Yes, I forgot all about 08. That was a total surprise. I remember the talk before the season that they were still a year or two away from contending.
- Thunderbolt

Those 2008 & 2009 Cup runs were so fun. We were such a young team who no one expected to be there yet.

I am unsure if anyone posted it, but Dillon was traded to the Capitals

and

Alec Martinez to Vegas
Marco Scandella to the Blues

Defenseman are moving like crazy last night.

I still think JR has another deal up his sleeves (don't think it is major though).

Everytime someone mentions the 2013 Penguins season... I get mad just thinking about how Bylsma franked that season up and we couldnt win one for Iginla.
- SuperHenderson13

That was brutal. We had all the tools to win that year but we have to aknowledge the Bruins was a good team too.

I am unsure if anyone posted it, but Dillon was traded to the Capitals

and

Alec Martinez to Vegas
Marco Scandella to the Blues

Defenseman are moving like crazy last night.

I still think JR has another deal up his sleeves (don't think it is major though).
- 123Kid

I hate that the Caps got Dillon. They've gone way over the top on the physical end adding Hathaway, Gudas, and Dillon to Wilson and company. Going to be real tough to get through a series with them without it taking a toll. I didn't like how flustered the Pens looked against them when they started hitting more last time we played them.

I hate that the Caps got Dillon. They've gone way over the top on the physical end adding Hathaway, Gudas, and Dillon to Wilson and company. Going to be real tough to get through a series with them without it taking a toll. I didn't like how flustered the Pens looked against them when they started hitting more last time we played them.
- Tojo.

Dillon would've looked good with us but I won't lose sleep over this deal. We'll be fine. JR will make a deal happen if he thinks we need someone tougher.

Speed kills and we are heading in the right direction a la 15/16.

One good thing Pierre mentioned though is that dumo is skating beforehand although not wearing any gear yet. But at least that’s a start I guess.
- 10inchTerror

That's better than nothing

I am unsure if anyone posted it, but Dillon was traded to the Capitals

and

Alec Martinez to Vegas
Marco Scandella to the Blues

Defenseman are moving like crazy last night.

I still think JR has another deal up his sleeves (don't think it is major though).
- 123Kid

Weird that the Martinez trade hasn't gone through yet..

I hate that the Caps got Dillon. They've gone way over the top on the physical end adding Hathaway, Gudas, and Dillon to Wilson and company. Going to be real tough to get through a series with them without it taking a toll. I didn't like how flustered the Pens looked against them when they started hitting more last time we played them.
- Tojo.

Ya, they're looking tough. It'd be nice to have a little more attitude in our lineup but I guess speed will have to overcome that. I think IF Dumo and Guentzel come back for the playoffs the Pens will do well.

Ya, they're looking tough. It'd be nice to have a little more attitude in our lineup but I guess speed will have to overcome that. I think IF Dumo and Guentzel come back for the playoffs the Pens will do well.
- nateca44

It's a sure thing The fitness level won't be the same though

I hate that the Caps got Dillon. They've gone way over the top on the physical end adding Hathaway, Gudas, and Dillon to Wilson and company. Going to be real tough to get through a series with them without it taking a toll. I didn't like how flustered the Pens looked against them when they started hitting more last time we played them.
- Tojo.

I see what you're saying but this Pens team is fast on its skates and starting to make the puck movement even faster than their legs again. When I look at that list of names I see a lot of PP opportunities.

When playing a team like that I think composure is essential and this group has shown me a lot of that the past 4 or 5 years.

It's a sure thing The fitness level won't be the same though
- Barnaby36

Maybe not Guentz...maybe....but Dumo is inching towards a return and has about 7 weeks to get back into game shape. I think thats doable.

I see what you're saying but this Pens team is fast on its skates and starting to make the puck movement even faster than their legs again. When I look at that list of names I see a lot of PP opportunities.

When playing a team like that I think composure is essential and this group has shown me a lot of that the past 4 or 5 years.
- MattStrat

Except when the refs swallow their whistles for the playoffs.

And no matter what actually happens during the game, the PPs will magically even out because NHL.

Except when the refs swallow their whistles for the playoffs.

And no matter what actually happens during the game, the PPs will magically even out because NHL.
- Hockey66

This isnt actually true. There's just as many called in playoffs. Ive seen people share studies and articles on this subject. Its one of the assumed things that arnt actually true. I did a quick google and found these:

"The proclamation was usually supported with saying that in the playoffs there are less calls and power plays.

