I think having Pettersson and Riikola as your two top four LDs in whatever order would be an improvement.

On a side note, despite two blowouts in a row I thought that Schultz has looked strong the last two games.
- Rinosaur

I don't think Petts/Letang is a good matchup. Petts first few steps are too slow for Letang's risk taking. Should easily be Riikki.

Interesting about Schultz, 'cause I had the opposite impression these last two games. I thought he looked pretty sloppy. His offensive game is MIA.

Sounds like 2016-17 all over again. Yuck.
- j.boyd919

They started the season like 15/16 and in the second half 16/17, so let's just hope by the playoffs they're not 17/18.

I don't think Petts/Letang is a good matchup. Petts first few steps are too slow for Letang's risk taking. Should easily be Riikki.

Interesting about Schultz, 'cause I had the opposite impression these last two games. I thought he looked pretty sloppy. His offensive game is MIA.
- madmike71

I’d love to have a left handed trigger man on D. All of our lefty’s aren’t really shooters. That play Sid makes multiple time’s a game when he goes cross seam low to high is always landing on Petts, JJ and Dumos stick.

Very often wasted by those 3.

I turned it off very early in the 3rd. Very rare for me to do that. I'm home dying sick alone with a 3 year old here. Was stoked to watch it with him but he lost interest and wanted some Disney+...couldn't deny him it with that mess going on haha

At least the Caps lost in regulation to the Devils. Honestly makes me feel a bit better about it all. haha

How was the rest of the 3rd after, say, the first 4 mins ?

Zuckers passing is not as advertised
- Thorny87

How was it advertised? He’s fast, he can score, he’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas, or mix it up, one of Wild fans only gripes about his game was his puck play... he’s not a great passer and flubs the puck a lot.

I turned it off very early in the 3rd. Very rare for me to do that. I'm home dying sick alone with a 3 year old here. Was stoked to watch it with him but he lost interest and wanted some Disney+...couldn't deny him it with that mess going on haha

At least the Caps lost in regulation to the Devils. Honestly makes me feel a bit better about it all. haha

How was the rest of the 3rd after, say, the first 4 mins ?
- MattStrat

The first period was ugly. By and large though, the Pens didn't play an awful game in the 2nd and 3rd. They're lacking the energy and fire they've had most of the season. Playing with urgency, swarming both zones, etc...

I’d love to have a left handed trigger man on D. All of our lefty’s aren’t really shooters. That play Sid makes multiple time’s a game when he goes cross seam low to high is always landing on Petts, JJ and Dumos stick.

Very often wasted by those 3.
- Thorny87

Totally agree with this. We have about 1.5 offensive defensemen.

Ryan Suter. Learn it. Know it. Live it.

Crease-clearing, too.

Don't look now but Philly is just 3 points out of 1st.

Thoughts on this afternoon

Malks looked uninterested

Lots of guys using sticks, not takin the man

Sabres outthinking, outhustled all day

Can’t leave the front of the net open

Still, be nice to have the goal make routine saves.

Thoughts on this afternoon

Malks looked uninterested

Lots of guys using sticks, not takin the man

Sabres outthinking, outhustled all day

Can’t leave the front of the net open

Still, be nice to have the goal make routine saves.
- halo63

That alone tells me you didn't watch the game.

How was it advertised? He’s fast, he can score, he’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas, or mix it up, one of Wild fans only gripes about his game was his puck play... he’s not a great passer and flubs the puck a lot.
- MnGump

I heard excellent 5v5 all round player. Great defensively, fast.

Some were comparing him to Hossa with lesser hands. Or Dupuis with better hands.

I’m not saying he’s been bad but he has made some pretty awful passes without pressure.

I guess I was just hoping for a player that could take some of the puck carrying, play making load off of Sid. I’m not seeing that ability in him yet.

The first period was ugly. By and large though, the Pens didn't play an awful game in the 2nd and 3rd. They're lacking the energy and fire they've had most of the season. Playing with urgency, swarming both zones, etc...
- Rinosaur

Yeah I watched almost all the 1st and 2nd..2nd was much better. Just an atrocious start to a game. Gave the Sabres, which who really within their locker room think they still have a playoff chance but have to win alot more than not, alot of energy. They're fighting for their lives. The Pens have battled very hard this season for the most part, so I'll let a cold streak slide and not get to worked up. They've actually earned it haha, especially with mountain of injuries they've had to overcome.

