Game 21 vs Preds - Thoughts from the Morning After

[Penspal]

Pens lose 3-2 (OT)

- Geno's goal was wicked and inspiring. Great pass by Smith with an awesome laser finish. Love seeing Juiced Geno!!!
- Ludvig continues to show intangibles that can help the club. His physicality and Toughness are appreciated
- Karlsson needs to get the Letang talk (he used to get it yearly). "Remove a little risk, benefit from what comes from that." Risky AF

[KG]

It's just more of the same with this team. They have played the same way with mediocre results for years now. Sullivan is going the moral victory route, saying after the game, "We played hard and we competed"...

I'm sorry what league is this? Are they not professionals? Think the bar should be raised just a little bit.

10-10-1 out of the playoff picture. All of this with a healthy Sid and Geno playing every game. What happens if/when they miss time?

It's a flawed roster with limited offensive depth.

Karlsson doesn't look like his dominant self anymore either.

Power play is an embarrassment. We get a power play after tying the game up at 2 in the 3rd and since the big guns drew the penalty, instead of taking a time out and have the top unit start the power play. Sullivan puts out a putrid 2nd unit that has Carter and Harkins on it?? I mean are you trying to not score? or maybe even give up a SHG while you're at it?

It's obvious the team doesn't have the offensive depth to play the way Sullivan wants to play, it's obvious that the team can't or won't play a strong 60 minutes defensively. The coaches job is to put them in the best position to win and come up with a game plan.

Done with mediocrity. Sid deserves better.

[Southern Fan]

So the third line was effective with DOC on it. So let’s scratch Nylander, put DOC on the second line and put the amazing Harkins on the third line.

And Harkins, who can’t finish, and Carter, who can’t skate, are on the second power play unit. Not that it matters.

Where was the defenseman (Karlsson) on the overtime goal? Why was Sid the guy who had to skate 200 feet to stop Forsberg? Goal would have happened 30 seconds later when Geno would have turned over the puck. Geno has turned Smith into an average winger.

One point was a fair result.

[IntangibleBeer]

Well, that OT gut-punch didn't take long.

And yes, they were playing for a point in the last 5 minutes of the 3rd period.

Someone in the GDT suggested that they lock up Rierden for 5 years. I agree, but it should be in a Super Max prison. I don't want him escaping and coaching the powerplay again.

[Take the Body Shoot the Puck]

Same old same old as it has been the past several years, except somehow getting worse. With all the roster turnover, they're still behind where they were at this point last year. How long of a leash does everyone get?

Good news: Penguins are getting the defense they need to win. Goaltending (3rd highest team save percentage in the league) and penalty killing (6th best in the league) and overall defense (7th in goals against a game) are good enough to win. The top line's even strength scoring is phenomenal (Sid and Jake lead the league in even strength scoring). Behind them sits Kucherov, who leads the league in scoring because he also has 18 power play points.

Why they're losing: No offense. The power play is horrendous (26th in the league), and their last power play goal was 9 games ago. Over a quarter of the way through the season and they only have 7 power play goals as a team. Three teams (NJ, Tampa Bay, and Vancouver) have 25...TWENTY FIVE. If they had just an average power play, they'd have 11-12 power play goals by now. 6 of their 11 losses have been in a game where they failed to score on a power play and lost by one goal (not including opposing team empty net goals). What a different season we'd be looking at if they had another 5 or more power play goals so far this season...could potentially be 15-6 and sitting just behind the Rangers for lead in the Metro. Say they just get the power play goal they need to tie and maybe win, and then they win half of those 6 games. They're 13-8 and sitting second in the Metro. This failing power play is costing them crucial points.

Also...outside of the top line there just isn't much offense in general. They're 17th in the league in scoring, and that's with the top line leading the league in even strength scoring and the 10 goal outburst against San Jose.

[Coffey Break]

One thing is abjectly clear - you cannot give a sweater to both Harkins and Carter. Harkins is borderline unwatchable...Carter is.....well....Carter. I'm getting real tired of his lazy penalties in his reduced ice time too - he's literally actively hurting the team on the 4th line. Ideally, neither gets a sweater when fully healthy.

