I think we're all in disbelief that this disaster could go on this long without HCMS attempting something else.

It seems like piling on JJ, but it's really just all of us confirming that what we witnessed has actually happened.

We know he's bad and should not be in this position.

I think we're all in disbelief that this disaster could go on this long without HCMS attempting something else.

It seems like piling on JJ, but it's really just all of us confirming that what we witnessed has actually happened.

We know he's bad and should not be in this position.
- Thorny87

To some extent, yes... but this team has more than enough fire power to NOT lose to the lowly Kings 2-1. It's only one game in which that fire power had plenty of chances to win this game 3-2.

Not the end of the world, and better to get a slump (their first one of the season, really) out of the way now.

Nice there's potential for those two in the bottom 6 next year. Maybe even some top 6 time. We'll see though. What's Hallander doing?
- 668710

4 goals, 10 points in 20 games (he missed a lot of time). Hockey's is a site you can check the stats of any player in any league.

I get why Sullivan has Johnson with Letang as who else are you going to put there. However, I think you do Petterson, hopefully make 1 good pairing and hope to god the other 2 can be fine until Marino and Dumo get back.
- abcpens10

Literally anyone. Riikolla and Pettersson are both better hockey players than JJ.

Literally anyone. Riikolla and Pettersson are both better hockey players than JJ.
- j.boyd919

There’s a problem if you have to actually explain that.

I was thinking about this last week. As much as the fans can't stand watching JJ next to Letang, most (if not all) coaches would be doing the exact same thing. Trusting the grizzled vet (JJ) over the unknown (Rikki). Not just hockey either. You see it in every sport.

yeah.... The Schultz and Petts thing is brutal too.
- madmike71

Yeah I agree. I like Riikola's game, but I don't necessarily think he'd succeed as a top pair guy. He's best with someone steady which isn't Letang or Schultz.

I'd might throw Petterssen there, but he has his warts as well and then we're back to JJ-Schultz. There really aren't any great options. Still would move JJ off that pair. Get well soon Dumoulin.

The criticism of JJ is well warranted, but the obsession with him blinds this guy. Others just take the easy route of putting his awful games under a telescope, which is synonymous with not seeing anything in the periphery. Petterson has been completely awful for the last three losses. He even took responsibility (4v4 goal by Wilson, as well as another that game).

The game starts off with Letang being outworked by someone and taking a bonehead penalty. Then, on that PK, Petterson is standing there like prized dog d*ck while his man stands alone in front of the net, stick free, for an easy deflection. I am not defending JJ, but I'm more confident he would have at least tied the stick up (like it or not, he's strong on his stick in those kinds of "don't have to move around much" situations). He got burned on the GWG, but he wasn't the only one missing passes and getting burned last night. I expect a duck to quack, but Petterson is supposed to be better, and I believe his recent mistakes have literally costed the Pens points in the standings over the past couple games. Everyone cries about Schultz, but he had a pretty good game last night.

Hornqvist, the team leader in goals per 60
- pens_4ever[but only can play like he's wearing oven mits (?)], and Geno have been the only ones bringing it lately. Even Sid looks dejected.

Yea but everyone else can have great games, end of story.

I get why Sullivan has Johnson with Letang as who else are you going to put there. However, I think you do Petterson, hopefully make 1 good pairing and hope to god the other 2 can be fine until Marino and Dumo get back.
- abcpens10

Petterson or Rikki but Dumo should be back soon

Yeah I agree. I like Riikola's game, but I don't necessarily think he'd succeed as a top pair guy. He's best with someone steady which isn't Letang or Schultz.

I'd might throw Petterssen there, but he has his warts as well and then we're back to JJ-Schultz. There really aren't any great options. Still would move JJ off that pair. Get well soon Dumoulin.
- Tojo.

There's obviously a difference between top pairing and bottom pairing. JJ has proven that much at least.

I think Rikki's strong points mesh better with top pairing minutes than JJ's.

Does that mean Rikki will be awesome? No, but to not try is insanity at this point.

On a different note, college free agents can sign starting March 7th and the Pens are rumored to be keen on signing at least one Dman and a goalie. They're one of several teams vying for Conner Mackey and Jask Ahcan. Both are potential 3/4 LD.
They're also the leading team to sign goalie Tommie Nappier from OSU.

4 goals, 10 points in 20 games (he missed a lot of time). Hockey's is a site you can check the stats of any player in any league.
- Tojo.

Thanks!

