He has been one of our best players all playoffs. Beyond the big names coming up for extensions, 24 and 9 have to be priorities this summer.
- Rawdog9755

Cooke has played very good, but Shero is not going to give him the 3 years he wants. I have to agree with what Mark Madden said on that specific subject.

Should be no problem. I doubt Fleury or Letang will be back and there better be no (frank)ing way Iginla is back. Murray and Morrow are maybes but i wouldn't be all that upset if they leave too.

This was a better team before the trade deadline.
- canadianpenfan

I dont think Morrow will be back. Based on all the things that were said around the time of his trade there is little doubt in my mind he is going back to Texas. Whether or not he plays for the Stars is a different story. I wouldnt mind having Murray back depending on the cost.

Cooke has played very good, but Shero is not going to give him the 3 years he wants. I have to agree with what Mark Madden said on that specific subject.
- Gunner Staal

If Shero wont give him 3, then he better give him more money for 2 to keep him.

That is why the Penguins are losing the series. They went with that approach instead of the speed and skill.

Anaheim was the model, that was until Detroit was, until Pittsburgh was, until Chicago was....
- Gunner Staal

Do you honestly feel that it's a lack of risky pretty passes and plays that is the reason it's 3-0?

Because if I have to watch Letang try a cross ice saucer pass through 2 defenders in his own zone one more time this season it's going to be too much to bear.

This team has the skill to manufacture chances and goals while playing defense... its the risky stupid free-lancing plays that get us in trouble..... Not too long ago we had a 15 game winning streak playing sound responsible hockey and scoring a goal or 2.

Do you honestly feel that it's a lack of risky pretty passes and plays that is the reason it's 3-0?

Because if I have to watch Letang try a cross ice saucer pass through 2 defenders in his own zone one more time this season it's going to be too much to bear.

This team has the skill to manufacture chances and goals while playing defense... its the risky stupid free-lancing plays that get us in trouble..... Not too long ago we had a 15 game winning streak playing sound responsible hockey and scoring a goal or 2.
- Yonk1216

Skill and speed has nothing to do with moronic decision making.

Skill and speed has nothing to do with moronic decision making.
- Gunner Staal

Letang is so frustrating. He doesn't do well against an aggressive forechecking team, obviously.

Obviously they arent identical in every way. Nitpick all you want, but the reality is from a fans perspective those 2 are destroying the Pens in much the same way as the other 2 did for MTL a few years back. To your point, however, where is Rask's long track record of success(hint: he only played in the playoffs in 09-10 before this year and went 7-6)? As far as Boston goes, that honor belongs to Tim Thomas. Marchand is a different story.
- Rawdog9755

Rask hs the regular season dominance to back it up, where Halak came out of nowhere.

And of course, Cammy is not a goal per game player in any other situation.

Marchand has been a solid point producer since his rookie year, and also has the playoff performer reputation.

That's all I mean. Montreal was far more lucky to have those two play so well, where it's not altogether unexpected with Rask and Marchand.

Cooke has played very good, but Shero is not going to give him the 3 years he wants. I have to agree with what Mark Madden said on that specific subject.
- Gunner Staal

I think with his reputation and the way he speaks about Mario and Shero being that catalyst for his change he may be willing to take less to stay. Hopefully Shero is ok with giving him 3 years at a discount. But I think dupuis may love pittsburgh and know hell never produce like he has on Sid's wing but the offers he will get will be too much to pass up. No way Shero offers anything near what some desperate teams will for him. And I'll be sad to see him go.

Do you honestly feel that it's a lack of risky pretty passes and plays that is the reason it's 3-0?

Because if I have to watch Letang try a cross ice saucer pass through 2 defenders in his own zone one more time this season it's going to be too much to bear.

This team has the skill to manufacture chances and goals while playing defense... its the risky stupid free-lancing plays that get us in trouble..... Not too long ago we had a 15 game winning streak playing sound responsible hockey and scoring a goal or 2.
- Yonk1216

Seeing them play defense and make smart decisions during that streak really encouraged me that that was going to carry over in the playoffs. However, they got into the bad habits at times that we were all dreading. So disappointing to have the highest expectations only to see them crushed with a possible sweep without even getting to the SCF. I know the Bruins have played very well but scoring a measly two goals in nearly 11 periods is simply pathetic with the offense that this team has.

