We did it with Lemieux when he was having back problems. Of course that was back when players played thru injuries.
- Thunderbolt

Also it was Francis centering the line lol. Big difference between Francis and McCann. If we had say Bergeron or some center like that it would make me go, hmmmm.

We did it with Lemieux when he was having back problems. Of course that was back when players played thru injuries.
- Thunderbolt

At some point that may make sense for Malkin, happens to a lot of centers, but not yet.

So as of now when fully healthy:

Jake-Crosby-Rust
McCann-Malkin-Kapanen
Zucker-Blueger-Rodrigues
ZAR-Gudreau-Tanev

Realistically, I like that group of forwards. The big questions are can McCann an Rodrigues continue their level of play when everyone is back. I really like Gudreau to hold a lineup spot since he's been so good on faceoffs. Reminds me of Penguins legend, Mike Zigomanis

Could the Penguins make a move to bring someone in if the price is right? Sure. But I dont see anyone on the market who we could afford who is going to make the difference. I think we are capable of beating all 3 teams in the division. But we are also capable of losing to all 3 teams. Purely depends what Penguins team shows up.

Of the other 3, I''d want Boston the least. I think they match up well against us. I'd still prefer the Islanders despite their good trade for Palmeri and Zajac. Zajac always kills us, so he'd have a bunch of goals against us. Washington is kinda meh for me. They are the same team they've been for years. At this point, I dont think there is anything surprising about them. They are constructed well and play a good game.

Savard twice retained netted CBJ a nice return.

So as of now when fully healthy:

Jake-Crosby-Rust
McCann-Malkin-Kapanen
Zucker-Blueger-Rodrigues
ZAR-Gudreau-Tanev

Realistically, I like that group of forwards. The big questions are can McCann an Rodrigues continue their level of play when everyone is back. I really like Gudreau to hold a lineup spot since he's been so good on faceoffs. Reminds me of Penguins legend, Mike Zigomanis

Could the Penguins make a move to bring someone in if the price is right? Sure. But I dont see anyone on the market who we could afford who is going to make the difference. I think we are capable of beating all 3 teams in the division. But we are also capable of losing to all 3 teams. Purely depends what Penguins team shows up.

Of the other 3, I''d want Boston the least. I think they match up well against us. I'd still prefer the Islanders despite their good trade for Palmeri and Zajac. Zajac always kills us, so he'd have a bunch of goals against us. Washington is kinda meh for me. They are the same team they've been for years. At this point, I dont think there is anything surprising about them. They are constructed well and play a good game.
- SuperHenderson13

Fully healthy never, or very rarely, happens which is a reality for most teams, not just the Pens. That's why acquiring depth is important.

I'd absolutely take a flyer on Gusev with no assets required... But I figure a few teams might pick him up for depth. Thing is, he could snap right out of it with a new team and be productive again

What is the deal with RW ? He used to be a lot more consistent with his article production. Seems sparse these days.

Rumor mills going nuts over our waivers. Eluding to us trying to get cap space to make a move.

Rumor mills going nuts over our waivers. Eluding to us trying to get cap space to make a move.
- 123Kid

I’d imagine that’s the reason. Hex is trying to make something happen.

Also it was Francis centering the line lol. Big difference between Francis and McCann. If we had say Bergeron or some center like that it would make me go, hmmmm.
- 668710

Actually Errey was the guy who centered the line to which I was referring. I do remember Francis centering for Lemieux on occasion, but it was basically used the same way Crosby and Malkin are used.

I’d imagine that’s the reason. Hex is trying to make something happen.
- Rinosaur

Apparently the Blues are taking offers on Schwartz and that would be a sweet addition.

It wasn't just Iggy. The Pens made four big trades while the team was gelling like Magellan... it also didn't help when Crosby took an Orpik slappy to the chops
- Beatnic57

Crosby taking the slapper to the face was the primary reason. Secondly, was the comical use of Iggy. If Bylsma was a doctor, he would have been sued for everything he had. Coaching malpractice.

The Pens were a joke on PP and Iggy with his right handed cannon rode the bench. Bylsma was the most overrated coach in the NHL. Legend in his own mind.

Crosby taking the slapper to the face was the primary reason. Secondly, was the comical use of Iggy. If Bylsma was a doctor, he would have been sued for everything he had. Coaching malpractice.

