To me, after the trades had settled in, it looked they were starting to build one in March.
- MattStrat

Maybe. I think Bjugstad and McCann were great additions so our general skill level went up but it’s tough when the players you have are built for one thing and the coach/GM want to do something else. We saw a gasp of the identity these Pens should have in Game 1 when we finally had our entire defense back, but then we went right back to trying to fit square pegs in round holes. I don’t think we have a lack of identity because we’re poorly built. I mean we have flaws but in general this group of players doesn’t have a ton of “why the (frank) is this guy even on the team?” type players. I think the lack of identity comes from a total disconnect between coach and players when it comes to what we want to be accomplishing on the ice, and another disconnect between coach and GM over what kind of roster they want to ice.

Maybe. I think Bjugstad and McCann were great additions so our general skill level went up but it’s tough when the players you have are built for one thing and the coach/GM want to do something else. We saw a gasp of the identity these Pens should have in Game 1 when we finally had our entire defense back, but then we went right back to trying to fit square pegs in round holes. I don’t think we have a lack of identity because we’re poorly built. I mean we have flaws but in general this group of players doesn’t have a ton of “why the (frank) is this guy even on the team?” type players. I think the lack of identity comes from a total disconnect between coach and players when it comes to what we want to be accomplishing on the ice, and another disconnect between coach and GM over what kind of roster they want to ice.
- Victoro311

That's the biggest disconnect in my opinion....couple that then with poor lineup decisions and voila, here we are.

To me, after the trades had settled in, it looked they were starting to build one in March.
- MattStrat

I dunno. I never really could identify what they were going for. They were winning but I think that was more on their stellar goaltending and a weak schedule the last 20 or so games. They lack true puck moving defensemen other than the first pairing. They were committed to dogpoop 2nd pairing and while their 3rd pair played alright they aren’t really facilitators of offense.

Assuming the Pens get swept...What does Lemieux/JR do?

Fire Sully?
Fire JR?
Make a big name trade?

This season has been mostly bad. They had a surge after the FLA trade but mostly bla and for a team with an increasingly small window I can't see them staying the course.

I dunno. I never really could identify what they were going for. They were winning but I think that was more on their stellar goaltending and a weak schedule the last 20 or so games. They lack true puck moving defensemen other than the first pairing. They were committed to dogpoop 2nd pairing and while their 3rd pair played alright they aren’t really facilitators of offense.
- j.boyd919

They were considered to have one of the toughest schedules the last 20/25 games. They were outside the playoffs looking in when it started and there was talks of them not even making it because of the schedule and how tough it was. It was the last 3 or 4 games that made it seem light...but even then they played the hottest team in the league, Wings, twice and this without big time players missing. They went without Geno, Tanger, Dumo and Maatta for periods of time in the last month and a half but still got it done.

The 2nd pairing was maddening down the stretch...and came back again in game 2. Definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

I'd just like to see Olli in the lineup tomorrow night, not that I think he's a game breaker that's gonna flip the series around but I know he's better than JJ and If its the last game I think he deserves to be there, at only 24 years he's still a vet to this team....could be his last Pens game ever too, unfortunately.

Trade everyone
- Guile

is the MORON giving up so soon????.. isles in 6!

Assuming the Pens get swept...What does Lemieux/JR do?

Fire Sully?
Fire JR?
Make a big name trade?

This season has been mostly bad. They had a surge after the FLA trade but mostly bla and for a team with an increasingly small window I can't see them staying the course.
- sammy87

I was saying during the regular season whenever there were people saying that Sully should be axed that he's not going anywhere unless they're a month or two into next season and towards the bottom of the standings. I still believe that to be true.

GMJR was just extended for 3 years and he even said in an interview that he believed that this team could very well win the cup soon again, if not this year, then next....so I dont think he's going anywhere.

So a big trade I see over those first two options...

Assuming the Pens get swept...What does Lemieux/JR do?

Fire Sully?
Fire JR?
Make a big name trade?

This season has been mostly bad. They had a surge after the FLA trade but mostly bla and for a team with an increasingly small window I can't see them staying the course.
- sammy87

Rutherford signed an extension recently and that hasn't kicked in yet.

is the MORON giving up so soon????.. isles in 6!
- cmimbri

Come on dude, you can't tell when someone is being facetious.

They were considered to have one of the toughest schedules the last 20/25 games. They were outside the playoffs looking in when it started and there was talks of them not even making it because of the schedule and how tough it was. It was the last 3 or 4 games that made it seem light...but even then they played the hottest team in the league, Wings, twice and this without big time players missing. They went without Geno, Tanger, Dumo and Maatta for periods of time in the last month and a half but still got it done.

