Ryan Wilson: Mike Sullivan owes his player a better effort Mike Sullivan owes his player a better effort

Isn't this guy a career stiff who's Parents stole all his money ?

Hey look a blog about JJ.

Hey look a blog about JJ.
- Grinder47

Of course, not one word about Sullivan's other curious lineup choices and his refusal to change anything. This team with Ruh instead of JJ still has major problems.

Time to clean house. Sullivan, Recchi, JR. I hate to throw Martin into that group because he's probably still a good assistant, but give a new coach a chance to bring in his own assistants.

JR built this current iteration and it isn't good. We know he was the one who was gung ho about JJ and thought CBJ were "wrong" about him. Oops. He got lucky that a scout was pounding on the table to acquire Marino or we'd be really screwed. We needed a top 6 RW so JR got Sheary. We needed bottom 6 help so JR got 40.5 year old Marleau, and paid a relatively high price for him, too. All the while better options were going to other teams, many of which for very little in return.

We got swept by the Isles last playoffs, FFS. Wasn't that a sign that something was not right? Arrogance and stubbornness. Burn it the F down. It's way more than just JJ.

That 3rd d pairing looked terrible. Schultz and JJ both looked bad. I think it was a team loss though. We were up by 2 goals, there should have been no reason for them to come back. This team continues to show the same issues each game. The Sheary stepped up and answered his critics. Murray seems to be criticized and same with JJ. Murray answered the critics the last game.

I think the person hit it on the head in the last blog. They need to switch it up entirely and put the players who show the biggest effort out on the ice. Marleau needs to be scratched since he doesn't show that he adds much to this team.


If we lose this series it may finally be a wake up call for JR to say this team needs some work. I think Letang hasn't really shown that he is an offensive threat yet in this series. I think Marino is showing that he can be the real deal. Not saying Marino should be a top pairing player, just more so him and dumo seem like our top 2 d so far. I think our 3rd line and 3rd pairing d need big upgrades.

I am hoping we pull off 2 straight wins, but I think it is going to take some personnel changes and I don't think Sullivan will do it. I can almost guarantee he will end up keeping our forward lines the same, and he will just bump JJ up to the second pairing with Marino and Petterson down with Schultz...which doesn't solve many problems. Or he will sit Schultz over JJ.

Of course, not one word about Sullivan's other curious lineup choices and his refusal to change anything. This team with Ruh instead of JJ still has major problems.

Time to clean house. Sullivan, Recchi, JR. I hate to throw Martin into that group because he's probably still a good assistant, but give a new coach a chance to bring in his own assistants.

JR built this current iteration and it isn't good. We know he was the one who was gung ho about JJ and thought CBJ were "wrong" about him. Oops. He got lucky that a scout was pounding on the table to acquire Marino or we'd be really screwed. We needed a top 6 RW so JR got Sheary. We needed bottom 6 help so JR got 40.5 year old Marleau, and paid a relatively high price for him, too. All the while better options were going to other teams, many of which for very little in return.

We got swept by the Isles last playoffs, FFS. Wasn't that a sign that something was not right? Arrogance and stubbornness. Burn it the F down. It's way more than just JJ.
- Hockey66

I do have to agree with some of this. His trade acquisitions were garbage. I still hope E Rod shows to be something, but I agree. We needed a top winger and we got a few questionable players and a young player on the outs in Buffalo (which isn't really helping us currently). Sheary seems to be an average player who shows some flashes of being above average.

I do wonder when they put some of our staff on notice though. We haven't really won or shown to be a force in the playoffs. All the announcers talk in hopes the Penguins are their oldselves, but the reality is everyone is holding on to the illusion that we still have a Stanley cup team. Which I know most of you agree we currently do not have. The game has evolved and I think we have shown some positive improvement that we have improved from last year. I think we need to really look at this team and the future. I think we need to stop looking at the Marleau players who bring a veteran presence because Malkin and Crosby are that presence. I think we need to look at upgrading the D. I think we need an upgrade on our PP as well.

I think we have some young players who have shown they can make a leap to the next level and I think we need to embrace the future. I think that is Sullivans major flaw especially during the playoffs which might eventually cost him his job.

