How would you feel if the Flyers and Habs won but the Pens lose? Could you ever wash it away?
- jmatchett383

I predicted that a few pages ago. I could 100% see it.

Bottling a playoff spot 2 straight years would be a tough pill.

Yeah, both the Wings and Caps aren't losing in regulation... And thats if the Pens even beat the Isles haha
- MattStrat

If the Pens win vs NYI, then DET and WSH could each pick up OT-loss points and we'd still get in, i.e. doesn't matter how they lose those games, we just need them to lose and for us to win.

EDIT: But of course the probability of them both losing, especially DET to MTL, is very low.

Oh yeah. It's actually kind of amazing to me that they're even this close to a spot with Jake shipped out and a 31st ranked PP haha... It's been a fun few weeks
- MattStrat

Jake being shipped out and bringing in Bunting has a lot to do with the spot they’re in though. That trade was a catalyst, like I’ve said Guentzel is a fine offensive player but somewhat of a cancer in the compete and and attitude department.

Think about it this way: With the Pens winning, tonight was worse for the Flyers than it was for the Pens.

I’m watching this fan appreciation night and a kid walked in wearing the only Penguins Jeff Carter jersey ever sold 😂

I’m watching this fan appreciation night and a kid walked in wearing the only Penguins Jeff Carter jersey ever sold 😂
- drummer829

Grinder has a son?

If the Pens win vs NYI, then DET and WSH could each pick up OT-loss points and we'd still get in, i.e. doesn't matter how they lose those games, we just need them to lose and for us to win.

EDIT: But of course the probability of them both losing, especially DET to MTL, is very low.
- MickV

Yes, you are correct about the OT loses. I just don't see them both losing in any way haha maybe one... Maybe

When you don't take care of your own business. The Pens crapped away a ton of points this year by collapsing late.
- madmike71

Yeah, they're definitely one of the top-8 teams in the East right now, but it was almost like they didn't want standings points in some games this year. If the season was a few games longer, they definitely make it.

Let's hope for a miracle tomorrow so that at least the NYI game matters.

I’m watching this fan appreciation night and a kid walked in wearing the only Penguins Jeff Carter jersey ever sold 😂
- drummer829

Why are full grown men out there getting jersey’s?

Yes, you are correct about the OT loses. I just don't see them both losing in any way haha maybe one... Maybe
- MattStrat

We need a miracle from the hockey gods tomorrow ... who are very real and I am totally serious about that.

I generally dont support a play in tournament/expanding the playoffs... but could you imagine if the Red Wings, Penguins, Flyers, and Capitals had to play each other to decide those final two spots?

Both Jarry and Ned are good goalies and definitely neither are significant a significant factor in most of the losses this season. Outside of the first line they are actually the team's strongest aspect. Ideally Dubas brings back both next season (resign Ned and don't trade Jarry).

The problem is much more how the team plays in front of them - frequently getting outworked for pucks and being out of position, soft defensive play by some defensemen (e.g. Graves), sloppy and/or high risk play by others (e.g. EK and Letang), and lack of puck retention and control by many on the offense, which puts added strain on the defense.

Basically, the second and third lines and all three defensive pairings are getting outplayed in most games. I don't know what Dubas can do about them but fixing these is much more important than changing goalies.
- PghPens668771

100% the goalie situation is the last reason we're in this situation. The problem is Ned has played himself into a #1 goalie and the corresponding pay raise to go with that. The management team has two months to decide who they want as a starting goaltender moving forward. Or Ned is going to the highest bidder.

We need a miracle from the hockey gods tomorrow ... who are very real and I am totally serious about that.
- MickV

I believe in the hockey gods as well....but also believe they've been mostly more than favourable to the Pens for a very long time now haha....and that the Caps and their -38 goal differential are getting better treatment from them.

Did the B's mail that in on purpose last night? hahah

Caps are 3-5-2 in last 10
Wings are 4-3-3


Pens are 7-1-2.

