2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[100565]

Biggest problem.

Lack of talent.

Crosby is still producing and playing really well, but he ain't playing like he did at 28. Malkin is showing more signs of wear but still worth his contract. Karlsson is not worth $10mil anymore. Letang is playing well given his contract but again, he is not 28 anymore. Rust and Rakell are fine top 6 wingers, but nothing special. Goalies are below average and certainly the weakest link. They went for the cup for a loooong time (rightfully so) resulting in no youth. Just in the last couple years, they have been able to draft (or trade for) young prospects, but the prospects still need more time for growth. None of their current prospects will be real game changers that put fear in opponents.

Top end, top 5 talent is needed.

I'm on the fire Sully train but the impacts of a coaching change would be minimal until the team acquires high-end talent.

[ahawk9]

If there's any coaching change at all, I'm guessing it'll be after the season. If he hasn't been fired yet, I just don't see it happening this season unless they drop 10 in a row or something. Interested to see what KD does between now and the deadline to acquire picks/prospects.

New marketing slogan after this year: Sid & the Kids!

[FLPensFan]

From DK article this morning, Jarry has given up a goal in the first 5 shots of the game 15 times this season:

• First shot he faces: 6 times
• Second shot he faces: 4 times
• Third shot he faces: 2 times
• Fourth shot he faces: 3 times

[Pens Fans Sweden]

From DK article this morning, Jarry has given up a goal in the first 5 shots of the game 15 times this season:

• First shot he faces: 6 times
• Second shot he faces: 4 times
• Third shot he faces: 2 times
• Fourth shot he faces: 3 times

Tank is real! No other way to justify playing Jarry. They are screwing Crosby telling him they're trying to make the playoffs this season. I'm all for a tank season at this point but please be honest to us fans then.

[FLPensFan]

The other thing Jarry never, ever seems to have is any accountability. I can't remember a time where Jarry says something like "Yeah, this is on me. Didn't have my best tonight."

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I just missed it, but I know for a fact that I've heard Ned be very critical of himself in the locker room after games.

[EndO FanEra]

Biggest problem.

Lack of talent.

Crosby is still producing and playing really well, but he ain't playing like he did at 28. Malkin is showing more signs of wear but still worth his contract. Karlsson is not worth $10mil anymore. Letang is playing well given his contract but again, he is not 28 anymore. Rust and Rakell are fine top 6 wingers, but nothing special. Goalies are below average and certainly the weakest link. They went for the cup for a loooong time (rightfully so) resulting in no youth. Just in the last couple years, they have been able to draft (or trade for) young prospects, but the prospects still need more time for growth. None of their current prospects will be real game changers that put fear in opponents.

Top end, top 5 talent is needed.

I'm on the fire Sully train but the impacts of a coaching change would be minimal until the team acquires high-end talent.

If we're talking "What is the biggest problem keeping this team from winning a cup?", I would agree that lack of talent is the biggest problem. This roster is far from competing for a cup and needs a large infusion of (younger) talent.

If we're talking "What is the biggest problem that needs fixed in order to have a chance at competing for a cup once again?", I'd go with coaching/system. Talent would be second, specifically with goaltending as the main problem. The good news is that we have some options at that position.

If we swap out the coaching staff/system to play a more structured system that better aligned with the strengths of the roster and added competent/solid goaltending, I think this team could make the playoffs and maybe even win a round as currently constructed. Think about all of the blown leads, OT/shootout losses, bonehead lineup decisions, etc. This team should easily have 5-6 more wins this season if things weren't such a mess. They're still nowhere near competing for a cup, but IMO they'd be way further ahead of where they are now.

Acquiring enough on-ice talent to win a cup is every GM's goal, and there's only so much talent to go around. You gotta start somewhere, so my vote is for the coaching staff (Sullivan specifically) that is the biggest problem at the moment. Fix that first and then focus on acquiring the necessary talent.

Acquiring enough talent to win a cup in the next 3-5 years with Sullivan coaching this team/core - Impossible.
Acquiring enough talent to win a cup in the next 3-5 years with someone else coaching this team/core - Slightly less impossible.

