1st Line:
Self explanatory, has worked year over year. Just hoping for a rebound from Rusty. Guentz is looking like he could almost be ready day 1 of the season too!
2nd line:
I think Malkin needs the extra talent on the wings more than Sid does and Raks seems to make every line he plays on better. Would like them to try Zohorna or whomever on Sids wing in the last preseason game and give Geno, Smith and Rakell a chance to build some chemistry before the season.
3rd Line:
Not sure how I feel about the 3rd line, hopefully Eller and DOC have some chemistry and can at least stay afloat. Not sure if Zohorna fits with them, but he's the one who's earned the spot in the lineup so far in my opinion so at least give him a chance there. And if there isn't a fit there, look to fill the spot at the deadline. Hoping for a breakout year from DOC
4th Line:
Would really like to see this 4th line causing havoc. Won't happen though as Carter will be in the opening day lineup making the entire team softer and slower. Think Wagner has won the coaches over, will see if it's enough to earn him a contract. The honest hope is that Carts gets a long term injury that gives us the cap space to fill the 3rd line winger spot and allows us to play a gritty, grinding 4th line that will wear down opponents D.
D pairs:
Seems pretty straightforward, can switch Petey and Graves if things aren't working off the hop. Hopefully POJ is back for the start of the year. Think he's gonna take a step forward and be a solid option for the pens this year.
Goalies:
Both have looked good. Always just a question of health. Wouldn't mind giving Ned an extra few games if it means keeping Jars healthy and rested all year. Do like having Blomqvist as a depth option though, he has looked really good to start his career. Might be backing up by next year.
Power Play:
Also don't think Letang and Karlsson can be on the same PP unit. Hurts the teams puck retrieval as neither are used to going and getting the puck, just waiting back at the line for it to come to them. The PP has to outnumber the other team to win the puck in the O zone and I think they need a 4th forward to do this. The pens struggle with clean entries so they often dump the puck in and need that extra body down low to go get it. Plus having Letang on the second unit would make it more dangerous when it gets a chance. Would also give Sid some time on the half wall as he and Rakell could share the left wall which I think is where he can do a lot of damage with his vision and getting the puck from Karlsson.
Penalty Kill:
The PK should be better with Smith, Eller, Nieto and Acciari all smart and defensively responsible players. Wagner, Rust and potentially DOC are also options there if you need the extra bodies.
WBS:
Love the depth Dubas has created. Should lead to a better season overall for Wilkes and gives the Pens a ton of options when injuries start to happen.
Haha you literally posted almost the exact AGM I just did. I'm pretty much in agreement in how I think it pans out, but I think Friedman gets the nod of Shea for right now.
Haha you literally posted almost the exact AGM I just did. I'm pretty much in agreement in how I think it pans out, but I think Friedman gets the nod of Shea for right now.
Just saw how much run they were giving Shea, I think both make it through waivers, so it really doesn't matter. Who do you think the pens should target at the deadline?
Just saw how much run they were giving Shea, I think both make it through waivers, so it really doesn't matter. Who do you think the pens should target at the deadline?
It's hard to say because who knows what their situation will be as far as health. That's always the biggest X-factor. The other issue is how much Dubas will be willing to part with after trading a 1st and 2nd for EK.
To me, just based on everything, I'd be looking at Henrique or Vrana. They likely make the most sense. Maybe re-visiting SJ and going for Barabanov. Again, I think it really comes down to how much Dubas is willing to spend at this point.
you mentioned how you like the pens depth but what dou you think of the third line? from an outside perspective it seems like they lack some middle 6/top 9 guys in those spots to be a real contender. really good defense though having a good defensive guy play with Karlson and Letang are a must.
you mentioned how you like the pens depth but what dou you think of the third line? from an outside perspective it seems like they lack some middle 6/top 9 guys in those spots to be a real contender. really good defense though having a good defensive guy play with Karlson and Letang are a must.
The depth comment was for the farm team Wilkes-Barre Scranton (WBS). More so if we have injuries, we have players that won't be drowning when they get called up. I am a little uneasy on the 3rd line and mentioned that in the description. Definitely a place to address at the deadline. If they had a 4th line like this though, I would be happy. Chippy and can contribute on the scoresheet occasionally.
you mentioned how you like the pens depth but what dou you think of the third line? from an outside perspective it seems like they lack some middle 6/top 9 guys in those spots to be a real contender. really good defense though having a good defensive guy play with Karlson and Letang are a must.
Eller isn't a good enough offensive producer to remain the 3rd line center IMO. The bottom 6's production is still going to be an issue this year.
Players that I think might take less than a 1st to get even with retention:
Labanc
Roslovic
Dickinson
Sprong (if DET is out of the running)
Girgensons
Boyd
Yeah, the guys I listed could potentially cost a bit more. Boyd is a guy I like though who we both have. He wouldn't be expensive to add and I think would fit well on this team.
I personally still think Rust and Rakell need switched - although that's probably wishful thinking. Last year the 1st line did better with Rakell than Rust - and the 2nd line did better with Rust than Rakell.
I definitely agree with the PP take. Split Letang and Karlsson.
I am surprised (as an outsider fan) that Letang wouldn't work PP1 with Karlsson. I read your reasoning, and it makes sense, but both of those guys are elite at that particular skill and the 2nd unit gets next to no actual PP time.
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