I agree with the early sentiment around why the 3rd line was broken up - they were the one consistent part of this team since being put together. Get Harkins and Carter out of there for Hinistroza and Nylander. I would strongly consider giving Acciari a look on the top 6 - he's earned it the past few games and his crash and bang style could be a huge benefit to open up space.

59-87-17
19-71-55
10-20-63
83-13-11

Another thing worth questioning -- how are there not better options in the AHL then Jansen freakin Harkins and Jeff Carter?

[KG]

It's just more of the same with this team. They have played the same way with mediocre results for years now. Sullivan is going the moral victory route, saying after the game, "We played hard and we competed"...

I'm sorry what league is this? Are they not professionals? Think the bar should be raised just a little bit.

10-10-1 out of the playoff picture. All of this with a healthy Sid and Geno playing every game. What happens if/when they miss time?

It's a flawed roster with limited offensive depth.

Karlsson doesn't look like his dominant self anymore either.

Power play is an embarrassment. We get a power play after tying the game up at 2 in the 3rd and since the big guns drew the penalty, instead of taking a time out and have the top unit start the power play. Sullivan puts out a putrid 2nd unit that has Carter and Harkins on it?? I mean are you trying to not score? or maybe even give up a SHG while you're at it?

It's obvious the team doesn't have the offensive depth to play the way Sullivan wants to play, it's obvious that the team can't or won't play a strong 60 minutes defensively. The coaches job is to put them in the best position to win and come up with a game plan.

Done with mediocrity. Sid deserves better.

I see someone copied some my post and put it on another site. I think we need to start using trademark protection here

[Admin]

I see someone copied some my post and put it on another site. I think we need to start using trademark protection here

??

[FLPensFan]

My focus has shifted to...how long will it take Dubas to stop towing the company/Sullivan viewpoint that this team is still a contender and make some necessary changes? Or is it coming from FSG to just make the best of this team until Sid/Geno/Tanger no longer want to play?

Because it seems anyone with authority in this organization has both blinders and rose colored glasses on as to the capabilities of this team. "We believe in this team" "We just need to get to our game" "We still think our team is a strong contender" yada, yada, yada. Of course, they aren't going to say

The biggest problem from a macro level, taking a step up from the PP, the age, the defense, the goaltending, etc being the problem...every team is going to lose games in this league. Nobody has ever gone 82-0. However, aside from pinpointing specific areas of weakness, the overwhelming result I see in our losses is...I don't see many if ANY losses where I think, we really deserved to win that game.

How many games are we losing where an elite player snipes an elite level goal, or we controlled 99% of the play but one simple mistake cost us the game? Maybe I just have a short term memory on the "good points" of a loss. But I don't think this team loses enough close games. A battle between two Metro teams where one team simply gets one or two extra chances and capitalizes on good plays. Instead, we see continued breakdowns, 2-1s, poor goaltending, poor defense, poor PP, etc, etc.

Once again, it seems the bit parts have changed but the results have not.

[KG]

I see someone copied some my post and put it on another site. I think we need to start using trademark protection here

??

Over on the HF boards...

[FLPensFan]

I see someone copied some my post and put it on another site. I think we need to start using trademark protection here

??

Was it Hockeys Future site? I was accused by someone here of doing the same thing. Although I apparently have an old account there, don't think I've ever posted. So, it wouldn't surprise me if the same person that was apparently stealing this other person's posts is now stealing your stuff as well.

Unfortunately, probably not much that can be done, since you don't even need to be a registered user to read the board. Could be a guest without an account that just reads the board.

[Admin]

My focus has shifted to...how long will it take Dubas to stop towing the company/Sullivan viewpoint that this team is still a contender and make some necessary changes? Or is it coming from FSG to just make the best of this team until Sid/Geno/Tanger no longer want to play?

However, aside from pinpointing specific areas of weakness, the overwhelming result I see in our losses is...I don't see many if ANY losses where I think, we really deserved to win that game.

