Nobody was picking Kovy up for his analytics.
- Rinosaur

hahah so true

The last time Simon was demoted, when we picked up Zucker, he was back on the top line after two periods. I look for the same thing to happen here.

My Sheary-Crosby-Simon line was intended as a joke, but don't be surprised if it happens. Maybe before the end of the California trip.
- Thunderbolt

Just kill me now.

The last time Simon was demoted, when we picked up Zucker, he was back on the top line after two periods. I look for the same thing to happen here.

My Sheary-Crosby-Simon line was intended as a joke, but don't be surprised if it happens. Maybe before the end of the California trip.
- Thunderbolt

People need to understand that Simon being a fixture in the top 6 is a product of not having many options. Hornqvist has blown all his shots up there and seems best used on the third line, McCann has been a bad winger this season, Tanev has probably earned a look but he’s a really important part of a line with a specific role so I get why he hasn’t been moved, Bjugstad has been hurt and isn’t a top 6 guy anyways. If Jake had not gotten hurt Simon is probably not in the top 6 for such an extended period amount of time. Sheary will likely push him down, but then we’ll all be complaining about Sheary.

End of the day pretty much every team has to fill holes in their top 6 with middle six forwards. It is very rare that a team has four or more bonafide top 6 wingers.

Trocheck and Skjei are great pickups for them and will help them in the long-term.

Vatanen was a waste of time. They didn't give up much, but it was a wasted rental move. I'm not saying getting a goalie was an easy move to make, but that should have been their priority over Vatanen before getting Vatanen.

I won't be shocked if they finish below the Rangers the way things are headed.
- Rinosaur

I didn't like the Skjei pickup for them. He's been trending down the last couple years after a good start to his career. I think Rangers were happy to dump his cap hit and get a 1st.

Canes are missing their top 2 RD although I think Vatanen is also hurt. If he's expected ready by the playoffs it makes sense.

But yeah, I agree, not getting a goalie when you're battling for a playoff spot is a huge mistake that may cost them this year.

People need to understand that Simon being a fixture in the top 6 is a product of not having many options. Hornqvist has blown all his shots up there and seems best used on the third line, McCann has been a bad winger this season, Tanev has probably earned a look but he’s a really important part of a line with a specific role so I get why he hasn’t been moved, Bjugstad has been hurt and isn’t a top 6 guy anyways. If Jake had not gotten hurt Simon is probably not in the top 6 for such an extended period amount of time. Sheary will likely push him down, but then we’ll all be complaining about Sheary.

End of the day pretty much every team has to fill holes in their top 6 with middle six forwards. It is very rare that a team has four or more bonafide top 6 wingers.
- Victoro311

Exactly, I would say after Sheary, Marleau may get a shot as well at some times on the top line.

Exactly, I would say after Sheary, Marleau may get a shot as well at some times on the top line.
- 668710

I think Patty should get a look....wasnt he playing with Couture regularly this season?

People need to understand that Simon being a fixture in the top 6 is a product of not having many options. Hornqvist has blown all his shots up there and seems best used on the third line, McCann has been a bad winger this season, Tanev has probably earned a look but he’s a really important part of a line with a specific role so I get why he hasn’t been moved, Bjugstad has been hurt and isn’t a top 6 guy anyways. If Jake had not gotten hurt Simon is probably not in the top 6 for such an extended period amount of time. Sheary will likely push him down, but then we’ll all be complaining about Sheary.

End of the day pretty much every team has to fill holes in their top 6 with middle six forwards. It is very rare that a team has four or more bonafide top 6 wingers.
- Victoro311

I think this move might have been done with an eye on next year as well. When Guentzel is back, the one opening is Sid's RW in the top 6. If there isn't a clear favorite, they can rotate Sheary, Simon, and Hornqvist in baaed on matchup and who's hot. Sheary may be a UFA, but if they offer a fair deal he probably signs.

People need to understand that Simon being a fixture in the top 6 is a product of not having many options. Hornqvist has blown all his shots up there and seems best used on the third line, McCann has been a bad winger this season, Tanev has probably earned a look but he’s a really important part of a line with a specific role so I get why he hasn’t been moved, Bjugstad has been hurt and isn’t a top 6 guy anyways. If Jake had not gotten hurt Simon is probably not in the top 6 for such an extended period amount of time. Sheary will likely push him down, but then we’ll all be complaining about Sheary.

End of the day pretty much every team has to fill holes in their top 6 with middle six forwards. It is very rare that a team has four or more bonafide top 6 wingers.
- Victoro311

People just have unjustified Simon hate and they wont take off their hate shades.

People need to understand that Simon being a fixture in the top 6 is a product of not having many options. Hornqvist has blown all his shots up there and seems best used on the third line, McCann has been a bad winger this season, Tanev has probably earned a look but he’s a really important part of a line with a specific role so I get why he hasn’t been moved, Bjugstad has been hurt and isn’t a top 6 guy anyways. If Jake had not gotten hurt Simon is probably not in the top 6 for such an extended period amount of time. Sheary will likely push him down, but then we’ll all be complaining about Sheary.

