That is the most frustrating part of Letangs game. His complete in ability to make a simple shot hit the net. He can pick corners no problem, but when you need a keen height wrister for a tip or rebound he can't do it.

I remember Letang hitting Jordan Staal in the neck with a shot on the PP. The nets are 4ft, Jordan Staal is 6'4. I cannot think of a reason why Letang needed to shoot the puck a foot above the net.
- Ben37

Letang needs to learn that accuracy is more important than blowing it by the goaile. If he can get it on net, he will rack up the assists. His wrist shot is fast and hard, he doesn't need to slap every point shot.

If Letang has matured as a player, and a person, he will see that hitting the net is more important than the highlight reel goal.

MAF has looked much more compact and less 'expressive' in his play so far, looks like he has realised that he cannot win with that flair anymore, and has concentrated on goaile basics, something his natural ability has allowed him to cheat on.

and yes at this time of the day, I know I am talking to myself but I need you guys to get up at stupid times to talk to you!

and yes at this time of the day, I know I am talking to myself but I need you guys to get up at stupid times to talk to you!
- walshy66

It's OK Walshy. We are just getting going here. I appreciate your comments.

at least sutter has about the same production as jordan staal

Staal 9 games - 1 goal 1 assist -3

at least sutter has about the same production as jordan staal

Staal 9 games - 1 goal 1 assist -3
- IronCity

Sutter is playing with far more inferior linemates than Staal as well

Shero is usually pretty good at doing the right thing by the player. The move of 'The Reverend' is a good example, but the Ducks must have had something that Shero wanted.

Jefferey is obviously not getting the return that Shero wants, otherwise I know he would have traded him. I think most of us can see that Jefferey can play at this level, but his portfolio of work is so small who is going to pay what he is worth.
- walshy66

I think I've seen enough of DJ to know he's not much more than a decent injury replacement. He frankly just doesn't seem to have NHL speed to be a regular player. I'd certainly rather see him over guys like Connor, Engo or Z, but it appears the coaches don't agree. When some of the injured guys return, Jeffrey might be the odd guy out......or at least they're taking a look at other options right now.

I'm just looking for some health... The Pens have put some wins up shorthanded, but they can't keep counting on that. Getting their top d man and especially 2 of their top 7 forwards back will straighten out their lines and hopefully get things rolling even better.

I think I've seen enough of DJ to know he's not much more than a decent injury replacement. He frankly just doesn't seem to have NHL speed to be a regular player. I'd certainly rather see him over guys like Connor, Engo or Z, but it appears the coaches don't agree. When some of the injured guys return, Jeffrey might be the odd guy out......or at least they're taking a look at other options right now.
- madmike71

Z is playing over DJ because DJ is as soft as warm butter.

Z is playing over DJ because DJ is as soft as warm butter.
- IronCity

I'm just looking for some health... The Pens have put some wins up shorthanded, but they can't keep counting on that. Getting their top d man and especially 2 of their top 7 forwards back will straighten out their lines and hopefully get things rolling even better.
- rival22

I agree with this. D'Agostini will help. I'd imagine he hops up to play with Geno and Kobasew goes back to Sutter's wing. Creates a hell of a log jam on the defensive side though. Maatta decision should come soon

Harry Z is 5'11" 180lbs and TK is 5'11" 190 so I dont know where you are getting "more size". I tried to find career hits for both so I could calculate hits/game but couldnt find that stat for either player. My gut says their respective hits/game would be about as close as their size difference, negligible. Basically the difference is cap hit.........and not looking like a fruit bat.
EDIT: Harry Z hits more than I thought. His hits/game is 1.7(small sample size of only 47 NHL games). TK clocks in with .72 hits/game. Gap between them gets wider when you factor in ATOI. TK just about doubles Harry Z's.
- Rawdog9755

My mistake. Z just plays a lot bigger than TK does. TK played small here.

I think it's a lot like Kunitz. He's only a hair over 6' but plays like a guy that's 6'3 or 6'4 and weighs 30 lbs more than he does.

My mistake. Z just plays a lot bigger than TK does. TK played small here.

