GDT: Game V Pens vs Swords: Can we make it 2 in a row?

[Dipsy Doodle]

The Pens can see where they are with the likes of Beauviller, Lizotte, Hayes, and Glass for 6-8 weeks. And then you go from there.

Jansen Harkins played 45 games with the NHL Penguins last year.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

Jansen Harkins played 45 games with the NHL Penguins last year.

Yeah well maybe if some of these other guys had a sneaky-good shot like he does they could, too.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

Yeah well maybe if some of these other guys had a sneaky-good shot like he does they could, too.

You don't score 0 goals in 45 games unless you have a sneaky good shot.

 

[Ryder71]

Stats hating is just former terrible high school math students coping.

I love stats in it's basic form, but many go way too far with them and take them entirely outta context. Besides, there are stats that can make you look both good or bad and many just cherry pick which ones further an agenda. Honestly, some of these stat dependent geeks over do it. And I was brilliant in math. I'd bet a lot that many here who spew out stats do so without even watching games.

 

[Gurglesons]

Why force a player into the lineup who hasn't even played half a season in the AHL and who has generally looked unready in the NHL games he has played?

Just because our team sucks doesn't mean you force our best prospect into NHL games when he doesn't look particularly ready for them.

It’s weird how we can make judgements on a player after 3 games playing 8 - 10 minutes with Lars Eller.

I’m also curious how he didn’t look ready for NHL games. What was the expectation of McG in his usage?

 

[Gurglesons]

Weird how Toronto, Boston, Philly can find room for players like Knies, Poitras, and Luchenko and let them actually play.

 

[Ryder71]

Jake started in the AHL, got a call up, went back down, then came back up.

This is fine.

Agreed. And MCGR is a couple years younger than Jake was when he got called up. He's got plenty of time, he's what 20? Jake was either 22 or 23.

I predict McGroarty will be back up around the deadline after Eller and/or DOC are sold off for picks.

Quite possibly.

 

[Andy99]

You don't score 0 goals in 45 games unless you have a sneaky good shot.

So sneaky no one, including the refs, could even see it in the netting…

Also, UPL has a .937 save % against the Pens..lol…I’m expecting this to be a chest snipe night where we drop to 32nd in finishing lol…

 

[Gurglesons]

I love stats in it's basic form, but many go way too far with them and take them entirely outta context. Besides, there are stats that can make you look both good or bad and many just cherry pick which ones further an agenda. Honestly, some of these stat dependent geeks over do it. And I was brilliant in math. I'd bet a lot that many here who spew out stats do so without even watching games.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1846659655180636393

 

[Tom Hanks]

Just some lighthearted ribbing. Hit a little too close?

Ribbing for his pleasure

 

[canadianguy77]

Beauvillier never had the makings of a 1st line winger.

 

[DesertedPenguin]

Weird how Toronto, Boston, Philly can find room for players like Knies, Poitras, and Luchenko and let them actually play.

Dubas was the GM when Knies made his debut in Toronto and felt he was NHL ready.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4341071/2023/04/09/matthew-knies-contract-maple-leafs/

Poitras fit a very specific need for Boston as a playmaking center following the retirements of Bergeron and Krejci.

Luchanko could still end up in the OHL this season. He's played two games and doesn't have a point, and he's already been scratched once.

It's almost like every player is different and has their own path to the NHL or something.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

Beauvillier never had the makings of a 1st line winger.

And yet here we are!

For how many more game would ya wager?

 

[DesertedPenguin]

And yet here we are!

For how many more game would ya wager?

I think Beauvillier is in the lineup until Lizotte returns. At that point, he could be at risk of being scratched if he's not performing.

I think if Sid's line struggles for another 2-3 games, you'll see DOC back up there. Or Rakell and Rust there with Geno getting DOC and Bunting.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

I think Beauvillier is in the lineup until Lizotte returns. At that point, he could be at risk of being scratched if he's not performing.

I think if Sid's line struggles for another 2-3 games, you'll see DOC back up there. Or Rakell and Rust there with Geno getting DOC and Bunting.

That DOES seem like something ya boy would do...

