Ryan Wilson: Penguins predictions for 2020-21

No games with the Pens this year
It is always fun!

I like this blog RW but I'm surprised with your first one. Personally, Im not sure they're making it in this year. I know, I know last year they didnt make the playoffs but that was a bit different. The Leafs and Oilers didnt either, who would of if not for the Covid stoppage/play in round.

I think if one of the two headed monster goes down they're in real trouble, perhaps more so than any other year they've been together.

In saying all this, it wouldnt shock me at all if they went on a run in the post season, either. Its a crazy year again with a short season only starting up in January, very short camps with some teams missing days of it or players missing a lot, no exhibition games and the very real possibility of covid really bending teams over and perhaps even at very inopportune times ie the playoffs.

No games with the Pens this year
It is always fun!
- HenryHockey

Yeah, I'm going to miss the variety of matchups for the Pens outside the division...but also think there's something to be said about this new format and how competitive every game should be.

I'm shocked by the largely positive blog by RW. He dealt with hard truths, but not in a negative way. This is improvement.

I agree with most of what he said including the real danger that the Pens' playoff hopes hinge on the health of Sid and Geno. Obviously that's true of any season, but due to the shortened season it will be even more profound. This is where you wished the 3rd line had better talent.

McCann has shown the ability to man the 2nd line with success which is great, but if he has to repeat that then the bottom six will truly suffer.

It seems as though POJ is ready to step in now so you might as well deal Pettersson and upgrade the 3rd line.

Kapanen could completely flop and he'd still be a massive upgrade over Sheary and Hornqvist

Trade Peterson for Jack Johnson

Kapanen could completely flop and he'd still be a massive upgrade over Sheary and Hornqvist
- TheGame316

I cant get behind this one. Neither of those guys were/are flops....well except Sheary literally flopping on the ice from time to time....and Horny is still very effective at some things, just a bit overpaid now.

Kapanen could completely flop and he'd still be a massive upgrade over Sheary and Hornqvist
- TheGame316

Well this is just wrong, but I'm not shocked.

Can't argue with much in the blog. I think Kap will be good enough. If the top 6 can stay healthy (yes I know this is the Penguins), but if they can stay healthy, they'll be legit contenders. Rutherford will make a trade for a good 3rd line player at some point.

Can't argue with much in the blog. I think Kap will be good enough. If the top 6 can stay healthy (yes I know this is the Penguins), but if they can stay healthy, they'll be legit contenders. Rutherford will make a trade for a good 3rd line player at some point.
- madmike71

I don't think Kap will be a flop. I think the expectations of Kap just need to be realistic.

Looking at Matheson’s Instagram you’ll find he practiced with Letang in the off-season (2018/19). They are friends and exchanged a few messages thanking each other for the hard practices. I wonder if mngmnt asked about him from McCann and Letang.

I don't think Kap will be a flop. I think the expectations of Kap just need to be realistic.
- Rinosaur

A little better version of Dupuis. Crosby loves this type of player.

FWIW... I haven't heard anyone think he's gonna pile up the points. I think most people realize this was "fit" issue. "Fit" with the contract too.

A little better version of Dupuis. Crosby loves this type of player.

FWIW... I haven't heard anyone think he's gonna pile up the points. I think most people realize this was "fit" issue. "Fit" with the contract too.
- madmike71

I don't know enough aobut Kap's game to compare it to Dupuis. Is he supposed to be that good defensively?

To me I'd think Kap is closer to Phil's style and Tanev closer to Dupuis.

Kapanen probably won't have the offensive impact that lots of people seem to be expecting.

He's very fast but that's about it. I know everyone is expecting him to put up monster points if he's playing with crosby but when he was put on a line with tavares or matthews (season before last) in the past, he did nothing.

Kapanen probably won't have the offensive impact that lots of people seem to be expecting.

He's very fast but that's about it. I know everyone is expecting him to put up monster points if he's playing with crosby but when he was put on a line with tavares or matthews (season before last) in the past, he did nothing.
- danktrees

Who is expecting that? I think consensus at the trade was that it was a lot to give up for a guy who’ll struggle to crack 35 points.

I don't know enough aobut Kap's game to compare it to Dupuis. Is he supposed to be that good defensively?

To me I'd think Kap is closer to Phil's style and Tanev closer to Dupuis.
- Rinosaur

Kapanen and Phil Kessel are no where close to the same archetype. There’s a Leafs guy who keeps coming on here and comparing him to Grabner, and that’s probably accurate. He’s a two-way hustle speedster with a passable but not great shot.

Can't argue with much in the blog. I think Kap will be good enough. If the top 6 can stay healthy (yes I know this is the Penguins), but if they can stay healthy, they'll be legit contenders. Rutherford will make a trade for a good 3rd line player at some point.
- madmike71

I know we say “with what assets” every year, and every year we manage to figure out a trade, but I’m really at a loss this year as to what expendable assets we have that can bring in a top 9 forward.

Kapanen probably won't have the offensive impact that lots of people seem to be expecting.

He's very fast but that's about it. I know everyone is expecting him to put up monster points if he's playing with crosby but when he was put on a line with tavares or matthews (season before last) in the past, he did nothing.
- danktrees

No one is expecting him to put up monster points. That's Guentzel's job. Only so many pucks to go around on a line.

I know we say “with what assets” every year, and every year we manage to figure out a trade, but I’m really at a loss this year as to what expendable assets we have that can bring in a top 9 forward.
- Victoro311

Pettersson, POJ, or Poulin.

Yeah, I'm going to miss the variety of matchups for the Pens outside the division...but also think there's something to be said about this new format and how competitive every game should be.
- MattStrat

***from last thread, feds will return on the 2/4/21

Kapanen and Phil Kessel are no where close to the same archetype. There’s a Leafs guy who keeps coming on here and comparing him to Grabner, and that’s probably accurate. He’s a two-way hustle speedster with a passable but not great shot.
- Victoro311

Gotcha.

Pettersson, POJ, or Poulin.
- j.boyd919

I think Petts is the obvious choice. I think the Pens over-value Poulin. POJ on the other hand looks legit.....they'd be nuts to trade him. I don't think they will.

I think Petts is the obvious choice. I think the Pens over-value Poulin. POJ on the other hand looks legit.....they'd be nuts to trade him. I don't think they will.
- madmike71

Agreed on all fronts. They're in a tough situation with Poulin because him going back to juniors doesn't do him any good and obviously keeping him on the taxi squad burns a year of his ELC. Poulin needs some pro-level play.

The AHL rule is so lame. I'd love to see him go play overseas.