Ryan Wilson: Let's talk about the Penguins power play without Phil Kessel Let's talk about the Penguins power play without Phil Kessel

I like these old school RW blogs with a bit of the x’s and o’s. Wish he still did them.

Pens PP rank the last 10 seasons:

2018-2019: 5th
2017-2018: 10th
2016-2017: 2nd
2015-2016: 4th
2014-2015: 15th
2013-2014: 6th
2012-2013: 2nd
2011-2012: 4th
2010-2011: 3rd
2009-2010: 8th


Their PP in the Sid and Geno era has always been a strong area. Their 2nd worst year in the last 10 involved Phil but if I mention that I also have to mention the best PP in team history (2016-2017) involved Phil as well.

I think their PP will still be strong without Phil.

I like these old school RW blogs with a bit of the x’s and o’s. Wish he still did them.
- Victoro311

Me too.

Quite possibly the best blog of 2019.

Quite possibly the best blog of 2019.

Not a lot of competition.

Not a lot of competition.
- joecool2931

Yeah but even resident mouth breathers could learn a thing or two from this blog.

Thanks for posting the rankings, Matt. Way back when we traded Phil I looked at the numbers as well. I believe that the 2011 season or around there was one of the better PP units of the decade

In case anyone is curious (doubtful) in the first PP setup when the halfwall gives it down low and cuts to the deep slot that’s called “breaking the box” - he then rotated from an overload PP setup (3 guys all at or near one side of the boards) to an umbrella (3 guys curved up along the blue line)

I’m excited at the possibility of having a much stronger PP2 this year with the potential to ice: Galchenyuk, Petts, Schultz, Bjugstad, and Hornqvist

Did we really need a step by step breakdown of an overload, though?

Did we really need a step by step breakdown of an overload, though?
- Blackstrom2

Its much, much better than an overload of JJ hate...

Thanks for posting the rankings, Matt. Way back when we traded Phil I looked at the numbers as well. I believe that the 2011 season or around there was one of the better PP units of the decade

In case anyone is curious (doubtful) in the first PP setup when the halfwall gives it down low and cuts to the deep slot that’s called “breaking the box” - he then rotated from an overload PP setup (3 guys all at or near one side of the boards) to an umbrella (3 guys curved up along the blue line)

I’m excited at the possibility of having a much stronger PP2 this year with the potential to ice: Galchenyuk, Petts, Schultz, Bjugstad, and Hornqvist
- WSCTeton17

No sweat and I've actually been pondering the 2nd unit PP since reading this blog. There's potential for it to be pretty effective too.

My hope for this season is that the 1st PP doesn't get left on the ice so long, especially not with Sid and Geno in the back 9 of their careers. It seemed to me like a good few of the SH goals or chances against last season were after the 1st minute or so.

Its much, much better than an overload of JJ hate...
- MattStrat

JJ should play 20 minutes a night for ya'll.

JJ should play 20 minutes a night for ya'll.
- Blackstrom2

hahah nah, the Caps should claim him on waivers when he gets sent* down.









*They'll never send him down

Did we really need a step by step breakdown of an overload, though?
- Blackstrom2

I’d much rather see these X’s and O’s Then bias driven dribble that complains 80% of the time.

What I'm more concerned with, especially after last year, is the Pens PK. It was downright pitiful for long stretches last season. Pens are a team that historically take a lot of penalties but in recent years haven't been getting near as many PP's. Last season they were 25th in 5 on 4 opportunities (26th in total PP time) given but they had the 3rd most minor penalties called on them all while their PK stunk.

Here's their PK rank the last 10 seasons:

2018-2019: 19th
2017-2018: 10th
2016-2017: 20th
2015-2016: 5th
2014-2015: 3rd
2013-2014: 5th
2012-2013: 25th
2011-2012: 3rd
2010-2011: 1st
2009-2010: 9th


Can the new additions drive play and draw more PP's? I hope so but if the Pens end up on PK a lot as usual, are they going to help the PK?

I feel like the coaching staff think that JJ, because of his size and physicality (or attempt at being so), is good for the PK but I dont buy that at all. I recall numerous horrendous decisions and plays by him on the PK.

I like these old school RW blogs with a bit of the x’s and o’s. Wish he still did them.
- Victoro311

Well... then... tell him!

PP guys MOVING is the key here I believe... seems like the Pen's PP is guys standing around too much, and after the passing gets stale and doesn't move the defenders hardly at all, that risky pass comes out, and the defenders are basically waiting for it, and OFF THEY GO! Another SHG!

Blogs way too long and boring for me to read. I won’t knock Phil on the pp, but it will be a pleasant change if they could have a one timer threat from both sides. Keep sod down low.

Well... then... tell him!
- Cousinskrid

You think his ego actually allows him to read and consider anything submitted by his readers?

You think his ego actually allows him to read and consider anything submitted by his readers?
- jmatchett383

I think he definitely reads our comments.

You think his ego actually allows him to read and consider anything submitted by his readers?
- jmatchett383

NO, but... a guy can dream, right? I mean, today's blog WAS rather lengthy, and not a single word about JJ, so...

You think his ego actually allows him to read and consider anything submitted by his readers?
- jmatchett383

I think sometimes YOU could be him, covertly monitoring his own blog site as jmatchett, notorious Flyer fan.

I think sometimes YOU could be him, covertly monitoring his own blog site as jmatchett, notorious Flyer fan.
- Cousinskrid

Double response on same post...tut tut, hey Rino?

Blogs way too long and boring for me to read. I won’t knock Phil on the pp, but it will be a pleasant change if they could have a one timer threat from both sides. Keep sod down low.
- Grinder47

Very little mention of your dreaded fancy stats in this one, Grindy.

There's no pleasing you...

What would you like his next blog to be about?

What I'm more concerned with, especially after last year, is the Pens PK. It was downright pitiful for long stretches last season. Pens are a team that historically take a lot of penalties but in recent years haven't been getting near as many PP's. Last season they were 25th in 5 on 4 opportunities (26th in total PP time) given but they had the 3rd most minor penalties called on them all while their PK stunk.

Here's their PK rank the last 10 seasons:

2018-2019: 19th
2017-2018: 10th
2016-2017: 20th
2015-2016: 5th
2014-2015: 3rd
2013-2014: 5th
2012-2013: 25th
2011-2012: 3rd
2010-2011: 1st
2009-2010: 9th


Can the new additions drive play and draw more PP's? I hope so but if the Pens end up on PK a lot as usual, are they going to help the PK?

I feel like the coaching staff think that JJ, because of his size and physicality (or attempt at being so), is good for the PK but I dont buy that at all. I recall numerous horrendous decisions and plays by him on the PK.
- MattStrat

I agree on JJ, his advanced stats also didn't back up the idea he was a good penalty killer. Other than Schultz and Ruhwedel, he graded out the worst.

I'd put Pettersson and Gudbranson as the second PK pair since they play well together. Gudbranson is much better at net front than JJ, he actually moves guys instead of just forming a bigger screen.

I'm concerned about the forwards. McCann, Rust, and Tanev are all solid, but none are a Hagelin type ace. Blueger and ZAR didn't grad out great but are developing. Sounds like Kahun will get look but he didn't do much last year.