They outshot them 46-23...HDSC were 17-15 Pens ..and SC's were 36-27 Pens ...so basically that 1st period bent them over ...

Physical game and two bad losses right before the deadline.

Time to get some pushback lol.
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Sadly, theres a very good chance this is right IMO.

The one thing I will say is that HCMS was interviewed live on Sportsnet a few nights ago and was asked how they are so effective....he said speed....so hopefully that's a good sign...

I heard excellent 5v5 all round player. Great defensively, fast.

Some were comparing him to Hossa with lesser hands. Or Dupuis with better hands.

I’m not saying he’s been bad but he has made some pretty awful passes without pressure.

I guess I was just hoping for a player that could take some of the puck carrying, play making load off of Sid. I’m not seeing that ability in him yet.
- Thorny87

Unfortunately hands are one of his only draw backs... he has his moments, but his speed and tenacity are his best attributes. IMO

Missed the last 2 games (saw part of the last Leafs game)...I’ve seen comments that Riik sat, did they mention anything?

I know Sully is in Adams award territory but I’m growing tired of his inability to shake up the D pairs and maybe sit someone other than Riik. Would it be that awful an idea to try out POJ for a few games in lieu of Ruw and JJ?

Missed the last 2 games (saw part of the last Leafs game)...I’ve seen comments that Riik sat, did they mention anything?

I know Sully is in Adams award territory but I’m growing tired of his inability to shake up the D pairs and maybe sit someone other than Riik. Would it be that awful an idea to try out POJ for a few games in lieu of Ruw and JJ?
- iworkatinitech

I can't remember where I heard this but the reason they brought Trautman up was because a 'couple of D were banged up'. Sullivan's words not mine. I assume that is why Riikola didn't play.

I can't remember where I heard this but the reason they brought Trautman up was because a 'couple of D were banged up'. Sullivan's words not mine. I assume that is why Riikola didn't play.
- Thunderbolt

He was on the receiving end of some decent hits the last couple games.

Wonder if we’re running out of gas. Great now to have a Presidents trophy but is it worth it if we’re going to falter against a wild card?

Tampa vs the hungry jackets last year comes to mind. If we keep disrespecting opposition who knows how early golf season will start

Wonder if we’re running out of gas. Great now to have a Presidents trophy but is it worth it if we’re going to falter against a wild card?

Tampa vs the hungry jackets last year comes to mind. If we keep disrespecting opposition who knows how early golf season will start
- halo63

You’re new around here. Welcome buddy!

I do think we look a bit tired.

Unfortunately hands are one of his only draw backs... he has his moments, but his speed and tenacity are his best attributes. IMO
- MnGump

You just described Tanev lol.

Thanks for the input

You’re new around here. Welcome buddy!

I do think we look a bit tired.
- Barnaby36

Definitely leaning on 3 lines too much.

Their play will definitely improve when they get those bodies back on D but will they be too gassed to get back to the way they were playing at the start of the year?

JJ + Bjug + 2021 1st + 2021 2nd for Suter (50% retained) + Staal

$7.35M out - $7M in

No more JJ. No more always-injured Bjug. Suter 41 points, Staal 42 points = 3rd and 4th highest scorers on Pens right now.

Zucker - Crosby - Simon
Kahun - Malkin - Rust
McCann - Staal - Horny
ZAR - Blueger - Tanev

Suter - Letang
Petts / Dumo - Marino
Riikola / Petts - Schultz

Stacked. Stacked next year, too. McCann moves back to C when Guentzel comes back, Blueger replaces ZAR at LW. ZAR becomes 13th F.

Wow Carolina Toronto. What a game lmao

Is GMJR looking to pick up a D-man or O?

And if the Leafs are serious about moving Kapanen would the Pens have what the Leafs may be asking for?

I would try them both. I am still holding out hope for jumbo Joe. 🤷🏻‍♂️
- Chuck-Norris

We are on the short list of teams he would accept a trade to