And what does Staal get for the 15 head shots to Crosby?
- Oneonta Penguin

A medal

So Lundquist fined $5000 for the water squirting. What does Crosby get for his spear?
- Iggysbff

The honor of you complaining about him not getting a fine.

And what does Staal get for the 15 head shots to Crosby?
- Oneonta Penguin

You mean 3? Staal got the same thing Crosby got for a spear and and slew foot. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

The honor of you complaining about him not getting a fine.
- Ben37

Whose complaining? I asked a simple question.

Whose complaining? I asked a simple question.
- Iggysbff

Actually you were goading us, nice try.

delete

Actually you were goading us, nice try.
- powerhouse

Maybe we should ask him the penalties the NHL should put on the Edmonton franchise for impersonating an NHL franchise.

Just what we need, a shootout specialist in Oshie. There is a strange lovefest with him. Pleasing to the eye, but only one 20-goal season to his credit in his career. I don't think that deal would ever be in the cards for either side.

Nothing wrong with Gibbons. He has more grit than most of our current players.
- Oneonta Penguin

If Dupes or Neal can excel on the Pens, Oshie would do wonders.

It would be counter productive for the Blues. Do you honestly see the Blues having interest in James Neal with the system they play? I don't. Hitch wouldn't want him. Even you yourself admitted Shattenkirk is a longshot, so why even suggest it? I think we need to envision realistic ideas, not pipe dreams.

Why would a team like STL want MAF, who has a proven failure rate in the play-offs absent two years the Pens made it to the Cup? This makes absolutely ZERO sense. Proven champ? He has one Cup and sense then has been a disaster between the pipes in the play-offs, so ... let's tone down the proven champ comment. He isn't that proven anymore.
- Oneonta Penguin

I 100% see where you're coming from. A longshot on Shattenkirk sure. But the possibility is there. My solution is to look at options that benefit both teams. The Blues get an injection of top end offensive talent and the Penguins get a top 4 D (Shattenkirk as a top 2 or top 4 is debatable I concede) and also proper top 6 forwards. I can't remember how I built this proposed roster as you saw and I made a lot of changes with pieces coming in from other teams such Ladd from the Jets. In any event, if you want to tone this type of trade down a bit which certainly makes something more plausible you could consider other players going to STL (maybe P. Martin over Neal?)

Is a combo of Allen and MAF really worse than Allen and Elliot? I played around with the Blues roster a little more and to their credit they do have a lot of cap space. They could resign Miller so than MAF indeed makes zero sense if they go that route.

Call me crazy and I understand other people when they say 87 and 71 aren't going anywhere but look at the failure of this team. It's the Penguins culture. It is in other words broken. MAF for too long has been the scapegoat in the Burgh'. He is a good goalie that plays behind a team that runs on hot-headed emotion who cannot control themselves when it matters mosts. MAF ins't without his flaws but he is better than many people care to admit now-a-days. I will note it is entirely rationally to just change the coach because something doesn't seem to be clicking. In all of this the Penguins also really need to improve on their depth, there are plenty of ways to do this of course.

Concerning Neal, I have to say a guy like Hitchcock I believe can mould Neal IMO better than Bylsma has done. Does he fit the system, well, after a little bit time and playing with 71 in STL I think he would, but it's personal opinion of course.

I appreciate your feedback!And let me know if you have another suggestion or something? I just want to note that the Blues could be entertained because they are a team with high expectations with a track record that doesn't speak wonders about the talent they have either (the Sharks also come to mind).

I 100% see where you're coming from. A longshot on Shattenkirk sure. But the possibility is there. My solution is to look at options that benefit both teams. The Blues get an injection of top end offensive talent and the Penguins get a top 4 D (Shattenkirk as a top 2 or top 4 is debatable I concede) and also proper top 6 forwards. I can't remember how I built this proposed roster as you saw and I made a lot of changes with pieces coming in from other teams such Ladd from the Jets. In any event, if you want to tone this type of trade down a bit which certainly makes something more plausible you could consider other players going to STL (maybe P. Martin over Neal?)

Is a combo of Allen and MAF really worse than Allen and Elliot? I played around with the Blues roster a little more and to their credit they do have a lot of cap space. They could resign Miller so than MAF indeed makes zero sense if they go that route.

Call me crazy and I understand other people when they say 87 and 71 aren't going anywhere but look at the failure of this team. It's the Penguins culture. It is in other words broken. MAF for too long has been the scapegoat in the Burgh'. He is a good goalie that plays behind a team that runs on hot-headed emotion who cannot control themselves when it matters mosts. MAF ins't without his flaws but he is better than many people care to admit now-a-days. I will note it is entirely rationally to just change the coach because something doesn't seem to be clicking. In all of this the Penguins also really need to improve on their depth, there are plenty of ways to do this of course.

Concerning Neal, I have to say a guy like Hitchcock I believe can mould Neal IMO better than Bylsma has done. Does he fit the system, well, after a little bit time and playing with 71 in STL I think he would, but it's personal opinion of course.

