GDT: #15 | Penguins vs Islanders | 02/18/21 | 7:00PM ET

[vodeni]

That top line is so overrated right now.

this line is +4 since started playing together, not overrated, probably not as dominant as the media is pumping. but still I agree with @Jesse ...need points against Isles in bothe directions...ride them until it stopped working, adjust other lines and strategies

 

[vodeni]

Can we start playing the Sabres or Devils like everyone already? I want easy points God damnit!

careful what you wish for...

 

[LosingStreak06]

Everyone keeps talking about swapping Tanev with Kapanen but as far as I can tell Zucker is the bigger problem on Geno’s line right now, and Aston-Reese has three goals in three games. I’m not big on ZAR, and he’s obviously not a long-term solution on the top 6, but shouldn’t we be rewarding players for performing?

 

[Ugene Magic]

Is this some kind of open crematorium?

 

[Ugene Magic]

I can’t believe anyone picked him to do anything other than kill a scoring chance in the O zone...lol

 

[Tom Hanks]

but what if both lines click? Isn’t that better then 1?

What if they both don’t? Zucker with Sid since he’s been here is producing similar rates offensively and defensively

Sid-Z GF 2.79/60 GA 2.79/60
G-Z. GF 2.66/60 GA 2.66/60

GM/Coach need to figure something else out because breaking up L1 doesn’t look like it would help the team based on the numbers

 

[Pens x]

Everyone keeps talking about swapping Tanev with Kapanen but as far as I can tell Zucker is the bigger problem on Geno’s line right now, and Aston-Reese has three goals in three games. I’m not big on ZAR, and he’s obviously not a long-term solution on the top 6, but shouldn’t we be rewarding players for performing?

ZAR and Tanev in the top 6?

Tanev looked great on that breakaway last game. We need more of that in the top 6.

 

[OscarsCards]

I don't like Islanders team, I don't like hockey player named Ason-Riice (Ason with a double s). But I do like Teddy Goals, so please Teddy do goals!!!

 

[Ugene Magic]

ZAR and Tanev in the top 6?

Tanev looked great on that breakaway last game. We need more of that in the top 6.

Geno did play a shift with him, and gave up a goal....

Zucker, Malkin, Tanev

Letang and Zucker....?

 

[Pens x]

Geno did play a shift with him, and gave up a goal....

Zucker, Malkin, Tanev

Letang and Zucker....?

Good god Letang and Pettersson looked terrible there.

 

[Ugene Magic]

Good god Letang and Pettersson looked terrible there.

I have more issue Zucker didn't race in there, and Tanev almost got there.... Puck watching...

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

What if they both don’t? Zucker with Sid since he’s been here is producing similar rates offensively and defensively

Sid-Z GF 2.79/60 GA 2.79/60
G-Z. GF 2.66/60 GA 2.66/60

GM/Coach need to figure something else out because breaking up L1 doesn’t look like it would help the team based on the numbers

It would let us know about Malkin though, which should probably be a priority since we're not getting anywhere without him.

The problem with having such a top heavy line-up is that if you're convinced Zucker doesn't work with Malkin but refuse to touch Guentzel-Crosby-Rust, the only wingers you have to replace Zucker with are bottom 6ers. But we're not going to find out if Malkin's issues are his own or his linemates if we replace Zucker with the likes of Tanev or ZAR.

So we just end up with a fixed mindset where there are only limited line-up options to cycle through that don't address the real issues anyway.

Wash, rinse, repeat.

 

[molon labe]

That top line is so overrated right now.

 

[Dennis Reynolds]

Oh, great. Beauvillier is back.

 

[HandshakeLine]

Is this some kind of open crematorium?

Kinda. It's a shot from a dude making a meat pizza, but the Imgur link wasn't really cooperating when I tried to link the first time.

So here you go.

 

[Ugene Magic]

Kinda. It's a shot from a dude making a meat pizza, but the Imgur link wasn't really cooperating when I tried to link the first time.

So here you go.

Working now.

 

[Dennis Reynolds]

Last years 4th line is now the 3rd line.

