2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[Michael74]

Why is this team actively trying to damage their draft positioning? I just don't see a coherent plan anymore! Keeping Rakell was beyond absurd! Now calling up kids to try and spark a winning streak when the draft could afford us a staple piece in the top six for 10-15 years possibly? What is the point of this? What is the overarching objective? To sabotage any chance for upward mobility?

I'm sorry, but I've been reading your repetitive posts for the past 2 weeks and I think you a re WAAAAY overreacting.

Yes, we all want a better draft position this year, but, there is not a team in this league that thinks like you do. Look what Buffalo did last night. Why did they score so much? Because teams and players want to win. I guarantee you, there is not one GM in this league trying to sabotage his team for a better draft position.

Obviously I disagree in the strongest of ways. No, we have a legit chance at a core piece for the future and bringing these two up doesn't help that cause.

There's only two scenarios that play out. 1st off These kids come up, get overwhelmed thus stifling their development going into next year as they're playing on a bad team with a coach who generally doesn't give much opportunity to young players.

Or, they come up, have an initial surge of success, spark the team and win games to take us out of contention for a potential difference maker in the draft.

There's nothing good that comes from this.

[Antonio]

Yeah I have been calling for Sullivan to be fired probably longer than anyone else around here and have been stating I think he is a subpar coach for at least 6 years and I desperately want them to lose every night for the long term health of the franchise, and I think they should have moved Rakell...feelings be damned...and I do not agree with your position that they should actively try to sabotage Crosby and expect the actual players themselves to tank games. That is just wrong on so many levels and not going to happen and it should never happen.

[Pitts]

Why is this team actively trying to damage their draft positioning? I just don't see a coherent plan anymore! Keeping Rakell was beyond absurd! Now calling up kids to try and spark a winning streak when the draft could afford us a staple piece in the top six for 10-15 years possibly? What is the point of this? What is the overarching objective? To sabotage any chance for upward mobility?

I'm sorry, but I've been reading your repetitive posts for the past 2 weeks and I think you a re WAAAAY overreacting.

Yes, we all want a better draft position this year, but, there is not a team in this league that thinks like you do. Look what Buffalo did last night. Why did they score so much? Because teams and players want to win. I guarantee you, there is not one GM in this league trying to sabotage his team for a better draft position.

Obviously I disagree in the strongest of ways. No, we have a legit chance at a core piece for the future and bringing these two up doesn't help that cause.

There's only two scenarios that play out. 1st off These kids come up, get overwhelmed thus stifling their development going into next year as they're playing on a bad team with a coach who generally doesn't give much opportunity to young players.

Or, they come up, have an initial surge of success, spark the team and win games to take us out of contention for a potential difference maker in the draft.

There's nothing good that comes from this.

I'm going to call it now: nothing at all will come of this promotion of 2 good guys from WBS. The team will finish where they finish and the boys will not be affected one iota due to how they played in this handful of games. Too much doom and gloom in your vision.

[Michael74]

Why is this team actively trying to damage their draft positioning? I just don't see a coherent plan anymore! Keeping Rakell was beyond absurd! Now calling up kids to try and spark a winning streak when the draft could afford us a staple piece in the top six for 10-15 years possibly? What is the point of this? What is the overarching objective? To sabotage any chance for upward mobility?

I'm sorry, but I've been reading your repetitive posts for the past 2 weeks and I think you a re WAAAAY overreacting.

Yes, we all want a better draft position this year, but, there is not a team in this league that thinks like you do. Look what Buffalo did last night. Why did they score so much? Because teams and players want to win. I guarantee you, there is not one GM in this league trying to sabotage his team for a better draft position.

Obviously I disagree in the strongest of ways. No, we have a legit chance at a core piece for the future and bringing these two up doesn't help that cause.

There's only two scenarios that play out. 1st off These kids come up, get overwhelmed thus stifling their development going into next year as they're playing on a bad team with a coach who generally doesn't give much opportunity to young players.

Or, they come up, have an initial surge of success, spark the team and win games to take us out of contention for a potential difference maker in the draft.