End of the day pretty much every team has to fill holes in their top 6 with middle six forwards. It is very rare that a team has four or more bonafide top 6 wingers.
- Victoro311

I don't see where that statement is true. Last year yes, not this year. He has 15 goals in 44 games, has not had a prolonged slump and is third on the team 5v5, second if you discount Bjugstad.

I get the move him off the top six in certain games sentiment. And that is fine, nobody is exempt from that move except the very top players. Hornqvist and Rust should be the top two right wings on this team. Period.

I don't see where that statement is true. Last year yes, not this year. He has 15 goals in 44 games, has not had a prolonged slump and is third on the team 5v5, second if you discount Bjugstad.

I get the move him off the top six in certain games sentiment. And that is fine, nobody is exempt from that move except the very top players. Hornqvist and Rust should be the top two right wings on this team. Period.
- Thunderbolt

I agree. I do remember hearing that Sid is not fond of skating with Hornqvist. The post if the 43-87-12 line is hilarious and sadly probably will be seen in the not so distant future. Sullivan loves these guys with Sid and I think he does as well. I do think that any idea that upon Guentzel’s return he won’t be with Sid is crazy. Yes he had success with Geno but he was at a different level playing with Sid.

Side bar, Marino made comment that he was at the end of week two of a mandatory 3 week injury. Is that IR related or Doctor mandated? I ask this because Tocchet and Chara broke jaws and certainly didn’t miss 3 weeks.

The last time Simon was demoted, when we picked up Zucker, he was back on the top line after two periods. I look for the same thing to happen here.

My Sheary-Crosby-Simon line was intended as a joke, but don't be surprised if it happens. Maybe before the end of the California trip.
- Thunderbolt

Malkin probably loves that idea so he can add Zucker as his winger.

I agree. I do remember hearing that Sid is not fond of skating with Hornqvist. The post if the 43-87-12 line is hilarious and sadly probably will be seen in the not so distant future. Sullivan loves these guys with Sid and I think he does as well. I do think that any idea that upon Guentzel’s return he won’t be with Sid is crazy. Yes he had success with Geno but he was at a different level playing with Sid.

Side bar, Marino made comment that he was at the end of week two of a mandatory 3 week injury. Is that IR related or Doctor mandated? I ask this because Tocchet and Chara broke jaws and certainly didn’t miss 3 weeks.
- Doogs

It was my impression that it is medical mandated.

I agree. I do remember hearing that Sid is not fond of skating with Hornqvist. The post if the 43-87-12 line is hilarious and sadly probably will be seen in the not so distant future. Sullivan loves these guys with Sid and I think he does as well. I do think that any idea that upon Guentzel’s return he won’t be with Sid is crazy. Yes he had success with Geno but he was at a different level playing with Sid.

Side bar, Marino made comment that he was at the end of week two of a mandatory 3 week injury. Is that IR related or Doctor mandated? I ask this because Tocchet and Chara broke jaws and certainly didn’t miss 3 weeks.
- Doogs

As far as I know jaws can be wired shut but cheeks have to heal on their own so to speak.

I agree. I do remember hearing that Sid is not fond of skating with Hornqvist. The post if the 43-87-12 line is hilarious and sadly probably will be seen in the not so distant future. Sullivan loves these guys with Sid and I think he does as well. I do think that any idea that upon Guentzel’s return he won’t be with Sid is crazy. Yes he had success with Geno but he was at a different level playing with Sid.

Side bar, Marino made comment that he was at the end of week two of a mandatory 3 week injury. Is that IR related or Doctor mandated? I ask this because Tocchet and Chara broke jaws and certainly didn’t miss 3 weeks.
- Doogs

That one playoff year I think 2018 when Sid/Guentz played only 2 rounds and had like 20 something points was the best those two ever played together. If one other line would have stepped up we could have advanced to the third round haha

I don't see where that statement is true. Last year yes, not this year. He has 15 goals in 44 games, has not had a prolonged slump and is third on the team 5v5, second if you discount Bjugstad.

I get the move him off the top six in certain games sentiment. And that is fine, nobody is exempt from that move except the very top players. Hornqvist and Rust should be the top two right wings on this team. Period.
- Thunderbolt

But it's not just about an individual scoring goals. There is so much else that relates to being the type of winger that compliments a top 6. Hornqvist used to be that guy, but hasn't been in a few years. He doesn't carry the puck up ice, his zone entries are mostly dump ins, and he is not a great give and go player that move the puck around the offensive zone well. Crosby utilizes those wingers to his advantage, to open up space, and that's not Horny's game. He is a crash and bang player that works better with a center who prefers to rag that puck around himself. He isn't a fit.

I think this move might have been done with an eye on next year as well. When Guentzel is back, the one opening is Sid's RW in the top 6. If there isn't a clear favorite, they can rotate Sheary, Simon, and Hornqvist in baaed on matchup and who's hot. Sheary may be a UFA, but if they offer a fair deal he probably signs.
- Tojo.