Never forget that JR said the 3rd line would be Jankowski and Rodrigues

Might be one of the worst offseasons this team has ever had. I know Rodrigues was signed on day one. Jankowski was either day one or shortly after. Neither of them would be above the taxi squad on a contending team. But nope, that's who we want. On day one.

 

[ColePens]

Here's my problem...

Some of you want guys to get a chance if they start scoring. ZAR has scored a goal in each game since coming back. IMO... that deserves a chance. Do I think it is a long term solution or do I think it will work? No. But we've asked this for over 10 years. So I don't get the "LOL ZAR IN TOP 6" comments.

 

[Gurglesons]

Good god Letang and Pettersson looked terrible there.

If Letang loses that puck along the boards like Tanev did he's got an article written about how he gave the game away by Yohe.

Tanev had an open man below the goal line and tried to go up the ice for reasons that escape me.

 

[BillyOcean]

If you didn't cast your vote for Eberle, I don't know what to tell you.

 

[Tom Hanks]

It would let us know about Malkin though, which should probably be a priority since we're not getting anywhere without him.

The problem with having such a top heavy line-up is that if you're convinced Zucker doesn't work with Malkin but refuse to touch Guentzel-Crosby-Rust, the only wingers you have to replace Zucker with are bottom 6ers. But we're not going to find out if Malkin's issues are his own or his linemates if we replace Zucker with the likes of Tanev or ZAR.

So we just end up with a fixed mindset where there are only limited line-up options to cycle through that don't address the real issues anyway.

Wash, rinse, repeat.

I don’t touch L1. Swap ZAR & Zucker is about the only option with McCann out. Zucker has similar results with Sid as Malkin so it seems like L1 would drop more than L2 would gain.

Other than that it’s up to the GM to figure out because I can’t see Sully breaking up his top line when they’ve been our best shot at winning.

The other thing is Kappy is underperforming too and we don’t have great forward depth so Hextall needs to do something.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Here's my problem...

Some of you want guys to get a chance if they start scoring. ZAR has scored a goal in each game since coming back. IMO... that deserves a chance. Do I think it is a long term solution or do I think it will work? No. But we've asked this for over 10 years. So I don't get the "LOL ZAR IN TOP 6" comments.

Yep ride the hot hand. This season's playoff entry could easily be a 1 point or tie breaker margin. Every game matters.

That being said, the third line is doing more than just playing well defensively and getting O-zone time. They're scoring. ZAR is a massive reason why. 3 goals in 3 games right? Why does it matter where the goals are coming from?

Until that slows down I see no reason to prioritize Malkin's needs. A lot of the 2nd line's failures are his fault anyway. Just play better? Stop calling for pucks from Zucker the moment he touches it? Let him play?
It's not like Malkin was any better with Rust. Maybe he just sucks this year and the wingers aren't to blame?

 

[Ugene Magic]

Here's my problem...

Some of you want guys to get a chance if they start scoring. ZAR has scored a goal in each game since coming back. IMO... that deserves a chance. Do I think it is a long term solution or do I think it will work? No. But we've asked this for over 10 years. So I don't get the "LOL ZAR IN TOP 6" comments.

Sure. In the sense of rewarding and hopeful jump starting of Geno, I say, why not?

This team is so, Alien, unto itself.

 

[ZorkEnchanter]

If Letang loses that puck along the boards like Tanev did he's got an article written about how he gave the game away by Yohe.

Tanev had an open man below the goal line and tried to go up the ice for reasons that escape me.

Yup, Gurgs is 100% correct:

1. Tanev had control of puck and Letang moved back to behind goalie as outlet pass.
2. Tanev made huge mistake #1 and turned the puck over instead of easy pass
3. Petts then chases his man out of the crease. Mistake #2
4. Letang tries to double team poke check Petts man, instead of noticing Petts had vacated crease leaving it open. Mistake #3.
5. That little poke check allows cutter with speed to fly by Letang giving him OPPOSING TEAM EASY GOAL #15..16.. or 17 of the season

We give up 2-3 of these a game. It's maddening how bad coverage is.. but like Gurgs said. Letang... Geno... Zucker... Jarry.

None of the players or trades matter until we can play as a team and giving up the easiest goals on the planet.

 

[Andy99]

Big change from his last comments...I guess he’s desperately trying to pump up his trade value lol...