2024-2025 Season Random Penguins Fodder

[Pitts]

[Pitts]

Rumor is that trade is setting up a larger move of possibly Brayden Schenn (not to Pens)

EDIT: nevermind - that was an Eklund post!

[Victor]

Swap of AHL forwards... I guess both GMs missed each other and decided they had to make a deal. Is this the 4th deal between these two franchises this season?

[lemieuxReturns]

Laferriere is one year younger and plays C instead of RW (Andonovski).
Both are upcoming group 6 UFA's
Both make $775K

BUT
Andonovski is waivers exempt
Laferriere is waivers eligible

[FLPensFan]

Laferriere is one year younger and plays C instead of RW (Andonovski).
Both are upcoming group 6 UFA's
Both make $775K

BUT
Andonovski is waivers exempt
Laferriere is waivers eligible

Swap of 2 players who weren't likely to be re-signed by their old club. Not sure when Andonovski played last, it wasn't the last WBS game. And, looks like Laferriere missed at least the last 3-4 games, whether healthy or injured scratch. He was also playing RW for Springfield, last time he was in the lineup.

[FLPensFan]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

[Pitts]

As he should be.

[FLPensFan]

WBS recalls D-man Isaac Belliveau from Wheeling; sends Murashov back to Wheeling.

Makes me wonder if Larsson is coming back, or if they expect to bring Jarry back in a few days. In 6 games at the AHL level, Murashov is 6-0, 1 shutout, 1.99 GAA, .934 SV%...AKA best goalie in WBS this season.

[thehockeyguru]

WBS recalls D-man Isaac Belliveau from Wheeling; sends Murashov back to Wheeling.

Makes me wonder if Larsson is coming back, or if they expect to bring Jarry back in a few days. In 6 games at the AHL level, Murashov is 6-0, 1 shutout, 1.99 GAA, .934 SV%...AKA best goalie in WBS this season.

My head hurts

[EndO FanEra]

WBS recalls D-man Isaac Belliveau from Wheeling; sends Murashov back to Wheeling.

Makes me wonder if Larsson is coming back, or if they expect to bring Jarry back in a few days. In 6 games at the AHL level, Murashov is 6-0, 1 shutout, 1.99 GAA, .934 SV%...AKA best goalie in WBS this season.

Dang, that's a heck of a stint!

[KG]

I saw a podcast with Josh Yohe. He said he knows for a fact that Sullivan could of had the Devils job if he wanted it, and the Pens wouldn't have gone in his way.

Sullivan declined apparently. Really wonder if he will turn down an opportunity to coach for the Rangers or Bruins (again). I don't think he would pass up that opportunity. Original 6 franchise.

We'll see.

[Pitts]

WBS recalls D-man Isaac Belliveau from Wheeling; sends Murashov back to Wheeling.

Makes me wonder if Larsson is coming back, or if they expect to bring Jarry back in a few days. In 6 games at the AHL level, Murashov is 6-0, 1 shutout, 1.99 GAA, .934 SV%...AKA best goalie in WBS this season.

My head hurts

I sure hope they are they are doing right by that guy - explaining the situation very well. He sure looks like the Pen's future in goal - sooner than they think.

[Daniel]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

[largegarlic]

I saw a podcast with Josh Yohe. He said he knows for a fact that Sullivan could of had the Devils job if he wanted it, and the Pens wouldn't have gone in his way.

Sullivan declined apparently. Really wonder if he will turn down an opportunity to coach for the Rangers or Bruins (again). I don't think he would pass up that opportunity. Original 6 franchise.

We'll see.

I've been thinking about something like that too. How happy can Sullivan really be with the Pens' situation? He seems exasperated and out of answers a lot of times in interviews and has to know that things aren't going to get better for at least a few years. I'm sure it's nice getting that salary, but he could likely get another job quickly and be making at least as much.

[DeHaven162]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

So because Sullivan didn't play Pulj after being a "productive player", his vision is narrow? We're really saying Pulj was a Sullivan problem? The guy could have been had by any team via waivers while almost making league minimum, and then once released, he signed an AHL PTO. Not a PTO with an NHL team, not an AHL deal, an AHL PTO. I think the problem is Pulj just isn't very good, aside from some bursts when he's reinserted back into the lineup.

Was a great flyer on a guy who was still young and had high draft pedigree, but there's a reason he's flamed out of multiple organizations.

