Ryan Wilson: Time to get some answers Time to get some answers

That Zucker trade is looking worse and worse.

How long does it take for the owners to watch both players sink this team before they change their mind on each retiring a Penguin?
- 123Kid


I've heard two Burke interviews in the last couple of days. He was asked point blank "who's untouchable on this team?" The only name he said was Sid. Yes, it was obvious he knew what he was saying about Geno and Letang.

He was asked another question about the future. He said something about trying to get this team to win this season, but basically said next season there will be changes. Intimating substantial changes.

I'm convinced they'll nibble around the edges with a fringe addition or two, but won't go "all in" like Rutherford would. The more I watch this team, the more this makes sense.

I'm no longer convinced Geno or Letang will play out their contracts with the Penguins. It doesn't help that they're playing like complete sh!t. Dumpster fire stuff at times.

That Zucker trade is looking worse and worse.
- SuperHenderson13

Should have gotten Tatar.

Whats most striking to me is how Malkin and Letang's problems look to be more mental than physical. No doubt both players have slowed down and cant move like they did in their 20s... but both can still move around pretty well.

but it's just the mental game, especially Letang, that is failing. Letang is making the same stupid plays that we dismissed in his early 20s. He tries to clear the puck up the middle of the ice, he chases guys into the corner when they arent his man, he leaves his defensive partner out to dry, and he cant make the simple breakout play which leads to a turnover.

For Malkin, I think it is the classic "Malkin Trying too Hard". Malkin throughout his career could take the game over when he wanted to. The problem was when he wasnt taking the game over but still tried to do everything. He turns the puck over on simple plays, him and Letang passing on the powerplay is a disaster.

I think Hextall and Burke are right. Play this year out, but dont invest more into this team. They arent good enough to win it all or even compete with the Flyers or Bruins. Of the two spots left, Islanders/Penguins/Capitals will be fighting for them. I'd put the Penguins chances at getting into the playoffs at 50/50.

After the season, that's when the real questions start to get answered. Do you trade Letang for futures and use his cap space to sign a top 4 defensemen? I think of Letang/Malkin, I think Letang is the one that goes. I dont see them both going. I wouldnt be shocked if Malkin played one more year in the NHL under his contract and then went back to Russia.

Should have gotten Tatar.
- Feds91Stammer

Hopefully he is giving you part of his salary for the marketing and PR you do for him.

Should have gotten Tatar.
- Feds91Stammer

FWIW, Tatar was a healthy scratch a game or two ago.

FWIW, Tatar was a healthy scratch a game or two ago.
- habtastic62

Unrightfully so and this is why he thinks Tatar is obtainable. He also loves Tatar and has been suggesting him for years hahah.

I'd like to get him.

This is a prime example of Sully being Sully. I was shocked he even took Rust away from Malkin. Why in the F would you not try one of the best lines in hockey last year again which in turn puts Zucker back with Sid where he was really good last year.

Its bang your head off a wall kinda sh!t.

I mean Hrdina was the 1c with Morozov and Jagr on the wings then Mario replaced him.
- 668710

Morozov? How dare you forget Kip Miller!

How long does it take for the owners to watch both players sink this team before they change their mind on each retiring a Penguin?
- 123Kid


I've heard two Burke interviews in the last couple of days. He was asked point blank "who's untouchable on this team?" The only name he said was Sid. Yes, it was obvious he knew what he was saying about Geno and Letang.

He was asked another question about the future. He said something about trying to get this team to win this season, but basically said next season there will be changes. Intimating substantial changes.

I'm convinced they'll nibble around the edges with a fringe addition or two, but won't go "all in" like Rutherford would. The more I watch this team, the more this makes sense.

I'm no longer convinced Geno or Letang will play out their contracts with the Penguins. It doesn't help that they're playing like complete sh!t. Dumpster fire stuff at times.
- madmike71

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

That's how they should do it at this point as far as not swinging another big trade unless this team shows a lot more then it has so far.

FWIW, Tatar was a healthy scratch a game or two ago.
- habtastic62

Yeah and it was a stupid decision by HCCJ

Either way....what about the bottom 6? I don’t see the same scary depth at forward that this team used to have when it won its Cups. The 3rd line is kinda meh...

Whats most striking to me is how Malkin and Letang's problems look to be more mental than physical. No doubt both players have slowed down and cant move like they did in their 20s... but both can still move around pretty well.

but it's just the mental game, especially Letang, that is failing. Letang is making the same stupid plays that we dismissed in his early 20s. He tries to clear the puck up the middle of the ice, he chases guys into the corner when they arent his man, he leaves his defensive partner out to dry, and he cant make the simple breakout play which leads to a turnover.

For Malkin, I think it is the classic "Malkin Trying too Hard". Malkin throughout his career could take the game over when he wanted to. The problem was when he wasnt taking the game over but still tried to do everything. He turns the puck over on simple plays, him and Letang passing on the powerplay is a disaster.

I think Hextall and Burke are right. Play this year out, but dont invest more into this team. They arent good enough to win it all or even compete with the Flyers or Bruins. Of the two spots left, Islanders/Penguins/Capitals will be fighting for them. I'd put the Penguins chances at getting into the playoffs at 50/50.

