade with Ottawa, we bolstored our already strong forward core and weakened our already weaker defense (I'm not stating that this is my opinion, just what he is stating). I think we all agree the final trade with florida was a solid deal.

I believe he was stating that the initial Brassard trade that brought him into Pittsburgh was bad. As in at the time, Sheahan was meshing well with Kessel as our 3C, and our defense needed shoring up. When we made the trade with Ottawa, we bolstored our already strong forward core and weakened our already weaker defense (I'm not stating that this is my opinion, just what he is stating). I think we all agree the final trade with florida was a solid deal.
- Thrill81

Bingo.. I even referenced Cole who clearly signed with the Avs in the offseason. I haven’t been shy about my opinion this, we potentially could’ve beaten the Caps had we kept Cole and gotten Evander Kane while sending Sheary to Buffalo (which we did anyways) and if we happened to extend Cole, we wouldn’t be locked into JJ. Nothing we can do about it now, but that trade won’t be forgotten

If only they traded for someone like Gudbranson who can deter his antics and go after him. Oh wait...
- Rinosaur

It really makes you mad that Gudbranson is a good hockey player doesn’t it? Let me guess you had a Hatty in C league the other night and big slow Gudbranson woulndt be able to catch you? P.S. the league protects Wilson and makes an honest mans job nearly impossible. Luckily Gudbranson solid hockey play is more than enough to justify the trade.

Starting to feel like this team is coming together. JR has taken a hell of a lot of heat on his trades but boy have they worked.

Petterson looks like he can replace Maata long term. Didn't like trading Sprong but I'm ok with it now.

McCann looks like Sid's other winger. Jake and McCann are both so young (and under contract control) for many years. Looking like an upgraded kunitzz-sid-dupuis in the making.

Bjugstad has been solid, looking like a really solid 3C.

Gudbransson was the missing link on this team. Led the Pens in ice time last night in a huge game and was impactful. Don't take it from me, listen to Murray rave about him.

The tie up with Wilson was a perfect example. Wilson ran over Peterson and was about to grab Jake. Instead Gud stepped in and threw him on his ass. See the look on Wilson's face? He looked shocked that someone on the Pens actually took it to him. It doesn't have to be a knockout blow to provide a conference boost to your team while also getting in your rivals head.