What's up with the Pens?

[blayze]

I haven't been able to watch either of the last 2 games but have been extremely disappointed with the box scores, so perhaps those of you who've seen the games can shed some insight.

What's going on with this team? Why isn't the super-line producing? Are they getting chances and just getting unlucky or is there just no chemistry?

[Pengwin7]

Lack of chemistry, yes... I'd say that's accurate. (I watched a little under half of both of the last two games).

Lots of line shuffling, Iginla in, Neal back over to LW (he hasn't played there in 2 years).
And the new 2nd line is nothing amazing, which means teams will focus their best D-pair on the Malkin line. 20shots & 27shots isn't great.

They'll figure it out... but they certainly do need a bit more time.
And I think they'll be more cohesive when Letang comes back.

They may not have it sorted out Friday (vs. PIT)... but then they'll have S/S/M off.

After that, they play CAR/TB/FLA. I'd expect them to tear those teams up.

[JagrBomb]

they want to make sure crosby gets the hart

[BlackGold]

They have to learn to play without Crosby again. They also have to figure out how to fit Iggy and Jokinen in there too now. Bysma will figure it out, just give them time.

[gfhyde]

Aren't Crosby Letang and Niskanen out?

[blayze]

Hmmm interesting thoughts... unfortunately I don't have the luxury of time in my pool

In a move that's unlike me, I made an emotional decision and started both Iggy/Neal this week instead of MaxPac/Voracek (who both had more games) and it cost me the lead league with just 3 weeks to go. The latter have combined for 6 points while the former a measly 1.

I'm going to be faced with a tough decision again this upcoming week since Iggy/Neal again have 3 games (against arguably weak opponents) while I have other options with 4 games and Rinne who I just acquired with 3 games.

Tough decisions ahead... hopefully they will make the choice easy for me by exploding for 10823827 points this weekend.

[bondon]

Yeah, there have been a lot of familiar bodies leaving the lineup and a lot of new faces entering it. I'm totally buying the lack of chemistry argument.

We'll see if they can figure it out come playoff time when it really matters for them. That being said it sucks for all of you that own Penguins players right now (I've only got Kunitz in one league and Morrow in another).

[One87]

Lack of chemistry, yes... I'd say that's accurate. (I watched a little under half of both of the last two games).

Lots of line shuffling, Iginla in, Neal back over to LW (he hasn't played there in 2 years).
And the new 2nd line is nothing amazing, which means teams will focus their best D-pair on the Malkin line. 20shots & 27shots isn't great.

They'll figure it out... but they certainly do need a bit more time.
And I think they'll be more cohesive when Letang comes back.

They may not have it sorted out Friday (vs. PIT)... but then they'll have S/S/M off.

After that, they play CAR/TB/FLA. I'd expect them to tear those teams up.

^ totally agree. Mixed bag of issues all of which not too concerning. They'll get it together. The Jokinen addition will do wonders down the road. When Crosby returns, it's going to be a blackout. I'm happy this has happened NOW and not later. Look for them to gain a similar focus to the 15 game streak heading into the playoffs.

[One87]

Aren't Crosby Letang and Niskanen out?

Yes. These are MAJOR losses, especially Cros and Tanger. They'll get healthy and we'll be fine. Some 2ndry guys will gain valuable experience now and strengthen the character of this team's depth.

[wendelclark17]

I could be crazy and I dont feel like trying to look it up but it seems to me the Pens always struggle when Letang is out. His transition game is great and he logs a lot of miutes which takes pressure off the other Dmen. I wouldnt be surprised if the Pens record without Letang is worse than their record without Geno or Crosby

[Gaborlick]

Sutter and Kennedy playing between Kunitz and Dupius isn't working too well. Malkin doesnt look all that good since returning from his injury. Clearly Crosby was carrying this team.

Jokinen might provide a better center to line up between those guys while Corsby is out.

I think the Pens will be strong on Friday against the Rangers. I kind of think the Clowe/Brassard thing was fluky and the Rangers will go back to their non scoring ways.

[rataylor22]

Yea, its not really anything to worry about. Niskanen isn't out but Martin is, and I would say anyone missing their 2 best defensmen and their best player is going to struggle for a couple games before they learn to adapt.

[kevinsrangers]

rangers stomped em. they forchecked hard and pits couldnt get out of there end. they also gave the puck away a bunch. it was probably the best game the nyr played all year.not just because of the score, but how they attacked. the new players all scoring was probably a fluke and i cant see brian boyle playing as good as he did every night(again not just his stats but the way he played).

crosby or no crosby the rangers were taking that game. ill bet NY doesnt show up nearly as strong in the next one and pits will win.
you know how i know? ---- because that was the first time i benched lundy this season and i got screwed. ill play him next game and pits will light him up.

malkin looked slow and bored- he must still be finding his game. fluery wasnt great either.
i never watched their first loss so no info on that one.

[GretzkysMullet]

ill bet NY doesnt show up nearly as strong in the next one and pits will win.
you know how i know? ---- because that was the first time i benched lundy this season and i got screwed. ill play him next game and pits will light him up.

Please don't play him next game

[Pengwin7]

I'm going to be faced with a tough decision again this upcoming week since Iggy/Neal again have 3 games (against arguably weak opponents) while I have other options with 4 games and Rinne who I just acquired with 3 games.

Yeah... those three are against CAR/TB/FLA.
I think you have to start your Penguins there.

(I would start the Pens. That's my honest advice. I know you & I get into a lot... and will continue to do so... but you did a great job with drafting this team and grabbing free agents. Keep making the smart choice. You'll pull off the win, man - you can do it!)