As anti-Johnson as I am and as ridiculous as it is that his defenders will throw out The “3rd pairing d men can’t cost you games if everyone else is playing well” excuse, I don’t think you can say if Hornqvist were a good option on the 1st line he’d already be there out of one end of your mouth while saying it’s obvious Johnson shouldn’t get a sweater out the other. Using the Hornqvist logic, if it were obvious Riikola was a better option than Johnson (it is), Johnson would be in the press box already.

If last night is the best the Penguins can do, they are better off losing this series and taking a shot at the #1 pick. Completely gutless. Typical performance where Penguins thought the other team would just lay down and die.

Murray wasnt the problem last night. He had some rebound control issues that I didnt like, but overall he was solid.

The powerplay gave up several odd man rushes. It is one thing to be bad at the powerplay and not get a lot of chances... it is another issue when your powerplay is ineffective in the offensive zone and breaks down completely which leads to odd man rushes the other way. Something has to give there.

I liked the Zucker-Malkin-Rust line. I wouldnt break that up. I would get rid of Sheary on Crosby's line. I liked Marleau last night. I'd happily put Marleau with Jake/Sid for a few shifts to see what they have.

Way too much puck watching in our own zone last night. Multiple times where both defenders got caught below the goal line. Multiple times where a Montreal guy was standing wide open in front of the net. Not a lot of good positioning for anyone last night. Forwards didnt cover when a defenseman pinched.

We either need to focus more on carrying the puck into the zone or we need to dump it more softly so the puck doesnt roll right to Price. There were a number of times where he gathered the puck, dished it out to the Montreal player streaking up ice and they broke the puck out even before the Penguins could set up a forecheck.

OVerall I dont have the sky is falling attitude that some people have. No doubt they can play better, but I think a lot of people underestimated Price and Montreal. They dont need to win a 4 game series, they need to win 3. Price could easily steal those games. a 12 versus 5 seed doesnt mean anything after a 4 month layover.

It remains ridiculous that the 5th seeds arent guaranteed to make the playoffs like the top 4, since the 12th seeds would virtually have no chance of making the playoffs. "Well then they should have no problem beating the 12th seed!".. No, shortsighted friend, no. Yes, IF this was coming right out of the regular season. Its coming off 4.5 months away from hockey, with ONE tune-up game. Its an absolute crapshoot to decide who can play for the Cup, while these 5th and 12th seeds EARNED their positions through 70ish regular season games.. But that's thrown away for no reason other than greed.. Cuz it sure as heck isn't for safety or the integrity of the game.
Its a joke.
And i'm far from being a Pens or Oilers fan.
As a Devils fan, we need Chicago and Mtl to win so our Arizona pick can potentially be 9th instead of 11th. Even so, it's asining these 2 series are a thing. If I were a Pens can I'd be pissed. Stupid.
- MartysBetter88

I’ve said it before, it should have been 20 teams. Top 3 from each division are automatically in. Two wild card teams play the two teams just outside the wildcard in a best of 5 to see who gets in. Would have been the most accurate representation.

What I took from last night was that this is still a team and coach who do not seem willing to make changes during the game when necessary. If your team goes 0-4 on the PP maybe switch up personnel a bit. I for one like Hornqvist on the first unit, and I also cannot stand the 4F 1D units...87, 71, 72, 58, 6 (or 28). Going 0-7 on the PP is as much on the coaches For not making any changes as it is on the personnel for not scoring.

I also do not see this team making any noise beyond this round if (I never felt great about this round to be honest) they make it. I do not see them beating the flyers either as I don’t think they play well against heavy teams...still

If last night is the best the Penguins can do, they are better off losing this series and taking a shot at the #1 pick. Completely gutless. Typical performance where Penguins thought the other team would just lay down and die.

Murray wasnt the problem last night. He had some rebound control issues that I didnt like, but overall he was solid.

The powerplay gave up several odd man rushes. It is one thing to be bad at the powerplay and not get a lot of chances... it is another issue when your powerplay is ineffective in the offensive zone and breaks down completely which leads to odd man rushes the other way. Something has to give there.

