If I can keep my head up and be aware of my surroundings and the opposition players, as a beer leaguer, I expect a "pro" should be able to do the same
- TheGame316

Yes, I understand the argument you are making, but this is not a standard pass / finish check scenario. This was a batted puck and a check well after the puck was gone. No one would be expected to be checked in that scenario, and you can't simultaneously claim that it was a legitimate penalty and then blame the victim. If you are constantly looking to be checked at any time then you will have no idea where the puck is half the time. But yes, I agree, keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Still not Jank's fault in any way.

Yes, I understand the argument you are making, but this is not a standard pass / finish check scenario. This was a batted puck and a check well after the puck was gone. No one would be expected to be checked in that scenario, and you can't simultaneously claim that it was a legitimate penalty and then blame the victim. If you are constantly looking to be checked at any time then you will have no idea where the puck is half the time. But yes, I agree, keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Still not Jank's fault in any way.
- Hockey66

It was a legit penalty, but it wasn't egregious, and the injury is all on Jank

Had he been aware of his surroundings and absorbed the hit, he would likely have been fine. He touched the puck, even if it was for a microsecond, as soon as the puck is in your vicinity, you need to expect that the opposition will be there also and anticipate some contract

He was busy watching where it went, and got busted

What would it take to pry Copp out if WPG?
- YouMeAndDupuis9

A former 4th rounder who is about to turn 27 and has yet to crack 29 points? Sounds like a Penguin to me. But wait, is he a soft-ass wimp, too? Because that is the other criterion.

I said a while ago that the Pens either need to go big or start the rebuild. Rearranging the bottom six isn't going to do a damn thing unless you adding top 6 or maybe middle 6 caliber players.

If I can keep my head up and be aware of my surroundings and the opposition players, as a beer leaguer, I expect a "pro" should be able to do the same
- TheGame316

I bet jankowski would make you and your whole team look like clowns on the ice.

It was a legit penalty, but it wasn't egregious, and the injury is all on Jank

Had he been aware of his surroundings and absorbed the hit, he would likely have been fine. He touched the puck, even if it was for a microsecond, as soon as the puck is in your vicinity, you need to expect that the opposition will be there also and anticipate some contract

He was busy watching where it went, and got busted
- TheGame316

Your argument is illogical. The puck was no longer in the vicinity and hadn't been for the amount of time one should expect a hit (which is what you admitted to be true, unless you think the rulebook is flawed). According to you, the Pens should play even more scared than they already do and be expecting to be hit any time, anywhere, regardless of the circumstances.

Also, you say it was a penalty for a late hit but the injury is all on Jank. That's some top-shelf logic there. Anyway, I'm done with this stupid circular convo.

Your argument is illogical. The puck was no longer in the vicinity and hadn't been for the amount of time one should expect a hit (which is what you admitted to be true, unless you think the rulebook is flawed). According to you, the Pens should play even more scared than they already do and be expecting to be hit any time, anywhere, regardless of the circumstances.

Also, you say it was a penalty for a late hit but the injury is all on Jank. That's some top-shelf logic there. Anyway, I'm done with this stupid circular convo.
- Hockey66

I agree jank, and all players, should be focused on where they are going and not where they sent the puck. But jank would of been levelled no matter what.

Bottom line, this is the softest team in the league and opposing players will keep taking liberties because they know there is no downside to doing so, none whatsoever. In fact, there is a lot of upside by injuring players on a rival. It also changes momentum as it did in last night's game - the Caps were playing on their toes while the Pens were on their heels from that point on.

Sully apparently thinks this team is talented enough to win with "just play." Either that, or he is unwilling to change his tactics based on the situation. Both are damning indictments. This team is almost unbearable when they won't respond in any way. The only players who respond a little are Jarry, Malkin, Crosby and Letang. That's not good. In fact, that's disgusting.
- Hockey66

At least you are watching what most of us are watching (in denial)and you are totally correct. The problem is our skilled players are the same guys who standup for other players. That’s not their role. The hit was late but by no means too high. He hit him right in the chest. I disagree with all the posts about not having guys who play on the 4th line and are tough. If we have a Ryan reeves type player the next shift Wilson is fighting and out for a minimum of 5 minutes. Our 4th line can’t score and has no identity. And last night took a penalty and cost us the game.

At least you are watching what most of us are watching (in denial)and you are totally correct. The problem is our skilled players are the same guys who standup for other players. That’s not their role. The hit was late but by no means too high. He hit him right in the chest. I disagree with all the posts about not having guys who play on the 4th line and are tough. If we have a Ryan reeves type player the next shift Wilson is fighting and out for a minimum of 5 minutes. Our 4th line can’t score and has no identity. And last night took a penalty and cost us the game.
- Malkin

Yeah, as I said before, I don't have much of a problem with the hit. That there was a hit like this was totally expected and predictable. The Pens lack of a response was also expected and predictable.

I don't care about fighting, really. For once, just once, I would like to see someone put their elbow or stick up into someone chops when they are about to get checked like this. Or even make a check like this or put some random player through the boards. Sheary is the easiest player in the league to physically dominate and no one was within 5 feet of him all game.

I honestly can't take much more of this team. I die a little inside when I see a game like last night.

Yeah, as I said before, I don't have much of a problem with the hit. That there was a hit like this was totally expected and predictable. The Pens lack of a response was also expected and predictable.

I don't care about fighting, really. For once, just once, I would like to see someone put their elbow or stick up into someone chops when they are about to get checked like this. Or even make a check like this or put some random player through the boards. Sheary is the easiest player in the league to physically dominate and no one was within 5 feet of him all game.

