That's legitimate top line winger production. I don't think that's going to happen. I'm expecting something like 14 goals and 32 points.
- Victoro311

We talking pace over a full season or actuality? To be clear, I mean pace, and I'll stand by it.

Think I'll play the prediction game.

Sticking with RW on Jarry. He could be great, or they could be shopping for a replacement at the deadline. Neither would surprise me.

Instead of the next JJ, Matheson becomes the next Simon where half the fans think he's great (for his offensive game) and half he's terrible.

Ceci pulls a Gudbranson and becomes passable in a sheltered role, but not good enough to get people to admit it who are firmly against him now.

Bottom 6 is better than expected as one or two players show offensive growth, but they still look for help at the deadline. But they get an under the radar type on the cheap rather than the bigger fish people wanted.

Bryan Rust takes a step back after a career year and people are too hard on him for it. Zucker picks up the slack.

PK is good but PP struggles. Rust or Kapanen will be better than what they often used last year, but they aren't Kessel and Hornqvist will be harder to replace than many think. (I will always say removing him from the top PP had a bigger effect than losing Kessel). Reirden had Kunitz last time in front.

Pens make the playoffs.
- Tojo.

Yea I like your call on Rust. I still think he's gets 25 but won't go on that 30+ goal tear he was on. However it will be alright like you said because Zucker will get 20-25.

We talking pace over a full season or actuality? To be clear, I mean pace, and I'll stand by it.
- Tojo.

Kap definitely could hit 25 goals in a full season. But more likely the 15-20 goal pace

Further on Kapanen. He scored 20 and 44 in 18-19 and scored at the same exact points pace last year though the goals dropped off.. Predictions of 35 would actually be a step back. While playing with Crosby and Guentzel, I don't see it. Truth is 50 is a very modest improvement (again talking 82 game pace, not that he'll get 50 in 50 some games).

Further on Kapanen. He scored 20 and 44 in 18-19 and scored at the same exact points pace last year though the goals dropped off.. Predictions of 35 would actually be a step back. While playing with Crosby and Guentzel, I don't see it. Truth is 50 is a very modest improvement (again talking 82 game pace, not that he'll get 50 in 50 some games).
- Tojo.

So you thinking 10-12 goals this year around 22-24 points?

Yea Probably 15-20 goals is more accurate. Dupuis's best goal scoring season was 25 with the Pens and second best 20(2x) only one with Pens.
- 668710

Dupuis always gets talked about like he was some bottom six guy that Sid elevated. He had legitimate production here. His game was just not flashy and that caused him to go underrated.

Dupuis always gets talked about like he was some bottom six guy that Sid elevated. He had legitimate production here. His game was just not flashy and that caused him to go underrated.
- Victoro311

I loved Dupuis, he did work and got poop done. He has a high hockey IQ too.

Dupuis always gets talked about like he was some bottom six guy that Sid elevated. He had legitimate production here. His game was just not flashy and that caused him to go underrated.
- Victoro311

In all the seasons he played before coming to the Pens he had Tanev-like numbers aside from one outlier of a season. Dupuis flourished next to Sid and I don't say that lightly. Flourishing next to Sid isn't easy. You definitely a certain type of skillset to succeed next to him.

That's legitimate top line winger production. I don't think that's going to happen. I'm expecting something like 14 goals and 32 points.
- Victoro311

To me, legit top line winger production is 50+ points. I'm anticipating Kap being a 40ish point player which IMO is 2nd line production or even high-end 3rd line.

Right and that's bad. Pettersson isn't actually expendable since getting rid of him makes Mathesson bump up to the second pairing. I definitely say Pets getting traded, but I also think the trade will likely make us worse.

I never have a great read on how much value prospects have. If POJ or Poulin are bringing back a big piece, what kind of draft capital do we need to tie to them? We don't have a 1st and I'm pretty sure we don't have a second either.
- Victoro311

I wouldn't necessarily call a middle six winger a big piece in terms of return.

It'll probably be a Sheary, Marleau, Ennis caliber player. 3rd line winger, can be a 3rd wheel on other lines.

Think I'll play the prediction game.

Sticking with RW on Jarry. He could be great, or they could be shopping for a replacement at the deadline. Neither would surprise me.

Instead of the next JJ, Matheson becomes the next Simon where half the fans think he's great (for his offensive game) and half he's terrible.