There's nothing good that comes from this.

I'm going to call it now: nothing at all will come of this promotion of 2 good guys from WBS. The team will finish where they finish and the boys will not be affected one iota due to how they played in this handful of games. Too much doom and gloom in your vision.

If nothing at all comes from it then why do it? It's not a decision steeped in pragmatism. There's not a well reasoned argument as to why this decision makes sense. Rewarding young guys to play on a bad team with players who just wanna collect a pay check and who really don't care? There's been many reporters that follow this team every single day suggest there are some bad apples here. Beyond the fact you don't wanna spark a win streak, you don't want them given a hard time by mercenary VETS.

[100565]

Playing 8 games in AHL gets them $8,200. Playing 8 games in NHL gets them $92,000. (based on 10% of annual salary)

Reward them for good play. Give em a glimse if NHL.

I cool with it.

[Pitts]

^^ That is a a very good point.

[Pitts]

Why is this team actively trying to damage their draft positioning? I just don't see a coherent plan anymore! Keeping Rakell was beyond absurd! Now calling up kids to try and spark a winning streak when the draft could afford us a staple piece in the top six for 10-15 years possibly? What is the point of this? What is the overarching objective? To sabotage any chance for upward mobility?

I'm sorry, but I've been reading your repetitive posts for the past 2 weeks and I think you a re WAAAAY overreacting.

Yes, we all want a better draft position this year, but, there is not a team in this league that thinks like you do. Look what Buffalo did last night. Why did they score so much? Because teams and players want to win. I guarantee you, there is not one GM in this league trying to sabotage his team for a better draft position.

Obviously I disagree in the strongest of ways. No, we have a legit chance at a core piece for the future and bringing these two up doesn't help that cause.

There's only two scenarios that play out. 1st off These kids come up, get overwhelmed thus stifling their development going into next year as they're playing on a bad team with a coach who generally doesn't give much opportunity to young players.

Or, they come up, have an initial surge of success, spark the team and win games to take us out of contention for a potential difference maker in the draft.

There's nothing good that comes from this.

I'm going to call it now: nothing at all will come of this promotion of 2 good guys from WBS. The team will finish where they finish and the boys will not be affected one iota due to how they played in this handful of games. Too much doom and gloom in your vision.

If nothing at all comes from it then why do it? It's not a decision steeped in pragmatism. There's not a well reasoned argument as to why this decision makes sense. Rewarding young guys to play on a bad team with players who just wanna collect a pay check and who really don't care? There's been many reporters that follow this team every single day suggest there are some bad apples here. Beyond the fact you don't wanna spark a win streak, you don't want them given a hard time by mercenary VETS.

I have nothing more to say.

[Daniel]

This is an unforced error by Dubas! Nothing good can come from this! If they win it keeps us from getting a key piece for the future. If they lose it could damage their confidence going into next year. Everything was goin ok the last week here and down on the farm, leave it be! Damn!

These guys aren't going to miraculously come up here, put the whole team on their shoulders, and suddenly start making the team crank out wins. I fully support this decision. RMG started the year here. He has grown A TON since his 3 game stint in the NHL. This is a great chance for him to get re-acclimated to the pace of the game, and to see how he stacks up against NHL players now that he's not drinking from a firehose trying to learn systems and positioning.

For Koivunen, he's been hot and consistent all year, and hadn't yet been recalled. Again, going into next season, this gives Koivunen a good opportunity to see what he may need to work on over the summer and heading in to next year's camp, after facing NHL level competition and realizing the pace is much different than in the AHL.

This is an excellent move for both of them...reward them for their good play....let them see how the pace is different at this level, and better prepare them for next year.

100% This is how you reward your hardest working prospects. They will go back down in time to make a playoff run in the AHL.

The only downside that I see is that WBS is within striking distance of 1st place and these 2 can help, and that's pushing it for a downside. They've been pretty much 2nd or 3rd the entire season and I expect them to stay there regardless.

