As did the 16/17 team. It’s just a good hockey play when you’re all on the same page and know when to expect it. It can really back off a teams aggressive forecheck
- WSCTeton17

The 16/17 team definitely did it a lot. Not the 15/16 team. They had organized breakouts and didn't need to.

No I mean hits that knock guys off the puck. We hit a lot but not effective at what we are trying to do. Chipping bodies is different than separating man from puck. Kunitz was very good at this. JJ hits hard but like you said he is just awful at everything else. I mean we need a guy like E Kane, someone who is good but also can handle the physical side. Or Simmonds, but he plays for the flyers so I have to hate him. Trust me I’m not a grit monger at all but when Geno/Sid have to start throwing punches I feel like we might need something there.. Every toolbox needs a hammer. Wilson isn’t terrible however I honestly didn’t hate Reeves as much as everyone else did.
- Chuck-Norris

Kunitz hit hard, but I noticed that he didn't always hit a guy straight on. He would take a man on one side and drive thru him causing him to be off balance. He was also pretty sneaky, he hit a lot guys when they weren't expecting it.

As far as "grit" this is still a physical game. More appropriately a collision game. You need a team that can play with both speed and physicality.

ECHL market has to use gimmicks to sell tickets but boomers are the problem. This is just idiotic.

With the Caps losing we’ve tied them in the standings and aren’t far back from the Isles. It’ll be interesting to see how things shake out moving forward. I would think we would all agree the best case scenario is to win the division and play Columbus in the first round, right? Another date with Bob
- WSCTeton17

Did anyone ever have the Isles as contenders after dumping Tavares?

Did anyone ever have the Isles as contenders after dumping Tavares?
- sammy87

Literally no one that I can recall. The boldest I recall were people saying “don’t count out Lou and the Islanders” with regards to buying, improving, or surprising. So I think some people knew the potential was there, but even they wouldn’t admit to having them as contenders. Goaltending has been awesome for them this year. It’ll be interesting to see what Lehner’s next contract is like. For anyone who doesn’t know, he had some unfortunate thoughts going through his head in Buffalo. I believe the full article is in the players tribune

Did anyone ever have the Isles as contenders after dumping Tavares?
- sammy87

I sure didn’t. Trotz is a great (frank)ing coach as much as I hate him. Should probably win the Jack.

I sure didn’t. Trotz is a great (frank)ing coach as much as I hate him. Should probably win the Jack.
- Victoro311

I have to think there's also something to the fact that since Tavares isn't around for them to rely on, they've played more as a unit.

I have to think there's also something to the fact that since Tavares isn't around for them to rely on, they've played more as a unit.
- Rinosaur

I think that's more of a function of them being way better coached now. Capuano and Weight were horrible. Its near impossible for a team to improve its style of play after losing a franchise player. If they're playing better its because of something else, in this case coaching (and they're also over achieving a bit due to PDO).

I think that's more of a function of them being way better coached now. Capuano and Weight were horrible. Its near impossible for a team to improve its style of play after losing a franchise player. If they're playing better its because of something else, in this case coaching (and they're also over achieving a bit due to PDO).
- Victoro311

I’m with ya. Trotz has done a hell of a job. His breakout was what led to so many odd man rushes against last year and Sullivan just didn’t make the adjustment. Still don’t like the Caps, but I’m happy for Barry - a Manitoba native, like my father

I’m with ya. Trotz has done a hell of a job. His breakout was what led to so many odd man rushes against last year and Sullivan just didn’t make the adjustment. Still don’t like the Caps, but I’m happy for Barry - a Manitoba native, like my father
- WSCTeton17

Trotz is really maximizing a really poopty roster. They’re playing about as good a hockey as they possibly can given the personnel. They don’t control play because their talent level is low, but they’re a top 8 team in high danger scoring chance percentage which would lead one to the assumption that their style of hockey is effective if not efficient yet due to lack of talent. If Lou can improve the roster, Trotz will find sustainable success.

Trotz is really maximizing a really poopty roster. They’re playing about as good a hockey as they possibly can given the personnel. They don’t control play because their talent level is low, but they’re a top 8 team in high danger scoring chance percentage which would lead one to the assumption that their style of hockey is effective if not efficient yet due to lack of talent. If Lou can improve the roster, Trotz will find sustainable success.
- Victoro311

Lee and Eberle are UFA's too. Gonna be interesting to see what they choose to do.

Malkin wasn’t hurt in the fight. Malkins linemates shouldn’t let him fight though

Lee and Eberle are UFA's too. Gonna be interesting to see what they choose to do.
- madmike71

They’ve got about $35MM in cap space to re-sign Lee, Lehner, Nelson, Beauvillier and then bring in a guy like Panarin or Karlsson if they want to. Maybe they give Lehner $5MM for a year? Maybe they give Nelson $4-5MM or maybe they walk away. Can you get Lee for 7x7 or 8? Beau probably gets close to $4MM, right? So if you re-sign all those guys you can bring in one superstar and re-sign or replace depth guys

They’ve got about $35MM in cap space to re-sign Lee, Lehner, Nelson, Beauvillier and then bring in a guy like Panarin or Karlsson if they want to. Maybe they give Lehner $5MM for a year? Maybe they give Nelson $4-5MM or maybe they walk away. Can you get Lee for 7x7 or 8? Beau probably gets close to $4MM, right? So if you re-sign all those guys you can bring in one superstar and re-sign or replace depth guys
- WSCTeton17

I'm just wondering if players want to sign there long term....although I guess they finally have a plan for a new arena.