The 2nd pairing was maddening down the stretch...and came back again in game 2. Definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

I'd just like to see Olli in the lineup tomorrow night, not that I think he's a game breaker that's gonna flip the series around but I know he's better than JJ and If its the last game I think he deserves to be there, at only 24 years he's still a vet to this team....could be his last Pens game ever too, unfortunately.
- MattStrat

In the last 20 games they had 10 against playoff teams and 10 against poop teams. So I dunno.

I don't really disagree with what RW is saying, but can't agree with the tone and continued bashing on JMFJ. Yeah, we know who he is, what he is, and what his skillset is/isn't. We get it.

But, from what I've seen, here's my takeaways without looking at charts and graphs:
- Murray has been average and is being outplayed, although the Isles are testing him way more.
- Sid and Geno are getting frustrated because they can't skill their way through the tight checking.
- The defense can't transition the puck, and that goes for all 6 of them including Letang. They also aren't doing a very good job of defending.
- Sullivan seems like he has no idea what to do, and refuses to deviate from his game plan.

Look at the goal they scored yesterday. Fourth line, get the puck to the point, crash to the net, and let a hard wrister fly. Those are the types of goals you'll score, not pretty moves where you skate around them. Throw pucks at Lehner's feet, screen and bump him if need be. I know #zone entries and all, but dump the puck into the (frank)ing corner and crash after it.

I still think they can win the series, but not if they keep trying to skill their way through this team. They need to pull up their sleeves and grind their way to victory. If they can win one, find that formula, they have a shot. But winning one is the hardest part.

I love watching the Penguins fall... Ryan, I'm sorry but you were so smug before the series about playing the Islanders... you kinda brought it upon yourself...

In the last 20 games they had 10 against playoff teams and 10 against poop teams. So I dunno.
- j.boyd919

The Habs and Flyers battling for playoff spots plus the Wings (at that time) were not poop teams. Did you see who else the Wings had beaten in the two weeks prior to those 2 games? You can look back now and say they arnt in the playoffs so theyre poop, but those teams were battling and playing hard with playoff dreams still alive.

So Sabres and Rags 2 times plus Panthers once in that span.

I don't really disagree with what RW is saying, but can't agree with the tone and continued bashing on JMFJ. Yeah, we know who he is, what he is, and what his skillset is/isn't. We get it.

But, from what I've seen, here's my takeaways without looking at charts and graphs:
- Murray has been average and is being outplayed, although the Isles are testing him way more.
- Sid and Geno are getting frustrated because they can't skill their way through the tight checking.
- The defense can't transition the puck, and that goes for all 6 of them including Letang. They also aren't doing a very good job of defending.
- Sullivan seems like he has no idea what to do, and refuses to deviate from his game plan.

Look at the goal they scored yesterday. Fourth line, get the puck to the point, crash to the net, and let a hard wrister fly. Those are the types of goals you'll score, not pretty moves where you skate around them. Throw pucks at Lehner's feet, screen and bump him if need be. I know #zone entries and all, but dump the puck into the (frank)ing corner and crash after it.

I still think they can win the series, but not if they keep trying to skill their way through this team. They need to pull up their sleeves and grind their way to victory. If they can win one, find that formula, they have a shot. But winning one is the hardest part.
- jmatchett383

One of your finest posts.

Rutherford signed an extension recently and that hasn't kicked in yet.
- Thunderbolt

Yeah I know its odd. I wonder if there is a rift between Sully and JR? Is JR getting the players that he wants or is he getting the players right for Sullys system?

I don't really disagree with what RW is saying, but can't agree with the tone and continued bashing on JMFJ. Yeah, we know who he is, what he is, and what his skillset is/isn't. We get it.

But, from what I've seen, here's my takeaways without looking at charts and graphs:
- Murray has been average and is being outplayed, although the Isles are testing him way more.
- Sid and Geno are getting frustrated because they can't skill their way through the tight checking.
- The defense can't transition the puck, and that goes for all 6 of them including Letang. They also aren't doing a very good job of defending.
- Sullivan seems like he has no idea what to do, and refuses to deviate from his game plan.

Look at the goal they scored yesterday. Fourth line, get the puck to the point, crash to the net, and let a hard wrister fly. Those are the types of goals you'll score, not pretty moves where you skate around them. Throw pucks at Lehner's feet, screen and bump him if need be. I know #zone entries and all, but dump the puck into the (frank)ing corner and crash after it.