After the season, that's when the real questions start to get answered. Do you trade Letang for futures and use his cap space to sign a top 4 defensemen? I think of Letang/Malkin, I think Letang is the one that goes. I dont see them both going. I wouldnt be shocked if Malkin played one more year in the NHL under his contract and then went back to Russia.
- SuperHenderson13

I would tread lightly with Geno and Letang and more so Geno because moving them certainly tarnishes legacies. Fedorov which was a way different scenario doesn’t even have his number retired because of his Detroit legacy being tarnished.

I don't disagree that the Tatar scratch wasn't merited. It does demonstrate that he's certainly not lighting the world on fire though.

As someone who watches nearly every Habs game, Tuna is severely underrated around the league. I don't think that management was ready to trade him last year though. I'm sure they listened to offers, but it woulda taken something nuts to part with him last year.

Even before the Bubble Tournament, Bergevin wasn't ready to throw in the towel on this group, and Tatar is a big part of our current team.

Just sayin' that the cost for Tatar probably would have been ridiculous since Bergie wasn't exactly looking to move him.

I would tread lightly with Geno and Letang and more so Geno because moving them certainly tarnishes legacies. Fedorov which was a way different scenario doesn’t even have his number retired because of his Detroit legacy being tarnished.
- Feds91Stammer

I agree. I think it's unlikely Malkin gets moved. His whole career he said he didnt want to play anywhere in the NHL but the Penguins and would return to Russia if he was moved. I cant imagine he would all of a sudden be open to moving, especially if his play is diminishing. I think the more likely thing is he goes back home to play in Russia, something he said he always wanted to do.

I think trading Letang isnt as big of a deal. Penguins had a hell of a core with Letang, MAF, Malkin, & Croby. I hope all 4 retire as Penguins. But I dont put Letang in Crosby/Malkin's level. We lost MAF, I think losing Letang would be similar to that.

Morozov? How dare you forget Kip Miller!
- Tojo.

Just looking at that 99-00 roster and stats makes me smile.
https://www.hockey-refere...e.com/teams/PIT/2000.html

Barnaby with 197 PIMs. LOL

I agree. I think it's unlikely Malkin gets moved. His whole career he said he didnt want to play anywhere in the NHL but the Penguins and would return to Russia if he was moved. I cant imagine he would all of a sudden be open to moving, especially if his play is diminishing. I think the more likely thing is he goes back home to play in Russia, something he said he always wanted to do.

I think trading Letang isnt as big of a deal. Penguins had a hell of a core with Letang, MAF, Malkin, & Croby. I hope all 4 retire as Penguins. But I dont put Letang in Crosby/Malkin's level. We lost MAF, I think losing Letang would be similar to that.
- SuperHenderson13

Agreed. Letang while having a great and essentially elite career isn’t quite the all time legend tier.

How long does it take for the owners to watch both players sink this team before they change their mind on each retiring a Penguin?
- 123Kid


I've heard two Burke interviews in the last couple of days. He was asked point blank "who's untouchable on this team?" The only name he said was Sid. Yes, it was obvious he knew what he was saying about Geno and Letang.

He was asked another question about the future. He said something about trying to get this team to win this season, but basically said next season there will be changes. Intimating substantial changes.

I'm convinced they'll nibble around the edges with a fringe addition or two, but won't go "all in" like Rutherford would. The more I watch this team, the more this makes sense.

I'm no longer convinced Geno or Letang will play out their contracts with the Penguins. It doesn't help that they're playing like complete sh!t. Dumpster fire stuff at times.
- madmike71

This is really the portion that makes sense to me and that's something I've been pointing out. I honestly think this team can still be a contender moving forward IF CONSTRUCTED the right way and I'm not against looking at this season with low expectations, and looking more towards next year.

Agreed. Letang while having a great and essentially elite career isn’t quite the all time legend tier.
- Feds91Stammer

It's going to be hard to replace his minutes, but easy to replace his turnovers.

It's going to be hard to replace his minutes, but easy to replace his turnovers.
- chimpira

Probably see less turnovers and more pucks chipped off the glass or dumped in.

I don't disagree that the Tatar scratch wasn't merited. It does demonstrate that he's certainly not lighting the world on fire though.

As someone who watches nearly every Habs game, Tuna is severely underrated around the league. I don't think that management was ready to trade him last year though. I'm sure they listened to offers, but it woulda taken something nuts to part with him last year.

Even before the Bubble Tournament, Bergevin wasn't ready to throw in the towel on this group, and Tatar is a big part of our current team.

Just sayin' that the cost for Tatar probably would have been ridiculous since Bergie wasn't exactly looking to move him.
- habtastic62

I’ve talked this thread’s ears off about Tatar. At this point me bringing him up is more of a running joke. I have a DET, VGK, and MTL Tatar sweater.

Probably see less turnovers and more pucks chipped off the glass or dumped in.
- Feds91Stammer

Probably. The only way to play in the toughest division in hockey, MIRYTE???

I'm not trying to find excuses for Letang, but he made it known after last season ended that he believes his days are numbered with this team. If that's true, then that can have a serious mental impact on his game.

Say what you want about the way Jim Rutherford dealt with Evgeni Malkin, but when he put a fire under Malkin it worked. Right now there isn't even a little trace of smoke and it shows in Malkin's performance. I don't buy that a guy who makes 9.5 million dollars a year can't find a way to keep in shape. A Peloton subscription and some gym equipment doesn't cost that much for a guy who has made $100 million playing hockey..