What blockbuster save did Fluery make last night to attribute the game to him?
The Sharks had maybe a handful of threatening chances and the rest of there shots were worthless put it on the net with a prayer shots.

That was a complete game by the whole team and RW come up with that terrible headline to push his analytics are god agenda yet again. The fact that Plotnikov is our top player analytics wise should show you the holes in those metrics, the guy does nothing out there.

Try Sprong with Sid and Kunitz
Duper with Cullen and Fehr

Rotate Bennett and Plotnikov in the press box the extra games off should help them maintain those excellent corsi numbers that everyone knows is what really makes a player.
- stackthepads

As I explained to Aussie earlier today, it's not highlight real. Fleury is playing very fundamentally sound for a goal tender and stone walling all the chances and doing excellent on rebound control. If Fleury's rebound control isn't what it is right now, then we have tons of problems. He also stood tall in a lot of net front scrums. This idea that we're limiting dangerous chances is something I don't get. The opposition has been able to cycle well in our zone which allows them to get pucks on nets and initiate a scrum, which happens several times a game. Flower didn't steal us this game like he's stolen us plenty of games this season so far, but he was a big part in winning.

Also, why would you sit Plot and Bennett right now? They're playing very solid hockey while Dupuis is not. If you think Plotnikov hasn't been playing solid hockey these past few games you're not watching and you're the one guilty of having preconceived notions clouding your judgement more so than RW.

Why rotate Bennett and Plot in the pressbox when both of them are playing way better than Dupuis?? Especially Plot.
- Conse

Dupuis and Scuderi will never be permanent scratches unless something catastrophic happens to them (like loss of an arm, leg, or neck). For some reason, coaches love the "hard working, veteran" types.

The Olympics are a scam. They should be held in set respective locations or on a rotating basis between several locations. Changing locations every time is beyond stupid.
- jfkst1

The IOC wants to keep all the cash for themselves and keep the athletes poor.

Isn't Kazakistan in the running for the next winter games? Yeah nobody wants to go there. Theres always a group in Denver that pushes for the winter games. Anyone with a brain wants to stay far away from that.

The IOC wants to keep all the cash for themselves and keep the athletes poor.

Isn't Kazakistan in the running for the next winter games? Yeah nobody wants to go there. Theres always a group in Denver that pushes for the winter games. Anyone with a brain wants to stay far away from that.
- sammy87

I thought they already had South Korea set for the next Winter Games.

Which will be a complete train wreck.

The IOC wants to keep all the cash for themselves and keep the athletes poor.

Isn't Kazakistan in the running for the next winter games? Yeah nobody wants to go there. Theres always a group in Denver that pushes for the winter games. Anyone with a brain wants to stay far away from that.
- sammy87

I remember hearing an economic panel talk about how cities could be benefitting from the games if they were going to fixed sites every time or even on a rotating basis, but that no city benefits financially from a one time deal. I hope US cities never bid again.

@Oneonta:

It sucks. The place where most Of the competitions are going to be played is heavy poluted. A great deal of the constructions for the olympics are way behind the schedule and a lot do things promised by the government simply wont happen. Rio de Janeiro has no conditions whatsoever to host the olympics, unfortunately. Brazil as a whole is living one Of its biggest crisis due to several corruption scandals.
- Conse

I read a story this morning about the water. Doesn't sound too appealing. I winced when Rio got the bid thinking there were going to be problems; much like Sochi. Corruption and brazil go hand in hand unfortunately. Rio appeared to be a cool destination for the games at one time. Now, not so much. Hope it works out.

I thought they already had South Korea set for the next Winter Games.

Which will be a complete train wreck.
- jmatchett383

I have more faith in S. Korea then I would many parts of this world.

I have more faith in S. Korea then I would many parts of this world.
- Oneonta Penguin

In theory, they could probably pull it off. In reality, I don't see it.

What blockbuster save did Fluery make last night to attribute the game to him?
The Sharks had maybe a handful of threatening chances and the rest of there shots were worthless put it on the net with a prayer shots.

That was a complete game by the whole team and RW come up with that terrible headline to push his analytics are god agenda yet again. The fact that Plotnikov is our top player analytics wise should show you the holes in those metrics, the guy does nothing out there.

Try Sprong with Sid and Kunitz
Duper with Cullen and Fehr

Rotate Bennett and Plotnikov in the press box the extra games off should help them maintain those excellent corsi numbers that everyone knows is what really makes a player.
- stackthepads

Exactly.

I watched every minute of the game. Sure the Sharks controlled portions of the game, they should, theyre a great team in their own house...but the Pens controlled portions too. Sharks came out really hard off the get go and the Pens didnt but still scored. At no point after the first 5 mins did I think to myself, like I have so many other games this year, they're not competing hard enough.

I have more faith in S. Korea then I would many parts of this world.
- Oneonta Penguin

hopefully that meteor comes any day now.