That 3rd d pairing looked terrible. Schultz and JJ both looked bad. I think it was a team loss though. We were up by 2 goals, there should have been no reason for them to come back. This team continues to show the same issues each game. The Sheary stepped up and answered his critics. Murray seems to be criticized and same with JJ. Murray answered the critics the last game.

I think the person hit it on the head in the last blog. They need to switch it up entirely and put the players who show the biggest effort out on the ice. Marleau needs to be scratched since he doesn't show that he adds much to this team.


If we lose this series it may finally be a wake up call for JR to say this team needs some work. I think Letang hasn't really shown that he is an offensive threat yet in this series. I think Marino is showing that he can be the real deal. Not saying Marino should be a top pairing player, just more so him and dumo seem like our top 2 d so far. I think our 3rd line and 3rd pairing d need big upgrades.

I am hoping we pull off 2 straight wins, but I think it is going to take some personnel changes and I don't think Sullivan will do it. I can almost guarantee he will end up keeping our forward lines the same, and he will just bump JJ up to the second pairing with Marino and Petterson down with Schultz...which doesn't solve many problems. Or he will sit Schultz over JJ.
- 123Kid

Sheary - a couple of good plays here and there doesn't mean squat. 2 goals in his last 37 playoff games, most of which with Crosby as his center (!), and 0 board battles won, ever. He should be nowhere near the top 6, especially not in the playoffs.

Murray - same with Sheary, one good game here and there doesn't mean squat. He is an average at best goaltender. This has been clearly evident for the past 3 seasons. Jarry has been and is a better goaltender right now and should have been / should be starting.

JJ - it wouldn't surprise me at all if Sully bumped him up to the second line because he is stupid like a fox. If anyone in the entire organization had any sense at all, JJ would never see the ice in a Pens jersey ever again, even if it means overruling Sully. This nightmare needs to end NOW.

Sheary - a couple of good plays here and there doesn't mean squat. 2 goals in his last 37 playoff games, most of which with Crosby as his center (!), and 0 board battles won, ever. He should be nowhere near the top 6, especially not in the playoffs.

Murray - same with Sheary, one good game here and there doesn't mean squat. He is an average at best goaltender. This has been clearly evident for the past 3 seasons. Jarry has been and is a better goaltender right now and should have been / should be starting.

JJ - it wouldn't surprise me at all if Sully bumped him up to the second line because he is stupid like a fox. If anyone in the entire organization had any sense at all, JJ would never see the ice in a Pens jersey ever again, even if it means overruling Sully. This nightmare needs to end NOW.
- Hockey66

I agree with your points. Also dont get me wrong about Sheary. In no way shape or form do I want him resigned following this season. I just feel we really don't have many RW options and unfortunately Hornqvist has looked pretty slow out there the last game. I hope we make an upgrade after this season and grab an actual top line player.

I feel the same way about Murray. I think Sullivan played his favorite players and didn't take his bias out of it. I think he should have looked at who looked the best and on what lines following the layoff period. Instead he had a 1st 2nd and 4th line in mind and who his starting goalie was. Which is fine when you look at some of the star talent, but not so good when you have a questionable 3rd line and questionable effort. Murray could have given up 20 goals to Philly and still started against Montreal due to Sullys bias. I hope Murray is used as a trade chip to bring back something of value this offseason (even if it is a draft pick). I think Jarry showed he was the better goalie this year. No doubt.

Biggest difference for me(however as an outsider without really knowing many details) between now and your previous Cup runs is the lack of that 3rd legit scoring line. The secondary scoring depth isn’t there, and I might consider a serious shake up of the line combos on those top 3 lines(ZAR-Blueger-Tanev should remain in tact as the 4th line).

Again I’m sure there are other issues and things I’m not aware of, but regardless I’m positive at least some of the blame should go towards the lack of a Cup caliber 3rd line.

I agree with your points. Also dont get me wrong about Sheary. In no way shape or form do I want him resigned following this season. I just feel we really don't have many RW options and unfortunately Hornqvist has looked pretty slow out there the last game. I hope we make an upgrade after this season and grab an actual top line player.

