I hate the emphasis on this team being "soft." This is a team with 2 top-10 (at times, top-3) players on it as well as a fantastic #1 defenseman, a solid top-3 defense, some 30-goal scoring wingers, and a goalie that, when on, is elite.

Their game is not based on being a "tough" team. They play a skill game, and it's only when they go out of their way to prove that they're not "soft" that they get into trouble. A truly tough team doesn't have to be a punishing physical team, it has to do with every player battling through thick and thin for every other guy in the room. If the Penguins play together and stick to a skill game, they can beat anyone in a 7-game series. If they want to prove that they're not "soft" like everyone says, they'll be golfing in early May.

Trading for experience is not a good policy. It's exactly what Shero did to complete failure. Trade for superior talent like the Bortuzzo/Cole trade. Hopefully Despres never develops beyond his current play level. However, I think that is very unlikely.
- jfkst1

I am not a GM nor do I pay these guys' salaries. It seems to me that the "experience" schtick has started when we traded away Goc for Lappy. I have not seen anything in Lappy yet besides the promise that he has "playoff experience". He has not hit well, he has not gotten under anyone's skin, he has not make anyone pay for messing with our top 2 line guys, no fights - nothing. So just like I moved along after the Lappy trade, I say move along with this one.

Trading for experience is not a good policy. It's exactly what Shero did to complete failure. Trade for superior talent like the Bortuzzo/Cole trade. Hopefully Despres never develops beyond his current play level. However, I think that is very unlikely.
- jfkst1

Doesn't matter, he still had higher value than Lovejoy. Young mobile easily retained D should have cost Lovejoy and a mid round pick or b prospect

Trading for experience is not a good policy. It's exactly what Shero did to complete failure. Trade for superior talent like the Bortuzzo/Cole trade. Hopefully Despres never develops beyond his current play level. However, I think that is very unlikely.
- jfkst1

trading for experience worked with guerin and roberts though...we were just able to give up picks though and didnt have to lose any physical assets in doing so

I hate the emphasis on this team being "soft." This is a team with 2 top-10 (at times, top-3) players on it as well as a fantastic #1 defenseman, a solid top-3 defense, some 30-goal scoring wingers, and a goalie that, when on, is elite.

Their game is not based on being a "tough" team. They play a skill game, and it's only when they go out of their way to prove that they're not "soft" that they get into trouble. A truly tough team doesn't have to be a punishing physical team, it has to do with every player battling through thick and thin for every other guy in the room. If the Penguins play together and stick to a skill game, they can beat anyone in a 7-game series. If they want to prove that they're not "soft" like everyone says, they'll be golfing in early May.
- jmatchett383

Well to be fair, in the postseason the refs basically allow everything so having players that will harass opponents' stars is beneficial. However, I don't think the trades today made the team more "soft" at all.

I hate the emphasis on this team being "soft." This is a team with 2 top-10 (at times, top-3) players on it as well as a fantastic #1 defenseman, a solid top-3 defense, some 30-goal scoring wingers, and a goalie that, when on, is elite.

Their game is not based on being a "tough" team. They play a skill game, and it's only when they go out of their way to prove that they're not "soft" that they get into trouble. A truly tough team doesn't have to be a punishing physical team, it has to do with every player battling through thick and thin for every other guy in the room. If the Penguins play together and stick to a skill game, they can beat anyone in a 7-game series. If they want to prove that they're not "soft" like everyone says, they'll be golfing in early May.
- jmatchett383

Totally agree with ya there. I like your style.

Anyone remember when Despres and Letang were on the ice for that game winning goal and all of us were excited at the prospect of them playing together? The next game they were paired together and Despres was bad. I do think Despres has the size and skill to move up. I also understand management frustrated with his inconsistencies.

I hate the emphasis on this team being "soft." This is a team with 2 top-10 (at times, top-3) players on it as well as a fantastic #1 defenseman, a solid top-3 defense, some 30-goal scoring wingers, and a goalie that, when on, is elite.

Their game is not based on being a "tough" team. They play a skill game, and it's only when they go out of their way to prove that they're not "soft" that they get into trouble. A truly tough team doesn't have to be a punishing physical team, it has to do with every player battling through thick and thin for every other guy in the room. If the Penguins play together and stick to a skill game, they can beat anyone in a 7-game series. If they want to prove that they're not "soft" like everyone says, they'll be golfing in early May.
- jmatchett383

You literally stole my post. Thank you though. This is spot on. Sometimes being tough is taking the damn beating and just walking away, only to score the next shift. Get into penalties and fights and this team is outmatched. Montreal did this to Boston and dismantled them, we could have done the same

Alright, trying to put a good spin on this.

Lovejoy is not soft, led the Ducks in hits last year with 218, has 99 in 40 games this year.

Where have there been reports of him being a healthy scratch. He missed 6 weeks Nov/Dec with a broken finger, which is why he is at 40 games this season.

He is signed though next season, at a very nice cap hit.

I said trying........

Alright, trying to put a good spin on this.

Lovejoy is not soft, led the Ducks in hits last year with 218, has 99 in 40 games this year.

Where have there been reports of him being a healthy scratch. He missed 6 weeks Nov/Dec with a broken finger, which is why he is at 40 games this season.

