By the same token there has been a lot of talk about Gaudreau being available. In terms of fit, Gaudreau would be a better match for the Pens.

Not sure if the Pens would have anything of that caliber to offer but he would nicely fit that top 6 rw and left circle powerplay spot nicely.
- MacPatty

Dont want him unless he would commit to signing with us after we acquired him.

Word is that he is planning on going to Philly when his contract expires (he is from the area). Not sure how they will afford him at the rate they are going though.

The guy who does this blog has literally the worst take on everything. He manufactures narratives to make a stupid arguement.

This was a solid to good 4th line. Nobody has called them world beaters. If they can improve 3rd line and maintain the 4th they are in great shape. An upgrade over ZAR would be cool but they have bigger priorities.
- MacPatty

ZAR won't even start the beginning of the year with his surgery. Simon will be close to being back, I know he's not everyones favorite haha but he could help create offense for the third line if centered by McCann and the other wing Horny. Or as mentioned you could go Tanev-Blue-Horny line and Simon-McCann-Poulin. They really should just go for a top 6 RW first thing the more I think about it. I'm ok starting the season with those 6 in the bottom 6. Or maybe Poulin gets a shot top 6? Idk if he's ready yet

If you want someone to do grunt with skilled players, Jasper Fast did a good job on Panarin's line this year. He might not make it to free agency though drafting Lafreniere may change things.
- Tojo.

With what we got now, tanev is and I thought was meant for that spot(certainly his pay is top line plug). We may see some massive changes...bout damn time....but i can't help but feel 20-21 is gonna be weird and less fun as well.

Also, I think the nhl may have stumbled on a great idea moving forward...i kinda dig the dual host city concept for the playoffs. Cheaper..less travel amazing tv and virtual reality possibilities. The world's biggest sporting events are rarely on a stage where the teams play at home. World cup, superbowl etc. I think the league could make a killing of tickets vs what they do now. The demand around the two countries to goto a tournament would be through the roof. To contrast i doubt teams like Arizona and Florida add a lot of revenue even come playoffs time. In a normal world situation the families of the players are with if they desire..and it would have a world championship feel to it. Fans travel for the team regardless. I know a lot will disagree with me, but its not worth outright dismissal.

Also, I think the nhl may have stumbled on a great idea moving forward...i kinda dig the dual host city concept for the playoffs. Cheaper..less travel amazing tv and virtual reality possibilities. The world's biggest sporting events are rarely on a stage where the teams play at home. World cup, superbowl etc. I think the league could make a killing of tickets vs what they do now. The demand around the two countries to goto a tournament would be through the roof. To contrast i doubt teams like Arizona and Florida add a lot of revenue even come playoffs time. In a normal world situation the families of the players are with if they desire..and it would have a world championship feel to it. Fans travel for the team regardless. I know a lot will disagree with me, but its not worth outright dismissal.
- taleisyreXIII

You’re limiting ticket sales to two markets. Playoff tickets are expensive enough, now you’re banking on fans paying for airfare and lodging on top of the tickets? Cmon man lol

You’re limiting ticket sales to two markets. Playoff tickets are expensive enough, now you’re banking on fans paying for airfare and lodging on top of the tickets? Cmon man lol
- kfinl170

Just like fans do for other major sporting events yup. Id argue its a better investment to organize a vacation around a trip to the playoffs than a night or two away.

Also, I think the nhl may have stumbled on a great idea moving forward...i kinda dig the dual host city concept for the playoffs. Cheaper..less travel amazing tv and virtual reality possibilities. The world's biggest sporting events are rarely on a stage where the teams play at home. World cup, superbowl etc. I think the league could make a killing of tickets vs what they do now. The demand around the two countries to goto a tournament would be through the roof. To contrast i doubt teams like Arizona and Florida add a lot of revenue even come playoffs time. In a normal world situation the families of the players are with if they desire..and it would have a world championship feel to it. Fans travel for the team regardless. I know a lot will disagree with me, but its not worth outright dismissal.
- taleisyreXIII

The NBA, MLB do not do this. It's because of the amount of games played during playoffs. Can't even compare to the NFL. I can't speak for soccer because I don't follow enough, but if they play single elimination playoffs like the NFL, then this is easily dismissed.

Just like fans do for other major sporting events yup. Id argue its a better investment to organize a vacation around a trip to the playoffs than a night or two away.
- taleisyreXIII

What if the host city is Tampa. You have 4 games every other day. You think they are selling 72,000 tickets every other day? You’re banking on at least 50,000 people to travel thousands of miles every other day. 50,000 different people. Every other day. What?

Just like fans do for other major sporting events yup. Id argue its a better investment to organize a vacation around a trip to the playoffs than a night or two away.
- taleisyreXIII

What if people take two weeks for a playoff series and it's a sweep. Never gonna happen, it was a nice thought but...no

What if people take two weeks for a playoff series and it's a sweep. Never gonna happen, it was a nice thought but...no
- 668710

What about the season ticket holders for the other 14 markets. I’d say 90% go to every playoff game or close to it. Now they can maybe go to one? And that’s if they want to pay double than what their tickets cost.