I think this is a great opportunity. Be around the big club, locker room, practices, etc. Who cares if they even play, everything else will be invaluable. It'll jumpstart the NHL club to some degree but really jumpstart the AHL when they come back for the playoffs. The entire locker room will be buzzing because these 2 kids will come back and it'll be infectious.

[Puck-Lurker]

I've got lots of nice things to say about Koivunen and wanted to see him in Pittsburgh because these games hardly matter and he can, I don't know, sit on Geno's wing for a bit before going down having 10 games under his belt or whatever. Dubas didn't go that route at the time, he does seem to be, now, maybe 5 games?

There are some.. lapses in Koivunen's game. I've not seen him play a ton, granted, but I've seen him make neutral zone west-east, lateral passes. When you try that on the breakout, that pass better connect to a friendly player. Sometimes that pass is just crap and it gets taken away for an odd-man break the other way -- and goals against for that matter. Fair enough, he'd fit RIGHT in with the big club the way they play! But I hope he loses little tendencies like that.

VK and RMG up is a good, good thing. Scratch one of Acciari, Bemström, Heinen or Koppanen and play the kids on the 3rd, or insert one on the 2nd.

[Michael74]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

[Puck-Lurker]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

Dubas is kinda swerving a little, though in the general direction of the exit lane, in terms of qualifying and actually competing in the playoffs.

I do feel there's a bunch of benefits to having RMG and VK up for a bunch of games. As a reward and getting some NHL reps in.

Personally, I might have brought up Poulin and Puustinen. Put them on a 3rd line or 4th line and give them clear objectives. These games could be enough to make some final conclusions about the future of them, they're kind of in the same boat.

[Daniel]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

I think this is the equivalent of bringing a freshman to the varsity team for a few games. I think it's a really good move for two reasons. Gives them end of season experience at the NHL level, which is invaluable because they can't go into the summer knowing specifically what to work on. Not only that, but it'll give the WBS team a boost when the playoffs start. Watch the scene in Bull Durham when Crash talks about his time in "the show". I think that scene is pretty accurate, the awe the players will have because 2 got to the NHL level and will bring back stories and a bit of excitement. Might not be much, but these are kids and we tend to forget the emotional aspects of the game.

As for W/L, I doubt they make much of a difference there.

[Michael74]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

Dubas is kinda swerving a little, though in the general direction of the exit lane, in terms of qualifying and actually competing in the playoffs.

I do feel there's a bunch of benefits to having RMG and VK up for a bunch of games. As a reward and getting some NHL reps in.

Personally, I might have brought up Poulin and Puustinen. Put them on a 3rd line or 4th line and give them clear objectives. These games could be enough to make some final conclusions about the future of them, they're kind of in the same boat.

I would have preferred that route myself regarding Poulin and PU. Their future is very much in question and they could take away minutes from the current curtain jerkers we have that likely won't remain here next year. Giving them another look see makes more sense. Although in both cases I don't have much in the way of expectations based on their stints here in the past.

[Michael74]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

I think this is the equivalent of bringing a freshman to the varsity team for a few games. I think it's a really good move for two reasons. Gives them end of season experience at the NHL level, which is invaluable because they can't go into the summer knowing specifically what to work on. Not only that, but it'll give the WBS team a boost when the playoffs start. Watch the scene in Bull Durham when Crash talks about his time in "the show". I think that scene is pretty accurate, the awe the players will have because 2 got to the NHL level and will bring back stories and a bit of excitement. Might not be much, but these are kids and we tend to forget the emotional aspects of the game.

As for W/L, I doubt they make much of a difference there.

I don't know that the current environment here is conducive for these guys to flourish. We have some VETS up here who aren't really interested in mentoring these young guys. Ask Pickering about that. And it's a team that has a head coach who generally avoids playing young players as if they're the bubonic plague! I strongly disagree with bringing them up for those reasons. If they're confidence gets shaken at all it puts them further behind the eight ball for next year. No, I don't see anything positive to come out of this. And again if they win a few, it could cost them a nice piece for the future.

It would have been better to bring up Poulin and PU. They've played well down there and maybe this would be one last look for them. Personally, I don't think they're very good, so no harm IMO could really be done.

