Boychuk vs Jeffrey: who should play

[Mr. Colby]

13 games into the season and not one of the four linemates of 18 and 71 has registered a point while with them... think it's time to put 14 back there yet?

[MRandall25]

13 games into the season and not one of the four linemates of 18 and 71 has registered a point while with them... think it's time to put 14 back there yet?

... and just pass the problem along to someone else?

[Idoit40fans]

13 games into the season and not one of the four linemates of 18 and 71 has registered a point while with them... think it's time to put 14 back there yet?

Why would it be time to put him back there?

[brwi]

I haven't jumped of the Boychuk bandwagon yet, I still see good things from him. It's his first NHL season, there could be a lot of reason for a mediocre start.

It's certainly not his first NHL season. He had 72 games with the Canes before getting waived. Or do you mean this is the first time in his career he started Game 1 in the NHL? I know this was his first year to make the team going into opening night, but not sure what you're saying here.

[Steve Dave]

Boychuk's first season? He had 70 plus games going into this season. Yet people argue Tangradi had his chance because he played in 40 some games previously.

[MRandall25]

Boychuk's first season? He had 70 plus games going into this season. Yet people argue Tangradi had his chance because he played in 40 some games previously.

I will say, 70 games with the Hurricanes =/= 40 games with the Penguins.

[ville5]

They need to waive crosby and malkin. Letestu has as many goals as cros and 2 more than malk just sayin.

[columbia]

Nealarovsky weighs in on the subject:
http://triblive.com/mobile/3461516-81/n ... in-boychuk

[thepittman]

I haven't jumped of the Boychuk bandwagon yet, I still see good things from him. It's his first NHL season, there could be a lot of reason for a mediocre start.

It's certainly not his first NHL season. He had 72 games with the Canes before getting waived. Or do you mean this is the first time in his career he started Game 1 in the NHL? I know this was his first year to make the team going into opening night, but not sure what you're saying here.

Nevermind then, I was thinking this was his first time up, carry on with the hate

[RPKJr429]

Kudos to whoever keeps changing the thread titles around. It makes rehashing these same arguments actually feel fresh and new.

[Kaizer]

Boychuk's first season? He had 70 plus games going into this season. Yet people argue Tangradi had his chance because he played in 40 some games previously.

at least boychuk showed some of the skills it takes to play in the NHL in that time. Tangradi has barely shown the skills it takes to be a movie theater usher.

[Kovy27]

Boychuk's first season? He had 70 plus games going into this season. Yet people argue Tangradi had his chance because he played in 40 some games previously.

Are you Eric Tangradi?
Tell me some of the positives that ET has done. He fought Matt Martin in NY...oh wait, he got a concussion. That's probably his only positive thing he has done in his career.

[tfrizz]

Tell me some of the positives that ET has done. He fought Matt Martin in NY...oh wait, he got a concussion. That's probably his only positive thing he has done in his career.

That's where you enter catch 22 territory. He doesn't have the speed or physical game to work on the 4th line, and never gets more than a few shifts with Malkin or Crosby before being put on the 4th line.

He was also never put in a position for success based on what he's done with WBS - produce on the PP. His 6 PP goals still leads WBS, outside of Kolarik who had 7 for the CT Whale, and accounts for 60% of his goals in the AHL this season. I'm not saying he should've been trust onto the 1st unit, but it couldn't have hurt to give him some shifts on the 2nd one.

So, what it boils down to is that Tangradi's game doesn't fit Bylsma's system and the one area where he'd be in the best position for some success (PP) he never got a shot at.

[JS©]

The only thing I've noticed from Tangradi is terrible play along the boards and soft play in general. For somebody who is 6' 4" 225, he plays softer than Kevin Hatcher.

[Idoit40fans]

Ironically, it sounds like Tangradi is the forward version of LGP's view of Ryan Whitney.

[Kovy27]

Ironically, it sounds like Tangradi is the forward version of LGP's view of Ryan Whitney.

You mean the Ryan Whitney who has been eating nachos for the Oilers?

[Penspal]

Ironically, it sounds like Tangradi is the forward version of LGP's view of Ryan Whitney.

You mean the Ryan Whitney who has been eating nachos for the Oilers?

Yeah, but they are playing Whitney on the wrong side. There are two sides to every argument.

I've said all along, that the Pens should be looking for a Kunitz type of player to play on the Malkin line. I stiil think grabbing Boychuk was a good idea, but UNLESS he/that line turns the corner soon, its time for someone new on Geno's line. No surprise that new NHL players (near rookies ) struggle under the pressure to be on the 2nd line (1b).

[stonewizard51]

At this point I'm willing to give Boychuk some benefit of the doubt. He hasn't been a Pen that long and maybe needs a little more time to adjust. I'm just thinking it took Neal a till the end of the season after the trade to adjust. Tangradi has played the system for a few of years now and still hasn't made the adjustment.

[Kovy27]

I guess this got answered...and your winner: ZACH BOYCHUK by trade.

[AlexPKeaton]

Can't teach speed!

[tfrizz]

Can't teach speed!

Well... you can. It just takes a ton of work at improving your skating, leg strength, agility, and conditioning.

John Tavares is a good example. His skating has improved 10-fold since entering the NHL.

[The Snapshot]

Can't teach speed!

Well... you can. It just takes a ton of work at improving your skating, leg strength, agility, and conditioning.

John Tavares is a good example. His skating has improved 10-fold since entering the NHL.

And that is what is so frustrating about Tangardi. He knows that everyone in the Hockey world is talking about this being the year where he is going to be given an opportunity to fail or succeed on Malkin's wing, he and others mention that he needs to improve his skating and yet he comes to the WBS camp no faster or stronger on his skates.

His conditioning is worse than any player I have seen in quite some time as well.

So, that along with his reticence to play angry tell me all I need to know about how much he "wants it". Tavares is a guy who is a great competitor and who knew the only thing that could hold him back. Tangradi, for all of his other shortcomings, would have an NHL job for quite some time if he just improved his skating and used his size.

[pcm]

Can't teach speed!

Konstantin Kolstov!

[Idoit40fans]

Ironically, it sounds like Tangradi is the forward version of LGP's view of Ryan Whitney.

You mean the Ryan Whitney who has been eating nachos for the Oilers?

Pretty much that exactly, yes.

[Penspal]

Kudos to whoever keeps changing the thread titles around. It makes rehashing these same arguments actually feel fresh and new.

Keep both.

vs speedy teams, use Boychuk, otherwise you Jeffrey.

With so many games over a short time, using ALL your bench is wise beyond words.