I'm just wondering if players want to sign there long term....although I guess they finally have a plan for a new arena.
- madmike71

Winning does a lot for what you want to do and guys seem to absolutely love the east coast and the low amount of travel playing in the east provides them. Combine that with the Barry/Lou combo and I think guys will want to sign there. It’s not like it’s Winnipeg or Deadmonton

Did Panarin finish the game yesterday? I just saw that he left the ice not putting any weight on his leg. That could be really, really bad for their asset management

I don’t agree about the Geno injury. To just assume it was during a fight to push your opinion on everyone is more ridiculous than him fighting. I like the fact our sport lets players stick up for each other/themselves. I don’t think we should employ a goon however I REALLY don’t want Sid and Geno having to sit in the box all night or get hurt. Having a guy that can throw down and score points is a something I think we need. Honestly look at the Tampa game. They took liberties with our guys and we have no one to do anything. We dont even have Cole or Kuni that will lay a guy out. I love our team for sure but we don’t have anyone who is physical.
- Chuck-Norris

I disagree about us not having anyone that's physical. Guentzel lays the body, Rikola, Johnson, Blandisi, McCann will hit, Blueger will hit, Hornquist, Letang, even Sid and Geno. The Pens have plenty of physicality...it's just not the traditional guys that drop the gloves too. But, they can absolutely out grind teams.

Complaining about fighting and in full support of duck duck goose celebrations...

RW is such snowflake piece of garbage.

It sucks getting all excited about the pens down the stretch and then realizing Tom Wilson and the capitals are still in their way. I hate the guy but watching the Caps play he literally can change the momentum of play any given shift.

I disagree about us not having anyone that's physical. Guentzel lays the body, Rikola, Johnson, Blandisi, McCann will hit, Blueger will hit, Hornquist, Letang, even Sid and Geno. The Pens have plenty of physicality...it's just not the traditional guys that drop the gloves too. But, they can absolutely out grind teams.
- cranktheradio

Yup.

DK's site gonna be fun today... one of their writers has an advanced stat article showing that JJ sucks.

And the comments are all 'blocked shots and hits' from his defenders.

Trotz is really maximizing a really poopty roster. They’re playing about as good a hockey as they possibly can given the personnel. They don’t control play because their talent level is low, but they’re a top 8 team in high danger scoring chance percentage which would lead one to the assumption that their style of hockey is effective if not efficient yet due to lack of talent. If Lou can improve the roster, Trotz will find sustainable success.
- Victoro311

Although we have a plethora of bottom six players(who are playing extremely well btw for the most part)this team has/had a ton of unrealized talent with our horrible coaching. Pulock, Lee, Toews, Beau, Bailey, Mayfield, Lehner(him being sober and Mitch Korn I presume has done wonders),Nelson, Eberle. I think the roster has a lot more talent than most people believe though I do agree with Trotz being the driving force. Just shows you how terrible Weight and Capuano were with a franchise center and what I just mentioned in the line up. Most of the fan base was aware that coaching was holding this team back for years. No we have proof.
The right coaches(Trotz and Korn for Greiss and Lehner)will get what they can out of their players. Thankfully we finally have them.

Anyone else wish the Pens were run more like the Patriots from a personnel perspective? Buying low on high upside players, not sticking themselves with loyalty contracts and acquiring players to fit the system, not fitting the system to the players.

Really impressive what they have done. Rutherford did a good job of this in the past but the past 2 years I haven't seen any strategy to his moves. The Pearson & Petterson Moves were basically "shake up" trades. The Bjugstad and Pearson trades I don't mind but it is tremendously risky given they were struggling with their former teams and on long term deals.

DK's site gonna be fun today... one of their writers has an advanced stat article showing that JJ sucks.

And the comments are all 'blocked shots and hits' from his defenders.
- Guile

Yes, JJ is not good and signed to a bad contract. Let's be honest though, Petterson sucks and they traded Sprong for him. Maata is also looking like a bottom pairing guy on a big contract.

This is the Pens biggest problem, they have two top pairing d men, one second (when Schultz is healthy) and 5 bottom pairing guys. They need a really good 2nd pair LD if they are going to compete this year.

Anyone else wish the Pens were run more like the Patriots from a personnel perspective? Buying low on high upside players, not sticking themselves with loyalty contracts and acquiring players to fit the system, not fitting the system to the players.

Really impressive what they have done. Rutherford did a good job of this in the past but the past 2 years I haven't seen any strategy to his moves. The Pearson & Petterson Moves were basically "shake up" trades. The Bjugstad and Pearson trades I don't mind but it is tremendously risky given they were struggling with their former teams and on long term deals.
- MacPatty

Football does not have guaranteed contracts.