The NBA, MLB do not do this. It's because of the amount of games played during playoffs. Can't even compare to the NFL. I can't speak for soccer because I don't follow enough, but if they play single elimination playoffs like the NFL, then this is easily dismissed.
- 668710

The future sports is entirely uncertain to begin with. The hoops fans will have to jump through to attend is gonna be mind boggling. I would argue virtual reality is a closer more realistic option to viewing games than what we used to have. The future of live events are forever going to be altered. The money in that will be huge. And I believe the casual fan isn't going to be going to games like they used to...it will become a rich persons venture....a safe persons venture..a vetted persons venture. And no one out of line will be allowed to put these multimillion dollar ppl at risk.

What about the season ticket holders for the other 14 markets. I’d say 90% go to every playoff game or close to it. Now they can maybe go to one? And that’s if they want to pay double than what their tickets cost.
- kfinl170

Owners would never go for it either, you kidding me? And games times being moved because of overtime and even to the next day?! Could you imagine taking a one day trip to go watch your team and it gets moved?! Ridiculous idea. Others haven't even commented yet but I'd like to see what they say.

The future sports is entirely uncertain to begin with. The hoops fans will have to jump through to attend is gonna be mind boggling. I would argue virtual reality is a closer more realistic option to viewing games than what we used to have. The future of live events are forever going to be altered. The money in that will be huge. And I believe the casual fan isn't going to be going to games like they used to...it will become a rich persons venture....a safe persons venture..a vetted persons venture. And no one out of line will be allowed to put these multimillion dollar ppl at risk.
- taleisyreXIII

When there is a vaccination, I have no doubt these buildings will be full again.

The future sports is entirely uncertain to begin with. The hoops fans will have to jump through to attend is gonna be mind boggling. I would argue virtual reality is a closer more realistic option to viewing games than what we used to have. The future of live events are forever going to be altered. The money in that will be huge. And I believe the casual fan isn't going to be going to games like they used to...it will become a rich persons venture....a safe persons venture..a vetted persons venture. And no one out of line will be allowed to put these multimillion dollar ppl at risk.
- taleisyreXIII

You drinking? I don't know where you live but here in Pittsburgh most people can't (frank)ing wait to get back to games,go to restaurants/bars like normal. This virus ain't gonna last forever lol

When there is a vaccination, I have no doubt these buildings will be full again.
- kfinl170

(frank)ing right, I think if anything people got a taste of this "virtual reality" and it sucks. I wanna (frank)ing cheer with 20,000 fans hear that goal horn going just the whole atmosphere of a game is amazing, no virtual reality will ever touch.

I still want tanev with sid. I always felt he was a bit of a poor man's kunitz. The moment he was signed i had him with Jake and Sid. Couldn't be worse than Simon or sheary.
- taleisyreXIII

I don't want him there as a regular fixture, but I think it can work in certain instances. I don't get Sullivan. During his Cup years, he regularly juggled lines. The past two seasons, he stuck with the same lines like they were set in cement. Really strange. His lone big move during the Habs games was Rust with Sid for a period and a half. Tanev should have been used in different roles. His speed and tenacity might have helped in the top 6 against the Habs. Sullivan really was dreadful. Shelf life might have been reached.

I don't want him there as a regular fixture, but I think it can work in certain instances. I don't get Sullivan. During his Cup years, he regularly juggled lines. The past two seasons, he stuck with the same lines like they were set in cement. Really strange. His lone big move during the Habs games was Rust with Sid for a period and a half. Tanev should have been used in different roles. His speed and tenacity might have helped in the top 6 against the Habs. Sullivan really was dreadful. Shelf life might have been reached.
- madmike71

For sure on sully, we will find out this upcoming season. I think they bought a year with adding all new assistant coaches. Could work but they just don't wanna fire sully so soon into the contract.

For sure on sully, we will find out this upcoming season. I think they bought a year with adding all new assistant coaches. Could work but they just don't wanna fire sully so soon into the contract.
- 668710

He was truly dreadful. It was a very Bylsmaesque performance. So convinced he's right that he can't see things that are obviously not working.

He was truly dreadful. It was a very Bylsmaesque performance. So convinced he's right that he can't see things that are obviously not working.
- madmike71

He should get fired for JJ's usage alone, not to mention all the other stupid crap. Keeping him around just because they gave him a stupid contract (if that's the case) is compounding stupidity. I don't know how Mario has any patience for him or JR at this point. All these new assistants is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

My prediction is that despite what JR said, no big changes will happen. He will be too afraid to deal #15 so he keeps it and drafts someone who won't be able to help for 3 years minimum, if at all. He'll make one FA signing for someone that nobody is thinking about or talking about. And he'll give him too much money and too much term. There will be some minor trade for a bottom six guy (maybe for Murray) who JR thinks is going to play in they top 6 (and Sully will put him there).

They will start the season with obvious holes to fill but JR says there were no good deals so he is going to stand pat until mid-season and see how things go. The Pens are in 2nd to 4th place in the division on talent alone for the first couple of months so Sully is safe. Then injuries happen so Sully has an excuse for a drop-off in play and he keeps his job for the entire season. JR says he will evaluate everything after the season.

