I'd really like to see more of the Gruden-Poulin-Pulj line. They didn't win the metrics against Carolina, but it's Carolina and they were the second best on the team and had a goal. I'd probably argue that was each player's best game for us, seemed to have some good chemistry. Pulj seems a lot different at LW.
- Tojo.

Gotta have Carter out there making the smart unselfish plays at the end of the game. Can’t trust those guys for that and Crosby shouldn’t have to do everything.

As far as the forwards, O'Connor is the only one that has taken advantage of his playing time. Sullivan likes him so much the 1LW job is his to lose. Good for him.

I do believe the others (Puustinen, Puljujarvi, Gruden, Poulin, and Bemstrom) realize this is there one and only shot at the NHL level. They know they need to impress people now, then work hard in the summer.

I haven't really seen anyone stand out. They all have speed and individual talents that stick out. Puustinen has great vision, Puljujarvi is physical and a nose for the net, Gruden is a bull, and Bemstrom has a heavy shot. Haven't seen enough of Poulin to form an opinion.

Contrary to the defensive unit, this group could be pushed next year from even younger guys. Which is a good thing.

Both St. Ivany and Ludvig are young in defenseman years. Joseph is included in that conversation. There's more expectation from Joseph as he's been playing at the NHL level for some time.

I think all three have improved from the start of the year. And that's all you can ask right now. Really looking for Joseph to take that next step and push Graves to the curb.

After that nobody in the system looks ready to make the jump to the big squad next year.
- Thunderbolt

Jack Rathbone has been showing some improvement as the year progressed. Other than him maybe Pickering could make the leap?

Jack Rathbone has been showing some improvement as the year progressed. Other than him maybe Pickering could make the leap?
- 123Kid

Good to hear about Rathbone, I know nothing about the WBS team.

From what I've read here and elsewhere, Pickering has had a tough go of it this season. He needs to play against more accomplished competition before he is ready. He was never going to jump from juniors to the NHL. Growing up good athletes always play against better competition to improve. Playing as an overage in junior hockey has never been nor will it ever be a good idea.

"...losing three of his last five seasons to a head shot, broken jaw, and lockout." Ouch. That was so long ago that I forget how long he was out for the concussion. That sucks but when I look at his career it seems like focusing too much on the negative. He did a ton despite that missed time. I've never seen a good angle on the Steckel hit to decide if it was deliberate or not. All the angles I have seen don't show his approach, only the last second. It wouldn't surprise me at all if it was. This is the NHL we're talking about.

Jack Rathbone has been showing some improvement as the year progressed. Other than him maybe Pickering could make the leap?
- 123Kid

Sounds like Pickering isn't close. He's probably a couple of years away. I'm impressed with St. Iveny. Makes good, smart plays and you don't really notice anything bad.

As far as the forwards, O'Connor is the only one that has taken advantage of his playing time. Sullivan likes him so much the 1LW job is his to lose. Good for him.

I do believe the others (Puustinen, Puljujarvi, Gruden, Poulin, and Bemstrom) realize this is there one and only shot at the NHL level. They know they need to impress people now, then work hard in the summer.

I haven't really seen anyone stand out. They all have speed and individual talents that stick out. Puustinen has great vision, Puljujarvi is physical and a nose for the net, Gruden is a bull, and Bemstrom has a heavy shot. Haven't seen enough of Poulin to form an opinion.

Contrary to the defensive unit, this group could be pushed next year from even younger guys. Which is a good thing.
- Thunderbolt

I really like Puustinen. I think he could be a diamond in the rough. Don't know if he can improve his shot, but he should work on it all summer. A quicker release would do him a lot of good.

I hated when Dubas was filling the roster with retreads, although I was wrong about Eller. This team needed youth (not just in speed) but enthusiasm and drive. I don't care what business you're in, you need young motivated people to keep an edge.

Like many have said.... Eff Sullivan and remove the old guy old guy options.

This reminds me of an article I read yesterday. It sad Dubas shouldn't spend all his time trying to fix the bottom 6 this offseason. He should allow the young talent show what they can do for the bottom 6 and bottom pair for the Defense. The article went on to talk about trading Smith, EK, and Rakell and some others and work on solidifying the top 6 and top 4 defense.
- 123Kid

Definitely focus on the top 6. The need a 1LW to replace Jake. They have plenty of cap for that, especially if they trade Smith. The second line either needs Rak to revert to previous form or they bring in somebody else.