[Daniel]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

Dubas is kinda swerving a little, though in the general direction of the exit lane, in terms of qualifying and actually competing in the playoffs.

I do feel there's a bunch of benefits to having RMG and VK up for a bunch of games. As a reward and getting some NHL reps in.

Personally, I might have brought up Poulin and Puustinen. Put them on a 3rd line or 4th line and give them clear objectives. These games could be enough to make some final conclusions about the future of them, they're kind of in the same boat.

I would have preferred that route myself regarding Poulin and PU. Their future is very much in question and they could take away minutes from the current curtain jerkers we have that likely won't remain here next year. Giving them another look see makes more sense. Although in both cases I don't have much in the way of expectations based on their stints here in the past.

They probably think they are what they are at this point so next Sept they either earn an NHL spot are likely gone. Poulin is having a really nice year statistically so hopefully he'll be able to push for a full time 3rd/4th line job next season. PU might have to go to Europe.

[Daniel]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

I think this is the equivalent of bringing a freshman to the varsity team for a few games. I think it's a really good move for two reasons. Gives them end of season experience at the NHL level, which is invaluable because they can't go into the summer knowing specifically what to work on. Not only that, but it'll give the WBS team a boost when the playoffs start. Watch the scene in Bull Durham when Crash talks about his time in "the show". I think that scene is pretty accurate, the awe the players will have because 2 got to the NHL level and will bring back stories and a bit of excitement. Might not be much, but these are kids and we tend to forget the emotional aspects of the game.

As for W/L, I doubt they make much of a difference there.

I don't know that the current environment here is conducive for these guys to flourish. We have some VETS up here who aren't really interested in mentoring these young guys. Ask Pickering about that. And it's a team that has a head coach who generally avoids playing young players as if they're the bubonic plague! I strongly disagree with bringing them up for those reasons. If they're confidence gets shaken at all it puts them further behind the eight ball for next year. No, I don't see anything positive to come out of this. And again if they win a few, it could cost them a nice piece for the future.

It would have been better to bring up Poulin and PU. They've played well down there and maybe this would be one last look for them. Personally, I don't think they're very good, so no harm IMO could really be done.

That's the thing, I don't think it matters. I think they get them in games to see their progress then send them back. To me the emotional part is more important.

[Michael74]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

Dubas is kinda swerving a little, though in the general direction of the exit lane, in terms of qualifying and actually competing in the playoffs.

I do feel there's a bunch of benefits to having RMG and VK up for a bunch of games. As a reward and getting some NHL reps in.

Personally, I might have brought up Poulin and Puustinen. Put them on a 3rd line or 4th line and give them clear objectives. These games could be enough to make some final conclusions about the future of them, they're kind of in the same boat.

I would have preferred that route myself regarding Poulin and PU. Their future is very much in question and they could take away minutes from the current curtain jerkers we have that likely won't remain here next year. Giving them another look see makes more sense. Although in both cases I don't have much in the way of expectations based on their stints here in the past.

They probably think they are what they are at this point so next Sept they either earn an NHL spot are likely gone. Poulin is having a really nice year statistically so hopefully he'll be able to push for a full time 3rd/4th line job next season. PU might have to go to Europe.

Poulin deserves a call up, and I'm no fan of his. But a decision needs to be made on him soon. He should be one of the guys called up as well as PU. Conversely, Koivunen and MGR are very likely part of the future. I'd let them keep the momentum down there and go into the playoffs with some confidence.

[Puck-Lurker]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

Dubas is kinda swerving a little, though in the general direction of the exit lane, in terms of qualifying and actually competing in the playoffs.

I do feel there's a bunch of benefits to having RMG and VK up for a bunch of games. As a reward and getting some NHL reps in.

Personally, I might have brought up Poulin and Puustinen. Put them on a 3rd line or 4th line and give them clear objectives. These games could be enough to make some final conclusions about the future of them, they're kind of in the same boat.