I feel the same way about Murray. I think Sullivan played his favorite players and didn't take his bias out of it. I think he should have looked at who looked the best and on what lines following the layoff period. Instead he had a 1st 2nd and 4th line in mind and who his starting goalie was. Which is fine when you look at some of the star talent, but not so good when you have a questionable 3rd line and questionable effort. Murray could have given up 20 goals to Philly and still started against Montreal due to Sullys bias. I hope Murray is used as a trade chip to bring back something of value this offseason (even if it is a draft pick). I think Jarry showed he was the better goalie this year. No doubt.
- 123Kid

Well, like madmike suggested, move Rust up with Crosby and Horny to Malkin's wing. It's worth a try. Speaking of Sully's "favorites," I'm thinking that nepotism might be clouding his judgment about Sheary being a top 6 forward.

Yes, Sully does appear to have his strong biases toward certain players and against others that defy all logic, reality, and common sense.

I doubt Murray has much value at this point. He is slow and has too many holes in his game. I'd be surprised if he gets better than a 3rd round pick or a 3rd/4th liner or a 4/5 defenseman.

Make the change in goal, press box Johnson, and put McCann back in the lineup or you may as well just stay home for game 4.

I'm sorry, but Sheary has been good this series. You guys are just hating on him for no reason.

Make the change in goal, press box Johnson, and put McCann back in the lineup or you may as well just stay home for game 4.
- Victoro311

Yup. The third line may not have scored in Game 2, but they were MUCH better than Game 1 and had a solid game. Obviously they need players to adapt and warm up much faster, but life doesn't work that like that that line probably just needed a little more time to settle in.

Where is T. Jarry in this mess?

Biggest difference for me(however as an outsider without really knowing many details) between now and your previous Cup runs is the lack of that 3rd legit scoring line. The secondary scoring depth isn’t there, and I might consider a serious shake up of the line combos on those top 3 lines(ZAR-Blueger-Tanev should remain in tact as the 4th line).

Again I’m sure there are other issues and things I’m not aware of, but regardless I’m positive at least some of the blame should go towards the lack of a Cup caliber 3rd line.
- SimpleJack

The 3rd line they started the series with had no experience together and game 2 started to look very good. Then the 3rd line C didnt play last night... The 4th line is pretty damn good for a 4th line, perhaps my favorite 4th line for the Pens in a long time.


Here's what happened last night:


1) Murray poop the bed. If I'm the coach I'm pulling him after that 4th garbage goal against. This could spark the Pens skaters and it also gets Jarry into game action for a look to help with decision next game...though part of me thinks Murray has been pre-determined to play every game no matter what....

2) JJ is horrible and while Murray was giving up rebounds he prob shouldn't it was usually JJ standing away from where he should be while this happened.

3) Sullivan's choices...and this could be linked to #1 and #2 but its deeper than that. For instance, towards the end of the game there was an icing call on the Habs, who were very gassed, and Genos line was rested...Sullivan rolled out the 3rd line with Laffarty at C that had been getting buried all game....

4) #1 and #2 sucked the momentum and life right out of the Pens. This is on all the skaters to respond the right way, they did not, still though momentum is a real thing in hockey and JJ's and Murray's play sucked the Pens away and gave it to the Habs.


If JJ is still in next game I might not watch it....actually who the F am I kidding, I'll be watching no matter what, but I wont be happy about it and will be expecting the worst. When you think about it, if he was never dressed in this series with his 5 outta 8 goals against while he's on the ice, its not that far fetched to think the series is 2-1 Pens now or that the Pens sweep.

Sid's bday tomorrow. Hopefully he can have a good game.

I thought foxes were pretty cunning.

Not a Pens fan but maybe some credit goes to Montreal. Price has looked very sharp and the big three on defence, especially Petry have been strong. It was mentioned the Pens bench lacked emotion. In a one goal playoff game? There does seem to be signs it's time for an ovehaul, but the Penguins as constituted should have enough to topple the Habs.

I've thought overall the Pens have looked pretty damn good through 2.5 games. About half a game last night has them down 2-1.

This team is quite capable of winning two games in a row and hell, who knows, if they do it could launch them into the next rounds. We just need a couple of lineup tweaks...they can still beat the Habs two times icing the lineup they did last night, but they shouldn't.

