Nope he just gets scratched and then plays the next one or two. And he plays well, doesn't make any sense. One of the things I can't defend Bylsma for.

With all that said we won't truly know who's playing until the game starts.
- canadianpenfan

im not exactly ready to join the fire him mob, but this despres crap is absolutely inexcusable.. for the life of me i just cant figure it out. i realize we are fans and not trained professionals, but there has to be someone in the organization that can connect the dots

If I were anywhere near the game I would have a sign that read

LET DESPRES PLES!
- cygnus41

That would let them know how you felt.

its past the point of even worrying about hindering his development. the blatant fact is that playing him literally gives the team the best chance to win NOW. he already flashes such potential, not to mention seems to be able to get the most out of our most important d man in letang on the rare occasions they actually get to be paired together.

It's like: you have to give up something to get. And we are talking about 1st overall picks. Despres is a pleasant surprise for all of us. I really like the guy and hope he stays.
Just touched on Yakupov and Hall's names because I don't think we could get Eberle on a Despres package.
- Orpik44

Of course you have to give something to get another asset (that's why I suggested one of the other defensive prospects).

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I truly believe with a little development Despres is easily a #1 defenseman. However, if the coaching staff's handling of him remains the most important factor going forwward.

Of course you have to give something to get another asset (that's why I suggested one of the other defensive prospects).

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I truly believe with a little development Despres is easily a #1 defenseman. However, if the coaching staff's handling of him remains the most important factor going forwward.
- ursomp71

at the risk of overrating him at this point, i could not agree more. it literally all appears to be there

Of course you have to give something to get another asset (that's why I suggested one of the other defensive prospects).

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I truly believe with a little development Despres is easily a #1 defenseman. However, if the coaching staff's handling of him remains the most important factor going forwward.
- ursomp71

I think we all pretty much agree on what the lines should be. I'm holding out hope that Despres is sitting games because Bylsma wants him to observe something a la Stamkos sitting early in his career. I hope its for his development and not because DB honestly thinks the team is better without him, he is already one of the top 2 D on the team.

Is there a reason that someone in the Pitt media has not asked Bylsma directly why Despres is being scratched? Again the only thing I can think of is that he leads the D by a far margin re the number of 5v5 penalties he takes per 60 mins played.

at the risk of overrating him at this point, i could not agree more. it literally all appears to be there
- stayinthefnnet

I agree. Of course, we've had a small sample size, but his physical tools and the poise with which he plays is hard to overlook (especially for his age).

I agree. Of course, we've had a small sample size, but his physical tools and the poise with which he plays is hard to overlook (especially for his age).
- ursomp71

he has phhysical gifts that you just cant teach. the size is one thing, but to able to skate the way he does while being that large is incredible. for danny b sheltering him, he doesnt seem to necessarily shy away from being physical either. and lastly, he has a pretty decent shot that he has shown he is not afraid to use. while he wont be mistaken for chara, it is very typically on net (could teach tanger that one) and has a very quick release. especially on a powerplay, sometimes just getting it through the shinpads of the guy in front of you is all you need

Chris Stewart is back to playing at his old level of play from Colorado.

Chris Stewart is back to playing at his old level of play from Colorado.
- Gunner Staal

I just wish the pens would of grabbed him when he sucked last year. Maybe he could of been cheaper

Is there a reason that someone in the Pitt media has not asked Bylsma directly why Despres is being scratched? Again the only thing I can think of is that he leads the D by a far margin re the number of 5v5 penalties he takes per 60 mins played.
- PENS FAN in CANADA

Because Pittsburgh sports media just ask softball questions. Besides, not like Blysma will give any real reason.

Despres, Bortuzzo, Vitale scratched... Is it just me, or does anyone else think Vitale works really well in that 4th line. Jefferey needs to be on the 3rd and TK needs to be traded

Because Pittsburgh sports media just ask softball questions. Besides, not like Blysma will give any real reason.
- rival22

Would still like to hear the response. I just tweeted the following...

Can one of Pitt's finest ask Bylsma why Despres is not playing regularly? Thanks @MolinariPG @JoshYohe_Trib @pgshelly @RobRossi_Trib

To me this is one of the most obvious questions a Pitt Pen reporter should be asking over the last number of games... It's all about the way you ask it... No need to attack Disco Dan in the question... Just ask him

Cut Eaton please!!! I said the day he starts dressing over Despres I would hate it. Here we go.

Despres, Bortuzzo, Vitale scratched... Is it just me, or does anyone else think Vitale works really well in that 4th line. Jefferey needs to be on the 3rd and TK needs to be traded
- drummer829

Vitale is another head scratcher. Bylsma doesn't seem to be a fan. If I'm looking at changing up the 4th line, Glass would be riding the pine.

Because Pittsburgh sports media just ask softball questions. Besides, not like Blysma will give any real reason.
- rival22

Can you imagine the outrage if this situation were happening in a city like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, NYC, or Philly?

I don't want to trade Despres period. If it was the main piece in a deal for Eberle I could live with it. But there aren't many players i would part with him for. He's going to e a stud.
- canadianpenfan

+1

Vitale is another head scratcher. Bylsma doesn't seem to be a fan. If I'm looking at changing up the 4th line, Glass would be riding the pine.
- madmike71

I agree. They better win or the fire Bylsma crowd is going to be adding some members. Both of those decisions (Despres, Vitale) flat out stink.

That was a bomb by Voracek.

I agree. They better win or the fire Bylsma crowd is going to be adding some members. Both of those decisions (Despres, Vitale) flat out stink.
- canadianpenfan

Bennett is in the top 6 and Fleury is starting, so all is not lost lol

nice save maf.

Chris Stewart is back to playing at his old level of play from Colorado.
- Gunner Staal

Very sneaky move Mr.Wilson

nice save maf.
- FlyerGuy

If it was Vokoun or Bryz on that shot...

nice save maf.
- FlyerGuy

He looks good, shaky start for everyone else.