Ryan Wilson: They are who they are They are who they are

It's bonkers to me that after all the sh!t play we've seen from them they're only one point out of the playoffs today haha. Would have been tied for last WC spot last night if they had won.

So many teams underperforming so far.

None of this is to say I think the Pens will be performing better most nights and/or making playoffs....but there is still a lot of time in these guy's minds.

Clearly the solution to the Pens problems is to keep running Grz out there in a top-4 role, and to play him in OT. Also, no need to get JP out there more, since he's trying too hard.

On pace for losing 30 two goal leads. It's shocking, but not surprising. Any other coach would have been fired.
- MacPatty

This is a fact. Not to mention the last 4 years of failure.

It's bonkers to me that after all the sh!t play we've seen from them they're only one point out of the playoffs today haha. Would have been tied for last WC spot last night if they had won.

So many teams underperforming so far.

None of this is to say I think the Pens will be performing better most nights and/or making playoffs....but there is still a lot of time in these guy's minds.
- MattStrat

There are plenty of teams this season that are underperforming - BOS, COL, NYI, STL, NSH. Then there are the perennial bottom-dwellers: MON, CHI, SJ, BUF, CBJ.

As much as it pains me, I don't want the Pens to sniff the playoffs this year (they were super close to sneaking in last year). Mostly because it will prolong the status quo, and that means horrible on-ice product for longer than it should have been. I am not on the nostalgia bandwagon for anyone but Sid.

Just sharing an opinion from the other side. I do think the Karlsson trade helped them last year. It was a big swing to inject new life into the core.

I personally liked it in large part due to the contracts shed. I did have some reservations about two offensive and aging RHD. Ideally we would have had a situation where you ease Letang into a sheltered offensive role and had someone else take the main defensive assignments. But, the roster was pretty screwed up after Hextall's big defensive swap. I disagree Petry would be better. And I did figure it would help the PP.

What happened? Wasn't as good as expected last year. I did feel Karlsson helped more than hurt at ES. But he didn't help the PP and it got worse. He wasn't the only reason, but became the face of it.

This year though, he's been awful and doesn't seem like he even cares. So I have to admit in hindsight it didn't work out. I don't think they're much better this year regardless and I like they took a big gamble because they needed one. But I can't keep saying it was good either.

A lot is on EK moping, but also Letang's decline having no place to hide him defensively if you also are protecting EK. For me, it goes back to not trading a solid pair in Matheson and Marino. Then you never get into Petry, Graves, Gryz or Karlsson in the first place, and you have a solid defense even now because you can protect Letang and give him Pettersson while your younger players man a third pair.
- Tojo.

Great post. Couldn't agree more.

Jarry had a 2.86 GAA last night with an expected GA of 4.08.

Jarry's back gave out last night. It gets tiring carrying 18 guys all night.

There are plenty of teams this season that are underperforming - BOS, COL, NYI, STL, NSH. Then there are the perennial bottom-dwellers: MON, CHI, SJ, BUF, CBJ.

As much as it pains me, I don't want the Pens to sniff the playoffs this year (they were super close to sneaking in last year). Mostly because it will prolong the status quo, and that means horrible on-ice product for longer than it should have been. I am not on the nostalgia bandwagon for anyone but Sid.
- chimpira

I get all of that, and mostly agree with all of that, but for me I want what Sid and Geno really want...them to make the playoffs. I want that for them because that's what they want for themselves.

Set Sid free

Set Sid free
- poopstash

Sid could set himself free if he really wanted to haha. He could ask to be traded and not sign extensions.

Clearly the solution to the Pens problems is to keep running Grz out there in a top-4 role, and to play him in OT. Also, no need to get JP out there more, since he's trying too hard.
- MickV

only had 9:49 of 5v5 ice time & netted one,, while both acciari & nieto saw more 5v5 ice time & took longer shifts. but what do i know, i'm not a tenured coach

... And Sully just rides on hahaha

The difference between the penguins and other teams is simple. Other teams make changes with players and fire coaches. Penguins have the buddy system from years ago.