The second question is something I've wondered, too. "Come see our stars!"

It's almost become easy to predict wins and losses. Both teams are 10-10? Oh that'll go to OT with a probable loss. Opponent is tough and we'll never beat them? Penguin win, for sure. It's been said before here but this team plays to the level of it's opponent and it's very frustrating.

[KG]

I see someone copied some my post and put it on another site. I think we need to start using trademark protection here

??

Was it Hockeys Future site? I was accused by someone here of doing the same thing. Although I apparently have an old account there, don't think I've ever posted. So, it wouldn't surprise me if the same person that was apparently stealing this other person's posts is now stealing your stuff as well.

Unfortunately, probably not much that can be done, since you don't even need to be a registered user to read the board. Could be a guest without an account that just reads the board.

Yes. I don't post over there, just peruse. Andy99 eyes are on you! lol

[Puck-Lurker]

Fire Sullivan et. al.

[Admin]

Fire Sullivan et. al.

[Pitts]

I'm tired of blaming the coaches for the putrid powerplay. The players own that. You have Sid, Geno, Guentzel, Karlsson - then add it whoever you want (Rust, Letang, Smith, etc.) - how do they not score????

They have to know what needs done. I see far too many pass-happy mofo's out there. Always looking for that one last pass, or to "be nice" and let the next guy have it. Please, can one or two of you be selfish and take the shot when it is there?? I have a hard time thinking that all those veteran players can't possibly figure that out.

[Pitts]

It's been said before here but this team plays to the level of it's opponent and it's very frustrating.

I've said that for the past 2 seasons. They always rise, or lower, themselves to the team they are playing. At least to those teams outside the Metro. In the Metro, they just lose unless it's Washington.

[Cow_Master66]

I'm tired of blaming the coaches for the putrid powerplay. The players own that. You have Sid, Geno, Guentzel, Karlsson - then add it whoever you want (Rust, Letang, Smith, etc.) - how do they not score????

They have to know what needs done. I see far too many pass-happy mofo's out there. Always looking for that one last pass, or to "be nice" and let the next guy have it. Please, can one or two of you be selfish and take the shot when it is there?? I have a hard time thinking that all those veteran players can't possibly figure that out.

It's not hard to believe...The PP has been bad for years, and the personnel hasn't really changed. Karlsson should shoot almost every time he has the puck. Ditto for Geno. Crosby is fine down by the net, that's where he is best. TBH the other 2 guys should be almost irrelevant. I'd say they should mimic what Washington did for years with Carlson firing constantly from the point, but they aren't going to do it so what's the point.

[Badger Bob]

Fire Sullivan et. al.

Fire Phil too???? I'm all for that. Take Gus along with him.

[Daniel]

My focus has shifted to...how long will it take Dubas to stop towing the company/Sullivan viewpoint that this team is still a contender and make some necessary changes? Or is it coming from FSG to just make the best of this team until Sid/Geno/Tanger no longer want to play?

Because it seems anyone with authority in this organization has both blinders and rose colored glasses on as to the capabilities of this team. "We believe in this team" "We just need to get to our game" "We still think our team is a strong contender" yada, yada, yada. Of course, they aren't going to say

The biggest problem from a macro level, taking a step up from the PP, the age, the defense, the goaltending, etc being the problem...every team is going to lose games in this league. Nobody has ever gone 82-0. However, aside from pinpointing specific areas of weakness, the overwhelming result I see in our losses is...I don't see many if ANY losses where I think, we really deserved to win that game.

How many games are we losing where an elite player snipes an elite level goal, or we controlled 99% of the play but one simple mistake cost us the game? Maybe I just have a short term memory on the "good points" of a loss. But I don't think this team loses enough close games. A battle between two Metro teams where one team simply gets one or two extra chances and capitalizes on good plays. Instead, we see continued breakdowns, 2-1s, poor goaltending, poor defense, poor PP, etc, etc.

Once again, it seems the bit parts have changed but the results have not.

