Pens hockey 21-22

[MTC]

Yea at this point I have pretty much wrote what happens the rest of the regular season off its almost a moot point now.

1 2 3 or 4 seed doesn't matter. The Canes/Rangers are going to beat the Pens/Caps. Either of the latter make it past the first round it will be a surprise. I almost think I would like to see them be the 4 seed and play the Canes first round?

All we can hope for is Sullivan to tweak things here and there, and maybe they catch fire like we have seen a few times this season, at the right time, and for god sakes NOBODY get hurt.....Malkin went down the other night and I about had a heart attack, and Letang got banged up the other night too.

They absolutely can't afford anything like that from here on out.

Sullivan is stubborn. He’s still trying to play a speed game with a roster that isn’t exactly built for speed.

He needs to tweak the system to cater to the current group. I remember Ottawa ran a weird system in 2017 that neutralized speed and was able to control the blue lines. The Pens, they can still pass, when they maintain puck possession they look pretty decent.


Slow down and become a puck possession team

 

[Djfan]

Sullivan is stubborn. He’s still trying to play a speed game with a roster that isn’t exactly built for speed.

He needs to tweak the system to cater to the current group. I remember Ottawa ran a weird system in 2017 that neutralized speed and was able to control the blue lines. The Pens, they can still pass, when they maintain puck possession they look pretty decent.


Slow down and become a puck possession team

We did that in the first period last night and came ahead 1-0. Then we started letting the Rags decide the pace of the game, and it was over.

A new philosophy is needed in that locker room. I see Sully getting let go this off season.

 

[steel dino]

I'm not ready to write this team off.

 

[str8liner]

Sullivan is stubborn. He’s still trying to play a speed game with a roster that isn’t exactly built for speed.

He needs to tweak the system to cater to the current group. I remember Ottawa ran a weird system in 2017 that neutralized speed and was able to control the blue lines. The Pens, they can still pass, when they maintain puck possession they look pretty decent.


Slow down and become a puck possession team

That is the often talked about but rarely seen "structure" that they can't seem to be able to play on a consistent basis. The Pens have actually played that way from time to time this year and the defense has been almost smothering, but I don't know if it is ego or sloppiness that gets in the way most of the time.
They have the defensive players to play that way they just need someone like Barry Trotz to come in and explain it I guess. Sullivan knows but for some reason or other they don't play like that consistently. I would just be happy if they wouldn't pinch up and create the odd man breaks for the other teams....That game last night wouldn't have been as close if Jarry didn't make a couple great saves.

Last night they did that on the Rangers second goal I think and the Rangers had numbers breaking out through the middle of the ice and you knew they were screwed. Talented teams score more times that not when you give them that chance. All it takes is a bad puck bounce and you are too far up Ice and you are in trouble.

I'm not ready to write this team off.

I am not either but hey, you cant help but think about the last few years and how we have seen this before...

I just think the Canes Lighting Rangers and Panthers are better teams from top to bottom. The Pens need more from the bottom lines and better defensive efforts if they are going to make it past the first round.....

Again.....

 

[MTC]

We did that in the first period last night and came ahead 1-0. Then we started letting the Rags decide the pace of the game, and it was over.

A new philosophy is needed in that locker room. I see Sully getting let go this off season.

I think Sullivan gets one more pass from the new ownership.


But it’s evident this team tries to force themselves to play a speed game that isn’t their suit.

 

[JMM]

I'm not ready to write this team off.

I'll keep enjoying the games regardless of the outcome... Sometimes it might not seem like it. but I'd be really surprised if we make it past round 1 again. Wouldn't be halfway surprised to see a total collapse and not make the playoffs. They have a tough stretch coming up.

 

[JMM]

Ahhh scratch my back with a hacksaw, Rakell, Rakell makes it 1-0!

 

[JMM]

Fn Malkins numbskull turnover in front of the Wild's net led to a hooking call and then led to a pp goal to tie it up at 1.

Way to go Fezzik.

 

[Djfan]

They had about 20 seconds of PP and no shots. What the heck. So tired of leading the league in passes.

 

[JMM]

Pens up 3-1 but Zucker is damaged again after being boarded. Thinking torn ACL/MCL

 

[Djfan]

I love the guy, but he is injured more than the rest of the team put together.

 

[stillerfaninfl]

Pretty ****** hit on Zucker.

Pens need to start to get their **** together. This 3-1 lead shoulda held up. Too many lapses...they just lose interest or concentration...

Starting to really not like DeSmith.

 

[Djfan]

I wouldn't be surprised if we go on a run and dominate the whole league. I also wouldn't be surprised if we tank and don't make the playoffs. This team doesn't surprise me at all anymore.

 

[JMM]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building!!

Malkin with the redeemer goal in OT.

Way to go Fezzik!!

 

[Djfan]

GENO!!!!!

 

[JMM]

GENO!!!!!

I'm friggin exhausted, the players have to be ready to take a couple days off

 

[Sarge]

Looking at the last month of the schedule, it is going to be tough sledding, starting with a home and home against Colorado. No layups left. Yes Detroit is on the schedule, but I doubt they’ll give up another 11 goals. Gotta bring their A game every night.

 

[JMM]

Geno with the #1 star... He'll drive you to drink out of frustration and celebration moreso than just about any Pittsburgh player I know or have ever known with the possible exception of Big Ben.

 

[JMM]

He didn't get a star but Casey did pretty damn good all things considered. That was one hell of a team that was raising hell in front of his doorstep all night.

 

[MTC]

Gutsy win last night. All things considered.
The Pens were dropping like flies in the 2nd period. Minnesota has a tough team.

I’ll take the W.

 

[str8liner]

Damn heavy teams beating the crap out of the Pens....Where have we seen that before? Really sucks about Zucker....

Glad they got the win but from here on out I just want them to TRY to stay healthy.

 

[steel dino]

Great win!

 

[Djfan]

This is a very good game so far. Both teams are playing really big. 0-0 at the first intermission.

 

[Djfan]

Crap. Sid ties it up, and 22 seconds later they go ahead.

 

[Steelr4evr]

Well it's competitive so far. How you blow it after you tie it up 22 seconds later just trips my switch.

This is a real barometer game on the road. The Avs are damn good