I appreciate your feedback!And let me know if you have another suggestion or something? I just want to note that the Blues could be entertained because they are a team with high expectations with a track record that doesn't speak wonders about the talent they have either (the Sharks also come to mind).
- penguins-4-life

The value you proposed is intriguing. I'm not in love with Oshie as others are. I love Shattenkirk and Tarasenko. I just don't see Neal fitting in whatsoever. Hitchcock doesn't have the patience to mold a player that doesn't fit.

I don't see a franchise that hasn't spent alot of money on two goalies in a while; spending five million for essentially an ineffective goalie in the post season. To me, that is a waste of money and resources. Allen and resigning Elliott gives you more money to shape your roster. You save 2.5 million at least.

If Fleury gets dealt, it probably should be to a non-playoff team right now trying to make it. He can get you there. Somewhere like Winnipeg maybe? God knows he is an upgrade.

Maybe we should ask him the penalties the NHL should put on the Edmonton franchise for impersonating an NHL franchise.
- Oneonta Penguin

By rewarding them with the next "generational" talent in a behind closed door lottery?

By rewarding them with the next "generational" talent in a behind closed door lottery?
- blacksheep1

They wouldn't do anything with it anyways.

The value you proposed is intriguing. I'm not in love with Oshie as others are. I love Shattenkirk and Tarasenko. I just don't see Neal fitting in whatsoever. Hitchcock doesn't have the patience to mold a player that doesn't fit.

I don't see a franchise that hasn't spent alot of money on two goalies in a while; spending five million for essentially an ineffective goalie in the post season. To me, that is a waste of money and resources. Allen and resigning Elliott gives you more money to shape your roster. You save 2.5 million at least.

If Fleury gets dealt, it probably should be to a non-playoff team right now trying to make it. He can get you there. Somewhere like Winnipeg maybe? God knows he is an upgrade.
- Oneonta Penguin

I'm very invested in the idea of a trade with STL as you can tell. I think both teams stand to gain. Anyways, if not Oshie I would love Backes but as the Blues "C" that is definitely not going to happen so hence the next best which is Oshie at centre.

Let's say Neal and MAF are off the table. Can you seen 71 and 14 (Kunitz being a really solid guy) and whatever else if necessary in return for any combo of Shattenkirk, Oshie, Tarasenko and compensatory picks or prospects if applicable?

In terms of trading MAF to a none playoff team, I like the sound of the Jets and like you said MAF > Pavelec. I think Edmonton is also a viable trading partner because as we know they need to facilitate a winning culture now and MAF can help. I partly say that because they have two good backup goalies comparable to Elliot IMO (Scrivins and Fash), unless Scrivins pulls a Ben Bishop out of nowhere considering he did show promise. Also Vancouver realistically could use an upgrade after their recent fiasco trading away two very good goalies.

I'm very invested in the idea of a trade with STL as you can tell. I think both teams stand to gain. Anyways, if not Oshie I would love Backes but as the Blues "C" that is definitely not going to happen so hence the next best which is Oshie at centre.

Let's say Neal and MAF are off the table. Can you seen 71 and 14 (Kunitz being a really solid guy) and whatever else if necessary in return for any combo of Shattenkirk, Oshie, Tarasenko and compensatory picks or prospects if applicable?

In terms of trading MAF to a none playoff team, I like the sound of the Jets and like you said MAF > Pavelec. I think Edmonton is also a viable trading partner because as we know they need to facilitate a winning culture now and MAF can help. I partly say that because they have two good backup goalies comparable to Elliot IMO (Scrivins and Fash), unless Scrivins pulls a Ben Bishop out of nowhere considering he did show promise. Also Vancouver realistically could use an upgrade after their recent fiasco trading away two very good goalies.
- penguins-4-life

You have too many moving parts going. Why deal Kunitz? We have been searching for a winger for Sid for years and now you want to trade one main constant that he has had for XXX years? Makes no sense. Kunitz has some edge to his game - something we need. I think STL has some great pieces. I love Backes. But, lets be honest. He is going NOWHERE. He is the heart and soul of that team.

Eddie Lack played well for them. He wasn't the problem. Why would Vancouver want Fleury for one year?

By rewarding them with the next "generational" talent in a behind closed door lottery?
- blacksheep1

Your mom think of that one for you before tucking you into bed? Be honest.

Your mom think of that one for you before tucking you into bed? Be honest.
- Oneonta Penguin

I wish. Just watching Kings-Ducks now. Two teams that actually built winners.

i hope the pens are watching the ducks game and taking notes. that's how you score goals. dirty, swarming, from everywhere around the net - not this perimeter, around the horn, and too fancy east west pp bullpoop. lundqvist is not that great laterally, and he's beatable on deflections and scrums just like any other goalie...they have to go to the net. when they were dominating, the had the puck the whole time, and snuffed out all the neutral zone diagonal stretch passes which is the rangers bread and butter on the transition. crash the crease and eliminate the stretch pass and they'll win this game.