I honestly can't take much more of this team. I die a little inside when I see a game like last night.
- Hockey66

Your analysis is why i think HCMS will be fired. Others talk about us being in the top 5 in hits each year but the reality is we have bantamweight hitters.They know sheary is a figure skater, why not take him off his game.

Asking price for Malkin?

LA wants a Dynamic young LD. And we're not giving them POJ haha. But sure Hextall can give them a call.
- 668710

Love POJ but if you can get your next franchise center for him, you do it. I'm trying to swing for a home run of POJ and Poulin for Kupari and Kaliyev. Or even Petterson for Akil Thomas and something else would be a good option.

LA has an unreal center prospect glut. Hoping Hexy can Jumpstart the prospect pool via LA.

Love POJ but if you can get your next franchise center for him, you do it. I'm trying to swing for a home run of POJ and Poulin for Kupari and Kaliyev. Or even Petterson for Akil Thomas and something else would be a good option.

LA has an unreal center prospect glut. Hoping Hexy can Jumpstart the prospect pool via LA.
- MacPatty

Assume that a bunch of them will be wingers at the NHL level and I doubt they are parting with bona fide top 6 center prospects, but I could be wrong. I like your line of thought, though.

Asking price for Malkin?
- Byfuglien Ate Me

Probably an overpayment for someone to land him.

Probably an overpayment for someone to land him.
- 123Kid

He does want to be the man, so I can see him agreeing to a trade.

He does want to be the man, so I can see him agreeing to a trade.
- Byfuglien Ate Me

Sorry sir. It appears you made a wrong turn. Ek’s blog is just down the road over there.

I do think more and more that Bobby Ryan should be someone we target heavily during the deadline. We need a net front presence.

I still feel our 4th line needs to be fully revamped.
Maybe try to get Bobby Ryan and Eric Staal? Or maybe a McCann for Bennett swap and trade for Bobby Ryan.

Or maybe a deal with LA a winger for a LHD swap.

I think our PP and 4th line are the biggest need areas.

A former 4th rounder who is about to turn 27 and has yet to crack 29 points? Sounds like a Penguin to me. But wait, is he a soft-ass wimp, too? Because that is the other criterion.

I said a while ago that the Pens either need to go big or start the rebuild. Rearranging the bottom six isn't going to do a damn thing unless you adding top 6 or maybe middle 6 caliber players.
- Hockey66

Forsberg, and fire Sully.

I do think more and more that Bobby Ryan should be someone we target heavily during the deadline. We need a net front presence.

I still feel our 4th line needs to be fully revamped.
Maybe try to get Bobby Ryan and Eric Staal? Or maybe a McCann for Bennett swap and trade for Bobby Ryan.

Or maybe a deal with LA a winger for a LHD swap.

I think our PP and 4th line are the biggest need areas.
- 123Kid

ryan malkin staal wow

Probably an overpayment for someone to land him.
- 123Kid

I question that. He turns 35 soon, makes $9.5M this year and next, and has looked like crap this year. Also coming off an injury. $9.5M is quite a lot during covid times.

ryan malkin staal wow
- 668710

Yeah, where is Palmer when we need him? This could be his last chance.

Kessel is heating up - 4G 4A in his last 5. Left half wall on the PP?

Now the Rags blow out the Broons - trouble in Boston?

Kessel is heating up - 4G 4A in his last 5. Left half wall on the PP?

Now the Rags blow out the Broons - trouble in Boston?
- Hockey66

I would absolutely bring Kessel back. I think a McCann for Kessel deal straight up would work. Tanev-Blueger-Kessel could give the HBK line a run for their money.

Not sure this is the type of move Hextall will be looking at but the Pens don't need Kessel to carry any heavy weight. Do the powerplay thing and add a bit more scoring to that 3rd line.

I question that. He turns 35 soon, makes $9.5M this year and next, and has looked like crap this year. Also coming off an injury. $9.5M is quite a lot during covid times.
- Hockey66

Yes but only two playoff runs on that contract so nobody would be looking at a Karlsson like situation with a long term burden. Any team looking to put its cup chances over the top would gamble on it.

Vegas for sure. Florida to a lesser extent. Heck, LA is doing OK, they might try to go for it with some star power. Seems unlikely but who knows.

Yes but only two playoff runs on that contract so nobody would be looking at a Karlsson like situation with a long term burden. Any team looking to put its cup chances over the top would gamble on it.

Vegas for sure. Florida to a lesser extent. Heck, LA is doing OK, they might try to go for it with some star power. Seems unlikely but who knows.
- MacPatty

Yeah, who knows. I think the original answer of an "overpayment" was possibly made in the context of what Malkin means to the franchise. However, not sure the new crew feels so beholden.

I don't know, but it seems like when big names get traded it's often, "That's it?" But yes, seems very unlikely.

Yeah, who knows. I think the original answer of an "overpayment" was possibly made in the context of what Malkin means to the franchise. However, not sure the new crew feels so beholden.

I don't know, but it seems like when big names get traded it's often, "That's it?" But yes, seems very unlikely.
- Hockey66

Yeah, there are also times when you say holy poop to a trade return... I'm thinking that Tatar trade for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd pick.

On the flip side Tatar, an elite prospect in Suzuki and a 2nd for Pacioretti also seemed like an big overpay....

Do you see why I would be interested in Vegas as a trade partner...?

You are right though, no matter the return if Malkin was traded people will say "that's it?".