I actually don’t think they will take raises. I think they’ll take three years at their current cap hit.
- Victoro311

Ideally, they'd take small pay cuts from an AAV standpoint, but the Pens front-load them as much as possible since Crosby's real salary drops to $3M a year soon and the organization can afford to do so.

Guys check this out. I did the pairings for the regular season with a 150 minutes played together minimum. Just look where the Rikky-Ruhd pairing stand when you sort by stats. Its actually f'n maddening. They better be the 3rd pair tonight.

https://www.naturalstattr...filt=none&fd=&td=&tgp=410

Blackhawks dont agree with this.
- MattStrat

The Blackhawks are the youngest team in the play-ins with an average age of 25.6. years.

The Blackhawks are the youngest team in the play-ins with an average age of 25.6. years.
- MaximumBone

I know they have a lot of good young guys but their aging core is stepping up is what I meant.

Maatta tied for playoff scoring in D-men....

Maatta tied for playoff scoring in D-men....
- MattStrat

He was also put in a body bag by McDavid

Blackhawks dont agree with this.
- MattStrat

Blackhawks are actually pretty young minus the remnants of the old cups teams.

Maatta tied for playoff scoring in D-men....
- MattStrat

The Maatta-Koukouk pairing has been really fun this series. My hawks friends keep sending me hilarious gifs of Maatta and Koukouk’s faces Super imposed on NBA players throwing alyoops to each other and dunking on McDavid.

Blackhawks are actually pretty young minus the remnants of the old cups teams.
- Victoro311

I know but Toews, Kane, Keith and Maatta (I know hes not that old but hes been in league like 8 years and been through enough to be called old now haha) are all chipping in and certainly not passengers to the younger guys.

If Geno and Letang were chipping in, and looking good, this might not be 2-1 Habs

Guys check this out. I did the pairings for the regular season with a 150 minutes played together minimum. Just look where the Rikky-Ruhd pairing stand when you sort by stats. Its actually f'n maddening. They better be the 3rd pair tonight.

https://www.naturalstattr...filt=none&fd=&td=&tgp=410
- MattStrat

What's amazing is JJ and Schultz are actually underperforming their bad metrics. 41% xGF is bad, but 26% actual goals for. I think the xGF is still about 41% in the playoffs, but the actual GF is 20%.

It's like if on offense they gave somebody JJ's play driving ability with Simon's finishing ability. You would absolutely never play that guy.

I know but Toews, Kane, Keith and Maatta (I know hes not that old but hes been in league like 8 years and been through enough to be called old now haha) are all chipping in and certainly not passengers to the younger guys.

If Geno and Letang were chipping in, and looking good, this might not be 2-1 Habs
- MattStrat

Say what.

I don't even think Letang is bad, but he's hanging back more, maybe to cover for Dumoulin, than he usually does.

That is some frank yet accurate analysis of Jack Johnson's play. When the CBJ had to ditch Jeff Carter because he refused to play, Johnson was the best they could get. Jack leaving + Carter = Stanley Cup for the Kings. Maybe it will work for the Jackets and even the Pens if they can jettison him.

Say what.

I don't even think Letang is bad, but he's hanging back more, maybe to cover for Dumoulin, than he usually does.
- Tojo.

My take in Letang is that he’s been unimpressive but hasn’t been underperforming. He’s ok, but with our issues right now we need someone to step up and be a world beater. Neither Sid, Geno, Letang, or whoevers in goal is providing that right now. I think we’ll see it tonight. I think Malkin is fine with this whole losing thing.

I'm not feeling good about this game. 4pm start? If you thought the energy and response was weak in Game 3, wait until you see them trail in this game. I half expect to see Scottie Pippen'esq levels of quit.

I'll be honestly shocked if they pull off a win.

McCann back in is the only lineup change besides Jarry starting.

McCann back in is the only lineup change besides Jarry starting.
- Rinosaur

Sully is trash.

Today is the ultimate catch 22. A win today keeps them alive. Lose and they get a chance at the number 1 pick. None of the games have been blow outs so will we see one today? In Jarry we trust. Lets go pens! Keep the summer interesting because watching the pirates isn’t even an option.

Everyone bashing Sheary right now have always bashed Sheary. They would have bashed Sheary regardless of if he’s playing like he is now, had buried that penalty shot, or had three goals in the series so far. People just hate the guy.
- Victoro311

This is not accurate. I want him to shut me up. I root for the team and obviously want him to succeed, but I'm tired of waiting. I just don't believe he's a "playoff" player. Perimeter player who suffers in tight checking, physical games.

Just picked up a 12 pack of Troegs Lucky Holler hazy ipa, hopefully it will be cold by the 3rd period. In the mean time I have a large Long Island ice tea slushy. Can you see what I think about this game and where it is going?

McCann back in is the only lineup change besides Jarry starting.
- Rinosaur

Line shuffled though. Rust to 1st, Hornqvist to 2nd, Sheary 3rd. I approve.

Habs did the same thing with their centers and I'm not sure why you put Danault on the 3rd line. Suzuki on top line.

A couple moves not made though. Thought Riikola had no chance, and really didn't expect Marleau out. Thought there was a chance Ruhwedel played.

Line shuffled though. Rust to 1st, Hornqvist to 2nd, Sheary 3rd. I approve.

Habs did the same thing with their centers and I'm not sure why you put Danault on the 3rd line. Suzuki on top line.
- Tojo.

Good gawd.....I hope this is true. Maybe Sullivan finally watched some tape. Although the JJ thing is a total mystery if he had.

No changes in the blue line per Bourque. (frank)ing clown shoes lol.

No changes in the blue line per Bourque. (frank)ing clown shoes lol.
- j.boyd919

That’s a fireable offense IMO.

Here we go!!