The Rangers would definitely prefer the Wings or Caps over the Pens.

Islanders lock up 3rd in Metro....with a -18 team goal differential hahaha

That's f'n bonkers.

The lowest goal differential of any of the West's playoff team is +21.

Did the B's mail that in on purpose last night? hahah
- MattStrat

I’m convinced they were. I watched the 3rd period for a bit and they looked terrible. Maybe 3 quality chances all period.

Damn… That OT record haunting the Pens. It’s been a fun couple weeks though.

If Dubas is serious about next year, he needs just a speedy, pure goal scoring winger who can finish games in OT.
- drummer829

After our last OT loss, Madden had Pierre McGuire on his show and he was asked why the Penguins never practice 3v3. These guys never want to say anything bad about Sully, so he started mumbling and stumbling his words because he couldn't come up with a valid reason why the Penguins wouldn't practice such an important aspect of the game. Then he finally admits, he's shocked they don't.

The same day, Jay Caufield was on "The Fan", and he was asked the same question with the same response. Completely surprised, followed by 2 minutes of trying to cover for Sully. Then finally admitting he has no idea why they wouldn't practice it.

Whatever you think of these two "analysts", it was kind of funny how they had no answers to why a coach would ignore a huge aspect of the game. Maybe a little practice/strategy and they have another win or two. You have to wonder.

After our last OT loss, Madden had Pierre McGuire on his show and he was asked why the Penguins never practice 3v3. These guys never want to say anything bad about Sully, so he started mumbling and stumbling his words because he couldn't come up with a valid reason why the Penguins wouldn't practice such an important aspect of the game. Then he finally admits, he's shocked they don't.

The same day, Jay Caufield was on "The Fan", and he was asked the same question with the same response. Completely surprised, followed by 2 minutes of trying to cover for Sully. Then finally admitting he has no idea why they wouldn't practice it.

Whatever you think of these two "analysts", it was kind of funny how they had no answers to why a coach would ignore a huge aspect of the game. Maybe a little practice/strategy and they have another win or two. You have to wonder.
- madmike71

It's pretty dumb but I can totally see Sully dismissing it.

OT has become a gain possession and Richard around until the other team gets trapped and tired. When it was first implemented teams would go end to end trying to score and it was exciting.

If they ever do interview for a new coach the first question should be how do you plan to beat the Bruins regularly?

It seems like for a decade now the Pens have struggled against that team.

If they ever do interview for a new coach the first question should be how do you plan to beat the Bruins regularly?

It seems like for a decade now the Pens have struggled against that team.
- Thorny87

Pens beat them 6-5 in January and may have lost to them in OT another time this season? They are the division winners this season and last year they were the best regular season team of all time. So, I suspect its not just the Pens losing to them a lot in recent history.

Did the B's mail that in on purpose last night? hahah
- MattStrat

I was thinking the same thing when I was keeping an eye on the score while I was at work, and yeah they probably did lol

Caps are 3-5-2 in last 10
Wings are 4-3-3


Pens are 7-1-2.

The Rangers would definitely prefer the Wings or Caps over the Pens.
- MattStrat

If I’m anyone I’m taking pens all day

If I’m anyone I’m taking pens all day
- 10inchTerror

No way. Not with Sid, and the team overall, playing the way they have most nights the past 3 weeks. The Leafs and Bruins games they weren't at quite same level but they've been playing really great hockey for the most part. Last night they a had a lull period in the 2nd but overall were the much better team at the final whistle.

There's been Rangers fans in here saying they'd prefer it not be the Penguins first round. Pens have the most star power and talent out of the 3 remaining teams battling for it. They also have like 15 cup rings on the roster haha

They're also +5 as a team as opposed to -38 ...Wings are +3

If they ever do interview for a new coach the first question should be how do you plan to beat the Bruins regularly?

It seems like for a decade now the Pens have struggled against that team.
- Thorny87

I think they're like 13-18-4 over the last 10 years. Not as bad as I would of thought, not great though.