With Geno and Sarge out...

[bricks447]

...and the powerplay not converting.

Why not experiment different options on the power play instead of playing line one of Kunitz Guerin and Sid?

I feel that we should substitute Kunitz with Staal or maybe (if Staal cannot get out there) Rupp on the #1 powerplay and move Kunitz to PP #2.

Three out of our Four goals last night were caused from "net front presence" last night.

Why not use that to our advantage with Jordan's size in front of the net with Letang, Gogo and Sid working the Triangle with Billy G lurking next to the net for the rebounds on the left post with Staal in front.

For the second pp, why not put Dupuis out there on Crosby's (or Malkin when healthy) spot on the right wing half boards so we can utilize his massive slapshot over there. Kunitz playing the left side and behind the net, Rupp playing in front and whatever offensive D can get out there (Skoula, Gogo, Letang).

What do you think?

[Bob McKenzie]

I really wouldn't mind seeing Kennedy moved up to the #1 unit for a look. He's a scrapper and can get to loose pucks.

I was more concerned over Guerin not being able to handle passes then net presence.

Gogo needs to keep shooting the puck.

[bhaw]

The Pens are getting better and better at the net presence thing (I think Errey even pointed it out). I would like to see Staal get some PP time with Kunitz and Sid. My feeling is Guerin is useless out there. They can use PPs to let him rest up so he remains fresh.

I wouldn't be upset with Rupp out there either, but I think Staal should get a shot at the role. he has been better in front of the net and looked good last night with the puck.

[RxBandit66]

The Pens are getting better and better at the net presence thing (I think Errey even pointed it out). I would like to see Staal get some PP time with Kunitz and Sid. My feeling is Guerin is useless out there. They can use PPs to let him rest up so he remains fresh.

I wouldn't be upset with Rupp out there either, but I think Staal should get a shot at the role. he has been better in front of the net and looked good last night with the puck.

Staal is sometimes slow to react. He is a big man, and could eventually learn to deflect and tip in pucks. Rupp seems a little more experienced in that area, despite having fewer career goals.

I am also concerned about Guerin not being able to handle passes. But he's the only right handed "finisher" they've got, so he likely stays put for now. Kennedy should get a look there IMO. Perhaps at the deadline, if there's a little cap room left, a guy like Ray Whitney could be acquired to fill that role for the remainder of the season if Guerin keeps struggling and TK can't master the role.

[duke66]

i know alot on here like to debate about the pp being crap, but this is a serious question. do u think that bylsma and yeo sit there and think about these same scenarios (like putting tk or rupp on the top unit), or are we as fans, not seeing the big picture. it just makes me wonder when the pp has struggled and yet no big changes.

[Bob McKenzie]

i know alot on here like to debate about the pp being crap, but this is a serious question. do u think that bylsma and yeo sit there and think about these same scenarios (like putting tk or rupp on the top unit), or are we as fans, not seeing the big picture. it just makes me wonder when the pp has struggled and yet no big changes.

I think they debate putting some guys on the top unit with guys like Gonchar/Malkin out but I honestly at this point feel they feel that Guerin is the best option they have right now.

I think they're thoughts about the PP struggling right now aren't so much about the personnel as much as the Pens not getting down to fundamentals with overpassing, out of position, not moving enough, etc.

[ivand87]

It's either Kennedy or Kunitz and if Kunitz doesn't do much next game, I'd definitely go with Kennedy if I was Bylsma. Or maybe he should try putting Kunitz and Kennedy out there with Sid if Guerin continues to give up the puck away on easy passes. He's done that quite a few times the last few games. We'll see. It makes sense to have Guerin out there especially with Malkin and Gonchar out because Billy has a great one timer and slap shot and he's a big body in front of the net, but he's made too many mistakes lately.

Regardless, Crosby-Kunitz-Kennedy is really worth trying out. That leaves Staal and Guerin with Fedotenko for the 2nd unit which is not bad at all.

[MalkINintheMiddle]

I'm liking a Kunitz-Crosby-Kennedy line. That's got some wheels.

[Draftnik]

Guerin basically coasted for 60 games on the Island last season. He was fresh and energized when he came to the Pens. He needs to pace himself for the playoffs so he is fresh in April/May/June 2010. He can't run around with his hair on fire every night like the younger guys.

[MalkINintheMiddle]

Guerin basically coasted for 60 games on the Island last season. He was fresh and energized when he came to the Pens. He needs to pace himself for the playoffs so he is fresh in April/May/June 2010. He can't run around with his hair on fire every night like the younger guys.

Agreed.

[tfrizz]

I know this is going to get old, but as far as net presence goes put Rupp out there. The guy has shown he's got decent hands, which should mean he'd be good for tip-ins and picking up rebounds. Add that to his size, and he's the perfect guy for the job.

[bhaw]

i know alot on here like to debate about the pp being crap, but this is a serious question. do u think that bylsma and yeo sit there and think about these same scenarios (like putting tk or rupp on the top unit), or are we as fans, not seeing the big picture. it just makes me wonder when the pp has struggled and yet no big changes.

I think they debate putting some guys on the top unit with guys like Gonchar/Malkin out but I honestly at this point feel they feel that Guerin is the best option they have right now.

I think they're thoughts about the PP struggling right now aren't so much about the personnel as much as the Pens not getting down to fundamentals with overpassing, out of position, not moving enough, etc.

I also think that they are thinking as long as they are winning, they don't need a wholesale change. Let the players work it out and they will be that much better off later on. At 12-3, a better PP will only increase winning margins. Not like we are losing game after game due to it. So if the current group is who they want long term, better to let them work on it in game situations as long as the failures aren't impacting the win column.

Another way to look at the same thing is that if they do change Rupp in there and he's just hot right now, the coaches have to rejuggle lines if he goes cold. Guerin and Kunitz are more likely to be consistent in that position so let them work out the kinks now instead of in 2 weeks when Rupp or TK goes cold and they have their top line forwards sitting on the bench.

[bhaw]

I know this is going to get old, but as far as net presence goes put Rupp out there. The guy has shown he's got decent hands, which should mean he'd be good for tip-ins and picking up rebounds. Add that to his size, and he's the perfect guy for the job.

It almost seems like they don't put someone in the front consistently by design. I mean, Kunitz is just as reasonable of a fit. Staal is a fit for the 2nd PP but they don't go there. I think they are designed to be around the perimeter and get to the net when there is a shot from up high. They just don't have that Knuble/Holmstrom type player who stands there and just screens and tips. While they have guys who COULD do it, they don't. I think that's more on the coaching of the system than the players.