I think he's just trying to get different looks to see who fits better where. I think O'Connor makes the team for at least until the Pens get healthier, but not a center.
I am curious to see how Zohorna fares with Zucker and Kap, and finally get a look at Hallander.
I think he's just trying to get different looks to see who fits better where. I think O'Connor makes the team for at least until the Pens get healthier, but not a center.
I am curious to see how Zohorna fares with Zucker and Kap, and finally get a look at Hallander. - Rinosaur
If Jake is out to start the season, then maybe DOC gets a chance, but it is looking like these are the current lines to start
Jake - Carter - Rust
Zucker - ERod - Kappy
McGinn - Blueger - Heinen
Simon - Boyle - ZAR
Now ZAR and Jake both might not start, so it is possible for DOC, but with Sully behind the bench I am fairly confident in saying that ZAR, Simon, Boyle and even Lafferty are ahead of DOC. If Zohorna can kill it on the 2nd line, that would move ERod down and Simon out of the line-up. The issue I have is that it is pretty clear, that even with the injuries and COVID cases the Pens really don't need Boyle. Nice guy, and its great that he gets a chance, but there are too many possible 4th line players in the system that need a shot.
I think he's just trying to get different looks to see who fits better where. I think O'Connor makes the team for at least until the Pens get healthier, but not a center.
I am curious to see how Zohorna fares with Zucker and Kap, and finally get a look at Hallander. - Rinosaur
O'Connor, Boyle, Lafferty, and Simon are basically battling for the 11th, 12th, and 13th forward roster spots right now with Sid and Geno out. Position flexibility will give O'Connor an edge to make the roster. Probably a big reason why they keep having him play both wing and center.
If Jake is out to start the season, then maybe DOC gets a chance, but it is looking like these are the current lines to start
Jake - Carter - Rust
Zucker - ERod - Kappy
McGinn - Blueger - Heinen
Simon - Boyle - ZAR
Now ZAR and Jake both might not start, so it is possible for DOC, but with Sully behind the bench I am fairly confident in saying that ZAR, Simon, Boyle and even Lafferty are ahead of DOC. If Zohorna can kill it on the 2nd line, that would move ERod down and Simon out of the line-up. The issue I have is that it is pretty clear, that even with the injuries and COVID cases the Pens really don't need Boyle. Nice guy, and its great that he gets a chance, but there are too many possible 4th line players in the system that need a shot. - Rurik766
I'm not sure where Lafferty falls anymore. He was atrocious in the last game, but he seems like a Sully favorite, so I don't know how much slack he gets.
Pens Inside Scoop
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Coach Sullivan on Guentzel and Aston-Reese: "Jake has been asymptomatic to this point, so we're certainly encouraged by that. Zach went through some symptoms. He's feeling much better, but that's part of the reason his protocol process has been as long as it is."
I don't think ZAR starts the opener, but I can't imagine he's out too long.
I'm not sure where Lafferty falls anymore. He was atrocious in the last game, but he seems like a Sully favorite, so I don't know how much slack he gets. - Rinosaur
Well he is from PA so he gets extra rope. From what I have seen from Lafferty in the pre-season is that he competes hard, skates hard, gets to the right spots, but occasionally has a brain fart and gets a penalty. So nothing really new there. If he could just finish on a couple of his chances, he'd be alright. But he is the style of player that Sully likes, so who know. Personally I would have liked to see Jordy get a few more opportunities, but I guess the FO doesn't want guys that can actually win a fight in the line-up.
I'm not sure where Lafferty falls anymore. He was atrocious in the last game, but he seems like a Sully favorite, so I don't know how much slack he gets. - Rinosaur
He's a plug. I don't think he gets that much slack this season. He was given a lot of chances last year and just came up flat.
Location: ...serial abuser...and misuser...of the ellipsis , NF Joined: 12.12.2014
Oct 5 @ 1:08 PM ET
He's a plug. I don't think he gets that much slack this season. He was given a lot of chances last year and just came up flat. - burgh4life87
The thing is, the forwards aren't as deep this season and we're missing Sid and Geno to start...then sprinkle in the inevitable injury or two ...or more...plus coaches love for him and voila! Lafferty all up in your starting lineups.
The thing is, the forwards aren't as deep this season and we're missing Sid and Geno to start...then sprinkle in the inevitable injury or two ...or more...plus coaches love for him and voila! Lafferty all up in your starting lineups. - MattStrat
He's going to play, I'm not saying he isn't. I'm saying he is a plug. He will be plugged into a spot because of injury, but wouldn't be competing for a spot on a healthy roster.
He has looked better this preseason than he did last year, I will give him that.
Location: ...serial abuser...and misuser...of the ellipsis , NF Joined: 12.12.2014
Oct 5 @ 1:53 PM ET
He's going to play, I'm not saying he isn't. I'm saying he is a plug. He will be plugged into a spot because of injury, but wouldn't be competing for a spot on a healthy roster.
He has looked better this preseason than he did last year, I will give him that. - burgh4life87
Thanks for the info. Haven’t had a chance to watch any games yet, but don’t think I’ve missed much, according to what I’ve read.
Word has it that lafferty has had a really bad camp, n took some bad penalties too. He’s usually a great practice guy, so maybe his days are actually numbered?
Well it is looking like Sully is trying to decide between DOC and Boyle for the 4th line C job. Unfortunately, unless DOC lights it up, we know who is getting that spot already. - Rurik766
Honestly just find it interesting they are even trying O'Connor at C. I mainly just hope he isn't the 13th forward. Sounds like he progressed well once he got to WBS and started playing regularly.
If Jake doesn't have symptoms, he likely doesn't have it. The testing still blows. Even my super progressive, hyper paranoid, Johns Hopkins PHD cousin says the testing is highly inaccurate.