I liked the Zucker-Malkin-Rust line. I wouldnt break that up. I would get rid of Sheary on Crosby's line. I liked Marleau last night. I'd happily put Marleau with Jake/Sid for a few shifts to see what they have.

Way too much puck watching in our own zone last night. Multiple times where both defenders got caught below the goal line. Multiple times where a Montreal guy was standing wide open in front of the net. Not a lot of good positioning for anyone last night. Forwards didnt cover when a defenseman pinched.

We either need to focus more on carrying the puck into the zone or we need to dump it more softly so the puck doesnt roll right to Price. There were a number of times where he gathered the puck, dished it out to the Montreal player streaking up ice and they broke the puck out even before the Penguins could set up a forecheck.

OVerall I dont have the sky is falling attitude that some people have. No doubt they can play better, but I think a lot of people underestimated Price and Montreal. They dont need to win a 4 game series, they need to win 3. Price could easily steal those games. a 12 versus 5 seed doesnt mean anything after a 4 month layover.
- SuperHenderson13

I agree with all of the above for whatever that’s worth.

Montreal's only ability to win this series was on the counter attack... Everyone knew this, yet our game plan was to play high and aggressive thus providing the best opportunity possible for a counter... We played into their hands... great coaches adapt to what the opposition gives you and I don't see much adaption.
Consistently, two forwards were below the goal line trying to chip and chase/ grind. That's a no-no against a counter. You can swap players and lines but tactically you got to change. An early exit will bring on a coaching change and maybe that's what this team needs.

If last night is the best the Penguins can do, they are better off losing this series and taking a shot at the #1 pick. Completely gutless. Typical performance where Penguins thought the other team would just lay down and die.

Murray wasnt the problem last night. He had some rebound control issues that I didnt like, but overall he was solid.

The powerplay gave up several odd man rushes. It is one thing to be bad at the powerplay and not get a lot of chances... it is another issue when your powerplay is ineffective in the offensive zone and breaks down completely which leads to odd man rushes the other way. Something has to give there.

I liked the Zucker-Malkin-Rust line. I wouldnt break that up. I would get rid of Sheary on Crosby's line. I liked Marleau last night. I'd happily put Marleau with Jake/Sid for a few shifts to see what they have.

Way too much puck watching in our own zone last night. Multiple times where both defenders got caught below the goal line. Multiple times where a Montreal guy was standing wide open in front of the net. Not a lot of good positioning for anyone last night. Forwards didnt cover when a defenseman pinched.

We either need to focus more on carrying the puck into the zone or we need to dump it more softly so the puck doesnt roll right to Price. There were a number of times where he gathered the puck, dished it out to the Montreal player streaking up ice and they broke the puck out even before the Penguins could set up a forecheck.

OVerall I dont have the sky is falling attitude that some people have. No doubt they can play better, but I think a lot of people underestimated Price and Montreal. They dont need to win a 4 game series, they need to win 3. Price could easily steal those games. a 12 versus 5 seed doesnt mean anything after a 4 month layover.
- SuperHenderson13

I would put Rust with Crosby, Hornqvist with Malkin. This is going to be a battle in the trenches. Hornqvist gets under opponents skin and when that happens they will take shots at Malkin. Geno seems to play with a lot more fire when the games get 'chippy'.

I can't argue with anything else.

Montreal's only ability to win this series was on the counter attack... Everyone knew this, yet our game plan was to play high and aggressive thus providing the best opportunity possible for a counter... We played into their hands... great coaches adapt to what the opposition gives you and I don't see much adaption.
Consistently, two forwards were below the goal line trying to chip and chase/ grind. That's a no-no against a counter. You can swap players and lines but tactically you got to change. An early exit will bring on a coaching change and maybe that's what this team needs.

It's much easier to play a defense first/ counter attack game when you get the lead. The simple solution is to get the lead and force your opponent to press the offence. Getting the first goal will cure a lot of what ails the Pens.

Also the only pp goal Hornqvist was right in front causing havoc giving rust the opportunity to poke the puck in the net

Mike Sullivan, asked about the Johnson-Schultz pair, said the first and third goals should be pinned on back-checking forwards over-skating the play and allowing the Habs to go low to high.

