John Toperzer: Voters want Bennett, Shootout should be shot & Crosby, Neal or Malkin? Tidbits and factoids abound in the Penguins blogosphere

I still like the shootout. I just think there should be a 10 minute session of OT before it. I also think it should be 5 rounds like in the AHL.

I still like the shootout. I just think there should be a 10 minute session of OT before it. I also think it should be 5 rounds like in the AHL.
- Gunner Staal

100% Agree. 10 min OT would eliminate a lot of shootouts.

100% Agree. 10 min OT would eliminate a lot of shootouts.
- mrhattrick27

I get that a shootout isnt the most ideal way to end a game, but has anybody ever turned the channel during one? I know I havent. I love seeing the skill displayed by both player and goalie in that setting. 10 minutes of OT is more than enough opportunity to avoid shootout (hell you could even make the 2nd 5 min 3 on 3).

In regards to Yakupov, last year when he wasn't expected to lead Russia to glory because guys like Kuznetsov were around he finished the tournament with 9 assists. This year where he has been expected and expected himself to run rampant through the competition he has struggled. When he gets to the Oilers with players like Hall, RNH, and Eberle he should be able to just play and not be the hero. Hopefully that happens, but who truly knows without him having played and NHL game yet.

I get that a shootout isnt the most ideal way to end a game, but has anybody ever turned the channel during one? I know I havent. I love seeing the skill displayed by both player and goalie in that setting. 10 minutes of OT is more than enough opportunity to avoid shootout (hell you could even make the 2nd 5 min 3 on 3).
- Gunner Staal

We don't turn off channel during OT either. For me, part of this goes deeper than shootout/OT/10 minutes to the system that awards points for losing. If you lose, you lose. You shouldn't get a point for losing.

In regards to Yakupov, last year when he wasn't expected to lead Russia to glory because guys like Kuznetsov were around he finished the tournament with 9 assists. This year where he has been expected and expected himself to run rampant through the competition he has struggled. When he gets to the Oilers with players like Hall, RNH, and Eberle he should be able to just play and not be the hero. Hopefully that happens, but who truly knows without him having played and NHL game yet.
- Ben37

I'm debating how hard I will go after him in fantasy leagues, especially keeper leagues. His disappointment could make him cheaper to buy, but at the same time he might not be worth as much as once thought. It presents an interesting dilemma. Is Schultz going to be good right off the bat?

Goals: Neal
Points: Crosby
Assists: Malkin

We don't turn off channel during OT either. For me, part of this goes deeper than shootout/OT/10 minutes to the system that awards points for losing. If you lose, you lose. You shouldn't get a point for losing.
- the-mitch-wilsons

3 point system. 3 for regulation win, 2 points for OT or shootout win. Still get 1 bonus point for OT.

Every game worth the same amount of points.

Goals: Crosby
Assists: Malkin
Points: Crosby

NHL sucks! NHLPA Sucks! All my attention is on the WJC. I can't wait for tomorrows game. 200 Americans will be thrilled and the entire country of Canada will be depressed. USA USA USA

NHL sucks! NHLPA Sucks! All my attention is on the WJC. I can't wait for tomorrows game. 200 Americans will be thrilled and the entire country of Canada will be depressed. USA USA USA
- dbell646

Hopefully it's not on at the same time as honey boo boo or it might be closer to 30 people.

Hopefully it's not on at the same time as honey boo boo or it might be closer to 30 people.
- canadianpenfan

It's sad because it's true. I set my alarm for 3:55 so I can watch. WJC not Honey Boo Boo

It's sad because it's true. I set my alarm for 3:55 so I can watch. WJC not Honey Boo Boo
- dbell646

I'm going to PVR it and stay away from here all day tomorrow. I hate being the last to know what shenanigans boo boo got herself into.

I love the shootout. Not a fan of Honey boo hoo. American TV=Anything for a buck.

I love the shootout. Not a fan of Honey boo hoo. American TV=Anything for a buck.
- powerhouse

The shootout is entertaining, 10min OT would be too long. I like the idea of a 3pt game for a win. I hate ties, and losing should be no points.

What's the deal with Olli Maatta?

I love the shootout. Not a fan of Honey boo hoo. American TV=Anything for a buck.
- powerhouse

I understand both sides of the shootout argument and admit I like it because I absolutely loath ties. Nobody can deny shootouts are exciting even if they're a bit of a gimmick. I love the idea of 3, 2 and 1 points as mentioned above. If the league got back to calling games the way they should, games would rarely get to the shootout.

Honey boo boo = the state of America IMO

I understand both sides of the shootout argument and admit I like it because I absolutely loath ties. Nobody can deny shootouts are exciting even if they're a bit of a gimmick. I love the idea of 3, 2 and 1 points as mentioned above. If the league got back to calling games the way they should, games would rarely get to the shootout.

Honey boo boo = the state of America IMO
- madmike71

Your honey boo hoo comment=spot on, thanks.

NHL Network announcer on Russian Nail Yakupov: “So he goes back to his own zone. Guess what? The pucks on the other side of center ice. No wonder he’s not a factor in the game. Go where the puck is … It’s really hard to believe what you’re watching from Yakupov. It’s like he’s mentally screwed himself into the ground. He’s trying so hard to be THE guy instead of one of the guys. As a result, that line has been ineffective.”

That was Ferarro from TSN, not NHL Network.

The shootout is entertaining, 10min OT would be too long. I like the idea of a 3pt game for a win. I hate ties, and losing should be no points.

What's the deal with Olli Maatta?
- sammy87

As a Leafs fan, I wanted to take him 5th overall ._. or at least trade down for him. Trouba > Murray > Maatta > Reilly > Reinhart is the order I had for D men in the draft. Watched his London playoffs last year and you can just tell he is going be a force, just gets better the more important games got. Pits gets better, and better, and better, and better....

As a Leafs fan, I wanted to take him 5th overall ._. or at least trade down for him. Trouba > Murray > Maatta > Reilly > Reinhart is the order I had for D men in the draft. Watched his London playoffs last year and you can just tell he is going be a force, just gets better the more important games got. Pits gets better, and better, and better, and better....
- Boosinicka

Thanks, nice avatar.

I try not to take too much stock in the WJC because I think a lot of people get carried away with projections about the kids playing, but its hard to not be encouraged with Scott Harrington and Ollie Maata.

It remains to be seen how many of the Penguins young defensemen can be future stars in the NHL, but I do think they have a good number of NHL caliber defensemen coming up the ranks right now. Nice problem to have.

I try not to take too much stock in the WJC because I think a lot of people get carried away with projections about the kids playing, but its hard to not be encouraged with Scott Harrington and Ollie Maata.

It remains to be seen how many of the Penguins young defensemen can be future stars in the NHL, but I do think they have a good number of NHL caliber defensemen coming up the ranks right now. Nice problem to have.
- Gunner Staal

With the defensive depth our organization has it sounds strange to think about what led to our demise last season. Defense!! New year new team hopefully different results. If we get a season.

With the defensive depth our organization has it sounds strange to think about what led to our demise last season. Defense!! New year new team hopefully different results. If we get a season.
- dbell646

Anybody have any idea of the ranking of all these young defensman? Seems like they've got so many with serious NHL potential. Anybody who worries about not having enough forwards in the system needs to be patient as Shero will flip one of these guys for a blue chipper.

We just need a coach that values defense as much as offense. Yes... another swipe at Bylsma from me.

I think a season is all but certain. Saw an interview with Duper last night and he said they've been told to be ready for camp in the next few days.