By rewarding them with the next "generational" talent in a behind closed door lottery?
- blacksheep1

You believe in Big Foot don't you?

You have too many moving parts going. Why deal Kunitz? We have been searching for a winger for Sid for years and now you want to trade one main constant that he has had for XXX years? Makes no sense. Kunitz has some edge to his game - something we need. I think STL has some great pieces. I love Backes. But, lets be honest. He is going NOWHERE. He is the heart and soul of that team.

Eddie Lack played well for them. He wasn't the problem. Why would Vancouver want Fleury for one year?
- Oneonta Penguin

Yeah I know. If a deal was to occur you betcha the other team would ask about #14 though.

Regardless, Vancouver can work as MAF s young enough to stick around for a while. The Canucks are a team entering a phase which will see them grooming prospects who are a few years away from entering the league. Couple that with some seasoned veterans like the Sedins recently signed longer term and they could pull it off. Plus, I'm not yet convinced on Jakub Markstrom and Lack isn't exactly starter material.

Realistically @ 5 mill now I don't see MAF making a whole lot more therefore after what you could consider a tryout with the nuck's now and an extension after that. Same applies to CGY. CGY makes sense like Edmonton as they have an excellent prospect pool and need a good goalie. At least until top prospect Jon Gillies either proves he has what it takes or not and that is likely a while from now. Albeit the Flames are in a position which could land them another top pick next year, however, the organisation is run to avoid that scenario and they are one the hardest working teams in the league which says to me they want to be competitive now.

Yeah I know. If a deal was to occur you betcha the other team would ask about #14 though.

Regardless, Vancouver can work as MAF s young enough to stick around for a while. The Canucks are a team entering a phase which will see them grooming prospects who are a few years away from entering the league. Couple that with some seasoned veterans like the Sedins recently signed longer term and they could pull it off. Plus, I'm not yet convinced on Jakub Markstrom and Lack isn't exactly starter material.

Realistically @ 5 mill now I don't see MAF making a whole lot more therefore after what you could consider a tryout with the nuck's now and an extension after that. Same applies to CGY. CGY makes sense like Edmonton as they have an excellent prospect pool and need a good goalie. At least until top prospect Jon Gillies either proves he has what it takes or not and that is likely a while from now. Albeit the Flames are in a position which could land them another top pick next year, however, the organisation is run to avoid that scenario and they are one the hardest working teams in the league which says to me they want to be competitive now.
- penguins-4-life

Realistically, if you guys lose tomorrow, Bylsma will keep his job, Fleury will be starting in net next playoffs, Neal will be on Malkin's wing, and Letang will be on the first pairing defensive pair. Having back Dupuis will help Crosby, but your team will be relatively the same only with a more inexperienced defense.

Realistically, if you guys lose tomorrow, Bylsma will keep his job, Fleury will be starting in net next playoffs, Neal will be on Malkin's wing, and Letang will be on the first pairing defensive pair. Having back Dupuis will help Crosby, but your team will be relatively the same only with a more inexperienced defense.
- RAGSareDANGERus

That is the sad truth of the matter. Insanity is best the way of describing it. However in all of this there as been a lot of criticism and talk about change so if not next year certainly soon after. That is provided the Rangers once again make the Penguins look like fools on the ice in this up and coming game 7.

Ryan Wilson: Game 7 Puts Penguins Franchise At a Crossroads
Game 7 puts Penguins franchise at a Crossroads
- Ryan_Wilson

U think Neal might be a "scapegoat" for the loss?
I can't see him being traded, that would be crazy. He's not part of the problem.

Realistically, if you guys lose tomorrow, Bylsma will keep his job, Fleury will be starting in net next playoffs, Neal will be on Malkin's wing, and Letang will be on the first pairing defensive pair. Having back Dupuis will help Crosby, but your team will be relatively the same only with a more inexperienced defense.
- RAGSareDANGERus

If the Pens lose, Bylsma will most certainly be let go and most likely before the Conference Finals end. You could be right about Fleury and that wouldn't necissarily bother me. Soft goals at bad times have been his M.O., just look at his history in the WJC. But you live by the sword and die by the sword, he fits best on a team w/ 87 and 71. This team has had too many holes that were never filled properly, you can't lay a lion's share of the blame on MAF for these collapses. He's been one of their top players this post season. Neal will be moved, I think this happens even if they advance. You're probably right about Letang and half right about Duper. I think the next coach puts Duper back on the third line.

U think Neal might be a "scapegoat" for the loss?
I can't see him being traded, that would be crazy. He's not part of the problem.
- jdfitz77

He hasn't performed well in the playoffs w/ the Pens and his ability to take offensive zone penalties is like giving the opposition a fifth guy on the PK. He's talented and for the cap hit and lack of top six guys in the FA market his return could do more for the franchise than he can. At this point they need to start answering the phone for offers on everybody other than 87, 71, and 3.

Time to trade crosby.. see what you can get for him,
you can only fire the coach so many times.