I personally think people way underestimate the effect age is having on Sid's play. Has anyone every considered that the reason we see spurts here and there of the old Sid is because at 28 it's impossible for him to maintain that level all game? It's been proven that around this age is when most players start there decline or at least see a dip in their production. I know most don't want to believe it and I would not used the word washed up at all but I think it's possible that what we are seeing is simple what Sid should be at 28, a player that dominates in spurts and needs supported the rest of the time.
- jaydogg1974

I understand there will be a dip in production at his age. What I see however is a guy going through the motions more often than not. I see plenty of older guys playing with much more energy. Look at Cullen. Guy is 39, I don't believe I've seen him take a shift off yet.

There's more going on here than age IMO.

I agree that they are horrible. There's a few reasons for that, the defensemen's lack of puck moving skill forces the forwards to come deeper into the zone, giving the opposing forwards the room in the neutral zone to stop the breakout. This is where players like Lovejoy and Scuderi tend to drag the Pens down, IMO. I see no reason why they should TRY to address this issue by swapping Pouliot/Clendening in. I completely believe they should try to improve from within before making any trades to try and bring in D help (which I think it could eventually come to.)
- j.boyd919

Oh and what about all freaking offsides? People should be benched for offsides. This is the NHL. It's atrocious. Nothing distrupts the offence more than some douchebag going offsides on a breakout.

I understand there will be a dip in production at his age. What I see however is a guy going through the motions more often than not. I see plenty of older guys playing with much more energy. Look at Cullen. Guy is 39, I don't believe I've seen him take a shift off yet.

There's more going on here than age IMO.
- madmike71

Maybe his real name is Cindy after all?

Disagree, the "rest along for the ride" are actually contributing nicely this year. They are actually getting secondary scoring, and if/when Sid and co. start producing, we could see some solid production from the entire forward ranks. Kessel and Malkin are both playing well, sure he's 49th in scoring, but Malkin has developed his defensive game immensely. Backchecking, takeaways, he's playing more of a complete game, and I'm ok with that. The problem with this team is the absurd amount of shots they are giving up, and hopefully the coaches see that and address it.
- j.boyd919

The 4th line has played well and a great improvement over past years. The D is not good. You can't give up 50+ shots vs Buffalo even when they are 100%. Cole is and always was a bottom pairing Dman. Theres nothing wrong with that. Problem is he's better than 3 or 4 other guys on the roster. Pretending some of the Pens players are better than they are gets you in trouble and wanting guys like BB and Dupes on the top lines. Its just not a good formula. Trading away guys like Perron, PH, Kuni will not bring anything back of value that the Pens need. Dumping off Scuds and getting another Cole level players isn't going to cut it.

Z and Dats never put up stupid amount of pts, but they play very good hockey. They also get help from the rest of the team. Pens problem is the team is Crosby and Malkin, the rest is just along for the ride, well not Kessel he's part of the trio that needs to perform.
- sammy87

This is simply not a true statement anymore. Cullen, Fehr, and Bonino have all been chipping in. That's over half of our bottom six. Kunitz has been doing a fine job on the third unit. Crosby and Malkin are no longer carrying a team of passengers and Malkin and Kessel have been playing some damn good hockey. They will each end the season at PPG at least. It's only a matter of time before Crosbg and PH break their slumps as well. Again, I didn't catch the Calgary game by they seemed to have been starting to turn it around, especially Hornqvist.

The 4th line has played well and a great improvement over past years. The D is not good. You can't give up 50+ shots vs Buffalo even when they are 100%. Cole is and always was a bottom pairing Dman. Theres nothing wrong with that. Problem is he's better than 3 or 4 other guys on the roster. Pretending some of the Pens players are better than they are gets you in trouble and wanting guys like BB and Dupes on the top lines. Its just not a good formula. Trading away guys like Perron, PH, Kuni will not bring anything back of value that the Pens need. Dumping off Scuds and getting another Cole level players isn't going to cut it.
- sammy87

I was going to say, let's move Letang for a couple of solid guys like Ryan Suter ... forgetting that Suter makes about $4mil more than Letang (with signing bonus) this year.

The 4th line has played well and a great improvement over past years. The D is not good. You can't give up 50+ shots vs Buffalo even when they are 100%. Cole is and always was a bottom pairing Dman. Theres nothing wrong with that. Problem is he's better than 3 or 4 other guys on the roster. Pretending some of the Pens players are better than they are gets you in trouble and wanting guys like BB and Dupes on the top lines. Its just not a good formula. Trading away guys like Perron, PH, Kuni will not bring anything back of value that the Pens need. Dumping off Scuds and getting another Cole level players isn't going to cut it.
- sammy87

I agree giving up the amount of shots they are giving up is not good. I didn't disagree with that. Like I said, I would like them to try and give DP/Clendening a chance on the club and see if it improves. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't.. but we won't know until we try it. I'd also like to see DP on the PP1.. I think he might be better suited for the PP than Letang. Also, it might take some growing pains, but I'm OK with that.

Letang-Maatta
Dumo-Lovejoy
Pouliot-Clendening/Cole

is what I would like to see. Shelter the 3rd pairings minutes if need be, but let them play.

