Game 20 vs FLA - Thoughts from the Morning After

[pcm]

The Florida TV crew wouldn't let the Adams non-call go. And, man, do they like saying Huberdeau...

So do I. I think he is another Jonathon Toews. If I could choose any under 20 forward, it would be him. I would take him over Yakupov.

I've not been this impressed by a young guy in a while. It's so refreshing to see someone attacking the net the way he does. Every shift he's there causing havoc. I would love to have him on our team. Also like Drew Shore, but I didn't see as much from him this game as last week.

[pcm]

I like Jeffrey, no clue why he seems the odd one out so many games. That said, I didn't watch the game.

I know he isn't as good playing wing, but as of now, I'd really have to question him out over kennedy when Geno is back and we don't have other injuries.

This is why people were high on him in the face of LGP's turd-slinging goon squad: he doesn't just score occasionally no matter what line he's on, he scores meaningful goals. I want him on this team in the playoffs.

[TrueNorth]

There is nothing that frustrates me more right now than the lack of discipline that this team exhibits on a regular basis. I don’t lay responsibility for this at Bylsma’s feet. I don’t know what he’s saying to the troops, but I’d be willing to bet he’s saying something, and that it’s not complimentary. The bottom line, however, is that these guys are supposedly professionals who should not need the boss riding them in order to do the job they are being paid (and handsomely) to do. Where is their sense of responsibility, their pride for heaven’s sake? After each of these penalty-filled losses, the players shake their heads, say their mea culpas, express their disappointment. What I want to know is, when will their on-ice behaviour change so that their words no longer ring hollow? Talk is cheap; it’s all about actions.

[pcm]

There are patterns to the poor play; philadelphia at home, too many penalties, losing leads, and can't score goals when you must. Fix 2 of these if possible goes a long way to a more solid and consistent effort.

I saw us scoring goals when we needed them against both Philly and Florida. The problem is letting in goals when we need to prevent them. The Pens haven't learned how to open up and shut things down at will. Once they open up, they really struggle going back to sound, smart defensive hockey. They get the adrenaline flowing and mental lapses lead to goals.

That said, I'm seeing progress. More important than any particular game is how they respond to it. It's a slow process, but I can see them working this out of their system. The hand wringing around here is getting out of hand.

[joe icepick]

Why is Chicago a better team then us?

1. Is it drafting?
2. Made better trades?
3. Coaching?

[Pitts]

Why do people get so worked up about Steigy and Errey? they are what they are who cares.

Because they are terrible?

Because they come across as bumbling idiots?

[Idoit40fans]

Why do people get so worked up about Steigy and Errey? they are what they are who cares.

Because they are terrible?

Because they come across as bumbling idiots?

Because.

[joe icepick]

There not that bad.

[MRandall25]

Why is Chicago a better team then us?

1. Is it drafting?
2. Made better trades?
3. Coaching?

4. They play in the West.

[Great58]

Pens are 3rd in the league in wins, tied for 4th in the league in points.
It's February of a shortened season, I don't expect them to be in playoff form yet.
Their typical road effort looks pretty good, and speaks well of how they may play when the games tighten up in the spring.
I don't have stats, but don't they frequently struggle in mid-winter games in sunny FLA?

I'm not too worried.

[Froggy]

Wait, are people really using Chicago as a barometer for success? Isn't that a bit unreasonable?

[joe icepick]

I know they will make the playoffs. If they play Montreal,New Jersey or Philly they will be done.

[joe icepick]

Why is it unreasonable?

I know they will make the playoffs. If they play Montreal,New Jersey or Philly they will be done.

[joe icepick]

What happen there?

[joe icepick]

Thats funny...quoated myself

[Dickie Dunn]

What happen there?

What happened? You wrote something, asked yourself a question about what you wrote, and then your momentary blackout ended and you secondary personality retreated into hiding, leaving you (and everyone else) very confused.

Spoiler:

[Gaucho]

Why is Chicago a better team then us?

1. Is it drafting?
2. Made better trades?
3. Coaching?

Right now I'd say

4. Discipline, or lack thereof

It's probably a good thing they didn't get away with it last night.

[Froggy]

It's unreasonable because Chicago is having a historically unprecedented start to the season. Hardly something one should expect from a team. I'm happy with being close to the top of the conference, and in position to be in the top 4 when the season ends

[joe icepick]

exactly

[joe icepick]

Why is Chicago a better team then us?

1. Is it drafting?
2. Made better trades?
3. Coaching?

Right now I'd say

4. Discipline, or lack thereof

It's probably a good thing they didn't get away with it last night.

Then its coaching!

[Kovy27]

What the hell is going on in this thread?

[MRandall25]

Why is Chicago a better team then us?

1. Is it drafting?
2. Made better trades?
3. Coaching?

Right now I'd say

4. Discipline, or lack thereof

It's probably a good thing they didn't get away with it last night.

Then its coaching!

No, it's not.

[Gaucho]

Why is Chicago a better team then us?

1. Is it drafting?
2. Made better trades?
3. Coaching?

Right now I'd say

4. Discipline, or lack thereof

It's probably a good thing they didn't get away with it last night.

Then its coaching!

No, it's players behaving like idiots.

[Nizzy]

What the hell is going on in this thread?

I freak out from time to time. My life is so miserable that my only enjoyment is watching a quality Pens game and my bar has been set too high from the 2009 championship.

[thepittman]

Why is Chicago a better team then us?

1. Is it drafting?
2. Made better trades?
3. Coaching?

Right now I'd say

4. Discipline, or lack thereof

It's probably a good thing they didn't get away with it last night.

Then its coaching!

No, it's players behaving like idiots.

That is the point of a coach, to train them how to avoid being idiots