“We have a lot of confidence in that pair,” Sullivan added. “They’re good players.”

Mike Sullivan, asked about the Johnson-Schultz pair, said the first and third goals should be pinned on back-checking forwards over-skating the play and allowing the Habs to go low to high.

“We have a lot of confidence in that pair,” Sullivan added. “They’re good players.”
- Tojo.

He needs to go

It remains ridiculous that the 5th seeds arent guaranteed to make the playoffs like the top 4, since the 12th seeds would virtually have no chance of making the playoffs. "Well then they should have no problem beating the 12th seed!".. No, shortsighted friend, no. Yes, IF this was coming right out of the regular season. Its coming off 4.5 months away from hockey, with ONE tune-up game. Its an absolute crapshoot to decide who can play for the Cup, while these 5th and 12th seeds EARNED their positions through 70ish regular season games.. But that's thrown away for no reason other than greed.. Cuz it sure as heck isn't for safety or the integrity of the game.
Its a joke.
And i'm far from being a Pens or Oilers fan.
As a Devils fan, we need Chicago and Mtl to win so our Arizona pick can potentially be 9th instead of 11th. Even so, it's asining these 2 series are a thing. If I were a Pens can I'd be pissed. Stupid.
- MartysBetter88

It's almost as if they had to come up with something after the season getting canceled because of a worldwide pandemic...or something.

Montreal's only ability to win this series was on the counter attack... Everyone knew this, yet our game plan was to play high and aggressive thus providing the best opportunity possible for a counter... We played into their hands... great coaches adapt to what the opposition gives you and I don't see much adaption.
Consistently, two forwards were below the goal line trying to chip and chase/ grind. That's a no-no against a counter. You can swap players and lines but tactically you got to change. An early exit will bring on a coaching change and maybe that's what this team needs.
- hipcheck_goalie

Oh, if only hockey was this simple.

Mike Sullivan, asked about the Johnson-Schultz pair, said the first and third goals should be pinned on back-checking forwards over-skating the play and allowing the Habs to go low to high.

“We have a lot of confidence in that pair,” Sullivan added. “They’re good players.”
- Tojo.

What would you realistically expect any coach to say when asked that?

The Pens need to get in Price’s face. I’ve argued this before in this season. We’ve seen games where the Pens did everything right and just can’t break the goalie and generally it was because they took most of their chances from the perimeter. Trying to set up pretty plays instead of getting their hands dirty.

Aside from figuring out the PP, they need make life hell for Price. Figuring out either one of those two things will bring them success IMO.

What would you realistically expect any coach to say when asked that?
- jmatchett383

Not surprised he covered for his defensemen. Only notable there because that means a switch isn't likely.

I am surprised he threw his forwards under the bus to try and take the heat off his defensemen though. That was unexpected.

What would you realistically expect any coach to say when asked that?
- jmatchett383

Well the second part about having confidence in the pairing is par for the course and what you’d expect a coach to say publicly. But he didn’t have to say the first part where he assigned the blame to the forwards. I don’t know why he’d say that if he didn’t believe that to be the case. He could have said that it was a tough break if he didn’t want to call anyone out or he could have said that the bottom pairing needs to be better in those situations despite his confidence in them. Given this statement and how Johnson has historically been handled the past two seasons, there is no reason to believe he is seen as an issue by this coaching staff.

Not surprised he covered for his defensemen. Only notable there because that means a switch isn't likely.

I am surprised he threw his forwards under the bus to try and take the heat off his defensemen though. That was unexpected.
- Tojo.

Agree, especially since it clearly wasn't their fault.

With regard to Sully when asked about the third pair, how about, "They need to do better and they know it. But we have a lot of guys who need to play better. This is a team game and we weren't good enough as a team." or something along those lines.

If Sully trots out the same lineup next game, then it's on him. 7 straight playoff losses says the coach doesn't know how to adapt. Just like with Murray, I think it's too easy to fall into the trap of not holding people accountable "because two Cups" with world-beater teams.

Agree, especially since it clearly wasn't their fault.

With regard to Sully when asked about the third pair, how about, "They need to do better and they know it. But we have a lot of guys who need to play better. This is a team game and we weren't good enough as a team." or something along those lines.