I still think they can win the series, but not if they keep trying to skill their way through this team. They need to pull up their sleeves and grind their way to victory. If they can win one, find that formula, they have a shot. But winning one is the hardest part.
- jmatchett383

Yeah the Avs game the other night top line dumps it in, cycles low and feeds guys in the slot. Its basic hockey 101. Controlled entires are great but if it just leads to a weak outside shot or turnover whats the point.

Come on dude, you can't tell when someone is being facetious.
- Thunderbolt

dude He referred to me as a moron for saying Isles in 6.. at the start of the playoffs ..im just returning the favor!
Isles in 6

dude He referred to me as a moron for saying Isles in 6.. at the start of the playoffs ..im just returning the favor!
Isles in 6
- cmimbri

I referred to you as a moron for something else. You are not only a moron, but an utter coward who can ONLY venture to other boards when up in a series.

I don't really disagree with what RW is saying, but can't agree with the tone and continued bashing on JMFJ. Yeah, we know who he is, what he is, and what his skillset is/isn't. We get it.

But, from what I've seen, here's my takeaways without looking at charts and graphs:
- Murray has been average and is being outplayed, although the Isles are testing him way more.
- Sid and Geno are getting frustrated because they can't skill their way through the tight checking.
- The defense can't transition the puck, and that goes for all 6 of them including Letang. They also aren't doing a very good job of defending.
- Sullivan seems like he has no idea what to do, and refuses to deviate from his game plan.

Look at the goal they scored yesterday. Fourth line, get the puck to the point, crash to the net, and let a hard wrister fly. Those are the types of goals you'll score, not pretty moves where you skate around them. Throw pucks at Lehner's feet, screen and bump him if need be. I know #zone entries and all, but dump the puck into the (frank)ing corner and crash after it.

I still think they can win the series, but not if they keep trying to skill their way through this team. They need to pull up their sleeves and grind their way to victory. If they can win one, find that formula, they have a shot. But winning one is the hardest part.
- jmatchett383

This is the big one for me. Guys are no executing for sure but in 2 playoffsseries against Trotz there have been no adjustments. Where’s the high clear in the face of the heavy forecheck? Players are carrying the puck right into the trap or passing to stationary players in the middle of it. Once out of the zone (when it happens) there is no plan for the other 125’

Yeah the Avs game the other night top line dumps it in, cycles low and feeds guys in the slot. Its basic hockey 101. Controlled entires are great but if it just leads to a weak outside shot or turnover whats the point.
- sammy87

Truth. Sometimes you’re forced to dump and chase but it’ll never work if none of the players chase. Lift it high into the zone to give the checkers more time to run it down.

I referred to you as a moron for something else. You are not only a moron, but an utter coward who can ONLY venture to other boards when up in a series.
- Guile

you sir are a moron with zero testicles!..ive been on this pens Isles thread since the playoff started!
you have a smug attitude because you assumed your squad was going to run all over the Islanders.. which is why you called me a moron.... Atleast have the honesty to admit it....
grow some balls your g/f might enjoy them

you sir are a moron with zero testicles!..ive been on this pens Isles thread since the playoff started!
you have a smug attitude because you assumed your squad was going to run all over the Islanders.. which is why you called me a moron.... Atleast have the honesty to admit it....
grow some balls your g/f might enjoy them
- cmimbri

FFS shut up.

You're both morons.

There, done, everyone's a moron, happy? Move on. Thanks.

FFS shut up.

You're both morons.

There, done, everyone's a moron, happy? Move on. Thanks.
- jmatchett383

hahaha

My concerns/thoughts....

1) I fully expect Sullivan to start the season as the HC, but I do expect him to be on a short leash, so this isn't a concern.

2) Rash trades, i.e. moving both Maatta and Kessel.

3) While I'm happy with Gudbranson, there's only room for one of Gudbranson and Johnson on this team. If they move Maatta and run with this group they are even more removed from the identity that gave them success.

4) My hopes are that a season off for Hornqvist brings him back because he looks like a shell of the player he was prior to the injuries this season, because unless he retires, he's going nowhere.

The issues here is it would be easy to move Maatta and VERY difficult to move Johnson if even possible at all. I like Gudbranson, but if they are going to keep Johnson they need to move Gudbranson who might actually have real value now.

IMO the sad reality is this roster is likely to stay very similar for the next five years.

FFS shut up.

You're both morons.

There, done, everyone's a moron, happy? Move on. Thanks.
- jmatchett383

its their done.. not there done... idiot