The Pens were a joke on PP and Iggy with his right handed cannon rode the bench. Bylsma was the most overrated coach in the NHL. Legend in his own mind.
- madmike71

Once he didn’t have prime pens propping him up he vanished into the sun pretty quick

For a buyers market, Tampa sure did trade a poopload for an ok 2nd pair D. I dont care about the cap gymnastics, a 1st, 3rd and 4th for Savard is pretty crazy. It's not even like he is having a decent year.

I hope Tampa gets burned in the first round again.

I’d like to circle back to virtanen or possibly Iaffalo. Getting another lefty for geno would keep zuck and McCann together... and zucker and geno apart. Hopefully those waiver moves turn into something.

Crosby taking the slapper to the face was the primary reason. Secondly, was the comical use of Iggy. If Bylsma was a doctor, he would have been sued for everything he had. Coaching malpractice.

The Pens were a joke on PP and Iggy with his right handed cannon rode the bench. Bylsma was the most overrated coach in the NHL. Legend in his own mind.
- madmike71

2013 didnt work out because of the crazy end to the regular season which robbed any chance of the guy clicking. the other reason was that clown Dan Bylsma. Making a career hall of fame right winger play the left wing in order to appease James franking Neal is next level craziness.

That 2013 was a fun team. Shame we couldnt resign Iginla.

Fully healthy never, or very rarely, happens which is a reality for most teams, not just the Pens. That's why acquiring depth is important.
- MattStrat

I agree. If there is a cheap deal out there to add some depth, do it. my point was i dont see anyone available that we could afford that would be a difference maker for us.

I’d like to circle back to virtanen or possibly Iaffalo. Getting another lefty for geno would keep zuck and McCann together... and zucker and geno apart. Hopefully those waiver moves turn into something.
- 10inchTerror

I definitely agree on Virtanen. I think he will go cheap and I also think he will have a chip on his shoulder wherever he lands.

Hextall did the right thing by being forthcoming and saying he isnt likely to do much. He can wait it out until the last minute for a good deal and if there isn't one, so be it.

Trader Jim coveted the limelight and would make trades to make trades. Look at last year's deadline and how pissed the players were.

I definitely agree on Virtanen. I think he will go cheap and I also think he will have a chip on his shoulder wherever he lands.

Hextall did the right thing by being forthcoming and saying he isnt likely to do much. He can wait it out until the last minute for a good deal and if there isn't one, so be it.

Trader Jim coveted the limelight and would make trades to make trades. Look at last year's deadline and how pissed the players were.
- MacPatty

He made it so obvious he wanted Zucker and Billy G took his old boss to the cleaners when the deal was finally made.

No idea what Addison will become, but I'd much have Addison and our 1st and trade our 2nd for Hall than what we have now.

He made it so obvious he wanted Zucker and Billy G took his old boss to the cleaners when the deal was finally made.

No idea what Addison will become, but I'd much have Addison and our 1st and trade our 2nd for Hall than what we have now.
- SuperHenderson13

I like Zucker, but yeah, not only could we have Addison and our 1st, we could have signed Hall or Hoffman as free agents and still had our 2nd to play with now.

It's not that it was a terrible deal but he probably overpaid a bit and the market completely flipped.

He made it so obvious he wanted Zucker and Billy G took his old boss to the cleaners when the deal was finally made.

No idea what Addison will become, but I'd much have Addison and our 1st and trade our 2nd for Hall than what we have now.
- SuperHenderson13

Addison is the top scoring D prospect in the AHL right now

I like Zucker, but yeah, not only could we have Addison and our 1st, we could have signed Hall or Hoffman as free agents and still had our 2nd to play with now.

It's not that it was a terrible deal but he probably overpaid a bit and the market completely flipped.
-
MacPatty

Slight overpay, but it was a good deal. Trading him now at his lowest point would be a waste of a good player and an asset. I don't get the Hoffman love though. The guy is extremely one dimensional.

Addison is the top scoring D prospect in the AHL right now
- Feds91Stammer

He sucks

What is the deal with RW ? He used to be a lot more consistent with his article production. Seems sparse these days.
- Bradlee3

Dude mailed it in like 2 seasons ago.

Slight overpay, but it was a good deal. Trading him now at his lowest point would be a waste of a good player and an asset. I don't get the Hoffman love though. The guy is extremely one dimensional.
- burgh4life87

I agree that he is one dimensional but when your one dimension is sniping 25-30 goals per year I think there is value in that. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to sign him to a big money long term deal, but if you can get him for a 2nd at a $4m cap hit I think he could be a solid add.

I love having at least one guy in the bottom 6 that can snipe a goal out of nowhere, used to be Kessel, Hoffman might be able to fill that void.