I guess my biggest mistake going into the post season was that we’d be some different, better (possibly even wildly better) team when we got healthy. Really we’ve just been the same team as during the regular season, just with a couple better names on it, and I think we all knew that the team we watched during the regular season wasn’t going anywhere.
- Victoro311

Been saying it since the first week of the season lol

Been saying it since the first week of the season lol
- j.boyd919

We’ve just lost so many key man hours. Thinking we’d be a ton better at full strength was an easy trap to fall into given that we were only at full strength for like 10 games.

We’ve just lost so many key man hours. Thinking we’d be a ton better at full strength was an easy trap to fall into given that we were only at full strength for like 10 games.
- Victoro311

I just don’t understand how the common fan can see that the team played better as a whole in game 1 over games 2 and then game 3 and opt to keep things status quo.

I don't think they have enough time to develop an entirely new defensive scheme and deploy it. They can, however, stop trying to have controlled zone exits and entries 100% of the time.

I know that you guys love the skill and creativity that guys like Crosby and Malkin have, but right now, that skill amounts to nothing. Dirty, greasy goals are the only way to beat this team. Trying to skate through 3 guys is not gonna work.
- jmatchett383

This is not a complex system to adapt to. They employed it when Letang was out of the lineup.

So, if swept, do we expect both gm and coach to be relieved of their duties in spite of the extension?
- Brayn

Sadly I doubt it...maybe Sully but not JR.

Both Hedman and Stralman are out ruled out for tonight haha wow.

I just don’t understand how the common fan can see that the team played better as a whole in game 1 over games 2 and then game 3 and opt to keep things status quo.
- j.boyd919

Game 1 was fine. Sloppy but fine. Coach focuses on the wrong thing and Game 2 and 3 are actively bad. Now everyone thinks that the answer is to make the adjustments that Sullivan made after Game 1, but better. No, the answer is don’t make those adjustments in the first place and focus on where we actually should have improved on after Game 1 in the first place. This team isn’t built for the adjustments Sullivan made after Game 1. Our roster isn’t good enough at defensive hockey for that.

Again, after 3 games, when your top line has combined for 0 pts and -11 goal differential, no team is going to survive very long. Especially true when you're not getting substantial contributions from any depth players. Keep beating the narrative about PMD (and JJ) sinking the ship. There's enough talent on the top line, WITH Letang on the back end, to generate something. We can argue about coaching X's and O's all day, however the guys on the ice ultimately have to execute. And we're not.

Sadly I doubt it...maybe Sully but not JR.
- ReginaPEN15

I can’t see Sully getting canned lol dude won 2 cups in 4 years. He’s got at least 2 or 3 more years behind the bench before he’s on the hot seat, imo.

Question... i thought RW used a tweet on the trade deadline or day after that bashed JJ and Gudbranson but I cant find it. Was the top 5 worst Dmen over a few years analytically or something near that.

Did I imagine this or just suck at searching?

Both Hedman and Stralman are out ruled out for tonight haha wow.
- MattStrat

Won't matter either way. Most mentally soft team of all time.

Won't matter either way. Most mentally soft team of all time.
- Feds91Stammer

Yeah? I haven't watched that series one bit.

Speed and skill is not the right recipe for the playoffs.

Again, after 3 games, when your top line has combined for 0 pts and -11 goal differential, no team is going to survive very long. Especially true when you're not getting substantial contributions from any depth players. Keep beating the narrative about PMD (and JJ) sinking the ship. There's enough talent on the top line, WITH Letang on the back end, to generate something. We can argue about coaching X's and O's all day, however the guys on the ice ultimately have to execute. And we're not.
- HiSticking

Yes. This is true. Understandable as well but I am also a fan of maximizing the roster, no matter what. I want to see the coach put forth the very best lineup night in and night out and he doesn’t. Yinz just aren’t understanding that. We all know the first line isn’t producing. We all acknowledge that. So, the best adjustments to make are to maximize the roster to help pick up slack while the first line struggles. If the pens get swept or even bounced in a few more games, it will not be because of JJ or a lack of PMD, it will be because the Penguins couldn’t score goals. Period. But what could help them score more goals as a team? Maximizing their roster. That is why we beat this drum.