It's like continually changing the car of a driver who keeps wrecking it. Eventually you stop blaming the car. Or just look at the Steelers. The entire offense simply relaxed and got enough yards to what would amount to the #2 best offense in the league just with a coaching change.

[Maestro]

Coach has to go for any increased level of success but we all know he's here for at least another 3 seasons...

[Daniel]

I'm tired of blaming the coaches for the putrid powerplay. The players own that. You have Sid, Geno, Guentzel, Karlsson - then add it whoever you want (Rust, Letang, Smith, etc.) - how do they not score????

They have to know what needs done. I see far too many pass-happy mofo's out there. Always looking for that one last pass, or to "be nice" and let the next guy have it. Please, can one or two of you be selfish and take the shot when it is there?? I have a hard time thinking that all those veteran players can't possibly figure that out.

Maybe because the coach creates the scheme and the personnel and both have been predicable for a decade? Maybe because the coach changes neither the scheme or the personnel?

[DelPen]

Refs need to be consistent if they are going to factor in intent or not. That was interference on Sid whether the Pred intended to interfere. Earlier Carter was called for a trip when his stick was next to a skate and the player stepped on it. He didn’t mean to trip the guy but he’s sent to the box.

Last week we also saw a Sabre hit Petersson with an obvious high stick but they decided he didn’t intend to high stick and that’s never been criteria and high stick is explicitly written that you must be in control of your stick at all times. Getting hit hard doesn’t mean you can then high stick someone.

It’s frustrating especially when calls or non calls lead directly to a loss.

[Antonio]

Coach has to go for any increased level of success but we all know he's here for at least another 3 seasons...

I know I have thought this before for the last several years including when I was almost positive last season was his last, but...at the risk of setting myself up for heartbreak again, I think this year if/when they miss the playoffs again, he is gone (unless it is sooner which I doubt since it has already long been time and anywhere else he would have been gone at this stage of the season).

[largegarlic]

My focus has shifted to...how long will it take Dubas to stop towing the company/Sullivan viewpoint that this team is still a contender and make some necessary changes? Or is it coming from FSG to just make the best of this team until Sid/Geno/Tanger no longer want to play?

Because it seems anyone with authority in this organization has both blinders and rose colored glasses on as to the capabilities of this team. "We believe in this team" "We just need to get to our game" "We still think our team is a strong contender" yada, yada, yada. Of course, they aren't going to say

The biggest problem from a macro level, taking a step up from the PP, the age, the defense, the goaltending, etc being the problem...every team is going to lose games in this league. Nobody has ever gone 82-0. However, aside from pinpointing specific areas of weakness, the overwhelming result I see in our losses is...I don't see many if ANY losses where I think, we really deserved to win that game.

How many games are we losing where an elite player snipes an elite level goal, or we controlled 99% of the play but one simple mistake cost us the game? Maybe I just have a short term memory on the "good points" of a loss. But I don't think this team loses enough close games. A battle between two Metro teams where one team simply gets one or two extra chances and capitalizes on good plays. Instead, we see continued breakdowns, 2-1s, poor goaltending, poor defense, poor PP, etc, etc.

Once again, it seems the bit parts have changed but the results have not.

I've been saying for a while that I just don't see any good moves to make at the macro level. They have Malkin, Letang, and Karlsson signed for a while, and presumably will re-sign Crosby. I can't imagine any of those guys being happy, if the team started a true rebuild by trading off younger guys who might have some value (Guentzel primarily, but I could also see Rust, Rakell, or Smith garnering some interest). I bet they're going to keep futilely "going for it" and talking as if they're trying to be a contender until at least the end of the 25-26 season, when Malkin's deal is up.

If time travel were an option, they should go back to 2019, trade one of Malkin or Letang and other vets from that era, miss the playoffs for a few years while not trading their picks, and then they could be having a resurgence right now with Crosby and one of Malkin or Letang surrounded by some good younger players. Kind of like the Kings right now still have Doughty and Kopitar from their Cup years, but then have a lot of younger guys, and after a few down years, maybe aren't quite true contenders but definitely feel like a team that can go on a nice run in the playoffs with a little luck.