Why rotate Bennett and Plot in the pressbox when both of them are playing way better than Dupuis?? Especially Plot.
- Conse

Agreed.

Duper wont be scratched though if he can play. Yet another reason he may be doing more harm than good on this roster. $3M+ cap space invested into a guy who may or may not be able to play on any given night, but when healthy, is guaranteed to play and play poorly.

I was a big Duper fan, but he can go back to being our Max Talbot, 4th line and PK specialist, that is where he belongs now.

Speaking of Plot

jesse marshall had an article about using plot with sid

http://thepensblog.com/20...fix-crosbys-ailments.html

caution to anyone who female doges about ryans blogs being analytical, dont read this

Kind of an outsiders point of view here. I finally got a high pick in my fantasy league and landed Crosby (after Ovi) and have been underwhelmed, of course. I have watched a few Pens games this year and he just doesn't seem into the game as he used to be. Maybe you have discussed this already, but why is this? Anyone have any ideas? Or is it purely that he doesn't have wingers to work with? (which I find a bad excuse)

So Letang is 18th in shot attempts among D on the power play. That includes shots that are on goal, missed, or blocked.
He's 8th in shot on goal among D on the power play.

But the important note is that he has 28 iCorsi events, or shot attempts that are either blocked, missed the target, or on target, in 92 minutes on the power play. Or about a shot attempt every 3 minutes give or take.
So yah, he doesn't shoot the puck enough on the power play if he doesn't even average a shot attempt every 2 minutes. He get his on net but likely because no one is freaking expecting it.

So Letang is 18th in shot attempts among D on the power play. That includes shots that are on goal, missed, or blocked.
He's 8th in shot on goal among D on the power play.

But the important note is that he has 28 iCorsi events, or shot attempts that are either blocked, missed the target, or on target, in 92 minutes on the power play. Or about a shot attempt every 3 minutes give or take.
So yah, he doesn't shoot the puck enough on the power play if he doesn't even average a shot attempt every 2 minutes. He get his on net but likely because no one is freaking expecting it.
- usethe1-2-2

So, if I'm following, Letang is very good at getting his shots on goal, however the frequency with which he attempts a SOG is low.

If so, just for reference: Erik Karlsson has 17 PP SOG in 113 minutes, or once every 6.6 minutes (Letang is slightly better at 6.2). I don't know how many of them were SA that didn't get through, but Karlsson is regarded as most as the best offensive defenseman in the game, yet these numbers would argue that, at least on the PP.

Edit: Unless I'm wrong, Letang has 106 minutes on the PP, not 92.

Kind of an outsiders point of view here. I finally got a high pick in my fantasy league and landed Crosby (after Ovi) and have been underwhelmed, of course. I have watched a few Pens games this year and he just doesn't seem into the game as he used to be. Maybe you have discussed this already, but why is this? Anyone have any ideas? Or is it purely that he doesn't have wingers to work with? (which I find a bad excuse)
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

It's because you picked him, you bumhole.

But really who knows. He was just a 5 point streak though.

So, if I'm following, Letang is very good at getting his shots on goal, however the frequency with which he attempts a SOG is low.

If so, just for reference: Erik Karlsson has 17 PP SOG in 113 minutes, or once every 6.6 minutes (Letang is slightly better at 6.2). I don't know how many of them were SA that didn't get through, but Karlsson is regarded as most as the best offensive defenseman in the game, yet these numbers would argue that, at least on the PP.

Edit: Unless I'm wrong, Letang has 106 minutes on the PP, not 92.
- jmatchett383

So we have different data? That's odd. Another problem is how the advanced stats are recorded. Also, mine is not updated from last night I guess.

But yes, Letang is putting more shots on goal that Karlsson on the power play. However, he doesn't attempt as many. One other thing to consider, playing devils advocate here, is that Karlsson is the focal point of the Ottawa power play, where letang is like the 4th or 5th most dangerous man on the ice for the Pens. Video would likely support the theory that Karlsson is more tightly covered than Letang while on the power play.

Speaking of Plot

jesse marshall had an article about using plot with sid

http://thepensblog.com/20...fix-crosbys-ailments.html

caution to anyone who female doges about ryans blogs being analytical, dont read this
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Plot has been a fine 4th liner, but Crosby's line has been terribly slow. I dont see how Plot helps. And no I'm not reading a bunch of graphs to change my opinion. Tempo, fast attack, Spong is needed not Plot.

So we have different data? That's odd. Another problem is how the advanced stats are recorded. Also, mine is not updated from last night I guess.

But yes, Letang is putting more shots on goal that Karlsson on the power play. However, he doesn't attempt as many. One other thing to consider, playing devils advocate here, is that Karlsson is the focal point of the Ottawa power play, where letang is like the 4th or 5th most dangerous man on the ice for the Pens. Video would likely support the theory that Karlsson is more tightly covered than Letang while on the power play.
- usethe1-2-2

Yes, he may be more tightly covered. But using the same argument, I'd argue that Ottawa would prefer him shooting over everyone else while Pittsburgh likely wants its forwards shooting more, making Letang the 4th/5th option, meaning that Karlsson should be attempting shots more often than Letang. The 2 may cancel each other out.