JR trades a 3rd for wily vet Joe Thornton at the trade deadline. Then trades a second for some shrimpy fast guy who scores a fair amount in the regular season but has never shown an ability to score in the playoffs, but things will be different this time because he hasn't played with this level of talent before and a 2x Stanley Cup-winning coach.

Pens get swept in the first round, but this time by a good team, because they can't muster enough points during the regular season for a good seed.

Welcome to purgatory / no-man's land.

Pens fans: Admit that you can see at least half of these things happening.

If that stuff about Geno is true, there goes any chance of him being traded. No team is going to take him on for the price it would take to make it worth it on the Penguins' end. I didnt want to trade him anyway, so im good with that.

Phil Bourque said on Madden today that he liked Doug Weight as an assistant coach. I'm good with him since he is a big powerplay guy plus he seems like the non-yes-man that Sully needs on his staff.

I personally dont like the name "defensive forward" to describe guys in our bottom 6. If our top 2 lines are aging and slowing down, that just means our offensive ability needs to be strong in the bottom 6 like in 2016/2017. ZAR couldnt hit the side of a barn. Tanev reminds me of that guy in the Mighty Ducks movie who was all speed but couldnt stop. I like Blueger, but he is a 4C, not a 3C.

I think on the 3rd line, you can find a guy better than Bjugstad for the salary he makes. The problem is you have to be sure that FA target will sign with you before you trade Bjugstad.

This team needs some guys who play with an edge. The Penguins won 2 Cups playing fast with small guys, but sooner or later the league was going to figure it. Watching these other playoff games, they are filled with forwards who dump the puck, punish the defender with a hit, forecheck, and then generate an offensive chance. In the Montreal series, we dumped it in, skated with bricks in our skates, and the puck was out of our zone before we could do anything. It is quite clear the Penguins either refused to take Montreal seriously or had no desire to play.
- SuperHenderson13

Assuming you are correct, Blueger is a 4C and nothing more. That is the prevailing sentiment on this board.

He was seventh on the team in average ice time all situations. That is just plain wrong and it tells me one of two things. This team is full of fourth line players, or the coach is mishandling his players.

Now before everyone goes it's the coach as we all have been saying. Ninety percent of the people on here make excuses for having Simon on the top line. You can't have it both ways.

There is one player and one player alone who has consistently shown he deserves better deployment and has never been given the opportunity. I just want to see what Blueger can do with better linemates and better opportunities. I am going to go out on a limb here and say it isn't going to be worse than winning one playoff game in two years.

Assuming you are correct, Blueger is a 4C and nothing more. That is the prevailing sentiment on this board.

He was seventh on the team in average ice time all situations. That is just plain wrong and it tells me one of two things. This team is full of fourth line players, or the coach is mishandling his players.

Now before everyone goes it's the coach as we all have been saying. Ninety percent of the people on here make excuses for having Simon on the top line. You can't have it both ways.

There is one player and one player alone who has consistently shown he deserves better deployment and has never been given the opportunity. I just want to see what Blueger can do with better linemates and better opportunities. I am going to go out on a limb here and say it isn't going to be worse than winning one playoff game in two years.
- Thunderbolt

We could give Blue the chance this upcoming season. If Horny I still here and we bring back McCcann maybe let him center them.

What does everyone think about Ryan Suter being a fit here if we are still in win now mode?

Still a great, minute eating D that has offence in his game. While the downside is his cap hit, the actual dollars paid in the last several years of his contract are $8, 6, 2, 1, 1. So if the Pens are looking to spend less money this would technically fit the bill.

Would Murray, Bjugstad and Petterson get the job done? No idea what his value is in a trade but Murray and Petts would fill holes and Bjug would be a deadline rental option for them to flip for assets. Just a thought.

Fancy staters will do everything in their power to bash that line but they just simply work.

So Grinder, you think that 4th line was successful? There is a lot of credence to the "fancy staters". It is true this line took some of the defensive zone starts away from Crosby--which is a good thing. But RW is also correct, these guys dont do ANYTHING offensively. You cant have 2 wasted lines, and it may be easier to fix the 4th line than the 3rd...

Maybe trying a trap like the Canadiens of the 70's--and sending all attackers forward after the turnover-would be an answer. Unfortunately I dont see Sullivan going for this

So Grinder, you think that 4th line was successful? There is a lot of credence to the "fancy staters". It is true this line took some of the defensive zone starts away from Crosby--which is a good thing. But RW is also correct, these guys dont do ANYTHING offensively. You cant have 2 wasted lines, and it may be easier to fix the 4th line than the 3rd...

Maybe trying a trap like the Canadiens of the 70's--and sending all attackers forward after the turnover-would be an answer. Unfortunately I dont see Sullivan going for this
- Amanion

Oh dear god let’s not play trap hockey.

Pretty good inside now. Starting wall finishes this week. Cake work.
- Grinder47

Which GC do you work for? Our company has done the electric on roughly 50 stores over the last 15 years.