Ryan Wilson: Evgeni Malkin is back and yes he should be on the power play Evgeni Malkin is back and yes he should be on the power play

I like the idea of putting Zucker up there and having Gaudreau move to the 3rd line RW.

When Zucker was forced to his offside his game seemed to shift back a bit to what made him more successful the last 4 or so seasons. He was skating faster, forechecking hard, and getting opportunities from those efforts. The entire team was a mess to start the season so I won't judge them solely based on those first 15 games.

Kind of surprised but not shocked to see Zucker there. Hope it clicks better then earlier. Feel a little bad for McCann who is also off the top PP.

Gaudreau at 3 RW is a little surprising just because he seems more a defensive player, but I guess there aren't better options with Tanev and ERod out. Nice to know he can play RW if one of those guys isn't ready for the playoffs

Tough break with MM. He's been playing his best hockey all year since playing with Ceci. Surprised myself I'm not happy he's out.
- Tojo.

Multiple beat writers said McCann and Malkin were rotating between the 1st and 2nd unit. I think that will just give Sully flexibility during the game to put certain guys on the PP depending on when their last shift took place and how long they were out there.

Thanks for the cliff notes. I always like hearing about the behind the scenes. Would love some old Pitt players to be interviewed. A friend of mine knows the Malone family, and although he hates Pitt and Crosby so I take anything with a grain of salt that he says, but he’s adamant the malones hate pittsburgh

Interesting bottom 6. Glad tanev will be back soon though. Will be Interesting to see what Friedman can do and if he can make a 2nd Dman expendable. He does prefer to play LD. MM is week to week so he could be done for the year, or maybe for good.

@10inch: the stipulation of the interview was that the player had to have left CBJ on good terms and not have a personal ax to grind, so I don’t think Malone would get the invite haha. I would like to hear some insight from guys like Kunitz and Dupuis about what the vibes were during the late stage Bylsma Era and why we never seem to get difference maker free agents.

@mattvensel
·
48m
#Pens lineup at the skate...
Guentzel-Crosby-Rust
Zucker-Malkin-Kapanen
McCann-Carter-Gaudreau
ZAR-Blueger-Sceviour

Dumoulin-Letang
Friedman-Ceci
Pettersson-Marino

I like carter being at centre still and I think he is the best option there. He’s great in the dot, him and gadreau give two righty’s now. I just think it’s better to have someone who had a very solid, long career as a centre vs letting someone like McCann see if he’s better at it than wing. He has the experience and IQ as a full on centre.

Obviously tanev will take sceviour’s spot but I think I would still lean to putting zucker on Carter’s rw and Erod on malkins LW, if Erod is only day to day. That’s at least based on their earlier chemistry. If they both click though this is a nice lineup though. Pens tend to struggle with Philly so series this could be a good battle still.

@10inch: the stipulation of the interview was that the player had to have left CBJ on good terms and not have a personal ax to grind, so I don’t think Malone would get the invite haha. I would like to hear some insight from guys like Kunitz and Dupuis about what the vibes were during the late stage Bylsma Era and why we never seem to get difference maker free agents.
- Victoro311

Fair enough. I think if someone overly loves or hates something there’s generally a personal bias. I think it would also be Inretesting to ask about players who have played on rival teams. Jagr who played for the whole metro. Carter after he leaves pitt on his thoughts of Pitt when he was a flyer etc. Not to be in a negative way but realistic I suppose of what ppl think of other teams and stuff like that.

That would be interesting article. Not these media who ask the same stupid questions after every single game for their lame blogs.

One guy back in. One guy out. One guy back in. one guy out.

We have four games left so I guess that means four more injuries before the season is over. Who will it be? hopefully not guys who are injured by their own teammates.

Unbelievable.

One guy back in. One guy out. One guy back in. one guy out.

We have four games left so I guess that means four more injuries before the season is over. Who will it be? hopefully not guys who are injured by their own teammates.

Unbelievable.
- Sams_Dog

That’s not how it works. Someone will get hurt when tanev returns to the lineup.

@Rino I agree I would have taken Rust off. Even though he's the only righty, McCann was getting his shot through from that side of the ice. Also agree, it's not that Rust has been bad, but McCann has been really good.

And no Geno should not be on a second unit. Good grief. I can't believe that became a discussion.

Not gonna happen but I'd love to see Jake with Geno and Kap and Zuck with Sid and Rust. Jake looks like he could use a bit of a break and I also think Zuck could ease some of Sid's forechecking/cycling work.

@Rino I agree I would have taken Rust off. Even though he's the only righty, McCann was getting his shot through from that side of the ice. Also agree, it's not that Rust has been bad, but McCann has been really good.