Ceci pulls a Gudbranson and becomes passable in a sheltered role, but not good enough to get people to admit it who are firmly against him now.

Bottom 6 is better than expected as one or two players show offensive growth, but they still look for help at the deadline. But they get an under the radar type on the cheap rather than the bigger fish people wanted.

Bryan Rust takes a step back after a career year and people are too hard on him for it. Zucker picks up the slack.

PK is good but PP struggles. Rust or Kapanen will be better than what they often used last year, but they aren't Kessel and Hornqvist will be harder to replace than many think. (I will always say removing him from the top PP had a bigger effect than losing Kessel). Reirden had Kunitz last time in front.

Pens make the playoffs.
- Tojo.

I think it might be opposite in terms of special teams. Good PP, average PK.

Think I'll play the prediction game.

Sticking with RW on Jarry. He could be great, or they could be shopping for a replacement at the deadline. Neither would surprise me.

Instead of the next JJ, Matheson becomes the next Simon where half the fans think he's great (for his offensive game) and half he's terrible.

Ceci pulls a Gudbranson and becomes passable in a sheltered role, but not good enough to get people to admit it who are firmly against him now.

Bottom 6 is better than expected as one or two players show offensive growth, but they still look for help at the deadline. But they get an under the radar type on the cheap rather than the bigger fish people wanted.

Bryan Rust takes a step back after a career year and people are too hard on him for it. Zucker picks up the slack.

PK is good but PP struggles. Rust or Kapanen will be better than what they often used last year, but they aren't Kessel and Hornqvist will be harder to replace than many think. (I will always say removing him from the top PP had a bigger effect than losing Kessel). Reirden had Kunitz last time in front.

Pens make the playoffs.
- Tojo.

Solid.

Mine....

Jarry will shine. His stick handling will surprise the national media.
Kap will pot 15g with 25a.
Jankowski regains a little scoring touch.
Pens trade Petts and POJ is starting in the first playoff game.
Guentzal will get the crap beat out of him trying to replace Hornqvist who will be sorely missed.....so I agree the PP will be spotty.

If the Pens miss the playoffs, their lack of commitment to sold team defense will be the culprit but people will blame Ceci and Matheson.

Solid.

Mine....

Jarry will shine. His stick handling will surprise the national media.
Kap will pot 15g with 25a.
Jankowski regains a little scoring touch.
Pens trade Petts and POJ is starting in the first playoff game.
Guentzal will get the crap beat out of him trying to replace Hornqvist who will be sorely missed.....so I agree the PP will be spotty.

If the Pens miss the playoffs, their lack of commitment to sold team defense will be the culprit but people will blame Ceci and Matheson.
- madmike71

I dont think Guentz will get the crap beat out if him. He plays a way different style. He's smart/sneaky about how he gets to the front.
And we all know it'll be JJ's fault.

We talking pace over a full season or actuality? To be clear, I mean pace, and I'll stand by it.
- Tojo.

I was talking minimum acceptable numbers for the upcoming season. If Kapanen cannot produce ten goals and twenty assists then I would consider that a disappointment, barring injury of course.

I was talking minimum acceptable numbers for the upcoming season. If Kapanen cannot produce ten goals and twenty assists then I would consider that a disappointment, barring injury of course.
- Thunderbolt

10 goals seems about right, 20 assists may be a little high.

Solid.

Mine....

Jarry will shine. His stick handling will surprise the national media.
Kap will pot 15g with 25a.
Jankowski regains a little scoring touch.
Pens trade Petts and POJ is starting in the first playoff game.
Guentzal will get the crap beat out of him trying to replace Hornqvist who will be sorely missed.....so I agree the PP will be spotty.

If the Pens miss the playoffs, their lack of commitment to sold team defense will be the culprit but people will blame Ceci and Matheson.
- madmike71

Haha I love that last one.

I dont think Guentz will get the crap beat out if him. He plays a way different style. He's smart/sneaky about how he gets to the front.
And we all know it'll be JJ's fault.
- 668710

Did you watch the MTL series? Weber and Chiarot beat the crap out of him (as well as other Pens) so he shied away from going anywhere near the crease. I won't say that's the reason he had a bad series (probably more to do with coming back from injury), but any opposing coach who doesn't employ this strategy is a fool, IMO. Why wouldn't you? Refs are old school and don't care, especially in the playoffs. Nobody on the Pens is going to stick up for him (or make anyone think twice, anyway). Horny would go there and get the crap beat out of him with a smile on his face.

