2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[FLPensFan]

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

I wonder if not being in WBS training came because he was with the Pens the whole time held him back a bit. Not for playing but scheme and chemistry with the other players. Even MacDonald said he put him into the deep end and had to pull him back. Not worried because he seems to be fine, just wondering.

I would imagine that at the NHL training camp, he had concepts a d systems thrown at him at a much faster pace than he would have at the AHL camp. He probably drank from the fire hose in the NHL, absorbed a bit, and has now been picking up more as he's played in WBS.

Also wanted to mention Bemstrom as another guy I wouldn't mind seeing here, or Boris Katchouk. Bematrom is putting up good numbers, and Kingerski said earlier this season he was given a directive on what he needed to bring every night in terms of forecheck and such, and he's been doing it well consistently.

Katchouk has been playing very well at the AHL level and I always thought he had a bit of snarl to his game.

So many hungry youthful players down there that would be more of a spark than the geriatric 3 in the NHL.

That's exactly it I think. Give him 100% quickly, see how much he absorbs, pull back and let him work on it all. I think it's a good coaching technique but the player has to be mentally strong, which he seems to be.

McGroarty is reminding me a bit of a Rick Tocchet type, where I think he might end up getting a bunch of garbage goals. So far, he doesn't seem like a Hornqvist type that is going to stand in the crease, but he goes to the net hard and seems to always find himself withing 5-10 feet of the crease. Good type of player to have.

[KG]

Kings just waived Kaliyev. Dubas should be in on that. Fits what he has been doing. Young player with skill.

[Daniel]

Kings just waived Kaliyev. Dubas should be in on that. Fits what he has been doing. Young player with skill.

You have to wonder why they waived him though. He's played 5 AHL games so far. Is he hurt, discipline, why didn't he make the NHL squad after 3 decent 3rd/4th line years?

If it wasn't because of discipline, he'd be a perfect fit.....as long as he can PK. Otherwise, he might get the Jesse treatment.

[FLPensFan]

Kings just waived Kaliyev. Dubas should be in on that. Fits what he has been doing. Young player with skill.

You have to wonder why they waived him though. He's played 5 AHL games so far. Is he hurt, discipline, why didn't he make the NHL squad after 3 decent 3rd/4th line years?

If it wasn't because of discipline, he'd be a perfect fit.....as long as he can PK. Otherwise, he might get the Jesse treatment.

Skating and defense seem to be his hold backs, as have been injuries. Good offensive instincts and a good shot. As much as I'd like to see Dubas try and get these types of young failures with their first teams, a guy who is average at best skater and not good defensively sounds ripe to become Puljujarvi's best friend in the press box.

[KG]

Kings just waived Kaliyev. Dubas should be in on that. Fits what he has been doing. Young player with skill.

You have to wonder why they waived him though. He's played 5 AHL games so far. Is he hurt, discipline, why didn't he make the NHL squad after 3 decent 3rd/4th line years?

If it wasn't because of discipline, he'd be a perfect fit.....as long as he can PK. Otherwise, he might get the Jesse treatment.

Skating and defense seem to be his hold backs, as have been injuries. Good offensive instincts and a good shot. As much as I'd like to see Dubas try and get these types of young failures with their first teams, a guy who is average at best skater and not good defensively sounds ripe to become Puljujarvi's best friend in the press box.

Agreed, he has his flaws, but he's young, skilled and there is a huge hole on line 2. Especially if Tomasino is out long-term (not that he was playing 2nd line), but Kaliyev has the skill to play top 6 minutes. I would definitely put a claim in on him. Since Puljujarvi already cleared waivers we can send him down to make room for him too. He makes pretty much league minimum and will be an RFA. Surprised LA couldn't get a pick for him. But I said the same thing about Puljujarvi.

Edit. We are at 49/50 contracts. Claiming Kaliyev would put us at the max available. Which isn't a good situation heading into the deadline. KD needs to start trimming the fat off this roster sooner than later.

[FLPensFan]

Kings just waived Kaliyev. Dubas should be in on that. Fits what he has been doing. Young player with skill.

You have to wonder why they waived him though. He's played 5 AHL games so far. Is he hurt, discipline, why didn't he make the NHL squad after 3 decent 3rd/4th line years?

If it wasn't because of discipline, he'd be a perfect fit.....as long as he can PK. Otherwise, he might get the Jesse treatment.

Skating and defense seem to be his hold backs, as have been injuries. Good offensive instincts and a good shot. As much as I'd like to see Dubas try and get these types of young failures with their first teams, a guy who is average at best skater and not good defensively sounds ripe to become Puljujarvi's best friend in the press box.