[dark_forces]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

So because Sullivan didn't play Pulj after being a "productive player", his vision is narrow? We're really saying Pulj was a Sullivan problem? The guy could have been had by any team via waivers while almost making league minimum, and then once released, he signed an AHL PTO. Not a PTO with an NHL team, not an AHL deal, an AHL PTO. I think the problem is Pulj just isn't very good, aside from some bursts when he's reinserted back into the lineup.

Was a great flyer on a guy who was still young and had high draft pedigree, but there's a reason he's flamed out of multiple organizations.

I don't blame Sullivan for Puljujarvi. You have to keep in mind that any other team could've claimed him and had an inexpensive bottom six option—none did.
Where I blame Sullivan is not giving a player like Ponamarev or Poulin more time on the NHL roster, at least in a 4th line capacity. How hard would it be to scratch Nieto—it's not like we're resigning him anyway, and who gives a damn if he's offended by it?

[Gunnerfan]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Who cares? The Pens gave him a new lease on hockey life. a 2-year contract, knowing full well he was not 100% last year. It did work out. I appreciate his hard work to get back, but let's just move on. Are we going to spend this much time on an AHL/NHL tweener? If he was so unbelieve as some think here, why wasn't he picked up? He's a JAG player, Just a Guy.

[Pens4Life]

WBS recalls D-man Isaac Belliveau from Wheeling; sends Murashov back to Wheeling.

Makes me wonder if Larsson is coming back, or if they expect to bring Jarry back in a few days. In 6 games at the AHL level, Murashov is 6-0, 1 shutout, 1.99 GAA, .934 SV%...AKA best goalie in WBS this season.

This is weird indeed. I think they really need to get one goalie traded asap (not named Larsson, Murashov or Blomquist of course)..

[DeHaven162]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

So because Sullivan didn't play Pulj after being a "productive player", his vision is narrow? We're really saying Pulj was a Sullivan problem? The guy could have been had by any team via waivers while almost making league minimum, and then once released, he signed an AHL PTO. Not a PTO with an NHL team, not an AHL deal, an AHL PTO. I think the problem is Pulj just isn't very good, aside from some bursts when he's reinserted back into the lineup.

Was a great flyer on a guy who was still young and had high draft pedigree, but there's a reason he's flamed out of multiple organizations.

I don't blame Sullivan for Puljujarvi. You have to keep in mind that any other team could've claimed him and had an inexpensive bottom six option—none did.
Where I blame Sullivan is not giving a player like Ponamarev or Poulin more time on the NHL roster, at least in a 4th line capacity. How hard would it be to scratch Nieto—it's not like we're resigning him anyway, and who gives a damn if he's offended by it?

Ponomarev, yeah, would have liked to see more of, but Poulin is toast. The guy just hasn't forced his way here, and I think him being a 1st round pick makes him seem better than he is. I doubt he's ever an NHL player, but certainly not here.

On the flip side, I don't mind Ponomarev and the others staying in WBS and playing on a competitive team for this whole year. What are they going to get from playing on a fourth line with Noel Acciari?

[Daniel]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

So because Sullivan didn't play Pulj after being a "productive player", his vision is narrow? We're really saying Pulj was a Sullivan problem? The guy could have been had by any team via waivers while almost making league minimum, and then once released, he signed an AHL PTO. Not a PTO with an NHL team, not an AHL deal, an AHL PTO. I think the problem is Pulj just isn't very good, aside from some bursts when he's reinserted back into the lineup.

Was a great flyer on a guy who was still young and had high draft pedigree, but there's a reason he's flamed out of multiple organizations.

No, I'm saying Puji is one of a long line of players that appear to be mistreated by the organization. I think Sullivan has been a terrible and stagnant coach for several years. I think Sullivan is holding this team back. This isn't a Puji think specifically just the latest.

[DeHaven162]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

So because Sullivan didn't play Pulj after being a "productive player", his vision is narrow? We're really saying Pulj was a Sullivan problem? The guy could have been had by any team via waivers while almost making league minimum, and then once released, he signed an AHL PTO. Not a PTO with an NHL team, not an AHL deal, an AHL PTO. I think the problem is Pulj just isn't very good, aside from some bursts when he's reinserted back into the lineup.

Was a great flyer on a guy who was still young and had high draft pedigree, but there's a reason he's flamed out of multiple organizations.

No, I'm saying Puji is one of a long line of players that appear to be mistreated by the organization. I think Sullivan has been a terrible and stagnant coach for several years. I think Sullivan is holding this team back. This isn't a Puji think specifically just the latest.