Accountability must be made.

Rask hs the regular season dominance to back it up, where Halak came out of nowhere.

And of course, Cammy is not a goal per game player in any other situation.

Marchand has been a solid point producer since his rookie year, and also has the playoff performer reputation.

That's all I mean. Montreal was far more lucky to have those two play so well, where it's not altogether unexpected with Rask and Marchand.
- TommyDeVito

You kill me.

Rask hs the regular season dominance to back it up, where Halak came out of nowhere.

And of course, Cammy is not a goal per game player in any other situation.

Marchand has been a solid point producer since his rookie year, and also has the playoff performer reputation.

That's all I mean. Montreal was far more lucky to have those two play so well, where it's not altogether unexpected with Rask and Marchand.
- TommyDeVito

By that estimation so does MAF, and we see how much that means. No rational human being could have looked at this series going in and guessed a Pens team averaging 4+ G/gm would score 2 goals in 3 games while Rask stopped 108 of 110 shots.

Should be no problem. I doubt Fleury or Letang will be back and there better be no (frank)ing way Iginla is back. Murray and Morrow are maybes but i wouldn't be all that upset if they leave too.

This was a better team before the trade deadline.
- canadianpenfan

It was definitely a better team before Sid got hit in the face with the puck. I never thought he looked the same. I've read Morrow wouldn't consider coming back. He'll look for a team with a closer commute.

I'm torn on Letang, but if he's moved hopefully the get a very good defensive D and another, younger Kunitz type player. I think MAF hinges on whether Bylsma comes back.

It was definitely a better team before Sid got hit in the face with the puck. I never thought he looked the same. I've read Morrow wouldn't consider coming back. He'll look for a team with a closer commute.

I'm torn on Letang, but if he's moved hopefully the get a very good defensive D and another, younger Kunitz type player. I think MAF hinges on whether Bylsma comes back.
- madmike71

See this is why I don't understand you. How can you have such venom for Bylsma but be torn on Letang? Letang's goofs this series have been far more problematic than anything Bylsma has done or not done. Plus he hasn't done anything offensively to compensate for them.

Blame the players more and the coach less. I can guaran((frank)ing)tee you Bylsma isn't telling him to lazily flip pucks through the slot.

See this is why I don't understand you. How can you have such venom for Bylsma but be torn on Letang? Letang's goofs this series have been far more problematic than anything Bylsma has done or not done. Plus he hasn't done anything offensively to compensate for them.

Blame the players more and the coach less. I can guaran((frank)ing)tee you Bylsma isn't telling him to lazily flip pucks through the slot.
- canadianpenfan

But is he coming down on them when they continually do these things?

But is he coming down on them when they continually do these things?
- brianb0422

Nope. And therein lies the problem. The system isn't wrong. The guy implementing it is.

But is he coming down on them when they continually do these things?
- brianb0422

I don't know is he? Do you know enough one way or another to make a claim to the contrary?

Would you sit Letang in a must win game? Would that decision make him a better coach?

Sometimes the players just need to play better.

I personally think the pens don't have enough gritty forwards to grind the other team down on the forecheck. Who forechecks on the team? Dupuis, Kunitz, Cooke, morrow and the 4th line. The bruins entire team forechecks hard and wins puck battles. Same with the hawks, they have constant pressure in the offensive zone and are probably one of the best teams at takeaways. The pens should look at a guy like Bickell and Shaw in the offseason. I don't know how many rebounds landed right in front of Rask with no one there to pick it up because they get pushed out so easily.

See this is why I don't understand you. How can you have such venom for Bylsma but be torn on Letang? Letang's goofs this series have been far more problematic than anything Bylsma has done or not done. Plus he hasn't done anything offensively to compensate for them.

Blame the players more and the coach less. I can guaran((frank)ing)tee you Bylsma isn't telling him to lazily flip pucks through the slot.
- canadianpenfan

Im curious---if Letang is moved would you rather: 1) swap him for another stud Dman who might want a change of scenery(Weber) 2) deal him for a boatload of picks and prospects and a serviceable player(similar to the Staal deal)

Before anybody gets their panties in a bunch, Im not suggesting an even swap of Letang for Weber. Just an example of a type of deal, and one that may require more from one side or the other.