A win is a win, no matter how it is achieved. Game flow/ possession was tilted in SJS favor, however the bounces in PGh's. Over the course of an 82 game schedule, it's going to happen. Nice work/ contribution by the "fourth" line.

Sat's game is going to be even tougher. LAK's are tops in the league in every shooting/ possession measurement in existence. They currently have a +4.5 differential in average/ gm SOG's F/A. LAK out shot VAN 40-16 last night; 2-1 win in OT though. Saturday they played CHI and edged out a come from behind win. LAK and CHI should play once a week! Single best game I've seen since the '14 WC finals. Pens better bring their work boots to Staples Center; Kings make you earn it. btw...the throw back SJS sweaters look even better in person!

Speaking of Plot

jesse marshall had an article about using plot with sid

http://thepensblog.com/20...fix-crosbys-ailments.html

caution to anyone who female doges about ryans blogs being analytical, dont read this
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Here's me problem with the and it's why I think the analytics community hurts their cause, while the data is valid the idea is based off of hand picked portions that suit the agenda. JM twice quickly glances over the fact that the data being used actually shows that Kunitz is actually a very viable option and has been probably the best option to date and one of the charts used to defend the idea of using Plotkinov on Sid's wings actually suggests that using by using that criteria Plots & Porter are the optimal wingers to use with Sid(Yes even better than Perron/Kessel/Hornqvist).

I'm a big fan of using the data available as a variable consider but articles like this are the perfect example of why decisions/opinions can't be formed from the data alone, anyone who has even a basic understanding of the game should understand that Plots' great numbers are a result of playing a role that suits him very well and playing with linemates that compliment each other well, we've already seen that he is completely overwhelmed when playing with the high skill level of the players in the top 6 and again suggesting he is a good option just because you hand-picked a few stats and charts that supported that opinion shows a complete ignorance to the game itself.

Yes, he may be more tightly covered. But using the same argument, I'd argue that Ottawa would prefer him shooting over everyone else while Pittsburgh likely wants its forwards shooting more, making Letang the 4th/5th option, meaning that Karlsson should be attempting shots more often than Letang. The 2 may cancel each other out.
- jmatchett383

True. I'm sure they do; however, if the lane is open why not shoot? Becoming a shot volume threat himself just opens up the power play more. Letang being that threat limits how far the forwards are willing to cheat to Geno or Phil, which only helps.

Frankly this is crying over nothing, they are generating plenty of chances on the power play.

So Letang is 18th in shot attempts among D on the power play. That includes shots that are on goal, missed, or blocked.
He's 8th in shot on goal among D on the power play.

But the important note is that he has 28 iCorsi events, or shot attempts that are either blocked, missed the target, or on target, in 92 minutes on the power play. Or about a shot attempt every 3 minutes give or take.
So yah, he doesn't shoot the puck enough on the power play if he doesn't even average a shot attempt every 2 minutes. He get his on net but likely because no one is freaking expecting it.
- usethe1-2-2

Not to sound like the eyeball test only snobs but one area I don't care for analytics is watching Letang on the PP. He's not a scoring threat, hes not good at entering the zone, and he never dishes passes to the wheelhouse. Hes in the bottom half of the league as a PP QB.

A win is a win, no matter how it is achieved. Game flow/ possession was tilted in SJS favor, however the bounces in PGh's. Over the course of an 82 game schedule, it's going to happen. Nice work/ contribution by the "fourth" line.

Sat's game is going to be even tougher. LAK's are tops in the league in every shooting/ possession measurement in existence. They currently have a +4.5 differential in average/ gm SOG's F/A. LAK out shot VAN 40-16 last night; 2-1 win in OT though. Saturday they played CHI and edged out a come from behind win. LAK and CHI should play once a week! Single best game I've seen since the '14 WC finals. Pens better bring their work boots to Staples Center; Kings make you earn it. btw...the throw back SJS sweaters look even better in person!
- out_of_market

Whats even more impressive about LAK is that they can achieve all that without the defensive prowess of Scuds till he's 90. They knew when to take out the trash and dumba$$ Shero was there to pick it up try to keep the "gang" together.

Thanks Shero!

Plot has been a fine 4th liner, but Crosby's line has been terribly slow. I dont see how Plot helps. And no I'm not reading a bunch of graphs to change my opinion. Tempo, fast attack, Spong is needed not Plot.
- sammy87

Well I was actually suggesting Sprong and Plot as Sid's wingers..

Sid needs one winger with speed/hands, and one who can forecheck and win puck posession battles.

I forget who said it yesterday but I think they hit the nail on the head. I dont like the idea of forming lines by pairs. There needs to be a certain chemistry / fit among all three linemates.