I would have preferred that route myself regarding Poulin and PU. Their future is very much in question and they could take away minutes from the current curtain jerkers we have that likely won't remain here next year. Giving them another look see makes more sense. Although in both cases I don't have much in the way of expectations based on their stints here in the past.

I can't remember where I heard it, but the idea was that Poulin was to start specializing in bottom 6 roles, play PK, block shots and all that good stuff. I imagine it was extrapolated to some extent from where Poulin gets used in WBS.

I don't think he'll amount to anything but a bust. Puustinen, well... as a very fringe NHL depth guy, he's fine for a 7th round pick. WBS has better wingers, including RMG, VK and Bemström weirdly.

Still wouldn't have minded closing the book on both of them THIS season.

[Michael74]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

I think this is the equivalent of bringing a freshman to the varsity team for a few games. I think it's a really good move for two reasons. Gives them end of season experience at the NHL level, which is invaluable because they can't go into the summer knowing specifically what to work on. Not only that, but it'll give the WBS team a boost when the playoffs start. Watch the scene in Bull Durham when Crash talks about his time in "the show". I think that scene is pretty accurate, the awe the players will have because 2 got to the NHL level and will bring back stories and a bit of excitement. Might not be much, but these are kids and we tend to forget the emotional aspects of the game.

As for W/L, I doubt they make much of a difference there.

I don't know that the current environment here is conducive for these guys to flourish. We have some VETS up here who aren't really interested in mentoring these young guys. Ask Pickering about that. And it's a team that has a head coach who generally avoids playing young players as if they're the bubonic plague! I strongly disagree with bringing them up for those reasons. If they're confidence gets shaken at all it puts them further behind the eight ball for next year. No, I don't see anything positive to come out of this. And again if they win a few, it could cost them a nice piece for the future.

It would have been better to bring up Poulin and PU. They've played well down there and maybe this would be one last look for them. Personally, I don't think they're very good, so no harm IMO could really be done.

That's the thing, I don't think it matters. I think they get them in games to see their progress then send them back. To me the emotional part is more important.

The intent by management is to try and spark the team, otherwise they'd just wait until next year. If these young guys come up and produce even for a game or two, that could create a problem for our draft options. This close to the end of the season why risk that? That's not a smart strategy IMO.

[Michael74]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

Dubas is kinda swerving a little, though in the general direction of the exit lane, in terms of qualifying and actually competing in the playoffs.

I do feel there's a bunch of benefits to having RMG and VK up for a bunch of games. As a reward and getting some NHL reps in.

Personally, I might have brought up Poulin and Puustinen. Put them on a 3rd line or 4th line and give them clear objectives. These games could be enough to make some final conclusions about the future of them, they're kind of in the same boat.

I would have preferred that route myself regarding Poulin and PU. Their future is very much in question and they could take away minutes from the current curtain jerkers we have that likely won't remain here next year. Giving them another look see makes more sense. Although in both cases I don't have much in the way of expectations based on their stints here in the past.

I can't remember where I heard it, but the idea was that Poulin was to start specializing in bottom 6 roles, play PK, block shots and all that good stuff. I imagine it was extrapolated to some extent from where Poulin gets used in WBS.

I don't think he'll amount to anything but a bust. Puustinen, well... as a very fringe NHL depth guy, he's fine for a 7th round pick. WBS has better wingers, including RMG, VK and Bemström weirdly.

Still wouldn't have minded closing the book on both of them THIS season.

[EndO FanEra]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

It's not about the team. Or about winning/losing games right now. I think that's the part you're missing. It is about rewarding two of your better prospects for a great season. Getting some time to play with and be around Sid and the rest of the guys, along with making a boatload more money for a little bit. It's good for the young guys and may make things easier for them to transition next season.

Sure, the team might get a little boost from it, and that sucks as far as the draft pick is concerned, but is anyone really expecting a big impact? Would last night's outcome have been any different if they were in the lineup? Maybe, but unlikely IMO.

Plus, I'm guessing they won't be up for the rest of the season depending on when the WBS playoffs start. And for all of Dubas' talk last off-season about injecting the youth into the lineup, heck, some might say he owes a few of the young guys at least a little peak.