From this study, I did not find that to be true."


https://hockey-graphs.com...l-playoffs-and-penalties/


This article talks about how much more they were being called a few years ago...

https://www.si.com/nhl/20...er-play-goals-officiating

Everytime someone mentions the 2013 Penguins season... I get mad just thinking about how Bylsma franked that season up and we couldnt win one for Iginla.
- SuperHenderson13

Bylsma was a regular season coach. He was continually out-coached in the playoffs year after year.

This isnt actually true. There's just as many called in playoffs. Ive seen people share studies and articles on this subject. Its one of the assumed things that arnt actually true. I did a quick google and found these:

"The proclamation was usually supported with saying that in the playoffs there are less calls and power plays.

From this study, I did not find that to be true."


https://hockey-graphs.com...l-playoffs-and-penalties/


This article talks about how much more they were being called a few years ago...

https://www.si.com/nhl/20...er-play-goals-officiating
- MattStrat

Right, but more stuff happens. Like, physical stuff. The kind of stuff the Pens don't do.

Right, but more stuff happens. Like, physical stuff. The kind of stuff the Pens don't do.
- Hockey66

Its not how they're built, no. I do however think theyre an extremely tough team mentally and that matters more to me than having big checking guys. They are one of the hardest teams to play against in the league this year without those kind of guys. I will say that I'm a little weary of the TDL and GMJR going back that way with the Caps snagging him.

Weird that the Martinez trade hasn't gone through yet..
- 668710

Bob Mac said yesterday he didn’t expect it to through yesterday.

Its not how they're built, no. I do however think theyre an extremely tough team mentally and that matters more to me than having big checking guys. They are one of the hardest teams to play against in the league this year without those kind of guys. I will say that I'm a little weary of the TDL and GMJR going back that way with the Caps snagging him.
- MattStrat

I agree with everything you say here (although not too concerned about the last point), but there will be hard, dirty hits resulting in concussions and injuries and it will be mostly the Pens absorbing them as usual. That's what concerns me.

My completely professional, super-long scouting report on Zucker so far:

I really envisioned more of a 100% effort, gritty, two-way player. I think those were my expectations based on what a lot of MIN media said about him and how badly GMJR wanted him. So, yeah, I pictured Tanev with better hands. He looks like a stringbean on the ice, much smaller than I envisioned, and pretty easy to knock off the puck.

First observations... other than a few bursts of speed, I'm not seeing the same Tanev/Hagelin type speed. Maybe partly because he's still thinking a lot on the ice. Maybe because he was described as 'elite' speed and I had unrealistic expectations.
Also, he has kind of an odd, upright skating style.

I really expected better hands. Maybe I'm spoiled by Jake, or maybe it will come with time...but didnt expect him whiffing and flubbing passes as often as he has so far.

Overall though I think he's a great fit for Sid and will continue to get better. Hard to complain about a guy who already was 3 goals for us (with Sid playing out of his mind). He's got a really quick release and good hockey IQ so I can see him being a great fit. He just has to keep finishing, especially with Simon on that line.

My completely professional, super-long scouting report on Zucker so far:

I really envisioned more of a 100% effort, gritty, two-way player. I think those were my expectations based on what a lot of MIN media said about him and how badly GMJR wanted him. So, yeah, I pictured Tanev with better hands. He looks like a stringbean on the ice, much smaller than I envisioned, and pretty easy to knock off the puck.

First observations... other than a few bursts of speed, I'm not seeing the same Tanev/Hagelin type speed. Maybe partly because he's still thinking a lot on the ice. Maybe because he was described as 'elite' speed and I had unrealistic expectations.
Also, he has kind of an odd, upright skating style.

I really expected better hands. Maybe I'm spoiled by Jake, or maybe it will come with time...but didnt expect him whiffing and flubbing passes as often as he has so far.

Overall though I think he's a great fit for Sid and will continue to get better. Hard to complain about a guy who already was 3 goals for us (with Sid playing out of his mind). He's got a really quick release and good hockey IQ so I can see him being a great fit. He just has to keep finishing, especially with Simon on that line.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I think your assessment (and sentiment) is pretty spot-on.

With one of our only physical forwards (ZAR) out for a few weeks, it seems probable GMJR will get his #gritboner.

Miles Wood would make a lot of sense. Fast, physical, would fit the system, rumored to be on the market, signed thru next year at a decent rate ($2.75), and shouldnt cost too much to acquire. I'd prefer a RH/RW.