[KG]

The other thing Jarry never, ever seems to have is any accountability. I can't remember a time where Jarry says something like "Yeah, this is on me. Didn't have my best tonight."

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I just missed it, but I know for a fact that I've heard Ned be very critical of himself in the locker room after games.

Never...Jarry never takes any blame. Ned is always one to take responsibility. Ned is far from perfect but give me him and his approach over Jarry any day.

[ahawk9]

I'm starting to get a Jim Carey vibe from Jarry - broken beyond repair.

[Antonio]

Biggest problem.

Lack of talent.

Crosby is still producing and playing really well, but he ain't playing like he did at 28. Malkin is showing more signs of wear but still worth his contract. Karlsson is not worth $10mil anymore. Letang is playing well given his contract but again, he is not 28 anymore. Rust and Rakell are fine top 6 wingers, but nothing special. Goalies are below average and certainly the weakest link. They went for the cup for a loooong time (rightfully so) resulting in no youth. Just in the last couple years, they have been able to draft (or trade for) young prospects, but the prospects still need more time for growth. None of their current prospects will be real game changers that put fear in opponents.

Top end, top 5 talent is needed.

I'm on the fire Sully train but the impacts of a coaching change would be minimal until the team acquires high-end talent.

If we're talking "What is the biggest problem keeping this team from winning a cup?", I would agree that lack of talent is the biggest problem. This roster is far from competing for a cup and needs a large infusion of (younger) talent.

If we're talking "What is the biggest problem that needs fixed in order to have a chance at competing for a cup once again?", I'd go with coaching/system. Talent would be second, specifically with goaltending as the main problem. The good news is that we have some options at that position.

If we swap out the coaching staff/system to play a more structured system that better aligned with the strengths of the roster and added competent/solid goaltending, I think this team could make the playoffs and maybe even win a round as currently constructed. Think about all of the blown leads, OT/shootout losses, bonehead lineup decisions, etc. This team should easily have 5-6 more wins this season if things weren't such a mess. They're still nowhere near competing for a cup, but IMO they'd be way further ahead of where they are now.

Acquiring enough on-ice talent to win a cup is every GM's goal, and there's only so much talent to go around. You gotta start somewhere, so my vote is for the coaching staff (Sullivan specifically) that is the biggest problem at the moment. Fix that first and then focus on acquiring the necessary talent.

Acquiring enough talent to win a cup in the next 3-5 years with Sullivan coaching this team/core - Impossible.
Acquiring enough talent to win a cup in the next 3-5 years with someone else coaching this team/core - Slightly less impossible.

This team has tons of flaws but 100% honestly, I believe this team is definitely capable of being a playoff team with the proper coaching/system. I believe you could theoretically use this exact roster and make the playoffs if you had the right coach. Not saying it's a good team or it would go anywhere, but I wholeheartedly think it would definitely be good enough to make the playoffs if it had a different coach and system. Not now mind you, but just in general terms like if it had gone into the season with the right system and leadership behind the bench.

[Pruezy11881]

Read that Jarry is going on waivers today...this true?!?

[100565]

Biggest problem.

Lack of talent.

Crosby is still producing and playing really well, but he ain't playing like he did at 28. Malkin is showing more signs of wear but still worth his contract. Karlsson is not worth $10mil anymore. Letang is playing well given his contract but again, he is not 28 anymore. Rust and Rakell are fine top 6 wingers, but nothing special. Goalies are below average and certainly the weakest link. They went for the cup for a loooong time (rightfully so) resulting in no youth. Just in the last couple years, they have been able to draft (or trade for) young prospects, but the prospects still need more time for growth. None of their current prospects will be real game changers that put fear in opponents.

Top end, top 5 talent is needed.

I'm on the fire Sully train but the impacts of a coaching change would be minimal until the team acquires high-end talent.

If we're talking "What is the biggest problem keeping this team from winning a cup?", I would agree that lack of talent is the biggest problem. This roster is far from competing for a cup and needs a large infusion of (younger) talent.

If we're talking "What is the biggest problem that needs fixed in order to have a chance at competing for a cup once again?", I'd go with coaching/system. Talent would be second, specifically with goaltending as the main problem. The good news is that we have some options at that position.