Agreed, he has his flaws, but he's young, skilled and there is a huge hole on line 2. Especially if Tomasino is out long-term (not that he was playing 2nd line), but Kaliyev has the skill to play top 6 minutes. I would definitely put a claim in on him. Since Puljujarvi already cleared waivers we can send him down to make room for him too. He makes pretty much league minimum and will be an RFA. Surprised LA couldn't get a pick for him. But I said the same thing about Puljujarvi.

Edit. We are at 49/50 contracts. Claiming Kaliyev would put us at the max available. Which isn't a good situation heading into the deadline. KD needs to start trimming the fat off this roster sooner than later.

[FLPensFan]

Frank Vatrano signs a 3 year, 18M total extension in Anaheim. Interesting salary structure per LeBrun:

[Daniel]

Frank Vatrano signs a 3 year, 18M total extension in Anaheim. Interesting salary structure per LeBrun:

Pretty creative contract.

[Antonio]

Smart honestly

[KG]

Tomasino now out week to week. Wonder if that changes any thoughts of Dubas putting in a claim for Kaliyev?

[Antonio]

Kaliyev sounds like an instant permanent member of the Sullivan dog house

[Puck-Lurker]

Tomasino now out week to week. Wonder if that changes any thoughts of Dubas putting in a claim for Kaliyev?

Call up Jesse MF Puljujärvi.

Or do something entirely novel and give a prospect a few games.

[FLPensFan]

Tomasino now out week to week. Wonder if that changes any thoughts of Dubas putting in a claim for Kaliyev?

Call up Jesse MF Puljujärvi.

Or do something entirely novel and give a prospect a few games.

Puljujarvi was never sent down. He's still here. They are choosing to put Beauvillier back in the lineup instead.

[BigMcK]

Guess the only Penguins coach to win the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year?

Spoiler:

Dan Bylsma in 2010 / 2011.

The answer is all telling. Rick Tocchet probably has his displayed with Stanley Cup hardware.

Much loathed John Tortorella has 2.

[Pens4Life]

Now I remembered what Cody Glass is to Sullivan - he is his new Dominic Simon , V2.0

Sully made one of the most unefficient 2nd lines in NHL.

[KG]

Geno needs more help on line 2. Playing him with 1 goal Glass consistently is a joke. I know that Sullivan wants to have a defensive presence on line 2 since Bunting and Geno are sub-par defensively, but we need our 2nd line to be somewhat of a force offensively too.

We have had this issue for a while now. DOC, Glass types they aren't top 6 players. With Tomasino out week to week, the team needs to pick up a potential top 6 forward. Or maybe give Jesse P a little run with Geno. I'm sure that won't happen since Sullivan wants a defensive presence on line 2...

[Pitts]

Spoiler:

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Spoiler:

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

This a great read! He's going to be a very good player for this team someday - along with several others down in the "A."

As a side note fro that article, on Puljujarvi:

The most discussed storyline this week was the only player on the roster who did not appear in a game. The Penguins put Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers — seemingly at his request — but the winger remained with Pittsburgh after nobody claimed him. Puljujarvi then watched Mike Sullivan put Kevin Hayes back in over him on Friday.

Seems Puju wants out.

[Puck-Lurker]

Spoiler:

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Spoiler:

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

This a great read! He's going to be a very good player for this team someday - along with several others down in the "A."

As a side note fro that article, on Puljujarvi:

The most discussed storyline this week was the only player on the roster who did not appear in a game. The Penguins put Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers — seemingly at his request — but the winger remained with Pittsburgh after nobody claimed him. Puljujarvi then watched Mike Sullivan put Kevin Hayes back in over him on Friday.

Seems Puju wants out.

I can't say I blame him. But getting a 'no' from 31 other GMs should be a warning sign. Even if his chances of getting claimed were hurt by him sitting in the press box for what seems like forever. Someone would've given him a flier. But they didn't, even at a cheap contract and pending UFA after this season.

I'm thinking he returns to Finland and plays for Kärpät next season.

[FLPensFan]

Spoiler:

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Spoiler:

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

This a great read! He's going to be a very good player for this team someday - along with several others down in the "A."

As a side note fro that article, on Puljujarvi:

The most discussed storyline this week was the only player on the roster who did not appear in a game. The Penguins put Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers — seemingly at his request — but the winger remained with Pittsburgh after nobody claimed him. Puljujarvi then watched Mike Sullivan put Kevin Hayes back in over him on Friday.

