Ryan Wilson: Casey DeStink Casey DeStink

Didn't watch the game, I just caught the highlights on NHL Network this morning. They showed about ten grade A chances for Montreal. I would think it's harsh to blame the goaltender when our defense was giving up so many chances.

The first two goals scored were simply not on DeSmith. A breakaway, then Dvorak all alone in front of the net. Of course we also had an excellent chance when one of our goal scorers was all alone in front of the net and couldn't bury the shot. But I digress.

Pens lucked out with CBJ losing, too.

Didn't watch the game, I just caught the highlights on NHL Network this morning. They showed about ten grade A chances for Montreal. I would think it's harsh to blame the goaltender when our defense was giving up so many chances.

The first two goals scored were simply not on DeSmith. A breakaway, then Dvorak all alone in front of the net. Of course we also had an excellent chance when one of our goal scorers was all alone in front of the net and couldn't bury the shot. But I digress.
- Thunderbolt

I agree that I don't think DeSmith was that bad last night. As usual, stats were abused to make RW's point. Like saying the Pens did their job scoring 3, yet fail to mention 2 were with the goalie pulled.

But overall for the year, I have to agree DeSmith hasn't been good at all. When 3 GA behind some leaky defensive play is probably your best start, you aren't getting the job done.

Wrong again RW, DeSmith was to blame on only one goal. Two blown coverages allowed players to ram in a cross slot pass. Last night the inability to solve Allen until late was the issue. But what do I know…,.

I missed the first goal but 2nd and 3rd were not CDS’s fault. 3 empty net goals as well. He’s always been a pretty good backup when needed, just get him some playing time.

Hard to pin this on DeSmith as much as I think he's bad right now.

While I know others have already been making this point, the Pens need more finishers. Getting that many shots/hd chances with not enough goals is not going to cut it. To say a team ran into a hot goalie here and there is one thing, but when happens too much there's a problem.

Now, I'm not saying a huge change is needed, but I think they need one more sniper. That said, I'm slightly concerned about Evander Kane. It's reported SJ is willing to retain half of the salary. I hope Hextall/Burke don't look at this as their chance to get their truculent player and realize what kind of liability he is.

Why are some of you giving DeSmith the Fleury treatment?
Blame the parking lot guy, the ticket taker, usher, peanut vendor..blame everyone but him... At some point he still has to step up and make a save even if/when the defense lets him down...
DeSmith stinks. RW is correct, if he cant play decently, Jarry gets no rest and will be burnt out before the end of March.
Need someone else to help shoulder the load...
And its looking like there are no options there, because even at league minimum, Pens would likely be forced to make other moves to accommodate any additional salary. Not Ideal.

Why are some of you giving DeSmith the Fleury treatment?
Blame the parking lot guy, the ticket taker, usher, peanut vendor..blame everyone but him... At some point he still has to step up and make a save even if/when the defense lets him down...
DeSmith stinks. RW is correct, if he cant play decently, Jarry gets no rest and will be burnt out before the end of March.
Need someone else to help shoulder the load...
And its looking like there are no options there, because even at league minimum, Pens would likely be forced to make other moves to accommodate any additional salary. Not Ideal.
- Amanion

A .900 save percentage and a GAA under 3 is about what to expect out of a primary backup making a million bucks

How about putting some blame on the team for 2 goals on 49 shots before Crosby for the Pens 3rd goal? All that offensive pressure came at the expense of the defense that allowed 2 grade A chances against DeSmith that resulted in goals

If you're going to play firewagon hockey and trade chances, you have to actually bury the ones you get

I agree that I don't think DeSmith was that bad last night. As usual, stats were abused to make RW's point. Like saying the Pens did their job scoring 3, yet fail to mention 2 were with the goalie pulled.

But overall for the year, I have to agree DeSmith hasn't been good at all. When 3 GA behind some leaky defensive play is probably your best start, you aren't getting the job done.
- Tojo.

DeSmith played against two of the hottest teams in his first two games, Calgary and Florida. The third was bad against a depleted Ottawa team. We were just as bad as the Sens though.

Hextall brought in two guys to compete, Domingue is playing well (2.54 GAA, .922 Save %). Linberg is out.

You have two choices, send DeSmith down now and let him get his game back or give DeSmith two starts in the next six games and if he doesn't show improvement send him down then.

How 'bout them Stillers?

Why are some of you giving DeSmith the Fleury treatment?
Blame the parking lot guy, the ticket taker, usher, peanut vendor..blame everyone but him... At some point he still has to step up and make a save even if/when the defense lets him down...
DeSmith stinks. RW is correct, if he cant play decently, Jarry gets no rest and will be burnt out before the end of March.
Need someone else to help shoulder the load...
And its looking like there are no options there, because even at league minimum, Pens would likely be forced to make other moves to accommodate any additional salary. Not Ideal.
- Amanion

Jarry has a .936 save percentage, that would place him above any year Marty Broduer had. Is that what you expect from your goaltender? As a matter of fact, .936 places Jarry number 7 since the inception of that stat.