If we swap out the coaching staff/system to play a more structured system that better aligned with the strengths of the roster and added competent/solid goaltending, I think this team could make the playoffs and maybe even win a round as currently constructed. Think about all of the blown leads, OT/shootout losses, bonehead lineup decisions, etc. This team should easily have 5-6 more wins this season if things weren't such a mess. They're still nowhere near competing for a cup, but IMO they'd be way further ahead of where they are now.

Acquiring enough on-ice talent to win a cup is every GM's goal, and there's only so much talent to go around. You gotta start somewhere, so my vote is for the coaching staff (Sullivan specifically) that is the biggest problem at the moment. Fix that first and then focus on acquiring the necessary talent.

Acquiring enough talent to win a cup in the next 3-5 years with Sullivan coaching this team/core - Impossible.
Acquiring enough talent to win a cup in the next 3-5 years with someone else coaching this team/core - Slightly less impossible.

This team has tons of flaws but 100% honestly, I believe this team is definitely capable of being a playoff team with the proper coaching/system. I believe you could theoretically use this exact roster and make the playoffs if you had the right coach. Not saying it's a good team or it would go anywhere, but I wholeheartedly think it would definitely be good enough to make the playoffs if it had a different coach and system. Not now mind you, but just in general terms like if it had gone into the season with the right system and leadership behind the bench.

I agree. Going into the season I predicted they finish with 98 (or so, forget exact number).

I think coaching system is a problem. No doubt. However, there just is not enough talent to be competitive on a consistent level. I was hoping Doc would continue to progress. Graves would settle and be legit top 4 D. Pulajarvi play well. Maybe a rookie F surprise. Etc etc. none of that happened. Probably coaching/system is contributing factor.

But right now, where the team is at, they lack talent. Specifically, high end talent.

[Cow_Master66]

Biggest problem.

Lack of talent.

Crosby is still producing and playing really well, but he ain't playing like he did at 28. Malkin is showing more signs of wear but still worth his contract. Karlsson is not worth $10mil anymore. Letang is playing well given his contract but again, he is not 28 anymore. Rust and Rakell are fine top 6 wingers, but nothing special. Goalies are below average and certainly the weakest link. They went for the cup for a loooong time (rightfully so) resulting in no youth. Just in the last couple years, they have been able to draft (or trade for) young prospects, but the prospects still need more time for growth. None of their current prospects will be real game changers that put fear in opponents.

Top end, top 5 talent is needed.

I'm on the fire Sully train but the impacts of a coaching change would be minimal until the team acquires high-end talent.

If we're talking "What is the biggest problem keeping this team from winning a cup?", I would agree that lack of talent is the biggest problem. This roster is far from competing for a cup and needs a large infusion of (younger) talent.

If we're talking "What is the biggest problem that needs fixed in order to have a chance at competing for a cup once again?", I'd go with coaching/system. Talent would be second, specifically with goaltending as the main problem. The good news is that we have some options at that position.

If we swap out the coaching staff/system to play a more structured system that better aligned with the strengths of the roster and added competent/solid goaltending, I think this team could make the playoffs and maybe even win a round as currently constructed. Think about all of the blown leads, OT/shootout losses, bonehead lineup decisions, etc. This team should easily have 5-6 more wins this season if things weren't such a mess. They're still nowhere near competing for a cup, but IMO they'd be way further ahead of where they are now.

Acquiring enough on-ice talent to win a cup is every GM's goal, and there's only so much talent to go around. You gotta start somewhere, so my vote is for the coaching staff (Sullivan specifically) that is the biggest problem at the moment. Fix that first and then focus on acquiring the necessary talent.

Acquiring enough talent to win a cup in the next 3-5 years with Sullivan coaching this team/core - Impossible.
Acquiring enough talent to win a cup in the next 3-5 years with someone else coaching this team/core - Slightly less impossible.

The key players on this team will not play a defensive structured system, regardless of who the coach is. Letang and Karlsson have never subscribed to that, and they are on the ice for 40+ minutes a night. Is that what's needed?? Yes, that would probably help in the short-term (eventually their talent level would still be exposed), but it's just not gonna happen.

