Ryan Wilson: Playoff scenarios and season milestones Playoff scenarios and season milestones

I hope the Pens trade that point-a-game bum when the season is over. It's time to get younger.

Thank you RW

I know there’s a week off before the playoffs start, but I would dress DeSmith. He’s far better than the average backup.

Don't forget the central division. 3 teams fighting for 1st on the last day!

I know there’s a week off before the playoffs start, but I would dress DeSmith. He’s far better than the average backup.
- Rinosaur

Agreed! Plus Chris Kreiden likes to run over goalies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAZ31mWd0hg

Don't want a Brayden Schenn incident happening again

I've never been a big believer in home ice advantage, especially in the 1st round. The important part for tonight is keeping everyone healthy and getting a W. If the islanders lose, great. If not, the Penguins are capable of winning at least one game in NY.

Johnson should be sitting for the playoffs. There is no way around it, but we know he wont. gudbranson has been better than I imagined he would, but johnson has been as brutal as imagined coming into the season. Pettersson or Maatta sitting for Johnson to play is insane.

I hope the Pens trade that point-a-game bum when the season is over. It's time to get younger.
- Rinosaur

That bum better score 5on5 in the playoffs or else... no juicy jumbos lol

That bum better score 5on5 in the playoffs or else... no juicy jumbos lol
- Jordy8

And Murray better make saves that count.

Thank you RW

Thank you for thanking RW

we know philly will roll over so Jordy&co will likely win. Pens better win tonight to keep that matchup with NYI alive.

Dumb question/thought... why isnt Gudbranson considered the odd man out once Dumo is back? "Reunite" the Petterson Johnson tandum and have the top 4 loaded up.


late edit: Realistically... who do we think is better overall, Jack Johnson or Gudbranson? Personally, I have no (frank)ing idea... Gud has had the much better sample size here, but also got a ton of 3rd pairing time and sheltered matchups... and I 'think' Johnson is viewed as a better player overall, even when they both are viewed as poop.

Dumb question/thought... why isnt Gudbranson considered the odd man out once Dumo is back? "Reunite" the Petterson Johnson tandum and have the top 4 loaded up.
- Guile

Going by what I believe the Pens' train of thought is, not my own...

Gudbranson was brought in for his size and physicality, something they felt they were seriously lacking. The fact that he's not only bringing that, but he's playing good hockey and is a righty; this why I'd bet on him staying in the lineup.

late edit: Realistically... who do we think is better overall, Jack Johnson or Gudbranson? Personally, I have no (frank)ing idea... Gud has had the much better sample size here, but also got a ton of 3rd pairing time and sheltered matchups... and I 'think' Johnson is viewed as a better player overall, even when they both are viewed as poop.
- Guile

Prior to coming to the Pens I would have said it's a toss up, but now I think Gudbranson is playing better and it's not even close.

Dumb question/thought... why isnt Gudbranson considered the odd man out once Dumo is back? "Reunite" the Petterson Johnson tandum and have the top 4 loaded up.


late edit: Realistically... who do we think is better overall, Jack Johnson or Gudbranson? Personally, I have no (frank)ing idea... Gud has had the much better sample size here, but also got a ton of 3rd pairing time and sheltered matchups... and I 'think' Johnson is viewed as a better player overall, even when they both are viewed as poop.
- Guile

- DeflatedPucks

I do not understand

Dumb question/thought... why isnt Gudbranson considered the odd man out once Dumo is back? "Reunite" the Petterson Johnson tandum and have the top 4 loaded up.


late edit: Realistically... who do we think is better overall, Jack Johnson or Gudbranson? Personally, I have no (frank)ing idea... Gud has had the much better sample size here, but also got a ton of 3rd pairing time and sheltered matchups... and I 'think' Johnson is viewed as a better player overall, even when they both are viewed as poop.
- Guile

It just sounds like the Pens feel the JJ-Schultz pairing is doing too well to break up... which is maddening. They should be loading up their top four, they just seem to think they are with JJ.

I agree Gudbranson has been solid and is better than moving someone else to their off-side. I agree with Rinosaur, he's doing everything that's been asked of him.

It’s not necessarily the corsi that bothers me with Guds, it’s the really poor turnovers that come from time to time. When they’re not there then he’s fine. Ruhwedel didn’t play much before he got hurt but I thought he looked really, really good with the ice time that he got

I do not understand
- Rinosaur

I think he is trying to be funny

I think he is trying to be funny
- Guile

I know he was trying, but I just didn't get the joke.

So, that new intro game sequence for the Pens? I keep thinking it's about to be a trailer for a thriller.

It just sounds like the Pens feel the JJ-Schultz pairing is doing too well to break up... which is maddening. They should be loading up their top four, they just seem to think they are with JJ.

I agree Gudbranson has been solid and is better than moving someone else to their off-side. I agree with Rinosaur, he's doing everything that's been asked of him.
- Tojo.

I thought JJ had a decent stretch of games a few weeks back, but he's been mostly brutal since. It's the age old issue where the coach is going to stick with a grizzled vet over a better, younger player. We've got at least 2 more years of this. Cullen is the perfect example... Sullivan hasn't even given him a game off since he returned from his injury.

I originally thought Petterson would have been the odd-man out when Dumo returns, but I think it will be Maatta simply because it makes no sense to have Maatta and Guddy learn each others tendencies on the fly as they enter playoffs.

Let Jake get 40!

I thought JJ had a decent stretch of games a few weeks back, but he's been mostly brutal since. It's the age old issue where the coach is going to stick with a grizzled vet over a better, younger player. We've got at least 2 more years of this. Cullen is the perfect example... Sullivan hasn't even given him a game off since he returned from his injury.

I originally thought Petterson would have been the odd-man out when Dumo returns, but I think it will be Maatta simply because it makes no sense to have Maatta and Guddy learn each others tendencies on the fly as they enter playoffs.
- madmike71

JJ has been better there and honestly Schultz deserves a little more of the blame then he's getting. But he's not that good and that he's a top 4 is nuts.

I agree, it looks like Maatta might be out. If it was Pettersson, I think Sully would have him and Gudbranson together now. Crazy to think of that guy getting healthy scratched.

JJ has been better there and honestly Schultz deserves a little more of the blame then he's getting.
- Tojo.

None of this is true.

I agree. Schultz hasn’t been great since coming back. I’m just hoping he’s playing like this to get away from JJ