On a different note, college free agents can sign starting March 7th and the Pens are rumored to be keen on signing at least one Dman and a goalie. They're one of several teams vying for Conner Mackey and Jask Ahcan. Both are potential 3/4 LD.
They're also the leading team to sign goalie Tommie Nappier from OSU.
- hipcheck_goalie

Always nice to add some players while not giving up assets.

It is mind numbing to read this $hit anymore. Until the return of 1/2 of the top 4 D-men from injury JJ is going to be in that spot. And that blows.

How about talking about the fact the Pens threw nearly 60 pucks at the back up goalie from one of the leagues bottom feeders and only scored one. How about a power play that is 0 for whatever lately.

I get that JJ sucks. And last night was less than an NHL effort but there were SO MANY MORE reasons the Pens came up short last night.

And so many more reasons to see positives from the team. Sorry, just frustrated.
- Doogs

our pp has been very good since december, 26%, top 5 if I'm not mistaken. yesterday was just "one of these games"

Im excited about sheary and marleau, they looked good.

On a different note, college free agents can sign starting March 7th and the Pens are rumored to be keen on signing at least one Dman and a goalie. They're one of several teams vying for Conner Mackey and Jask Ahcan. Both are potential 3/4 LD.
They're also the leading team to sign goalie Tommie Nappier from OSU.
- hipcheck_goalie

Cool. Thanks for the heads up!

The criticism of JJ is well warranted, but the obsession with him blinds this guy. Others just take the easy route of putting his awful games under a telescope, which is synonymous with not seeing anything in the periphery. Petterson has been completely awful for the last three losses. He even took responsibility (4v4 goal by Wilson, as well as another that game).

The game starts off with Letang being outworked by someone and taking a bonehead penalty. Then, on that PK, Petterson is standing there like prized dog d*ck while his man stands alone in front of the net, stick free, for an easy deflection. I am not defending JJ, but I'm more confident he would have at least tied the stick up (like it or not, he's strong on his stick in those kinds of "don't have to move around much" situations). He got burned on the GWG, but he wasn't the only one missing passes and getting burned last night. I expect a duck to quack, but Petterson is supposed to be better, and I believe his recent mistakes have literally costed the Pens points in the standings over the past couple games. Everyone cries about Schultz, but he had a pretty good game last night.

Hornqvist, the team leader in goals per 60
- pens_4ever[but only can play like he's wearing oven mits (?)], and Geno have been the only ones bringing it lately. Even Sid looks dejected.

Letang and Pettersson both make their share of mistakes. The difference between them and JJ though is they push play and create chances despite their mistakes. JJ is playing with 3 of the league's high end possession players, yet they are almost short a man because he doesn't help break out or cycle the puck.

Thanks!
- 668710

You're welcome.

What bothers me the most is not even trying to shake the D pairs a little bit. When Dumo went down and they put JJ with Letang, the excuse was that they were preserving the success Petts and Marino were having. But now with Marino injured there's no reason to at least try something else.

Petts/Rikki- Letang
Rikki/Petts - Schultz
JJ - Ruh

If it doesnt work ok, but at least try something different ffs.

our pp has been very good since december, 26%, top 5 if I'm not mistaken. yesterday was just "one of these games"

Im excited about sheary and marleau, they looked good.
- Conse

The PP has basically been good since Sid came back on conversion rate even if it often looks ugly when it fails.

On a different note, college free agents can sign starting March 7th and the Pens are rumored to be keen on signing at least one Dman and a goalie. They're one of several teams vying for Conner Mackey and Jask Ahcan. Both are potential 3/4 LD.
They're also the leading team to sign goalie Tommie Nappier from OSU.
- hipcheck_goalie

Rutherford's MO. He has made it clear he doesn't mind trades because of how active they are on the college front and because of the lack of high end prospects, they can offer ice time faster to these guys. It's a pretty slick system.

I'll have to look into the guys mentioned. Thanks for the update

Rutherford's MO. He has made it clear he doesn't mind trades because of how active they are on the college front and because of the lack of high end prospects, they can offer ice time faster to these guys. It's a pretty slick system.

I'll have to look into the guys mentioned. Thanks for the update
- burgh4life87

slight typos. It's Jack and Tommy when you're searching

This is pretty cool. I never really seen him play before. Is there a timeline of when Legere will be competing for a NHL spot?

http://www.dkpittsburghsp...hat-trick-highlights-tlh/

This is pretty cool. I never really seen him play before. Is there a timeline of when Legere will be competing for a NHL spot?

http://www.dkpittsburghsp...hat-trick-highlights-tlh/
- nateca44

He just turned 19 so he will be in juniors again next season. Probably will need at least 1 year AHL after that, the Q is such a bad league for developing NHL ready talent. So conservative estimate is the 22-23 season.