I think it's a lot like Kunitz. He's only a hair over 6' but plays like a guy that's 6'3 or 6'4 and weighs 30 lbs more than he does.
- ScienceJesus

That's fair to say of Kunitz. He's a tough guy to play against and he brings as much of his own skill to a play as he takes away from Crosby. He can play on any line we have and bring something different that is successful. Just another reminder of how special he and Duper are.

Honestly, Z does a lot of things that Vitale tends to do. He might have a bit more of an edge, which can add up to penalties, but he's done alright so far.

I'm more or less disppointed to see Jeffrey sitting because I feel he could play effectively. Even if he were to be moved, why not let him raise his stock?

It's awfully quiet around here today.

It's awfully quiet around here today.
- BulliesPhan87

We need a new whipping boy.

Unfortunately I cannot use Jefferey because I would love to complain about him being soft and his weird skating style. I am thinking Kobasew?

We need a new whipping boy.

Unfortunately I cannot use Jefferey because I would love to complain about him being soft and his weird skating style. I am thinking Kobasew?
- IronCity

You guys have a great team, and nothing to female dog about. Be happy. You could be a Leafs fan.

Ok so Pens are going to make us wait on Maatta. Seems like he is sticking around. He skated with Nisk today and was on the 2nd pp unit. Pens time to win is now. Shero hasn't had a ton of trouble resigning the guys he wants to keep around. If they feel he is a top 6 option then they will keep him. I thought originally he should go back but he's won me over.

Ok so Pens are going to make us wait on Maatta. Seems like he is sticking around. He skated with Nisk today and was on the 2nd pp unit. Pens time to win is now. Shero hasn't had a ton of trouble resigning the guys he wants to keep around. If they feel he is a top 6 option then they will keep him. I thought originally he should go back but he's won me over.
- dbell646

If he's skating with Nisk, I think there's your answer. Letang is coming back on Friday and Nisky drops to the 3rd pairing with Maatta.

Maybe they'll alternate Maatta and Bortuzzo the rest of the year to keep his games under 40.

Ok so Pens are going to make us wait on Maatta. Seems like he is sticking around. He skated with Nisk today and was on the 2nd pp unit. Pens time to win is now. Shero hasn't had a ton of trouble resigning the guys he wants to keep around. If they feel he is a top 6 option then they will keep him. I thought originally he should go back but he's won me over.
- dbell646

Hey, if the kid can keep up, the best thing for him would be getting NHL games under his belt, right? From what I've seen (admittedly, not as much as any of yinz) he looks ready.

Hey, if the kid can keep up, the best thing for him would be getting NHL games under his belt, right? From what I've seen (admittedly, not as much as any of yinz) he looks ready.
- BulliesPhan87

I love the use of yinz. You're now my favorite poster

If he's skating with Nisk, I think there's your answer. Letang is coming back on Friday and Nisky drops to the 3rd pairing with Maatta.

Maybe they'll alternate Maatta and Bortuzzo the rest of the year to keep his games under 40.
- madmike71

That would be somewhat clever. 40 games in Pittsburgh is certainly better than a season's worth in London. Shero is smart enough to plan it(serious) and Bylsma is dumb enough to do it on his own anyway(kidding...maybe)

I love the use of yinz. You're now my favorite poster
- dbell646

tyvm

Alfredsson returns to Ottawa tonight. Drama.

Why I love watching the Rangers suck:

meh in the offseason this team's core had the potential not only to match up with the bruins, pens, etc...but to win the stanely cup.

now 7 rough games and we don't have it.

it's all about perception. a few bad losses to start the season and we're automatically a lottery team? but the 24 hour period after the kings and caps win, we're stanley cup contenders?

cmon guys we're acting like penguins fans. let's act like we actually know hockey and know how tough it is to adjust to a new system for a team and how serious our injuries actually are.
- rangerdanger94

THEY know all about serious injuries. (frank)ing priceless.

I hope the Flyers stomp them tomorrow.

Why I love watching the Rangers suck:








THEY know all about serious injuries. (frank)ing priceless.

I hope the Flyers stomp them tomorrow.
- canadianpenfan

Their backup goalie is playing, we're doomed.

Why I love watching the Rangers suck:








THEY know all about serious injuries. (frank)ing priceless.

I hope the Flyers stomp them tomorrow.
- canadianpenfan

Rangers v. Flyers. I'm rooting for the meteor.