I don't know is he? Do you know enough one way or another to make a claim to the contrary?

Would you sit Letang in a must win game? Would that decision make him a better coach?

Sometimes the players just need to play better.
- canadianpenfan

Maybe if he was a hard ass enough to sit Letang in the past it wouldn't be an issue now. Not like this is the first time he's shown an ability to consistently make mind bogglingly dumb plays.

I don't get the big deal about what Gregory Campbell did last night. Granted, if I broke my leg, I would probably cry like a school girl, but what else was he going to do?

If he just lays there, they aren't going to blow the whistle unless the puck hits him, and it's not like he made a play or cleared the puck or anything. He just sort of hobbled around. The only time he got close to the puck was when Letang almost gave it to him.... Yes, our Norris Trophy finalist almost gave the puck away to a guy with a broken leg.

Is Gregory Campbell tough? Yes, of course he is, but there are plenty of stories of guys scoring goals, or finishing games or whatever on broken bones or blown out knees. Campbell just hopped around like a pogo stick for 45 seconds.

Im curious---if Letang is moved would you rather: 1) swap him for another stud Dman who might want a change of scenery(Weber) 2) deal him for a boatload of picks and prospects and a serviceable player(similar to the Staal deal)

Before anybody gets their panties in a bunch, Im not suggesting an even swap of Letang for Weber. Just an example of a type of deal, and one that may require more from one side or the other.
- Rawdog9755

He has to bring back someone who is already in the league. Doesn't need to be a complete stud. Ill take a Robyn Regehr type. Or brooks orpik of 4-5 years ago. They need a defenseman who can play sound D and play against other teams top lines. Between Martin and Despres the PP and transition game will be fine.

Im curious---if Letang is moved would you rather: 1) swap him for another stud Dman who might want a change of scenery(Weber) 2) deal him for a boatload of picks and prospects and a serviceable player(similar to the Staal deal)

Before anybody gets their panties in a bunch, Im not suggesting an even swap of Letang for Weber. Just an example of a type of deal, and one that may require more from one side or the other.
- Rawdog9755

I want NHL ready players that will help this team win a cup next year. If I'm trading Letang I'm hoping to get a couple of good ones back that can contribute right away.

Im curious---if Letang is moved would you rather: 1) swap him for another stud Dman who might want a change of scenery(Weber) 2) deal him for a boatload of picks and prospects and a serviceable player(similar to the Staal deal)

- Rawdog9755

I think you need to get at least one quality NHL player back (top 6 forward/top 4 d-man). This team can't wait around for prospects. So ether you need to get a top 4 defensemen back in the deal, or you need to acquire one in another move, because there is going to be a big hole left.

See this is why I don't understand you. How can you have such venom for Bylsma but be torn on Letang? Letang's goofs this series have been far more problematic than anything Bylsma has done or not done. Plus he hasn't done anything offensively to compensate for them.

Blame the players more and the coach less. I can guaran((frank)ing)tee you Bylsma isn't telling him to lazily flip pucks through the slot.
- canadianpenfan

I tend to believe the players execute the plan of the coach. I believe it's the responsibility of the coach to get the players to do the things he wants them to do. I totally agree he doesn't coach them to make those mind numbing decisions, but Letang never misses a shift.....EVER. If Letang gets disciplined during the regular season for his stupidity, maybe he isn't (frank)ing up in the post season. I simply don't believe any player is above reproach regardless of his talent level or contract value. If the player turns on the coach for wanting a more responsible approach, then that player needs to go.

As far as Disco goes... I hate his system. I hate the lack of defensive structure. You never know if the team is going to put in a good night in their own end. I also hate his personnel decisions.

Cooke has played very good, but Shero is not going to give him the 3 years he wants. I have to agree with what Mark Madden said on that specific subject.
- Gunner Staal

Yeah, he'll be 35 at the start of next season. But he is playing the best hockey of his career and was probably the most consistent Penguin forward during the entire playoffs.

However, I was against giving Sergei Gonchar a third year, and he stayed healthy and had a pretty good season, especially with more pressure on him with Karlsson's injury.