As much as the game changes, hockey is still hockey and those who make hay the dirty areas come playoff time are the ones who succeed. Those who don't, like the Pens and Leafs, get bounced early despite the top-end talent. The Pens may have become even more of a perimeter team than they were last year. I think Sully and JR got seduced by the speed game and forgot about the other part.

I think Crosby's line would greatly benefit with another grinder. People compare Kap to Dupuis, which is fine, but remember that Kunitz was on the other side. We are now relying on old man Crosby to do all of the grinding on that line. I haven't heard that Kap is much of a grinder - rather more of a straight ahead speed / shot / cycle type player. I hope I'm wrong about all of this but we'll see.

So you thinking 10-12 goals this year around 22-24 points?
- 668710

Assuming good health and knowing Kapanen already will miss a week, I think that averages more like 12-15 goals and around 30 points. Potential for more if he ends up getting a lot of top PP time.

Did you watch the MTL series? Weber and Chiarot beat the crap out of him (as well as other Pens) so he shied away from going anywhere near the crease. I won't say that's the reason he had a bad series (probably more to do with coming back from injury), but any opposing coach who doesn't employ this strategy is a fool, IMO. Why wouldn't you? Refs are old school and don't care, especially in the playoffs. Nobody on the Pens is going to stick up for him (or make anyone think twice, anyway). Horny would go there and get the crap beat out of him with a smile on his face.

As much as the game changes, hockey is still hockey and those who make hay the dirty areas come playoff time are the ones who succeed. Those who don't, like the Pens and Leafs, get bounced early despite the top-end talent. The Pens may have become even more of a perimeter team than they were last year. I think Sully and JR got seduced by the speed game and forgot about the other part.

I think Crosby's line would greatly benefit with another grinder. People compare Kap to Dupuis, which is fine, but remember that Kunitz was on the other side. We are now relying on old man Crosby to do all of the grinding on that line. I haven't heard that Kap is much of a grinder - rather more of a straight ahead speed / shot / cycle type player. I hope I'm wrong about all of this but we'll see.
- Hockey66

I tend to agree with you on Guentzel. You can do that deal where you sneak in and out around the net at ES, but on the PP where you want to provide a constant screen, you are just going to get abused at net front no matter who you are.

It's been a long time since the Pens haven't had a guy like Malone, Kunitz, or Hornqvist on the top PP. Basically the whole Crosby-Malkin era. I'm expecting a rude awakening for Pens fans who took that for granted.

Well, well, well.....it's a fvcking game day. Holy sh!t. Wooo

Question- who’s Pens backup goalie? I thought it was DeSmith, but the Pens site and NHL.com list Jarry as the only goalie. ESPN.com has Alex D’Orio as the backup. Who is he?

I think it might be opposite in terms of special teams. Good PP, average PK.
- j.boyd919

Actually, I'm curious about your thoughts on the PK. Can't be because they will miss JJ.

Question- who’s Pens backup goalie? I thought it was DeSmith, but the Pens site and NHL.com list Jarry as the only goalie. ESPN.com has Alex D’Orio as the backup. Who is he?
- chimpira

Pretty sure DeSmith is the back-up and D'Orio is the 4th string on the taxi squad. He's an extremely long shot prospect, but they went with 2 goalies on squad just in case.

Actually, I'm curious about your thoughts on the PK. Can't be because they will miss JJ.
- Tojo.

My thoughts on the PK, even though no one asked, is that it will be improved over last season and perhaps majorly.

I tend to agree with you on Guentzel. You can do that deal where you sneak in and out around the net at ES, but on the PP where you want to provide a constant screen, you are just going to get abused at net front no matter who you are.

It's been a long time since the Pens haven't had a guy like Malone, Kunitz, or Hornqvist on the top PP. Basically the whole Crosby-Malkin era. I'm expecting a rude awakening for Pens fans who took that for granted.
- Tojo.

Depends on the PP though, if Reirden runs what he was running in WSH in reverse, he won't need Guentzel to stand in front to take punishment. He'll have him lining up in the mid slot as the bumper pass with Sid down load, and Rust on the left wall. Guentzel only has to head to the front when they use Geno's 1T.

Although I haven't seen any reports on how their PP structure is going. Has anyone seen it?