[Cow_Master66]

Read that Jarry is going on waivers today...this true?!?

Yes

[FLPensFan]

One may have nothing to do with the other but....Dubas being willing to waive Jarry makes me think Dubas also won't hold back on a trade for someone like Rakell if the right deal comes along. He seems to finally be in future seasons mode.

[Puck-Lurker]

One may have nothing to do with the other but....Dubas being willing to waive Jarry makes me think Dubas also won't hold back on a trade for someone like Rakell if the right deal comes along. He seems to finally be in future seasons mode.

I don't know about that. Waiving Jarry seems to be about right here, right now. This team will in all likelihood have better goaltending if Blomqvist is here instead of Jarry. I think that's the main motivation.

That it gives JB time at the big club to stake a claim for a starter job, that's a bonus.

Kind of like Pickering coming up was born out of necessity to improve this year's team. That he's getting experience and a great chance to grow as a player, that's bonus.

[largegarlic]

One may have nothing to do with the other but....Dubas being willing to waive Jarry makes me think Dubas also won't hold back on a trade for someone like Rakell if the right deal comes along. He seems to finally be in future seasons mode.

I don't know about that. Waiving Jarry seems to be about right here, right now. This team will in all likelihood have better goaltending if Blomqvist is here instead of Jarry. I think that's the main motivation.

That it gives JB time at the big club to stake a claim for a starter job, that's a bonus.

Kind of like Pickering coming up was born out of necessity to improve this year's team. That he's getting experience and a great chance to grow as a player, that's bonus.

That's how I see it too. If they wanted to tank, they could have just kept the Jarry/Ned duo going. Waiving Jarry and calling up Blomqvist seems like a good move to try to keep this season from slipping away and also gets Blomqvist some NHL experience that hopefully helps going forward.

[Maestro]

Is blowing 3rd period leads, not being able to win in OT/SO talent-based or due to stale coaching?

[EndO FanEra]

Is blowing 3rd period leads, not being able to win in OT/SO talent-based or due to stale coaching?

Both. The players need to make the plays. The coach needs to put the players in the right positions/situations to succeed in making the plays.

Neither of those things have been happening consistently this season.

[Wyopen]

Putting Jarry on waivers isn’t going to change a d**n thing. Those 3rd period goals by the Kraken were on our D. I’m really concerned that JB exposed to this D is going to stunt his growth or confidence. This team needs a change in attitude or complete overhaul. To me this move is nothing but a red herring.

[brwi]

During Dubas' Toronto tenue, the Leafs had terrible bluelines and very suspect goaltending choices. He's well on his way to re-creating that in Pittsburgh, but moving on from Jarry and that horrible contract is a start to undoing some of Dubas' bad off season last year.

[Gunnerfan]

I'm going to give Dubas a pass on Jarry. He was obviously influenced by Sullivan on this one, seeing that the contract had only been signed a few weeks after he started. There had to be a push for him by holdovers and coaching for the re-signing of Jarry.

[Tico Rick]

I'd really like to see the Pens pick up Ludwig on waivers. Not that he would improve the team defense, but he would provide a much needed truculence. Players would think twice about having their way with Sid.

[FLPensFan]

I'd really like to see the Pens pick up Ludwig on waivers. Not that he would improve the team defense, but he would provide a much needed truculence. Players would think twice about having their way with Sid.

You could truck in a truckload of truculence, and it won't do anything if Sully doesn't want players to be truculent. It's pathetic that guys take cheap shots, including Crosby and Malkin, and guys just sit there and watch. But that's the Sullivan factor.

[IntangibleBeer]

I'm going to give Dubas a pass on Jarry. He was obviously influenced by Sullivan on this one, seeing that the contract had only been signed a few weeks after he started. There had to be a push for him by holdovers and coaching for the re-signing of Jarry.

I tend to agree with you.

[Pens4Life]

I'd really like to see the Pens pick up Ludwig on waivers. Not that he would improve the team defense, but he would provide a much needed truculence. Players would think twice about having their way with Sid.

Sullivan doesnt like players like that, Puljujarvi is the best proof lately..