And no Geno should not be on a second unit. Good grief. I can't believe that became a discussion.
- Tojo.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with two units. The PP has been killing it as is. I’m sure something could also be built around Geno, Carter, Kap. Not saying this is the best setup but lots of teams use depth for the pk. We use all our best for the pp. if the pp poops the bed often you are looking at the opponents top line vs our depth players while they are having a momentum swing as soon as a pp doesn’t convert. Could have 2 good units and prevent a line miss match. This also prevents Mark (frank)ing jankowski from being on pp2 lol. There are pros and cons to both for sure though.

Good Grief?

So, people think the PP is better with Malkin playing the half-wall, and not Crosby like it is now? Becuase that was working so well before Malkin was injured? Maybe it's just some fans miss having to yell "Shoot, Shoot!" and they are bored with something that doesn't involve their participation. You want it to go back to what it was, with Geno poorly distributing the puck, making a slap shot once in a blue moon, and essentially allowing the PK to go into set and forget mode while the Pens pass the puck around the perimeter for 3/4 of the man advantage? Nice.

Why, Becuase Malkin is a superior player than McCann? So what. What's that have to do with a functional PP? The PP works better with Crosby where he is now, If people want Geno on it for the sake of it, then put him in McCann's spot. I mean, he's better than Jared, right? should work out great. lol It's not 2009 anymore, or even 2015, and Geno is not to the PP, or as dynamic an element as what he was in his prime.

It's not just bringing Malkin back in versus McCann, it's changing what Crosby does best at the cost of adding another superstar to the PP. That's what adding Geno back in effectively does. It neutralizes Crosby's effectiveness. They have sufficient depth now to make a good 1A and 1B PP combo, but putting all the eggs in one basket, even if it makes it not as good, is the best thing to do? I don't get that logic at all, and I have a really nice Malkin jersey too.

What's wrong with a Malkin, Carter, Kapanen, Marino, and (normally I'd say Matheson but for now, insert D-man here) unit to spell the Crosby one? Some teams would be thrilled for that option as their No. 1 unit. IMO; Malkin and Crosby on the same PP unit anymore is as silly as the two-headed monster idea. In theory it should be awesome, but really it's not. And I swear if I get some Corsi graph to refute me as to Geno's undeniable importance to the PP, I'll be convinced everyone is legally blind, has never watched a hockey game, and only hears Alexa read them statistical breakdowns and game statistics.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with two units. The PP has been killing it as is. I’m sure something could also be built around Geno, Carter, Kap. Not saying this is the best setup but lots of teams use depth for the pk. We use all our best for the pp. if the pp poops the bed often you are looking at the opponents top line vs our depth players while they are having a momentum swing as soon as a pp doesn’t convert. Could have 2 good units and prevent a line miss match. This also prevents Mark (frank)ing jankowski from being on pp2 lol. There are pros and cons to both for sure though.
- 10inchTerror

Pens stars don't like to leave the ice on the PP. After 14 years of that, I can't see Malkin just being ok with that. Also a lot of skill guys flourish from the confidence they get from the top PP. Geno has been know to get in his own head when his confidence is low, so why invite that.

And aside from that, it's Geno. He's really good. He will help.

The PP, like much of the Penguins game, struggled early as they adjusted to the movement style they have been employing, but even before Geno went out it was improving.

I like carter being at centre still and I think he is the best option there. He’s great in the dot, him and gadreau give two righty’s now. I just think it’s better to have someone who had a very solid, long career as a centre vs letting someone like McCann see if he’s better at it than wing. He has the experience and IQ as a full on centre.

Obviously tanev will take sceviour’s spot but I think I would still lean to putting zucker on Carter’s rw and Erod on malkins LW, if Erod is only day to day. That’s at least based on their earlier chemistry. If they both click though this is a nice lineup though. Pens tend to struggle with Philly so series this could be a good battle still.
- 10inchTerror

The lines are set, Gaudreau is a place holder for Rodrigues.

With so many guys having their best season, statistically, you can place guys anywhere up and down the line up and they are going to produce.

Good Grief?

So, people think the PP is better with Malkin playing the half-wall, and not Crosby like it is now? Becuase that was working so well before Malkin was injured? Maybe it's just some fans miss having to yell "Shoot, Shoot!" and they are bored with something that doesn't involve their participation. You want it to go back to what it was, with Geno poorly distributing the puck, making a slap shot once in a blue moon, and essentially allowing the PK to go into set and forget mode while the Pens pass the puck around the perimeter for 3/4 of the man advantage? Nice.

Why, Becuase Malkin is a superior player than McCann? So what. What's that have to do with a functional PP? The PP works better with Crosby where he is now, If people want Geno on it for the sake of it, then put him in McCann's spot. I mean, he's better than Jared, right? should work out great. lol It's not 2009 anymore, or even 2015, and Geno is not to the PP, or as dynamic an element as what he was in his prime.

It's not just bringing Malkin back in versus McCann, it's changing what Crosby does best at the cost of adding another superstar to the PP. That's what adding Geno back in effectively does. It neutralizes Crosby's effectiveness. They have sufficient depth now to make a good 1A and 1B PP combo, but putting all the eggs in one basket, even if it makes it not as good, is the best thing to do? I don't get that logic at all, and I have a really nice Malkin jersey too.

