I don’t think Galch is a bad player by any means, Galch and Simon could work. I wouldn’t mind seeing that.
- j.boyd919

I think so, too. I just want Simon in the top six and at the very least top nine.

Yeah. Galch is going to get a long leash, but we have to just hope for the best. Simon anywhere other than the top 9 is a waste.

I like for defense and cycling, but he’s piss poor on transition which IMO can make life harder on Geno, but balance him with Simon and I think it’s good.
- Rinosaur

I think I’d like to see...
Guentzel-Sid-Hornqvist
Galchenyuk-Geno-Simon
McCann-Bjugstad-Rust
ZAR-Bleuger/Rust-Tanev

I think I’d like to see...
Guentzel-Sid-Hornqvist
Galchenyuk-Geno-Simon
McCann-Bjugstad-Rust
ZAR-Bleuger/Rust-Tanev
- j.boyd919

I’d prefer to see Galch on his off-wing to put him in better scoring position and keep Simon at LW where he’s been effective.

Lol, don't let you be trolled by Mr_Underpanties...



I mean, those guys still ice Watson, with whom he seems to have no problem at all.
- VeryModernMan

What? Where have I ever defended Watson?

I’d prefer to see Galch on his off-wing to put him in better scoring position and keep Simon at LW where he’s been effective.
- Rinosaur

I think the forward position nowadays is so fluid that most players are capable of playing both sides of with similar success and if the Pens are breaking out right these guys will be crossing the eyes back and forth through the NZ anyways.

I think the forward position nowadays is so fluid that most players are capable of playing both sides of with similar success and if the Pens are breaking out right these guys will be crossing the eyes back and forth through the NZ anyways.
- j.boyd919

That’s my biggest concern on Geno’s line. He needs players who don’t drag down the transition.

That’s my biggest concern on Geno’s line. He needs players who don’t drag down the transition.
- Rinosaur

I find that to be more associated with the defensemen on the ice moving the puck out of the zone as opposed to the wingers on his line.

I find that to be more associated with the defensemen on the ice moving the puck out of the zone as opposed to the wingers on his line.
- j.boyd919

Out of the zone yes, but once they defer to a F to take it in you need forwards who are capable of doing that without having to always dump and chase, but yes, overall I agree the onus is on the dmen to get that started.

Here's his reasoning for Hornie in the top 6. Gotta say I agree with this.

But when he’s in the lineup, he’s still assisting the overall process in a positive way. I’ve long been a fan of Hornqvist’s work as a puck-retriever, and his net-front presence is a magnet for defensive players, inherently opening up space for talented players like Malkin or snipers like Galchenyuk.
- madmike71

Stats like WAR tend to value the type of game Hornqvist brings. He was always rated higher than Kessel there. They also can use data from several previous seasons (I know Dom's model uses 3), so if Hornqvist is declining he wouldn't do as well. But after Simon, he's still probably the best wing at driving play.

Do think at least one of those guys needs to finish though, which was the problem for the 3rd line. If Galchenyuk doesn't work, I'd try McCann there next with either Hornqvist or Simon.

Yes. Out of the 4 he laid out, Tanev Galch and Malkin were the worst.
- madmike71

Switching Tanev for Rust only bumped the line up .1 WAR for reference, so it values them about the same. Tanev hasn't been tried on a top 6, so I think it's possible he can out perform that. Not sure how much though and there are probably better options, but I want to at least see it before burying it.

There’s a very vocal minority on here that don’t comprehend the catastrophic fallout that Johnson being overdeployed had on the team as a whole. We had other issues, sure, but Johnson lead to a spider web of most of those issues.
- Victoro311

I agree with this. I do think there were other issues that JJ got the blame for, many of whom are gone, but he was definitely problem numero uno.

...another day...another configuration with Simon in the middle....
- MattStrat

I'm looking forward to seeing this, although I'll only catch the first period. I'd love for Simon to show he can play center. Much better chance than what he had last game.

I’d prefer to see Galch on his off-wing to put him in better scoring position and keep Simon at LW where he’s been effective.
- Rinosaur

I'm curious too to see if flipping Galchenyuk to RW would work like it did with Neal. Different reporters flip Galchenyuk and Tanev, so I'm not sure who is playing which side, but we'll see tonight.

But wasn't Hags best output with the Pens on the HBK line which was the third line? Based on Hag's lack of scoring ability, I don't remember him playing much in the top 6. Tanev has a similar lack of hands but is not as skilled as Hags (although he is more physical). So yes, a glorified 4th liner.
- Hockey66

I'm not sure Hagelin is more skilled than Tanev. Same with Rust. Hag's high marks since he joined us were 14 goals and 31 points. Tanev had 14 and 29 last year and he wasn't exactly playing with guys like Kessel and Malkin. He's not a true top 6, but I wouldn't rule out him being a capable middle 6 guy like them until he tries and fails.

Tonight's game is on my NHL package. No delay, no buffering and no pop up ads.

F yeah.

Speaking of WAR models, Dom at the Athletic has been revealing his teams from worst to first based on his version. Today was the Caps at 9th. Pens still not listed, so top 8 team. Maybe not as bad as all the doomsayers think

No one actively roots against these guys. Smart people are just realists and know what is going to happen lol
- j.boyd919

All the smart people knew St. Louis were destined for the cup last year. All of them.

I think so, too. I just want Simon in the top six and at the very least top nine.
- Rinosaur

Top six echl maybe.

I think the forward position nowadays is so fluid that most players are capable of playing both sides of with similar success and if the Pens are breaking out right these guys will be crossing the eyes back and forth through the NZ anyways.
- j.boyd919

Once your out of the d zone it’s always changing anyway. If you’re in the nhl you should be able to break the puck out forehand or back hand.