Seems Puju wants out.

I can't say I blame him. But getting a 'no' from 31 other GMs should be a warning sign. Even if his chances of getting claimed were hurt by him sitting in the press box for what seems like forever. Someone would've given him a flier. But they didn't, even at a cheap contract and pending UFA after this season.

I'm thinking he returns to Finland and plays for Kärpät next season.

Even Dubas said he was quite surprised that Puljujarvi went unclaimed.

[dark_forces]

Spoiler:

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Spoiler:

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

This a great read! He's going to be a very good player for this team someday - along with several others down in the "A."

As a side note fro that article, on Puljujarvi:

The most discussed storyline this week was the only player on the roster who did not appear in a game. The Penguins put Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers — seemingly at his request — but the winger remained with Pittsburgh after nobody claimed him. Puljujarvi then watched Mike Sullivan put Kevin Hayes back in over him on Friday.

Seems Puju wants out.

I can't say I blame him. But getting a 'no' from 31 other GMs should be a warning sign. Even if his chances of getting claimed were hurt by him sitting in the press box for what seems like forever. Someone would've given him a flier. But they didn't, even at a cheap contract and pending UFA after this season.

I'm thinking he returns to Finland and plays for Kärpät next season.

Even Dubas said he was quite surprised that Puljujarvi went unclaimed.

I'm honestly shocked no one claimed him. When I've watched him this season, I see a big, strong winger who can skate, shoot and will do consistent board work. That seems like a player that should get regular duty on a 3rd or even 4th line. I just don't know why the Nieto's of the world keep getting playing time and he barely gets a sniff at the lineup.

[KG]

Rangers claim Kaliyev. Weird seeing them below us in the standings.

[FLPensFan]

Rangers claim Kaliyev. Weird seeing them below us in the standings.

A bit odd to me. A team that seems to be in total disarray takes a flyer on someone like that.

[Puck-Lurker]

Spoiler:

McGroarty heating up? 2 goals last night

Goal #1:

Goal #2:

McGroarty told Matt Vensel of the PG yesterday that he was never scared of going to the AHL or demanding not to go to the AHL (with Winnipeg). He was told by Dubas heading into training camp that he was likely going to start the season in the AHL. He got the 2 game stint because of injuries.

He also said he struggled to adjust a bit coming from NCAA to AHL. More attention to detail, being at your spots, less chances overall with the puck.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 2412300102

Spoiler:

Filip Larsson got a shut out in the 5-0 victory last night. He's now tied for the league lead with 4 shutouts. The Penguins sure seem to have a lot of guys chomping on the bit to get a look at this level:
--Broz
--Ponomarev
--McGroarty
--Larsson
--Blomqvist

This a great read! He's going to be a very good player for this team someday - along with several others down in the "A."

As a side note fro that article, on Puljujarvi:

The most discussed storyline this week was the only player on the roster who did not appear in a game. The Penguins put Jesse Puljujarvi on waivers — seemingly at his request — but the winger remained with Pittsburgh after nobody claimed him. Puljujarvi then watched Mike Sullivan put Kevin Hayes back in over him on Friday.

Seems Puju wants out.

I can't say I blame him. But getting a 'no' from 31 other GMs should be a warning sign. Even if his chances of getting claimed were hurt by him sitting in the press box for what seems like forever. Someone would've given him a flier. But they didn't, even at a cheap contract and pending UFA after this season.

I'm thinking he returns to Finland and plays for Kärpät next season.

Even Dubas said he was quite surprised that Puljujarvi went unclaimed.

I'm honestly shocked no one claimed him. When I've watched him this season, I see a big, strong winger who can skate, shoot and will do consistent board work. That seems like a player that should get regular duty on a 3rd or even 4th line. I just don't know why the Nieto's of the world keep getting playing time and he barely gets a sniff at the lineup.

Something something shot blocking something penalty kill something something dark side..

[100565]

I was looking at current leaders in points. Out of top 50, 38 have only played for one NHL team (76%). Out of top 25, 84% have played for one NHL team. Out of top 10 in points, 90% have played for one team.

Out of current top 50 in points, 38% were top 5 overall picks and 70% were top 15 overall picks. 78% were first round picks, 8% were second round, 4% were third round, 2% were fourth round, 2% were fifth round, 4% were sixth round, and 2% were undrafted.

I know they are near playoff spot, but I am rooting for best draft pick.

[KG]

Looks like Jesse is back in the lineup tonight. Line rushes have him on 3RW in place of Beauvillier.

Geno is still being anchored by Glass on the 2nd line however...