I'll be honest, I was one of the last people who wanted Sullivan to be replaced, but I do think his time has ran its course. But to say he's been terrible and stagnant is wild to me. Look at the team he's had this year and the last few. Sure, a new coach might have won a few more games just due to a new voice. But has any of these last few teams been good, or a legit contender? Hard no.

The state of this team has little to do with Sullivan, and more to do with the bad and aging players. If we're being honest, are Rust and Rakell first line wingers on a legit team? Is Evgeni Malkin a 2nd line player anymore? Have our depth players been nothing but a hogepoge of nothingness?

Everyone gets mad at Sullivan for not playing Pulj or Puusty or Rikkola enough, but in the end those guys just stunk.

[FLPensFan]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

So because Sullivan didn't play Pulj after being a "productive player", his vision is narrow? We're really saying Pulj was a Sullivan problem? The guy could have been had by any team via waivers while almost making league minimum, and then once released, he signed an AHL PTO. Not a PTO with an NHL team, not an AHL deal, an AHL PTO. I think the problem is Pulj just isn't very good, aside from some bursts when he's reinserted back into the lineup.

Was a great flyer on a guy who was still young and had high draft pedigree, but there's a reason he's flamed out of multiple organizations.

I don't blame Sullivan for Puljujarvi. You have to keep in mind that any other team could've claimed him and had an inexpensive bottom six option—none did.
Where I blame Sullivan is not giving a player like Ponamarev or Poulin more time on the NHL roster, at least in a 4th line capacity. How hard would it be to scratch Nieto—it's not like we're resigning him anyway, and who gives a damn if he's offended by it?

You hit the nail on the head. People want to complain "Why are you crying about Puljujarvi, it's no big loss?" It's not just Puljujarvi...it him, and Poulin, and Puustinen, and a handful of other guys that get thrown a handful of games and then return to the scrap heap in favor of Joe Old Man with a Walker. Basically, Sullivan is telling many of his young guys "You need to do all your developing in the AHL. There's no room for us to watch you grow at the NHL level. I got 30 year olds that make more mistakes that I'd rather play."

Nieto is worthless. If this team can't find another young player that can PK, we're in big, big trouble.
Acciari is fine, but, just like Carter the last 2 years...he doesn't need to be an every day player.

Sullivan needs to give some of these younger guys a longer leash. This isn't a well oiled, cup contending team that has to push rookies out of the lineup because he's trying to win championships. This is a team entering a new phase, and giving more opportunities for younger guys over the older ones should be high on the priority list.

[EndO FanEra]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

So because Sullivan didn't play Pulj after being a "productive player", his vision is narrow? We're really saying Pulj was a Sullivan problem? The guy could have been had by any team via waivers while almost making league minimum, and then once released, he signed an AHL PTO. Not a PTO with an NHL team, not an AHL deal, an AHL PTO. I think the problem is Pulj just isn't very good, aside from some bursts when he's reinserted back into the lineup.

Was a great flyer on a guy who was still young and had high draft pedigree, but there's a reason he's flamed out of multiple organizations.

I don't blame Sullivan for Puljujarvi. You have to keep in mind that any other team could've claimed him and had an inexpensive bottom six option—none did.
Where I blame Sullivan is not giving a player like Ponamarev or Poulin more time on the NHL roster, at least in a 4th line capacity. How hard would it be to scratch Nieto—it's not like we're resigning him anyway, and who gives a damn if he's offended by it?

You hit the nail on the head. People want to complain "Why are you crying about Puljujarvi, it's no big loss?" It's not just Puljujarvi...it him, and Poulin, and Puustinen, and a handful of other guys that get thrown a handful of games and then return to the scrap heap in favor of Joe Old Man with a Walker. Basically, Sullivan is telling many of his young guys "You need to do all your developing in the AHL. There's no room for us to watch you grow at the NHL level. I got 30 year olds that make more mistakes that I'd rather play."

Nieto is worthless. If this team can't find another young player that can PK, we're in big, big trouble.
Acciari is fine, but, just like Carter the last 2 years...he doesn't need to be an every day player.

Sullivan needs to give some of these younger guys a longer leash. This isn't a well oiled, cup contending team that has to push rookies out of the lineup because he's trying to win championships. This is a team entering a new phase, and giving more opportunities for younger guys over the older ones should be high on the priority list.

Add to that he continues to try to employ the same/similar systems that the team had success with 10 years ago. This team, and the ones we've been icing for the past 3-5 years are not capable of keeping that up for 82 games, let alone a playoff run.

