Probably gonna catch some flak for this but JJ has actually had a solid season. We might not have to sweeten a deal to get his contract off the books.

One of those goals was an absolute snipe. I can't even blame him for that. The second goal was bad luck.....post then off his back. I didn't think Jarry looked bad in that game coming in cold. Murray on the other hand has been rough the last two.....although he's been pretty great all things considered.
- madmike71

That Game winner I could've sworn Dumo got a stick on it. If not, Jarry played it really poorly. On the last angle in the replay it does come of Marchands stick at an odd angle

No one is stopping that Krug laser

I'm not really sure I would go after a defenseman quite yet. I'd really like to see Riikola get an extended look at that 3rd pairing LD. He was kicking ass again last night. A left side of Dumo, Petts and Riikola would be more than good enough if we could use the cap space to bring in another high end talent.
- burgh4life87

I just think in general adding another stud, possession pushing defenseman would have a bigger effect then adding another wing. Strengthen the 2nd pair with a trickle down to the 3rd pair.

Not sure who we could get that fits though.

And I agree, like what I've seen so far from Riikola. It's not so much a depth issue as where I'd add an impact guy.

Galchenyuk Sid Jake
McCann Malkin Rust
Kahun Bjugstad Simon (I have a really good feeling about this line)
ZAR Teddy Tanev

Practice lines today. No Letang.

Probably gonna catch some flak for this but JJ has actually had a solid season. We might not have to sweeten a deal to get his contract off the books.
- burgh4life87

LOL, did you just see the same thread I did? That 3rd pair's numbers have jumped a ton since the team got healthier. Although I think that might mean they don't trade JJ right now.

JJ is just barely positive in corsi/fenwick and relatives still bad if anyone wondered, but the deeper numbers like scoring chances are really good.

the "Jack Johnson has looked better lately" crowd would do well to actually apply some numbers right now

5v5 via NST (225 mins):
60% xGF (tops on D)
59% GF (just behind 58/8)
lowest OZ start% on D

Johnson-Marino have been very good together (62% xGF)

LOL, did you just see the same thread I did? That 3rd pair's numbers have jumped a ton since the team got healthier. Although I think that might mean they don't trade JJ right now.

JJ is just barely positive in corsi/fenwick if anyone wondered, but the deeper numbers like scoring chances are really good. Same as Gudbranson last year, he's benefiting from playing with a lot of great possession guys, but hey, at least he's been playable.

the "Jack Johnson has looked better lately" crowd would do well to actually apply some numbers right now

5v5 via NST (225 mins):
60% xGF (tops on D)
59% GF (just behind 58/8)
lowest OZ start% on D

Johnson-Marino have been very good together (62% xGF)
- Tojo.

I really think its the forwards relentless pressure and hustle in all zones that are making the team's D stats overall so lovely so far, not that the D are playing that much better than last year.

LOL, did you just see the same thread I did? That 3rd pair's numbers have jumped a ton since the team got healthier. Although I think that might mean they don't trade JJ right now.

JJ is just barely positive in corsi/fenwick and relatives still bad if anyone wondered, but the deeper numbers like scoring chances are really good.

the "Jack Johnson has looked better lately" crowd would do well to actually apply some numbers right now

5v5 via NST (225 mins):
60% xGF (tops on D)
59% GF (just behind 58/8)
lowest OZ start% on D

Johnson-Marino have been very good together (62% xGF)
- Tojo.

I was actually looking up Marino's numbers after someone mentioned they looked like they got worked a bit last night and saw Jacks. I was surprised.

I really think its the forwards relentless pressure and hustle in all zones that are making the team's D stats overall so lovely so far, not that the D are playing that much better than last year.
- MattStrat

I agree. I do think they're a little better, but it's the forwards largely driving play with the bottom 2 pairs supporting. Thus why I'd keep an eye open for a needle moving defenseman if one becomes available. Our 2nd pair probably gets buried on most teams.

DeFabo: Interesting power play looks at practice. Sullivan has split up Malkin and Crosby, at least initially. Perhaps this can crack the 0-for-'I lost count' slump.

One unit: Crosby, Galchenyuk, Guentzel, Bjugstad, Riikola

The other: Malkin, Pettersson, Schultz, Kahun, McCann

DeFabo: Interesting power play looks at practice. Sullivan has split up Malkin and Crosby, at least initially. Perhaps this can crack the 0-for-'I lost count' slump.

One unit: Crosby, Galchenyuk, Guentzel, Bjugstad, Riikola

The other: Malkin, Pettersson, Schultz, Kahun, McCann
- Tojo.

I've actually thought the PP has looked great in a lot of the games creating lots of chances but just not scoring.

DeFabo: Interesting power play looks at practice. Sullivan has split up Malkin and Crosby, at least initially. Perhaps this can crack the 0-for-'I lost count' slump.

One unit: Crosby, Galchenyuk, Guentzel, Bjugstad, Riikola

The other: Malkin, Pettersson, Schultz, Kahun, McCann
- Tojo.

Someone mentioned yesterday about taking a look at Bjug on the left wall. He does have a rocket of a snap/wrister coming off the wall as he demonstrated last night. He can control the puck and win battles. Couldn't hurt to try.

I've actually thought the PP has looked great in a lot of the games creating lots of chances but just not scoring.
- MattStrat

For reals? Entries are sloppy and they don't have a game plan when they do get in.

For reals? Entries are sloppy and they don't have a game plan when they do get in.
- Thorny87

Last night was bad but, especially when factoring in the short handy, but a good few of the games they didnt get a PP goal they had a lot of great looks and chances on PP.

I think their top 3 are all studs and Brodin is a solid 4th.
- Tojo.

Absolutely agree. Suter is aging but he’s still useful and those other D are solid, especially Dumba he’s unreal. The team is starting to put up offense too

Raanta is on the market. That team dynamic could change overnight if he was added

DeFabo: Interesting power play looks at practice. Sullivan has split up Malkin and Crosby, at least initially. Perhaps this can crack the 0-for-'I lost count' slump.

One unit: Crosby, Galchenyuk, Guentzel, Bjugstad, Riikola

The other: Malkin, Pettersson, Schultz, Kahun, McCann
- Tojo.

I actually like these. McCann can take the draws. #KahunDownLow can maybe become a thing but having the entire Crosby line as PP1 I think makes sense. If they draw the penalty then the other unit can get the first fresh crack

Malkin has been fumbling it on the PP and it takes time away from the rest of our all star unit. He’s also an absolute stud at times. Sullivan has had the guys come off at or close to a minute too so I think there’s enough reasons to give it a whirl