That leaves for the bottom six DOC, Eller, Puust, JP, Acciari, then let Gruden, Poulin, Pono compete for a spot. Try and sign an undrafted NCAA guy and/or bring in maybe one late 20s vet on a short-term deal that can be buried if needed.

Definitely focus on the top 6. The need a 1LW to replace Jake. They have plenty of cap for that, especially if they trade Smith. The second line either needs Rak to revert to previous form or they bring in somebody else.

That leaves for the bottom six DOC, Eller, Puust, JP, Acciari, then let Gruden, Poulin, Pono compete for a spot. Try and sign an undrafted NCAA guy and/or bring in maybe one late 20s vet on a short-term deal that can be buried if needed.
- MickV

I’m quite the opposite. Trade Snith and Rak and let young guys compete for top six. I don’t see any of these guys handling the rigors of bottom six duties. They just aren’t those types of players.

Well. I was hoping for a full blown tank mode to end the season, but of course Sid wouldn’t that happen.

If Dubas truly intends to “retool” this offseason, then there’s no doubt Sid could do it again next year.

Also, POJ is really making the Graves signing look even worse if that’s possible. Who would have known giving a young player consistent playing time could help him develop a bit. Still some growing pains, but he’s looked far better with Letang than Graves

I just watched the Steckel incident again. Definitely just an unfortunate accident. You have to have some real homer glasses on to think otherwise. Honestly I don’t know why Sid was just watching his pass, but that’s why it happened.

I really like Puustinen. I think he could be a diamond in the rough. Don't know if he can improve his shot, but he should work on it all summer. A quicker release would do him a lot of good.

I hated when Dubas was filling the roster with retreads, although I was wrong about Eller. This team needed youth (not just in speed) but enthusiasm and drive. I don't care what business you're in, you need young motivated people to keep an edge.

Like many have said.... Eff Sullivan and remove the old guy old guy options.
- madmike71

I think Puus is still overthinking and differing a bit too much. Gotta be hard not to when your a rookie and the vets are always yelling for the puck.

He’s got a solid one timer which we have a lack of on this team but he has to use it. His speed and retrieval are good assets and help whatever line he’s on.

Bloomqvist recalled.

I think Puus is still overthinking and differing a bit too much. Gotta be hard not to when your a rookie and the vets are always yelling for the puck.

He’s got a solid one timer which we have a lack of on this team but he has to use it. His speed and retrieval are good assets and help whatever line he’s on.
- Thorny87

I'm pulling for the guy. I really like his game. If he can pot a few maybe he will take off.

Letang looks like he's lost a step as of late. Looks like a tired player.

Rough. Couldn’t get outa that period

Man up Geno.

Geno looked like he had influenza that whole shift.

Geno looked like he had influenza that whole shift.
- MattStrat

Hahaha

Riley Smith is weak

The zamboni only needs to clean half the ice.

Geno looked like he had influenza that whole shift.
- MattStrat

It looks like the whole team is sick......I hope.

Meh, just got home from the rink, watched 10 mins of the 2nd, turned off the game. Don't need to watch this sad story.

Jack Rathbone has been showing some improvement as the year progressed. Other than him maybe Pickering could make the leap?
- 123Kid

Pickering is going need a lot of time in the A I’m guessing. Someone posted an article from the athletic about the issues he had. Grew so fast he had such bad growing pains he couldn’t work out and stuff. He’s a giant wuss and will need to learn to play against men. He’s 20 and still playing in juniors. At best he could be on a Dumo timeline. Most likely he’s the next poulin.

"...losing three of his last five seasons to a head shot, broken jaw, and lockout." Ouch. That was so long ago that I forget how long he was out for the concussion. That sucks but when I look at his career it seems like focusing too much on the negative. He did a ton despite that missed time. I've never seen a good angle on the Steckel hit to decide if it was deliberate or not. All the angles I have seen don't show his approach, only the last second. It wouldn't surprise me at all if it was. This is the NHL we're talking about.
- Sams_Dog

I think the hit was deliberate, just not how it actually unfolded. A solid shot behind the play to send a message. Just one of those things that went worse than he could have imagined.