If Sully trots out the same lineup next game, then it's on him. 7 straight playoff losses says the coach doesn't know how to adapt. Just like with Murray, I think it's too easy to fall into the trap of not holding people accountable "because two Cups" with world-beater teams.
- Hockey66

The lineup will be the same. What matters is a tweak in strategy.

Agree, especially since it clearly wasn't their fault.

With regard to Sully when asked about the third pair, how about, "They need to do better and they know it. But we have a lot of guys who need to play better. This is a team game and we weren't good enough as a team." or something along those lines.

If Sully trots out the same lineup next game, then it's on him. 7 straight playoff losses says the coach doesn't know how to adapt. Just like with Murray, I think it's too easy to fall into the trap of not holding people accountable "because two Cups" with world-beater teams.
- Hockey66

The Pens have lost 7 playoff games in a row and in those games have scored: 3,1,3,1,1,1,2 goals. They haven't scored more than 3 goals in a playoff game since the Flyers series.

We can blame JJ and the goalie all we want but when is this team going to start scoring some goals which is their identity?

"Pens had 7 PPs last night including a minute and a half 5 on 3 and a penalty shot. They lost because they didnt capitalize on their many, many chances.

Hornqvist should be on the PP and Jarry should be in the crease. "

By what logic should Jarry be in the crease? They did NOT lose last night because of anything Murray DID or DID NOT do....

IF you Fleury-lovers showered as much vitriol at Jack Johnson--where it is deserved--as you did on Matt Murray, we'd all be better off and maybe the rest of the Pittsburgh media would be heaping the pressure to move Johnson instead of piling on Murray.

If you make the move to Jarry, you had better be right, because once you do there will be no going back to Murray. If wrong, you would guarantee a lost series.
- Amanion

By what logic do I use to want Jarry?
Rebound control, Jarry has it and Murray for some reason lost his ability to control where pucks come off him. Murray is rarely putting the puck into an area where the dman can make a play.

The Pens have lost 7 playoff games in a row and in those games have scored: 3,1,3,1,1,1,2 goals. They haven't scored more than 3 goals in a playoff game since the Flyers series.

We can blame JJ and the goalie all we want but when is this team going to start scoring some goals which is their identity?
- stevens87

Right, and Horny gets 2nd lowest TOI and 3 PP minutes against a goalie who stops everything he sees. Meanwhile, Mr. 2 goals in his last 35 playoff games gets top line minutes. That is on the coach.

Their identity, under Sully, is a finesse team who can only win with overwhelming speed and talent. When other teams catch up with speed and talent (especially in goal), then it comes down to coaching. Does anyone think last year's Islanders team should have beaten the Pens 4-0 and now this year's Habs team is 2 wins away from sending the Pens packing?

And yes, a lot of offense comes from transition from defense to offense. Who is better at this, Jarry and Riikola/Ruh or Murray and JJ? Not to mention they are just better players, period. In close games, if you don't ice your best lineup and you lose, then that's what you deserve.

Honestly, I hope the Pens lose this series. This team is stale as fvck and hopefully it will lead to JR and Sully going. We need a new identity and those two are stuck in the past. We have a much better chance at #1 overall than winning a Cup with this team and this coach. I know many will take offense to this sentiment, but whatever, this team is painful to watch. Same old shyt, different year.

Mike Sullivan, asked about the Johnson-Schultz pair, said the first and third goals should be pinned on back-checking forwards over-skating the play and allowing the Habs to go low to high.

“We have a lot of confidence in that pair,” Sullivan added. “They’re good players.”
- Tojo.

El oh el.

Honestly, I hope the Pens lose this series. This team is stale as fvck and hopefully it will lead to JR and Sully going. We need a new identity and those two are stuck in the past. We have a much better chance at #1 overall than winning a Cup with this team and this coach. I know many will take offense to this sentiment, but whatever, this team is painful to watch. Same old shyt, different year.
- Hockey66

JR and Sully aren't going anywhere after this season so you might as well root for them to succeed. However, I agree that Sullivan is clearly treading into Bylsma territory. Stubborn as fvck and his personnel choices aren't always based on merit.