I think there's a real possibility the upcoming playoffs will expose our weakness at RW and Rutherford will have to reassess his options after the season. We have Rust and Hornqvist as capable guys, but Hornie is obviously becoming a "spot" top 6 guy these days. Simon and Sheary just don't score enough to be playing with your best center. They each have different attributes, but are fundamentally flawed for a regular top 6 slot. JR will have to go outside the system to find another RH shot.....JMO.

That one playoff year I think 2018 when Sid/Guentz played only 2 rounds and had like 20 something points was the best those two ever played together. If one other line would have stepped up we could have advanced to the third round haha
- 668710

Guess who was the RW for most of those points....Hornie. I'll never forget Sullivan's ridiculous decision to move Hornie to the second line in the Caps series. Malkin was really banged up and Sid's line basically carried them until Sully f'd up. They all went cold after that. I still can't believe he didn't take any heat over it.

I think there's a real possibility the upcoming playoffs will expose our weakness at RW and Rutherford will have to reassess his options after the season. We have Rust and Hornqvist as capable guys, but Hornie is obviously becoming a "spot" top 6 guy these days. Simon and Sheary just don't score enough to be playing with your best center. They each have different attributes, but are fundamentally flawed for a regular top 6 slot. JR will have to go outside the system to find another RH shot.....JMO.
- madmike71

Yea I think so too. Maybe a Rakell draft trade.

Guess who was the RW for most of those points....Hornie. I'll never forget Sullivan's ridiculous decision to move Hornie to the second line in the Caps series. Malkin was really banged up and Sid's line basically carried them until Sully f'd up. They all went cold after that. I still can't believe he didn't take any heat over it.
- madmike71

Yea he does do stuff like that when a player is hot and move him, that's one of Sully's warts.

Guess who was the RW for most of those points....Hornie. I'll never forget Sullivan's ridiculous decision to move Hornie to the second line in the Caps series. Malkin was really banged up and Sid's line basically carried them until Sully f'd up. They all went cold after that. I still can't believe he didn't take any heat over it.
- madmike71

Why can't Tanev be tried with Sid or Geno? He has more goals than Simon while playing on the bottom line. I don't get the fascination in Simon.

Yea he does do stuff like that when a player is hot and move him, that's one of Sully's warts.
- 668710

All coaches make mistakes, but I think that was Sully's single worst move as the Penguins coach. It made zero sense. Guentz, Sid and Hornie were insanely hot. Every shift they were dominant. If I had to guess, he was trying to get Geno going who was struggling with a leg injury (I believe). Should have waited until they cooled down before separating them.

But it's not just about an individual scoring goals. There is so much else that relates to being the type of winger that compliments a top 6. Hornqvist used to be that guy, but hasn't been in a few years. He doesn't carry the puck up ice, his zone entries are mostly dump ins, and he is not a great give and go player that move the puck around the offensive zone well. Crosby utilizes those wingers to his advantage, to open up space, and that's not Horny's game. He is a crash and bang player that works better with a center who prefers to rag that puck around himself. He isn't a fit.
- burgh4life87

I agree, not a great fit with Sid except spot duty. But that works for Malkin. And I can't just ignore the scoring. 13 ES goals in 44 games is alot. At least as a 3rd wheel. I've always thought Malkin was best with one guy who plays down low and creates space and one guy who can work the skill game with him.

Hornqvist might not be perfectly ideal at this point, but with the options we have he's among the best.

People just have unjustified Simon hate and they wont take off their hate shades.
- MattStrat

What are his numbers since Zucker came? I thought he's looked good on that line. The first game he played with Zucker and Sid he was absolutely flying.

What are that lines numbers in general since being formed? I haven't seen anyone post them yet.

I agree, not a great fit with Sid except spot duty. But that works for Malkin. And I can't just ignore the scoring. 13 ES goals in 44 games is alot. At least as a 3rd wheel. I've always thought Malkin was best with one guy who plays down low and creates space and one guy who can work the skill game with him.

Hornqvist might not be perfectly ideal at this point, but with the options we have he's among the best.
- Tojo.

That's why I was advocating Sheary-Geno-Horny. And you're right, look at when he's at his best.. Malone-Geno-Sykora, then the next year Fedotenko-Geno-Sykora. The year he really killed it Kunitz-Geno-Neal. He likes having that guy that finds open spaces and shoots but for it to work you need that guy driving the net. Really think they should give that line a go and Simon/Marleau/Rust can swap 1st and 3rd line duties. End rant lol.

All coaches make mistakes, but I think that was Sully's single worst move as the Penguins coach. It made zero sense. Guentz, Sid and Hornie were insanely hot. Every shift they were dominant. If I had to guess, he was trying to get Geno going who was struggling with a leg injury (I believe). Should have waited until they cooled down before separating them.
- madmike71

Agreed