He is signed though next season, at a very nice cap hit.

I said trying........
- cap1681

+1

You literally stole my post. Thank you though. This is spot on. Sometimes being tough is taking the damn beating and just walking away, only to score the next shift. Get into penalties and fights and this team is outmatched. Montreal did this to Boston and dismantled them, we could have done the same
- usethe1-2-2

Detroit and Tampa are 2 more examples of teams that play whistle to whistle.

Anyone remember when Despres and Letang were on the ice for that game winning goal and all of us were excited at the prospect of them playing together? The next game they were paired together and Despres was bad. I do think Despres has the size and skill to move up. I also understand management frustrated with his inconsistencies.
- powerhouse

That's the key. I would rather have the game on line with the puck on Cole/Lovejoy rather than Despres/Bortz. Especially come playoff time.

All the angst for losing Depres is over the top. He was no where near the Pens top 2 pairings. And Lovejoy is a better defensive d-man. Yes it was nice seeing Depres hit people, but it was horrifying to watch him get blown past in the d zone because he constantly turned the wrong way.

I'd like to see how Cole and Lovejoy fit before condemning GMJR.

I think I'll miss Bortuzzo and his ice cream spot more than trying to figure out if it's Simon or Simone!!!

You literally stole my post. Thank you though. This is spot on. Sometimes being tough is taking the damn beating and just walking away, only to score the next shift. Get into penalties and fights and this team is outmatched. Montreal did this to Boston and dismantled them, we could have done the same
- usethe1-2-2

Basically, as a Flyers fan, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever that the Penguins should routinely lose to the Flyers. There just isn't. But for whatever reason, the Penguins always feel the need to show the Flyers that they won't be pushed around, start getting stupid, and the Flyers make them pay. Same thing with Boston. Same thing with Columbus and NYR.

Alright, trying to put a good spin on this.

Lovejoy is not soft, led the Ducks in hits last year with 218, has 99 in 40 games this year.

Where have there been reports of him being a healthy scratch. He missed 6 weeks Nov/Dec with a broken finger, which is why he is at 40 games this season.

He is signed though next season, at a very nice cap hit.

I said trying........
- cap1681

You did a better job than you think or hoped to.

In addition to your points, Lovejoy is more consistent and has far more playoff experience than Despres. He was on the TOP PAIR in ANA with Fowler all last year and is 6'1 215lbs and familiar with the Pens locker room. He's a great safer addition to the four puck movers we have in Letang, Martin, Ehroff and Pouliot and has played heavy, tough, western conference hockey the last 150 games.

The only way this is a bad trade is if Despres gets a lot better in the coming years. Unfortunately the Pens have to win now. And we have Maata, Harrington, and Drumolin ready to go next year.

Its a savvy playoff readying trade.

Part of me wants to see these d-pairings going into the playoffs. We all know Scuderi isn't going to be in the press box, so....


Letang-Martin
Ehrhoff-Lovejoy
Scuderi-Pouliot
Cole

Part of me wants to see these d-pairings going into the playoffs. We all know Scuderi isn't going to be in the press box, so....


Letang-Martin
Ehrhoff-Lovejoy
Scuderi-Pouliot
Cole
- cap1681

Yeah, Adams was scratched, so who knows...

GMJR channeled his inner Milbury with this trade, while completing the wrecking of Despres' Penguins career begun by HCDB. This trade easily bests the Goc trade when measured with the stupidity yardstick.

That's the key. I would rather have the game on line with the puck on Cole/Lovejoy rather than Despres/Bortz. Especially come playoff time.
- znagle

Exactly.


And, with Lovejoy (deceptively big hitter), Cole, and Winnik we just got all 6'1+ guys, 210lbs+ guys, all +15+ players, who play a defined role, play smart, and are defensively aware (Winnik has close to 30 points so can chip in too).

All good moves for THIS club at THIS time.

Pens are bigger and better.

GMJR channeled his inner Milbury with this trade, while completing the wrecking of Despres' Penguins career begun by HCDB. This trade easily bests the Goc trade when measured with the stupidity yardstick.
- szielinski

What makes Goc better than Lapierre?

Yeah, Adams was scratched, so who knows...
- Conse

I bet Cole will play higher pairing than DP. I mean, DP has great upside, very Letang-like, but as soon as he messes up he will get the leash tug.

What makes Goc better than Lapierre?
- stevens87

The only thing I can think of is faceoffs. But what makes Lappy a good pick up? I have honestly not seen any of what I was promised - hits, intensity, ability to get under other players' skin. At times I could swear he was avoiding hitting ...

"I say we hang him then we kill him!" - Pee Wee's Big Adventure

What makes Goc better than Lapierre?
- stevens87

He plays more minutes, generates more chances, suppresses more shots, plays better defensively, wins more faceoffs.

GMJR channeled his inner Milbury with this trade, while completing the wrecking of Despres' Penguins career begun by HCDB. This trade easily bests the Goc trade when measured with the stupidity yardstick.
- szielinski

How exactly did HCDB wreck Depres career? He and Coach Reirden worked with him through his time in W-B/S and into the big club. They tried to help him become a true Pro D-man and fix flaws in his game. Because he never took it upon himself to fix what he could you'd blame the Coach?