5 offensive/defenseman and 1 shutdown defenceman and skully pinching these 5 offensive defenseman every game doesn't help at all when they suck at it.. Also Riding crosby, malkin and letang 20-24 min a game at there age might be another reason? It's only freakin november.

The penguins are still the softest perimeter team in the league? Maybe try and get some players with some grit like they use to have with hornqvis, kunitz, matt cook?..That might help the team dufas? Anything different is worth a shot.. that and fFreakin fire skully already. Dammit

... And Sully just rides on hahaha


- MattStrat

So true..I'd like montgomery with the pens..I can only hope.

[quote=MattStrat]... And Sully just rides on hahaha



at this point, believing sully has pics is the only conclusion left. lol

[quote=MattStrat]... And Sully just rides on hahaha



at this point, believing sully has pics is the only conclusion left. lol
- out_of_market

hahaha

Set Sid free
- poopstash

We werent holding his family hostage before he signed that extension.

... And Sully just rides on hahaha


- MattStrat

Wow that's amazing.

and how does sid manage to not get a SOG the entire game (all situations)? malkin w/ 1. but PJ lead the 'guins w/ 5 <<< trying too hard thing, again.

for the bolts, point had 5. kucherov w/ 4. even jake had 2

Alternative universe where the Pens don't trade Marino, Matheson, and Guentzel and play a couple young guys instead of bringing in Glass, Hayes, and Lizotte. (Didn't touch goalie in this)

Guentzel -Sid-Rust
?-Malkin-Rackell
DOC-Eller-Puljujarvi
Poulin-Accairi-Beauvillier
Puustinen

Pettersson-Letang
Matheson-Marino
POJ-St. Ivany
Shea

Still have around 10M in cap space to get a real 2nd line wing and maybe one vet fourth liner. And a first round pick back from EK trade to offset the picks you lose from Hayes and Glass. You could probably make that group competitive by just not doing those trades.

TIOPS saying Dubas doesn't see Letang as untouchable and has received some calls on him. Also said Letang would waiver for Toronto or Vancouver (I assume Montreal is also on that list).

TIOPS saying Dubas doesn't see Letang as untouchable and has received some calls on him. Also said Letang would waiver for Toronto or Vancouver (I assume Montreal is also on that list).
- 123Kid

Montreal might depend on if he wants to go somewhere competitive.

Montreal might depend on if he wants to go somewhere competitive.
- Tojo.

That is true! I do find it interesting both locations which were mentioned. Vancouver because they also have rumored interest in Pettersson. Toronto having rumors of being interested in DOC previously. Maybe bigger trades could be made. As Pens4life mentioned Miller may be available in Vancouver he would be an interesting get (even though I don't see us being that aggressive).

It does make me think if we trade Letang that would easily make it know that Karlsson would also be available. As you previously stated the defense needs to be redone. I think that would be a huge step for this team.

That is true! I do find it interesting both locations which were mentioned. Vancouver because they also have rumored interest in Pettersson. Toronto having rumors of being interested in DOC previously. Maybe bigger trades could be made. As Pens4life mentioned Miller may be available in Vancouver he would be an interesting get (even though I don't see us being that aggressive).

It does make me think if we trade Letang that would easily make it know that Karlsson would also be available. As you previously stated the defense needs to be redone. I think that would be a huge step for this team.
- 123Kid

Could see Letang in any of Toronto, Van or Montreal. But I keep dreaming of the guys getting one more run at it. So trade Karlsson and the rentals before doing anything with Letang. See where we are at.

There is another part of me that would love to see Sid, Geno and Letang all move on elsewhere to pursue a cup. I just hate watching the slow fade into irrelevance.

Since HB is apparently rumoring the Pens being in on Blackwood, how about:

Jarry, Hayes & 2026 2nd for Blackwood and Goodrow.

We save about $5M next season and while Goodrow is overpaid and playing bad hockey, he at least adds an element of toughness to the team. SJ could pair Jarry with Askarov and have a fairly cheap tandem, hoping that they push each other.