Simon sucks.
- Grinder47

hahaha

Nah....but personally, I dont give a sh!t where he is in the lineup as long as the lineup is effective.

Yeah but its also like a respect thing for the guys who deserve it. To be up with the big club practicing and hanging out....and also being paid more I believe in his case.

I understand the wanting to keep them sharp and playing in AHL as well.
- MattStrat

True, just a preference of mine to see a young guy continuing to play games. Lafferty definitely deserves the first call-up.

True, just a preference of mine to see a young guy continuing to play games. Lafferty definitely deserves the first call-up.
- Tojo.

It would be my preference as well. I think its better for any player, no matter the age, to be getting as much game action as possible. Its what keeps them the sharpest.

https://twitter.com/chart.../1192068493396627457?s=21

Check this thread when ya get a chance.

https://twitter.com/chartinghockey/status/1192068493396627457?s=21

Check this thread when ya get a chance.
- j.boyd919

Thanks for this. Just read down through it all. Wouldnt be surprised if RW uses this stuff next blog haha. I would if I were him.

https://twitter.com/chartinghockey/status/1192068493396627457?s=21

Check this thread when ya get a chance.
- j.boyd919

Looking pretty good. Van/LA is a surprise. When do we get to play the Rangers?

https://twitter.com/chartinghockey/status/1192068493396627457?s=21

Check this thread when ya get a chance.
- j.boyd919

Nice to see the Pens in all the good columns, and they've been improving really. Should be a lethal combo once the elite scorers get rolling.

Last 8 games, the PP has been non-existent, Malkin is just getting back, and outside the Philly game the top line only has 1 goal together. Get those areas going while maintaining strong possession numbers and watch out.

Grind line is doing a great job neutralizing scoring lines and they're getting consistent offense off the third line now because it's killing easy matchups.

https://twitter.com/chartinghockey/status/1192068493396627457?s=21

Check this thread when ya get a chance.
- j.boyd919

Also, my preseason prediction was the Ducks will be this year's Islanders, so will see about regression.

Also, my preseason prediction was the Ducks will be this year's Islanders, so will see about regression.
- Tojo.

I predicted ANA to compete for last with LAK and still believe that. Look, there's usually one or two teams that EVERYONE predicted would be terrible and surprise, so obviously it could be them.

I predicted AZ to finish either 3rd or 4th with VAN and EDM missing. I still think EDM slides, but they may compete for that wild card spot. I also expect CGY and VGK to fight their ways back to the top. I don't know what to make of VAN just yet; they kind of remind of the AVS a couple of years ago when they almost took out NSH in the first round.

Islanders keep chugging along. I wonder when the "Lucky" tag drops and people start giving them a bit of credit.

Islanders keep chugging along. I wonder when the "Lucky" tag drops and people start giving them a bit of credit.
- Thorny87

Trotz is a fantastic coach.

I predicted ANA to compete for last with LAK and still believe that. Look, there's usually one or two teams that EVERYONE predicted would be terrible and surprise, so obviously it could be them.

I predicted AZ to finish either 3rd or 4th with VAN and EDM missing. I still think EDM slides, but they may compete for that wild card spot. I also expect CGY and VGK to fight their ways back to the top. I don't know what to make of VAN just yet; they kind of remind of the AVS a couple of years ago when they almost took out NSH in the first round.
- Rinosaur

I gave some thought to Vancouver. Don't like their depth and wasn't sure how good Hughes would be in year one. I under-rated Hughes and Miller. They have the top end, cornerstone pieces, so maybe that's enough to contend in the West.

I have Ottawa, Detroit, and LA at the bottom. Not on a limb there.

Trotz is a fantastic coach.
- j.boyd919

To me, when you consider the personnel at his disposal along with the outstanding results, he has to be the best coach in the NHL

Trotz is a fantastic coach.
- j.boyd919

He certainly has Sullys game plan figured out.

Tomorrow should be interesting with the new lineup.I still have a vivid memory of how we looked against them in the playoffs. I've been happy with the way the Pens have played in almost every game. I'm hoping for a night and day difference. Having Letang out won't be a true measure though.

https://twitter.com/chartinghockey/status/1192068493396627457?s=21

Check this thread when ya get a chance.
- j.boyd919

He gets into goalie charts today too. Shows that both Jarry and Murray are actually under performing despite their good numbers thus far.

