Is Malkin holding PIT back??

[Baron Von Snipeski]

Tonight vs the Isle it is yet another example of the Pens playing simple but effective hockey...and dominating doing so.

With Malkin in the lineup they have three complete lines, but it seems like their pp runs less effectively...as if no one is sure who 'the guy' is that runs the show.

Sid is obviously outplaying Geno these days, but my perception of Malkin is that he isn't a guy who's happy playing second fiddle to someone else.

Anyone else agree? Thoughts? Maybe I'm just a jaded Malkin owner who sees things from through the wrong 'lens'.

[Chuk]

I do not think a 100 point, heart and art ross winner could ever "hold back" their team.

There are a few factors that must be considered.

1- they are playing the Islanders tonight
2- Sid and his line have been on fire lately

Beyond those 2 limited reasons for the appearance that PIT is better without Malkin, you have top consider:

1- Teams need to prepare for both Sid and Geno and have to forma game plan to limit both of them. Generally the no. 1 defensive pairing is drawn by whoever the coach feels needs the attention.
2- teams, especially good teams, always seem to step up when one of their big guns goes down.
3- In a shortened season, strange things occur and averages are thrown off. In an 82 game season or when playoffs are considered, great players values are far more apparent.

Finally, with all due respect, Are you nuts?

AHHH, my bad, I missed the jaded Malkin owner part.... I feel your pain. Injuries can get the best of us and make us do and say the weirdest things.

My advice...beer.

[Dakkster]

I just go back to when Detroit had Stevie Y and Feds. I wouldn't want that team to be without either of the two, just like I would hate for Detroit to be without either of Dats or Z right now. It is NEVER a problem to have two completely awesome centers.

[MXHockey]

Put him on waivers..............................

I see where you're coming from in terms of team chemistry etc, but he's won a Hart and Conn Smythe and led the team to a Cup.

Today's rout of the Isles is skewing the thinking. After coming off of a bad game and then going nuts on the scoreboard today it seems they may be better off without him, which is well ...................impossible.

[blayze]

I thought this thread was going to be a joke...

[SubbaNsalad]

/\ it is.... right?

[robmyatt]

I thought this thread was going to be a joke...

pretty much is by my assessment

[GretzkysMullet]

Just for sake of discussion, is it possible the reverse is true?

Could Pittsburgh be holding Malkin back? Would he produce more if he was "the man" all the time instead of playing second fiddle to Crosby?

[Gaborlick]

Put him on waivers..............................

I see where you're coming from in terms of team chemistry etc, but he's won a Hart and Conn Smythe and led the team to a Cup.

Today's rout of the Isles is skewing the thinking. After coming off of a bad game and then going nuts on the scoreboard today it seems they may be better off without him, which is well ...................impossible.

When Malkin was out with his concussion this season, the Pens lost two or three games in a row.

The Isles still suck, Crosby always dominates them. Kunitz has been unreal this season and they have amazing chemistry.

No doubt Malkin is frustrating to own right now, but he is an asset to any team. I just hope they IR him.