[Michael74]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

It's not about the team. Or about winning/losing games right now. I think that's the part you're missing. It is about rewarding two of your better prospects for a great season. Getting some time to play with and be around Sid and the rest of the guys, along with making a boatload more money for a little bit. It's good for the young guys and may make things easier for them to transition next season.

Sure, the team might get a little boost from it, and that sucks as far as the draft pick is concerned, but is anyone really expecting a big impact? Would last night's outcome have been any different if they were in the lineup? Maybe, but unlikely IMO.

Plus, I'm guessing they won't be up for the rest of the season depending on when the WBS playoffs start. And for all of Dubas' talk last off-season about injecting the youth into the lineup, heck, some might say he owes a few of the young guys at least a little peak.

I'm quite cognizant of the fact that they're rewarding these young guys. I just believe it comes at an inopportune time and in the scheme of things isn't beneficial for the long term viability of the team.

[EndO FanEra]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

It's not about the team. Or about winning/losing games right now. I think that's the part you're missing. It is about rewarding two of your better prospects for a great season. Getting some time to play with and be around Sid and the rest of the guys, along with making a boatload more money for a little bit. It's good for the young guys and may make things easier for them to transition next season.

Sure, the team might get a little boost from it, and that sucks as far as the draft pick is concerned, but is anyone really expecting a big impact? Would last night's outcome have been any different if they were in the lineup? Maybe, but unlikely IMO.

Plus, I'm guessing they won't be up for the rest of the season depending on when the WBS playoffs start. And for all of Dubas' talk last off-season about injecting the youth into the lineup, heck, some might say he owes a few of the young guys at least a little peak.

I'm quite cognizant of the fact that they're rewarding these young guys. I just believe it comes at an inopportune time and in the scheme of things isn't beneficial for the long term viability of the team.

The opportune time was earlier in the season, but that didn't happen.

I'm 100% rooting for a loss every game here on out and have been for a little bit now. No argument there.

This team is capable of beating the best teams and losing to the worst, and I just don't think VK & RMG change that all that much.

Either way, I'll be paying a little attention while they're in the lineup.

[Michael74]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

It's not about the team. Or about winning/losing games right now. I think that's the part you're missing. It is about rewarding two of your better prospects for a great season. Getting some time to play with and be around Sid and the rest of the guys, along with making a boatload more money for a little bit. It's good for the young guys and may make things easier for them to transition next season.

Sure, the team might get a little boost from it, and that sucks as far as the draft pick is concerned, but is anyone really expecting a big impact? Would last night's outcome have been any different if they were in the lineup? Maybe, but unlikely IMO.

Plus, I'm guessing they won't be up for the rest of the season depending on when the WBS playoffs start. And for all of Dubas' talk last off-season about injecting the youth into the lineup, heck, some might say he owes a few of the young guys at least a little peak.

I'm quite cognizant of the fact that they're rewarding these young guys. I just believe it comes at an inopportune time and in the scheme of things isn't beneficial for the long term viability of the team.

The opportune time was earlier in the season, but that didn't happen.

I'm 100% rooting for a loss every game here on out and have been for a little bit now. No argument there.

This team is capable of beating the best teams and losing to the worst, and I just don't think VK & RMG change that all that much.

Either way, I'll be paying a little attention while they're in the lineup.

Let me throw this at you. When we traded for Dewar and Timmins we went on a bit of a run. These aren't world beaters but they injected a little life into the fray. THAT could be what happens with Koivunen and MGR being called up. That could given them some momentum. Again at an inopportune time. And I agree, we can beat the best teams or lose every game to bad teams.

We haven't been in a position to draft this high with our own pick in decades. Many here must be forgetting how important those top 5-10 picks are or were.

[FLPensFan]

When they didn't trade Rakell, and now with them calling up their two best forward prospects in garbage time I have a hard time understanding what the objective is anymore. They aren't close enough to re-tool and compete. And they are clearly not all in on a rebuild (as I believe they should be). They should pick a lane and stay there. Otherwise they'll stay in the mushy middle in perpetuity. This doesn't help the core see the post season, and it doesn't further this teams ability in accruing building blocks for the future.