When the entire team is set up for failure, it is difficult for a prospect to come in and prove his worth. When said prospect is on an ultra-short leash as well, are we really giving them a fair opportunity?

The only thing I heard regarding JP that made any sense is that I read somewhere a PGH beat writer (I forget which one) made remarks about him having a really low hockey IQ. That he just couldn't grasp concepts and was constantly out of position. I'm not sure I necessarily buy that, but I could see where that would keep someone from getting ice time. And it's not like the team could come out and say "He's too dumb" when asked why he's note getting ice time. Again, not sure I buy it, but it is the only logical explanation of his handling that make sense to me (other than "Sully hates him").

[Daniel]

Puljujarvi insinuates he wasn't too happy with Penguins:

“I was at a dead end. There was no prospect in Pittsburgh,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “That’s why we came to this solution.”

“But at this point in my career, I didn’t think about money at all,” Puljujarvi told the outlet. “I want to enjoy hockey, play, and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that was important.”

“Of course, (not being claimed) would be a bit of a shock,” said Puljujarvi. “My NHL value isn’t that high. On the other hand, I had already been out of action for a couple of months when I was (waived).”

“I’m really not satisfied,” Puljujarvi said of his Penguins’ treatment.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/jesse-p ... -penguins/

Not playing for a long time then waived probably contributed to it. GMs know how to waive players to get them through. It's sad the way this franchise treats some of it's players. Not saying other franchises don't, but MS seems to mistreat productive players (not necessarily stats, but hitting or whatever) who don't fit his narrow vision of what he should be.

So because Sullivan didn't play Pulj after being a "productive player", his vision is narrow? We're really saying Pulj was a Sullivan problem? The guy could have been had by any team via waivers while almost making league minimum, and then once released, he signed an AHL PTO. Not a PTO with an NHL team, not an AHL deal, an AHL PTO. I think the problem is Pulj just isn't very good, aside from some bursts when he's reinserted back into the lineup.

Was a great flyer on a guy who was still young and had high draft pedigree, but there's a reason he's flamed out of multiple organizations.

No, I'm saying Pulj is one of a long line of players that appear to be mistreated by the organization. I think Sullivan has been a terrible and stagnant coach for several years. I think Sullivan is holding this team back. This isn't a Pulj think specifically just the latest.

I'll be honest, I was one of the last people who wanted Sullivan to be replaced, but I do think his time has ran its course. But to say he's been terrible and stagnant is wild to me. Look at the team he's had this year and the last few. Sure, a new coach might have won a few more games just due to a new voice. But has any of these last few teams been good, or a legit contender? Hard no.

The state of this team has little to do with Sullivan, and more to do with the bad and aging players. If we're being honest, are Rust and Rakell first line wingers on a legit team? Is Evgeni Malkin a 2nd line player anymore? Have our depth players been nothing but a hogepoge of nothingness?

Everyone gets mad at Sullivan for not playing Pulj or Puusty or Rikkola enough, but in the end those guys just stunk.

I think the team has probably the same record as they should have. Sullivan doesn't seem to get the best out of his players anymore and doesn't coach to that extra win or whatever. We saw him navigate great for several years. I think he was a great coach and I think if he went to another team he'd have success, but I think we're seeing why coaches have a 3-5 year life span. I view him like I view Tomlin. Both are really good coaches and both are stuck in their ways with the Penguins and Steelers. The system looks the same, though the PP does look better with a fresh set of eyes on it. The team has the same issues year in and year out (blowing 3rd period leads).

Yes the team is older, yes the team is not as skilled, but we've both seen worse teams than the Penguins have more success over the years. Maybe he's trying to change the system but is getting pushback, but doesn't that also show bad coaching? Let me reiterate, I think he's a great coach who will find success elsewhere, I just think his time has expired several years ago.

I think several years ago he'd have welcomed a guy like Pulj and coached him up, Kuhnhackl has over 200 games, how is that not a credit to Sullivan's coaching, Conor Sheary? The list of young players he coached up is huge and how many teams have had a well coached Mike Sullivan player over the years? Who thought Rust and Jake would be first line guys and legit too, have you seen how Jake is doing this year? That is totally on Sullivan for coaching them up and putting them into a position to succeed.

We just don't see that with him that often anymore and I think it's because it's time to go. Numerous players wash out and while some is on the players, all of them fail because they all suck? Not one got better? I think it goes back to coaching.

[ahawk9]

I chuckled to myself the other day when Canada blew the 2-goal third period lead. I thought, uh, oh, Sid has that Penguins stink on him and it's rubbed off on his team...