Speed and skill is not the right recipe for the playoffs.
- stackthepads

Except for 2016.

Its funny though you know, its a copy cat league, and the Caps last year plus what the Isles and Jackets are doing this year, we might see a reverse in the speed and skill teams....might. Thats not to say the Caps didnt have speed and skill last year but Trotz had them playing a bit reserved at times.

Yeah? I haven't watched that series one bit.
- MattStrat

Cooper is a joke of a coach and Stamkos has no business wearing a C on his jersey.

Except for 2016.

Its funny though you know, its a copy cat league, and the Caps last year plus what the Isles and Jackets are doing this year, we might see a reverse in the speed and skill teams....might. Thats not to say the Caps didnt have speed and skill last year but Trotz had them playing a bit reserved at times.
- MattStrat

Totally different.

Jackets are buzzing. Tenacious forecheck. Seamless breakouts. Great transition game. All while choking the NZ.

Totally different.

Jackets are buzzing. Tenacious forecheck. Seamless breakouts. Great transition game. All while choking the NZ.
- Feds91Stammer

Gotchya. Like I said, havent watched a second of it.

The Isles though, are in line with what I said...

If I was Sullivan and planned on employing a new strategy/system, I would make sure I said exactly what he did.
- jmatchett383

Of course. But you and I both know he was actually being truthful.

I'm not going to lie, I still think the Pens can win this series. If Malkin decides to show up, they get a few bounces and the refs don't bury them they can take 4 in a row over the isles.

Same blog as the last 59. Really great stuff being put out here. Because of one defensemen all the Pens forwards are rendered useless. The fact that most of you buy it is even more troubling. Be honest how many of you have given Ryan Wilson you’re card number? Show of hands please.

[quote=j.boyd919]

For me, playoff criticism lands on the shoulders of the players (first) and then coaching. Little devil's advocacy... is there is association or cause/effect between maximizing the roster, or the lack of it, and stars not being able to produce?? I get the criticisms for Sully and JR, but given their previous success and experience, Crosby, Malkin, Kessel, Guentzel, Rust, Letang, Horny, Schultz should've been able to produce more than what they have. I'm stunned when I look at the score sheets. Are we witnessing age curve, a slowing core, and a hodgepodge of tertiary players? I think Sully has been leaning on "skill will prevail" mindset, but it's simply not happening. They're being out paced and out played and they have no answers or response for it. It'll be interesting to see if they show-up to compete tonight or roll over...

Same blog as the last 59. Really great stuff being put out here. Because of one defensemen all the Pens forwards are rendered useless. The fact that most of you buy it is even more troubling. Be honest how many of you have given Ryan Wilson you’re card number? Show of hands please.
- Grinder47

Hahaha

Question... i thought RW used a tweet on the trade deadline or day after that bashed JJ and Gudbranson but I cant find it. Was the top 5 worst Dmen over a few years analytically or something near that.

Did I imagine this or just suck at searching?
- Guile

Found it... mobile searching just a pain in the ass... Forgot why i needed it though



also the dude's name is fudge...

[quote=HiSticking]

There is absolutely fault at the players. No one is saying there isn’t, at least I’m not. Again, I’m not saying this entire series is JJs fault or even season or whatever. I’m just saying that maximizing, in my opinion, can help get the Pens forwards in gear. Do they deserve blame? Yes. No one is saying otherwise. Can things be done to help improve their odds at generating chances? Yes. That’s the point in trying to make.

It’s not that the entire teams scoring falling off the cliff lies at one or two players feet, it’s that by replacing these players with others, there is a better chance of success with better hockey players up and down the lineup and let’s be real; we aren’t going to scratch Sid, Geno, etc. because that’s just retarded.