Easy Solution: Trade Crosby. Then it really doesn't matter how bad anyone else is.

You're all welcome.

Right, so Marino's relative stats to the rest of the Devils D are are not good...they're actually bad. He's the Devils second worst defender by a long shot. He's a soft defender who can skate well whos more afraid to shoot the puck than Tanger...this season Marino has taken 3.75 shots per 60 mins, Tanger has taken 5.35 (rocking a 0.00% shooting% at 5 on 5 and 2.27% all situations). I just dont see how Marino would be the answer for the first pair for Pens, or anywhere...and I know you said "Marino certainly isn't a #1, and he can't take the PP minutes" but if he were still a Pen, wouldnt taking away some of Letang's mins and him taking on tougher deployments make him the top RD/1st pair? haha

Last season I was for Petts/Marino getting more mins and Dumo/Tanger getting a bit more relief as well. However, I remember Marino not impressing any of us when he was top pair in his time with Pens and we almost all agreed he shouldn't be in that position. I think Petry is better than Marino in every single way except skating/speed.

Funny thing is Rutta was top pair the past few years and handled it well. I know, I know...Hedman/the Bolts...doesn't dismiss the fact he handled those minutes and assignments though...and if we want to say that a deep firing on all cylinders Bolts team helped elevate Rutta...lets say the same about Marino in NJ.
- MattStrat

I'm not concerned with the relatives. His raw stats are good for tough deployment. This allows Hamilton to be used in more offensive situations, which is what Letang should be doing if he is declining. Maybe labeling them top and second pair is unhelpful as Marino and Hamilton get similar ES minutes. Maybe offensive and defensive top 4 pair works better.

Top pair v second pair isn't really how I'd change it, just deployment. You could still call Letang the top pair if you really wanted, just even the ice time a bit and give Marino not Letang the tougher matchups.

In Pittsburgh Letang still gets those tough assignments while Petry gets used in offensive situations. I stand by that at this stage of their careers, if Letang could use a bump down in competition, Marino would fit better taking that role allowing Letang to fill the role Petry has. Letang and Petry to me both look like they both can do well in the offensive top 4 pairing role but not the defensive.

Marino's lack of offensive ability is irrelevant to my point, I just want him controlling possession while eating tough minutes.

This is where the argument stops with me. He’s not talented, he doesn’t do anything creative or out of the ordinary. He skated decent enough but I wish everyone would stop with the “tools” he has. He sucks plain and simple.
- Grinder47

I think he has talent (skating, shot), just no brains or determination. The fact he doesn't seem to know where he should go or care much is why he doesn't and probably never will live up to his talent. But our third line isn't good enough to keep him scratched either, at least not while he's on the roster.

Not a defense of him as much as how limited our options are. Kapanen can go away. But Heinen can't do nothing for a month and keep playing either.

I think he has talent (skating, shot), just no brains or determination. The fact he doesn't seem to know where he should go or care much is why he doesn't and probably never will live up to his talent. But our third line isn't good enough to keep him scratched either, at least not while he's on the roster.

Not a defense of him as much as how limited our options are. Kapanen can go away. But Heinen can't do nothing for a month and keep playing either.
- Tojo.

Brian Boyle has more natural hockey talent than Kap, other guys in the lineup are just smarter and make the most of their minutes. Is Rust allowed to do nothing and stay in the top six?

Good start, solid PK and a goal right after.

And POJ looks a little bit more like a perfectly fine NHL Dman each game. Never going to be a top pair guy, but definitely earning a full time gig.

Good start, solid PK and a goal right after.

And POJ looks a little bit more like a perfectly fine NHL Dman each game. Never going to be a top pair guy, but definitely earning a full time gig.
- Pags

ive been feeling that way too. i dont see front pairing potential there but a guy that can hold down a third pairing spot for cheap and not look out of place.

Good start, solid PK and a goal right after.

And POJ looks a little bit more like a perfectly fine NHL Dman each game. Never going to be a top pair guy, but definitely earning a full time gig.
- Pags

Practically the only d man that can skate the puck out with pace. I like his game. Bit of a rough start but like you said he’s growing with each game.

ive been feeling that way too. i dont see front pairing potential there but a guy that can hold down a third pairing spot for cheap and not look out of place.
- stayinthefnnet

Right now he looks very similar to Petts from 2-3 years ago. Knows how to use his length and stick, decent positionally and very conservative offensively. Hoping he might develop into what Petts is now.

How the hell has Rust earned first PP time over Rak or Zuck?????

Just fücking awful

This PP is soul sucking bad.

That was expected. PP is a poopshow with Letang/Geno on the points...now it's Geno and Petry who is way slower than Letang.

What's this crowd you're talking about Bob?

bad powerplay and continued caved in momentum. was only a matter of time.

Way to tie up the guys stick Dumo.

How the hell has Rust earned first PP time over Rak or Zuck?????
- Pags

Ridiculous that they keep putting him out there.

What’s the TOI for Blu’s line vs Craters lately? Has Sully realized they’re the 3rd line yet?

Either decline this PP or put the damn 4th line out to start. Put together a good shift or two and now that momentum will be gone in 2 or less.

Cmon Jarry

(frank)ing woof

Either decline this PP or put the damn 4th line out to start. Put together a good shift or two and now that momentum will be gone in 2 or less.
- Pags

Like clockwork

This team is so good at giving their opponents momentum after a power play.

And again a guy not tied up or even covered right in front. So glad Hex made all those D moves to fix that poop.

I'm not concerned with the relatives. His raw stats are good for tough deployment. This allows Hamilton to be used in more offensive situations, which is what Letang should be doing if he is declining. Maybe labeling them top and second pair is unhelpful as Marino and Hamilton get similar ES minutes. Maybe offensive and defensive top 4 pair works better.

Top pair v second pair isn't really how I'd change it, just deployment. You could still call Letang the top pair if you really wanted, just even the ice time a bit and give Marino not Letang the tougher matchups.

In Pittsburgh Letang still gets those tough assignments while Petry gets used in offensive situations. I stand by that at this stage of their careers, if Letang could use a bump down in competition, Marino would fit better taking that role allowing Letang to fill the role Petry has. Letang and Petry to me both look like they both can do well in the offensive top 4 pairing role but not the defensive.

Marino's lack of offensive ability is irrelevant to my point, I just want him controlling possession while eating tough minutes.
- Tojo.

Yeah.. I just don't think he's a needle mover at all nor would he be the answer. When the Pens are playing bad it's on a lot more than just the pairings.

Watching this game with a f'n fever... I f'n hate fevers