Do not make Casey the problem here Yeah He lost but when you only score one goal your chances of winning go way down Yeah they beat nyi 1-0 but that does not happen a lot They got 1 goal against the Isles and one goal against a bad team in the Canadiens That is not going to get it done. You cannot expect shutouts every time out. RW you sound like a whining moron in this blog They should have just blown the Habs away in this game and they DID NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every time something goes wrong blame the goalie Get real you moron

Hard to pin this on DeSmith as much as I think he's bad right now.

While I know others have already been making this point, the Pens need more finishers. Getting that many shots/hd chances with not enough goals is not going to cut it. To say a team ran into a hot goalie here and there is one thing, but when happens too much there's a problem.

Now, I'm not saying a huge change is needed, but I think they need one more sniper. That said, I'm slightly concerned about Evander Kane. It's reported SJ is willing to retain half of the salary. I hope Hextall/Burke don't look at this as their chance to get their truculent player and realize what kind of liability he is.
- Rinosaur

Danton Heinen has six goals this year, a career 10.4% shooter. He played 7:56.
Zach Aston-Reese has one goal, 9.5%. He played 11:25.

When you shorten the bench, that should be your first move.

Danton Heinen has six goals this year, a career 10.4% shooter. He played 7:56.
Zach Aston-Reese has one goal, 9.5%. He played 11:25.

When you shorten the bench, that should be your first move.
- Thunderbolt

I'm trying to spare Tojo my dead horse lol

DOC recalled with Rust out.

From my eyes, I didn't think the Pens had the same jump and attention to detail as the night before. The obvious thing that stood out was the lack of finish. Lot's of our chances weren't Grade A. If you can't finish and don't play a top notch defensive game, you're not going to win with a backup tender most of the time.

Wouldn't mind seeing Erod drive that second line at C. Dude is playing at a level I never thought possible for him. Easily our best forward last night.

From my eyes, I didn't think the Pens had the same jump and attention to detail as the night before. The obvious thing that stood out was the lack of finish. Lot's of our chances weren't Grade A. If you can't finish and don't play a top notch defensive game, you're not going to win with a backup tender most of the time.

Wouldn't mind seeing Erod drive that second line at C. Dude is playing at a level I never thought possible for him. Easily our best forward last night.
- madmike71

I think the Pens had jump, but played too loose.

Question for you guys, but let me preface this by saying I'm not a fan of Kane in the sense I think he's a locker room cancer and a liability on the ice. Yes, he's a beast of a player, but he costs his team with his antics.

It's reported SJ is willing to retain half on Kane. If the Pens were able to send Matheson or Zucker to SJ with 50% retained, do you do it?

Question for you guys, but let me preface this by saying I'm not a fan of Kane in the sense I think he's a locker room cancer and a liability on the ice. Yes, he's a beast of a player, but he costs his team with his antics.

It's reported SJ is willing to retain half on Kane. If the Pens were able to send Matheson or Zucker to SJ with 50% retained, do you do it?
- Rinosaur

Yes

I'm trying to spare Tojo my dead horse lol
- Rinosaur

I don't mind benching ZAR when down late and shortening the bench. I like what he brings, but it isn't offense.

Question for you guys, but let me preface this by saying I'm not a fan of Kane in the sense I think he's a locker room cancer and a liability on the ice. Yes, he's a beast of a player, but he costs his team with his antics.

It's reported SJ is willing to retain half on Kane. If the Pens were able to send Matheson or Zucker to SJ with 50% retained, do you do it?
- Rinosaur

Yep, Kane is a dirtbag but he can still play

We need guys that can play

I'd try to move Matheson, although I'm not as down on him as some

Wired stat of last night: The top line out shot the rest of the team 26-24. Had 2 of the goals and factored in on the third. So they and Carter are off the hook.

DOC recalled with Rust out.
- Rinosaur

Good, not that Rust is on IR, but that DOC is getting another shot over playing the extra forwards. He never should have been sent down while he was one of the team's 12 best forwards.

On DeSmith, people tend to forget because it didn't happen in Pittsburgh, but he cleared waivers and had a GAA around 3 in the AHL in 2019-2020. While I agree 4 games is still too small a sample, he isn't this lock to get his game together people think. NHL sample is still pretty small, just enough that teams are now more familiar with him.

He should get to play a little more often IMO to have an opportunity to play his way out, but if he doesn't, they need to make a move.

I don't mind benching ZAR when down late and shortening the bench. I like what he brings, but it isn't offense.
- Tojo.

I'd rather DOC dress over ZAR