I was going to say, let's move Letang for a couple of solid guys like Ryan Suter ... forgetting that Suter makes about $4mil more than Letang (with signing bonus) this year.
- chimpira

Ive never seen a Letang trade proposal where the team is better. IMO he is arguably the most important player the Pens have.

Ive never seen a Letang trade proposal where the team is better. IMO he is arguably the most important player the Pens have when he performs to the level he is paid.
- sammy87

Fixed it for ya ...

This is simply not a true statement anymore. Cullen, Fehr, and Bonino have all been chipping in. That's over half of our bottom six. Kunitz has been doing a fine job on the third unit. Crosby and Malkin are no longer carrying a team of passengers and Malkin and Kessel have been playing some damn good hockey. They will each end the season at PPG at least. It's only a matter of time before Crosbg and PH break their slumps as well. Again, I didn't catch the Calgary game by they seemed to have been starting to turn it around, especially Hornqvist.
- Victoro311

While Kessel/Malkin has been an improvement over Crosby, Its not nearly as good as what some thought nor is it producing what their salaries and talent level demand.

I will say Fehr is a nice piece and arguably the best pickup of the offseason. Bonino has been fine.

Fixed it for ya ...
- chimpira

LOL, no player will be perfect every game. Letang gets called out pretty frequently. Letang at 50% is better than than the rest of the D at 100%. Maata has just not been good, Dumo has been adequate, Cole, Scuds are not that good.

I find it funny that Cole had a few good games last season and everyone was like yeah extend him he's great!

Lap had a few good games and it was, his fancy stats suck get rid of him...

Not defending Cole, just the perceived level of talent is interesting.

While Kessel/Malkin has been an improvement over Crosby, Its not nearly as good as what some thought nor is it producing what their salaries and talent level demand.

I will say Fehr is a nice piece and arguably the best pickup of the offseason. Bonino has been fine.
- sammy87

All is going to be fine once the D-pairings are sorted out. Letang-Cole just doesn't work. It is obvious. Get the top D-pair gelling, the passes will be just fine ... and no offsides. This team has the personnel (maybe minus one solid 2nd pairing D-man) to make it farther this year than in previous years. The bottom 2 lines are awesome. Get the D pairings fixed and let the boys play.

Ive never seen a Letang trade proposal where the team is better. IMO he is arguably the most important player the Pens have.
- sammy87

As of right now, I'd ave to say that Fleury is the most important player the Pens have... he has been carrying this team on his back. After that I'd say Malkin, Kessel, and then maybe Letang, who IMO hasn't looked very good this season, and I believe that's because he's been trying to prop Ian Cole up.

LOL, no player will be perfect every game. Letang gets called out pretty frequently. Letang at 50% is better than than the rest of the D at 100%. Maata has just not been good, Dumo has been adequate, Cole, Scuds are not that good.

I find it funny that Cole had a few good games last season and everyone was like yeah extend him he's great!

Lap had a few good games and it was, his fancy stats suck get rid of him...

Not defending Cole, just the perceived level of talent is interesting.
- sammy87

Cole was def an upgrade over Bortuzzo. But anyone who saw him as the Lord and Savior was insane in the membrane.

As of right now, I'd ave to say that Fleury is the most important player the Pens have... he has been carrying this team on his back. After that I'd say Malkin, Kessel, and then maybe Letang, who IMO hasn't looked very good this season, and I believe that's because he's been trying to prop Ian Cole up.
- j.boyd919

Very true, wasn't really thinking of the G position.

Yeah you have to consider his partner and the amount of minutes he's playing. Its a bit insane and not good for the season.

Malkin has been pretty consistent, but him and Crosby need to be top guys.

While I respect Kessels talent, Im not a fan of the trade. I wish they could have traded the Pens equivalent for Oshie and also grabbed a mid pairing Dman while keeping a first and develop Kap.

Cole was def an upgrade over Bortuzzo. But anyone who saw him as the Lord and Savior was insane in the membrane.
- chimpira

Many here did and still do. Many here also thought Tangradi should be on the PP w/o ever seeing him play. Some also thought Scuds coming back was praised, Dupes is a top 6 as well as BB.

so horny on third line? also horny demoted but dupuis still there

Ek reporting that Pens are in on the Eric Staal trade front. Not sure why we would even want him. He would essentially be our 3rd center unless you move malkin to wing.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...g-D--Buzzcast-4pm/1/72372

LOL according to EK, Pens in on E. Staal.

so horny on third line? also horny demoted but dupuis still there
- martox

Dupes needs to think about his family and health and just go on LTIR.

Oh look, the team least likely to be able to acquire Eric Staal is suddenly rumoured to be interested in acquiring Eric Staal.

Ek reporting that Pens are in on the Eric Staal trade front. Not sure why we would even want him. He would essentially be our 3rd center unless you move malkin to wing.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...g-D--Buzzcast-4pm/1/72372
- joescullz

He plays LW, not Center.

so horny on third line? also horny demoted but dupuis still there
- martox

If Dupuis clots are back they will most likely be a chronic issue for him and if that's the case he is done. He has to think about himself and his family. It wouldn't surprise me if there was an announcement this week.

He plays LW, not Center.
- BINGO!

Who Centers him in CAR?

Who Centers him in CAR?
- j.boyd919

Either J. Staal or Victor Rask depending on the day.

Typically it's been Rask of late