I think this is the equivalent of bringing a freshman to the varsity team for a few games. I think it's a really good move for two reasons. Gives them end of season experience at the NHL level, which is invaluable because they can't go into the summer knowing specifically what to work on. Not only that, but it'll give the WBS team a boost when the playoffs start. Watch the scene in Bull Durham when Crash talks about his time in "the show". I think that scene is pretty accurate, the awe the players will have because 2 got to the NHL level and will bring back stories and a bit of excitement. Might not be much, but these are kids and we tend to forget the emotional aspects of the game.

As for W/L, I doubt they make much of a difference there.

I don't know that the current environment here is conducive for these guys to flourish. We have some VETS up here who aren't really interested in mentoring these young guys. Ask Pickering about that. And it's a team that has a head coach who generally avoids playing young players as if they're the bubonic plague! I strongly disagree with bringing them up for those reasons. If they're confidence gets shaken at all it puts them further behind the eight ball for next year. No, I don't see anything positive to come out of this. And again if they win a few, it could cost them a nice piece for the future.

It would have been better to bring up Poulin and PU. They've played well down there and maybe this would be one last look for them. Personally, I don't think they're very good, so no harm IMO could really be done.

That's the thing, I don't think it matters. I think they get them in games to see their progress then send them back. To me the emotional part is more important.

The intent by management is to try and spark the team, otherwise they'd just wait until next year. If these young guys come up and produce even for a game or two, that could create a problem for our draft options. This close to the end of the season why risk that? That's not a smart strategy IMO.

Are you sitting in Dubas office? How in the world do you know the intent? Look, I've been a big proponent of getting the best pick possible this year, but I don't see this as disrupting their chances at that one single bit. I also don't think the intent here at all was to try and spark the team for the rest of the season.

This goes back to running an organization the way it should be run....by rewarding your young players for playing well, as well as looking towards the future. Koivunen is 6th in AHL scoring. He's consistently produced all season long. He deserves a callup. RMG got 3 games to start in the NHL due to the Rust injury. He started slow, but started coming on in December/January, and his been on fire his last 20 games. He deserves another look.

The goal of the AHL squad is to develop players and get them ready for the NHL. AHL Playoffs and Championships can be a big part of that growth, but I don't think a chance to see a young guy at the NHL level should be passed up because the AHL team is fighting for a higher seed. They are in the playoffs. RMG and Koivunen will be back for the playoffs. They'll get more from the NHL club then they will

I expect RMG and Koivunen to be on the NHL club next year, but this is what I have talked about previously...give these guys looks during the season or end of season. Worst thing they could do is go into camp next year planning for RMG and Koivunen to be on the big club, and look totally out of place at the NHL level, need more development, and now not having capable replacements sans for your Heinen, Hayes, Acciari types. This gives the Penguins a chance to evaluate where they are when playing against higher competition, and allows a guy like Koivunen to see his first taste of the change of pace and stronger opponents.

I see no harm calling these guys up even if the team has been playing poorly. These aren't goalies. A goalie like Blomqvist being exposed to poor defensive efforts, yeah, maybe that could do some damage. But I don't see that being the same for a forward callup.

Reward your youth, evaluate them a bit for next season, then return them for the AHL playoffs.

As for Poulin and Puustinen...I think you should already know the answer there. Again, I've been a proponent of both, but they are showing more as career AHLers or short term callup option rather than NHL forward. Skating was always going to be Poulin's issue since the day he was drafted. Puustinen needs to shoot and play defense to stay at the NHL level. I would not be surprised to see both of them move on next summer, but they are both under contract next season. I'd also rather get another look at Hallander in the bottom 6 than Poulin at this point...if Hallander does indeed re-sign here. I'd rather see Avery Hayes get a shot over Puustinen at this point. Other, younger players are passing Poulin and Puustinen on the depth chart. They haven't seized their opportunity or forced another opportunity by playing better in the minors.