Craig Smith would be probably the best 'check all the boxes' guy but it seems doubtful NSH will sell at the moment.

Palmieri is the pipe dream. I think he's exactly what we need. I'm a big proponent of getting a RH sniper for PP1 that wont kill you at even strength.

My completely professional, super-long scouting report on Zucker so far:

I really envisioned more of a 100% effort, gritty, two-way player. I think those were my expectations based on what a lot of MIN media said about him and how badly GMJR wanted him. So, yeah, I pictured Tanev with better hands. He looks like a stringbean on the ice, much smaller than I envisioned, and pretty easy to knock off the puck.

First observations... other than a few bursts of speed, I'm not seeing the same Tanev/Hagelin type speed. Maybe partly because he's still thinking a lot on the ice. Maybe because he was described as 'elite' speed and I had unrealistic expectations.
Also, he has kind of an odd, upright skating style.

I really expected better hands. Maybe I'm spoiled by Jake, or maybe it will come with time...but didnt expect him whiffing and flubbing passes as often as he has so far.

Overall though I think he's a great fit for Sid and will continue to get better. Hard to complain about a guy who already was 3 goals for us (with Sid playing out of his mind). He's got a really quick release and good hockey IQ so I can see him being a great fit. He just has to keep finishing, especially with Simon on that line.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Also I noticed he's a more cerebral type of player than he's given credit for. He's got speed but thinks the game at a higher level than Hagelin/Tanev and thus uses his skating to strike at the right time. Guentzel-Crosby-Zucker will be a GREAT line.

Btw Simon is so smart. He's all around the ice and cycling with ease on the 1st line. He'll be back in the 3rd line at some point but he's doing fine.

With one of our only physical forwards (ZAR) out for a few weeks, it seems probable GMJR will get his #gritboner.

Miles Wood would make a lot of sense. Fast, physical, would fit the system, rumored to be on the market, signed thru next year at a decent rate ($2.75), and shouldnt cost too much to acquire. I'd prefer a RH/RW.

Craig Smith would be probably the best 'check all the boxes' guy but it seems doubtful NSH will sell at the moment.

Palmieri is the pipe dream. I think he's exactly what we need. I'm a big proponent of getting a RH sniper for PP1 that wont kill you at even strength.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I thought about Miles Wood too but NJ probably is gonna rape someone else with their demands.

How about Marcus Foligno?

I agree with everything you say here (although not too concerned about the last point), but there will be hard, dirty hits resulting in concussions and injuries and it will be mostly the Pens absorbing them as usual. That's what concerns me.
- Hockey66

Definitely. Another reason to try to get a RH guy for the powerplay. Having a killer PP might be the only way to get the Caps off their game.

That said, they seemingly dont call charging a penalty anymore so in all likelihood we're just going to have to take our beating, turn the other cheek, and skate like hell.

My completely professional, super-long scouting report on Zucker so far:

I really envisioned more of a 100% effort, gritty, two-way player. I think those were my expectations based on what a lot of MIN media said about him and how badly GMJR wanted him. So, yeah, I pictured Tanev with better hands. He looks like a stringbean on the ice, much smaller than I envisioned, and pretty easy to knock off the puck.

First observations... other than a few bursts of speed, I'm not seeing the same Tanev/Hagelin type speed. Maybe partly because he's still thinking a lot on the ice. Maybe because he was described as 'elite' speed and I had unrealistic expectations.
Also, he has kind of an odd, upright skating style.

I really expected better hands. Maybe I'm spoiled by Jake, or maybe it will come with time...but didnt expect him whiffing and flubbing passes as often as he has so far.

Overall though I think he's a great fit for Sid and will continue to get better. Hard to complain about a guy who already was 3 goals for us (with Sid playing out of his mind). He's got a really quick release and good hockey IQ so I can see him being a great fit. He just has to keep finishing, especially with Simon on that line.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

I'm afraid I can't agree with my cohorts. This post feels like a backhanded compliment by the time you say he's a great fit for Sid and will continue to get better. He's definitely a great fit for Sid and of course as any new player gets more comfortable will open up, but I'm not sure what game you're watching, but he's already been VERY impressive.

-His speed, especially to pucks has been VERY noticeable.
-His cycling ability has been great.
-He's been not only creating time and space for Sid with speed, but also for himself.
-He's been constistently able to get himself in to scoring opportunities.
-He carries the puck with speed and strength, and doesn't shy from heading towards the net.
-He reads and anticipates at the level Sid needs which is something that is make or break when playing with him.