We'll see what happens. Pens have been on brink of elimination needing to win 2 games in a row a few times in the past 4 or 5 years and came out on top. This aint over.

We'll see what happens.

Not a Pens fan but maybe some credit goes to Montreal. Price has looked very sharp and the big three on defence, especially Petry have been strong. It was mentioned the Pens bench lacked emotion. In a one goal playoff game? There does seem to be signs it's time for an ovehaul, but the Penguins as constituted should have enough to topple the Habs.
- Hardbalz

They do deserve credit, especially Price. The team as a whole played their best game last night.

Not a Pens fan but maybe some credit goes to Montreal. Price has looked very sharp and the big three on defence, especially Petry have been strong. It was mentioned the Pens bench lacked emotion. In a one goal playoff game? There does seem to be signs it's time for an ovehaul, but the Penguins as constituted should have enough to topple the Habs.
- Hardbalz

Montreal's playing a good game. Don't want to detract from them too much, but also if the Pens would play to their potential, Montreal's best efforts wouldn't be enough. More blame rests on the Pens right now than credit is due to Montreal.

Of course, not one word about Sullivan's other curious lineup choices and his refusal to change anything. This team with Ruh instead of JJ still has major problems.

Time to clean house. Sullivan, Recchi, JR. I hate to throw Martin into that group because he's probably still a good assistant, but give a new coach a chance to bring in his own assistants.

JR built this current iteration and it isn't good. We know he was the one who was gung ho about JJ and thought CBJ were "wrong" about him. Oops. He got lucky that a scout was pounding on the table to acquire Marino or we'd be really screwed. We needed a top 6 RW so JR got Sheary. We needed bottom 6 help so JR got 40.5 year old Marleau, and paid a relatively high price for him, too. All the while better options were going to other teams, many of which for very little in return.

We got swept by the Isles last playoffs, FFS. Wasn't that a sign that something was not right? Arrogance and stubbornness. Burn it the F down. It's way more than just JJ.
- Hockey66

To be honest... it’s probably not “way more” than just JJ. He’s probably like.. 75% of the problem. Other problems are Murray, Schultz, and Sheary to a lesser degree.

Get rid of JJ and start Jarry from the get go and this would be a different looking series.

Everyone who said a third pairing can’t sink a team... well... 5 outta 8 goals had him on the ice. Sinkkkkkkkkin’ ship.

To be honest... it’s probably not “way more” than just JJ. He’s probably like.. 75% of the problem. Other problems are Murray, Schultz, and Sheary to a lesser degree.

Get rid of JJ and start Jarry from the get go and this would be a different looking series.

Everyone who said a third pairing can’t sink a team... well... 5 outta 8 goals had him on the ice. Sinkkkkkkkkin’ ship.
- j.boyd919

I think it was Vic that said last night something along the lines of the old boys club looking at and valuing stats like plus/minus and that should be enough for Sullivan to take him out of lineup next game....I certainly hope so.

I think it was Vic that said last night something along the lines of the old boys club looking at and valuing stats like plus/minus and that should be enough for Sullivan to take him out of lineup next game....I certainly hope so.
- MattStrat

It's a point that hit me pretty hard last night when Johnson was on the ice for his 5th goal against of the series. People refuse to throw away +/-, so why doesn't it get used productively to bench plugs? It's literally only used to justify being hard on players that the coaching staff doesn't like the playing style of. It's parroted as to why offensively minded rookies are in the press box, but God forbid a grizzled vet is on the bad end of a -3 night, apparently the issue is back checking forwards.

I'm not saying +/- should be taken seriously now because it proves a point about Jack Johnson. I'm saying there's a hypocrisy here and the stat should be taken even less seriously because of the way its used.

Make the change in goal, press box Johnson, and put McCann back in the lineup or you may as well just stay home for game 4.
- Victoro311

Shake it up:
McCann-Sid-Zucker
Guentzel-Geno-Hornqvist
ZAR-Blueg-Tanev
Sheary-Lafferty/Erod-Rust

Marleau sucks Richard. Bench him.
Bench JJ. Start Rikky.
Start Jarry.

Tinker all you want with the lines but JJ is the glaring issue.