On a different note, college free agents can sign starting March 7th and the Pens are rumored to be keen on signing at least one Dman and a goalie. They're one of several teams vying for Conner Mackey and Jask Ahcan. Both are potential 3/4 LD.
They're also the leading team to sign goalie Tommie Nappier from OSU.
- hipcheck_goalie

Cool thanks. The Athletic happened to do a preview today of the top college and European FAs and the 2 defensemen were listed.

7. Jack Ahcan, D, St. Cloud State-NCHC

Ahcan has been a top defenseman in the NCHC the last few years. This season he was really leaned on by St. Cloud, logging big minutes in all situations. Ahcan is a fun player to watch. He’s full of skill and offensive creativity. He’s a power play quarterback at the pro level due to how well he walks the line, finds seams and improvises with the puck. He’s a good skater. He’s not the elite speedster that you’d like at 5-foot-8, but he’s got great edges and can evade pressure. Even though he’s not big, I think he’ll defend OK in the pros because he has push back in his game. I understand why a 5-foot-8 defender without huge numbers may not scream NHL player, but I think Ahcan can make it.

27. Connor Mackey, D, Minnesota State-WCHA

Mackey has been the No. 1 defenseman for one of the best teams in college. He had contract offers from teams last season but chose to go back for his junior season. He’s a 6-foot-2 defenseman who can move the puck well, has some bulk and physicality to his game, and skates well enough to stay with pros. It’s fair to say there is a lack of a wow factor in his game, and I do have mild questions on his offensive upside as he moves to the higher levels, but I could see enough puck-moving skill to play games toward the bottom of a lineup.

Cool thanks. The Athletic happened to do a preview today of the top college and European FAs and the 2 defensemen were listed.

7. Jack Ahcan, D, St. Cloud State-NCHC

Ahcan has been a top defenseman in the NCHC the last few years. This season he was really leaned on by St. Cloud, logging big minutes in all situations. Ahcan is a fun player to watch. He’s full of skill and offensive creativity. He’s a power play quarterback at the pro level due to how well he walks the line, finds seams and improvises with the puck. He’s a good skater. He’s not the elite speedster that you’d like at 5-foot-8, but he’s got great edges and can evade pressure. Even though he’s not big, I think he’ll defend OK in the pros because he has push back in his game. I understand why a 5-foot-8 defender without huge numbers may not scream NHL player, but I think Ahcan can make it.

27. Connor Mackey, D, Minnesota State-WCHA

Mackey has been the No. 1 defenseman for one of the best teams in college. He had contract offers from teams last season but chose to go back for his junior season. He’s a 6-foot-2 defenseman who can move the puck well, has some bulk and physicality to his game, and skates well enough to stay with pros. It’s fair to say there is a lack of a wow factor in his game, and I do have mild questions on his offensive upside as he moves to the higher levels, but I could see enough puck-moving skill to play games toward the bottom of a lineup.
- Tojo.

Both Lefties though. I would love for one to take JJ's spot next season, but I think we all know it won't happen.

Cool thanks. The Athletic happened to do a preview today of the top college and European FAs and the 2 defensemen were listed.

7. Jack Ahcan, D, St. Cloud State-NCHC

Ahcan has been a top defenseman in the NCHC the last few years. This season he was really leaned on by St. Cloud, logging big minutes in all situations. Ahcan is a fun player to watch. He’s full of skill and offensive creativity. He’s a power play quarterback at the pro level due to how well he walks the line, finds seams and improvises with the puck. He’s a good skater. He’s not the elite speedster that you’d like at 5-foot-8, but he’s got great edges and can evade pressure. Even though he’s not big, I think he’ll defend OK in the pros because he has push back in his game. I understand why a 5-foot-8 defender without huge numbers may not scream NHL player, but I think Ahcan can make it.

27. Connor Mackey, D, Minnesota State-WCHA

Mackey has been the No. 1 defenseman for one of the best teams in college. He had contract offers from teams last season but chose to go back for his junior season. He’s a 6-foot-2 defenseman who can move the puck well, has some bulk and physicality to his game, and skates well enough to stay with pros. It’s fair to say there is a lack of a wow factor in his game, and I do have mild questions on his offensive upside as he moves to the higher levels, but I could see enough puck-moving skill to play games toward the bottom of a lineup.
- Tojo.

(frank) Saint Cloud State. I don’t want any of those bumholes on my team.