Trotz is a fantastic coach.
- j.boyd919

The isles generate the best high danger chances per 60 in the league. Their shots and scoring chances aren't anything special though. I hate to say it, but for a third game we will likely look like a freight train and come up just short.

The isles generate the best high danger chances per 60 in the league. Their shots and scoring chances aren't anything special though. I hate to say it, but for a third game we will likely look like a freight train and come up just short.
- burgh4life87

I have a feeling thats how it (Isles game) will look too....

He certainly has Sullys game plan figured out.
- Thorny87

You mean pouncing on a team playing careless uninspired hockey?

You mean pouncing on a team playing careless uninspired hockey?
- Rinosaur

Ha.... I was going to say he definitely struggled with dealing with the 2016 cup run type of hockey which is much closer to how we're playing now than last years playoff debacle.

You mean pouncing on a team playing careless uninspired hockey?
- Rinosaur

I brought this up last year, but I dont think i ever followed up on it.

Why do we think Trotz is such a great coach?

For his entire tenure as a capitals coach (minus final year) he was an utter failure. doing exactly as the coaches before him (not making it out of the second rd). Then he finally wins, with a team that has been expected to win for over 10 years.

Then he goes to NYI, turns them to a trap team, sweeps the penguins (as you said, a careless and uninspired team) only to be swept immediately after.

Edit: he only coached wash 4 year, i thought it was longer, but still im not sold on elite by any means

Ha.... I was going to say he definitely struggled with dealing with the 2016 cup run type of hockey which is much closer to how we're playing now than last years playoff debacle.
- Yonk1216

Yup.

Now, I’m not trying to take away from how good the Isles played. They brought energy, desire, didn’t deviate from their plan and had light out goaltending from Lehner.

But if the Pens played half as good as they are right now? I’m not saying the Pens definitely win, but that series plays out quite different.

I brought this up last year, but I dont think i ever followed up on it.

Why do we think Trotz is such a great coach?

For his entire tenure as a capitals coach (minus final year) he was an utter failure. doing exactly as the coaches before him (not making it out of the second rd). Then he finally wins, with a team that has been expected to win for over 10 years.

Then he goes to NYI, turns them to a trap team, sweeps the penguins (as you said, a careless and uninspired team) only to be swept immediately after.
- joecool2931

Consistently coaches his teams to 40-50 win seasons.

His teams are almost always 1st or 2nd in their division.

One of 4 coaches in the 800 win club and if I had to guess I would bet that his teams goal differentials are generally pretty good overall because he usually has them playing a stricter, structured defensive fame. On his Nashville teams he was good as maximizing talent when they may not have had the elite players. Same with his NYI teams.

Also I think what made me like him as a coach was seeing him on 24/7. He seems like a respectable guy in the room, and I feel as though the results on the ice on his teams show that his players enjoy playing for him.

I brought this up last year, but I dont think i ever followed up on it.

Why do we think Trotz is such a great coach?

For his entire tenure as a capitals coach (minus final year) he was an utter failure. doing exactly as the coaches before him (not making it out of the second rd). Then he finally wins, with a team that has been expected to win for over 10 years.

Then he goes to NYI, turns them to a trap team, sweeps the penguins (as you said, a careless and uninspired team) only to be swept immediately after.

Edit: he only coached wash 4 year, i thought it was longer, but still im not sold on elite by any means
- joecool2931

Lmao imagine thinking Trotz isn’t an elite coach.

I brought this up last year, but I dont think i ever followed up on it.

Why do we think Trotz is such a great coach?

For his entire tenure as a capitals coach (minus final year) he was an utter failure. doing exactly as the coaches before him (not making it out of the second rd). Then he finally wins, with a team that has been expected to win for over 10 years.

Then he goes to NYI, turns them to a trap team, sweeps the penguins (as you said, a careless and uninspired team) only to be swept immediately after.

Edit: he only coached wash 4 year, i thought it was longer, but still im not sold on elite by any means
- joecool2931

I think the last couple years have to put him up there. He's always been a good coach. Even 2 of those years he lost they pushed the Cup champs and out played us bad in 2017. But breaking through with a Cup win and then immediately turning around the Isles like he did has to put him in the elite.