I think I agree. If ZAR-Blueger-Tanev can continue to find offense that’s your third line. I prefer to bet on them and give Malkin a finisher. Then maybe you can try McCann back at C with whoever gets bumped down from Zucker and Kapanen to see if they can make a more offensively potent bottom six line to compliment the ZAR-Blueger-Tanev line
- Victoro311

I'm just not sold on that being a 3rd line that can contribute regularly, nor Blueger sustainable at 3C. I'd obviously love to be wrong about that because it solves a lot of problems without having to make moves. If there is connection between the Pens and ANA I would look to bring Derek Grant back. If this is to be the 3rd line moving forward I think he'd be a great 4C.

It wouldn't like cost a lot and they can still go after a scoring RW.

Honestly, what I liked the best was the puck movement on the PP. It wasn't just perimeter passing, they moved around to open lanes and then fed pucks through those lanes.
- j.boyd919

Definitely, and the caps don’t have a slouch pk either. As they focus on the low in tight plays that should bring defenders in and open up the point as well. Hopefully they remember to adjust to the open play regardless of how it’s going. But at least the drastic change is showing the coaching staff is doing something. Burke and hextall at practice has to have the coaches feeing a bit uneasy.

Personally, I think a 3C is the priority in a hockey trade, not a rental. Geno will find his way back and when he does, it will elevate Kap and Zuck. I think having quality depth throughout the lines is what's given the Pens success in the past.

The main problem is who is available to fill that role?

Getzlaf!? Rakell?!
- 668710

Let’s say there was an easy trade. Take lo of petts. Or Getz +50% retained for petts. What would be your preference.

Getz - final year of contract but could maybe resign for cheap if he likes it here. Big reliable centre, right shot but mostly a setup guy.

Rakell - 3.8m I think. Signed for this year and next. Plays both wings. Right shot, finisher.

I think that would be an easy choice for me actually. Def take rakell for 2 years vs prob Getz for 1. Getz would be a massive upgrade in a sheltered role as a playmaker for that line and is a very smart player but I think 2 years and hopefully + for rakell is the better play and letting Kap go down to mccanns line.

Your opinions?

Personally, I think a 3C is the priority in a hockey trade, not a rental. Geno will find his way back and when he does, it will elevate Kap and Zuck. I think having quality depth throughout the lines is what's given the Pens success in the past.

The main problem is who is available to fill that role?
- Rinosaur

I think eventually giving rust back to geno is the right play. Let zuck and Kap be the workhorses on each line with guentz and rust their to help Sid and geno finish. At least I’d do a couple shifts a period to see how it looks anyways.

I think eventually giving rust back to geno is the right play. Let zuck and Kap be the workhorses on each line with guentz and rust their to help Sid and geno finish. At least I’d do a couple shifts a period to see how it looks anyways.
- 10inchTerror

I just think the only person who can help Geno is Geno. He's done more with less in the past and while obviously not the player he once was, he has capable wingers next to him.