What's wrong with a Malkin, Carter, Kapanen, Marino, and (normally I'd say Matheson but for now, insert D-man here) unit to spell the Crosby one? Some teams would be thrilled for that option as their No. 1 unit. IMO; Malkin and Crosby on the same PP unit anymore is as silly as the two-headed monster idea. In theory it should be awesome, but really it's not. And I swear if I get some Corsi graph to refute me as to Geno's undeniable importance to the PP, I'll be convinced everyone is legally blind, has never watched a hockey game, and only hears Alexa read them statistical breakdowns and game statistics.

- NJPensfan

TL;DR.

i did like the zucker, mccann, carter line. def a bummer to break that up. But i am happier about the center depth now.

Whats the timeline for rodrigues? Tanev should be good to go for the playoffs, correct? I cant see a reason to take Gaudreau out of the line up. He has done everything they have asked and is great at the face off dot.

Whats the timeline for rodrigues? Tanev should be good to go for the playoffs, correct? I cant see a reason to take Gaudreau out of the line up. He has done everything they have asked and is great at the face off dot.
- i'mjustafan

I agree, Gaudreau is playing well. Blueger has played himself out of the line up. That's the move I would make.

I agree, Gaudreau is playing well. Blueger has played himself out of the line up. That's the move I would make.
- Thunderbolt

wut

Whats the timeline for rodrigues? Tanev should be good to go for the playoffs, correct? I cant see a reason to take Gaudreau out of the line up. He has done everything they have asked and is great at the face off dot.
- i'mjustafan

Rod is day to day. Tanev took contact, might get time in the last two games at home, or maybe even the last game.

Gaudreau provides better support than Rodrigues, IMO, while Rodrigues has better scoring and play making ability. I don't think either one is a definitive upgrade over the other though.

Good Grief?

So, people think the PP is better with Malkin playing the half-wall, and not Crosby like it is now? Becuase that was working so well before Malkin was injured? Maybe it's just some fans miss having to yell "Shoot, Shoot!" and they are bored with something that doesn't involve their participation. You want it to go back to what it was, with Geno poorly distributing the puck, making a slap shot once in a blue moon, and essentially allowing the PK to go into set and forget mode while the Pens pass the puck around the perimeter for 3/4 of the man advantage? Nice.

Why, Becuase Malkin is a superior player than McCann? So what. What's that have to do with a functional PP? The PP works better with Crosby where he is now, If people want Geno on it for the sake of it, then put him in McCann's spot. I mean, he's better than Jared, right? should work out great. lol It's not 2009 anymore, or even 2015, and Geno is not to the PP, or as dynamic an element as what he was in his prime.

It's not just bringing Malkin back in versus McCann, it's changing what Crosby does best at the cost of adding another superstar to the PP. That's what adding Geno back in effectively does. It neutralizes Crosby's effectiveness. They have sufficient depth now to make a good 1A and 1B PP combo, but putting all the eggs in one basket, even if it makes it not as good, is the best thing to do? I don't get that logic at all, and I have a really nice Malkin jersey too.

What's wrong with a Malkin, Carter, Kapanen, Marino, and (normally I'd say Matheson but for now, insert D-man here) unit to spell the Crosby one? Some teams would be thrilled for that option as their No. 1 unit. IMO; Malkin and Crosby on the same PP unit anymore is as silly as the two-headed monster idea. In theory it should be awesome, but really it's not. And I swear if I get some Corsi graph to refute me as to Geno's undeniable importance to the PP, I'll be convinced everyone is legally blind, has never watched a hockey game, and only hears Alexa read them statistical breakdowns and game statistics.

- NJPensfan

It’s pretty clear that Crosby is best on the PP when he’s down low. We have years and years of games to prove that. So now I’m questioning if they guy accusing people of not watching games is actually the one that doesn’t watch games.

wut
- burgh4life87

When Carter came in, Blueger has been given easier assignments. Carter is taking the bulk of the d-zone face-offs. Crosby's line has been assigned the checking role. Blueger was given Rodrigues and Zucker these last several games. I'm reading a lot of love how these two have been playing great. What has Blueger done?

When Carter came in, Blueger has been given easier assignments. Carter is taking the bulk of the d-zone face-offs. Crosby's line has been assigned the checking role. Blueger was given Rodrigues and Zucker these last several games. I'm reading a lot of love how these two have been playing great. What has Blueger done?
- Thunderbolt

Two things I'm absolutely positive about. Geno will be on the top PP and Bleugs will not be replaced.

Sullivan loves having center depth. I think that last spot will be chosen situationally between Guadreau and Erod. Guadreau has been pretty damn good on the PK while contributing on the scoresheet.

Doesn't matter really... We'll always have a player or two hurt and tough decisions never enter the equation.