 

[Victor Z]

If he produces, he'll be up before that. One of the grand experiments with the vets won't work - Hayes, Beauvillier, Puljujarvi, etc. - and they'll end up traded, scratched, or waived.

Gee, I wonder exactly which of those 3 will be the one who Sully shits all over while letting the other 2 play no matter how bad they are?

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Is McGroarty truly ready though?

That's kind of the point. We won't know unless he's actually given the chance.

What happens if he gets on the wing and stinks the place up? Then would we be him getting demoted to the AHL and others getting the call? It's perhaps a question we may not want an answer to.

I can tell you this - every single SEAL in the teams thinks they are ready for, and should be in, ST6/DEVGRU. Harsh reality is those guys exist on a different plane of existence, especially compared to young guys.

It's not about penciling him in as Sid's full-time winger. It's about TRYING it to see what we've got, especially since the current wingers aren't exactly lighting it up.

It would be one thing if Sid's line was killing it with the current configuration and you don't want to disrupt that by giving an unproven rookie a shot there. But when that line's not doing anything anyways, why not give it a shot for a game or two?

 

[eXile3]

I don’t want any young prospect near Sully so I’m fine with him going to the Baby Pens.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

That's kind of the point. We won't know unless he's actually given the chance.

It's not about penciling him in as Sid's full-time winger. It's about TRYING it to see what we've got, especially since the current wingers aren't exactly lighting it up.

It would be one thing if Sid's line was killing it with the current configuration and you don't want to disrupt that by giving an unproven rookie a shot there. But when that line's not doing anything anyways, why not give it a shot for a game or two?

If the plan all along was centered around Rust's injury would there have REALLY been any harm in letting him skate up there in at least a shift-by-shift basis?

Or does that require too much energy and coaching for the coach?

 

[The Old Master]

i think we need to trade them sully for a few of their top kids he's not going to play.

 

[DesertedPenguin]

Gee, I wonder exactly which of those 3 will be the one who Sully shits all over while letting the other 2 play no matter how bad they are?

He's praised Puljujarvi pretty extensively recently and I think it's clear the only reason he was scratched the other day was they wanted to give McGroarty one more look.

As long as Puljujarvi keeps this up, he'll be in the lineup.

That DOES seem like something ya boy would do...

Honestly, I think they'll go to DOC up there again first before putting Rakell at LW. Plus, Bunting-Geno-Rakell is killing it right now. 68% Corsi For while together, 3-1 GF to GA, 17-5 scoring chances for vs against, and 8-3 high danger chances for/against.

Sullivan's stubborn, but I don't think he's going to take apart a line that's working that well.

 

[BlindWillyMcHurt]

He's praised Puljujarvi pretty extensively recently and I think it's clear the only reason he was scratched the other day was they wanted to give McGroarty one more look.

As long as Puljujarvi keeps this up, he'll be in the lineup.

Honestly, I think they'll go to DOC up there again first before putting Rakell at LW. Plus, Bunting-Geno-Rakell is killing it right now. 68% Corsi For while together, 3-1 GF to GA, 17-5 scoring chances for vs against, and 8-3 high danger chances for/against.

Sullivan's stubborn, but I don't think he's going to take apart a line that's working that well.

Oh gosh I'm so tempted to bookmark this you have no idea haha

But I'll set aside my cynicism for now and just say I hope you're right.

Crosby DOES need some help, though. His wings are a disgrace rn. Even Rust at his best shouldn't be the feature wing on this team. Not his fault but there it is.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

If the plan all along was centered around Rust's injury would there have REALLY been any harm in letting him skate up there in at least a shift-by-shift basis?

Or does that require too much energy and coaching for the coach?

It's just weird at this point. It's like no matter who the rookie/youngster is, Sullivan's convinced they HAVE to spend their time in the bottom six learning how to be a PK specialist and defensive stud first.

We joke about it, but I bet he'd make a guy like Connor Bedard show he can handle the defensive duties next to Lars Eller first before he would have played him with skilled guys and on the PP.

Our organization rarely plays offensive youngsters in positions where they can develop their OFFENSE. It's always bottom six and then when they stagnate and never develop, we let them go because they ended up busting.

 

[Andy99]

Beauvillier never had the makings of a 1st line winger.

Sid wanted to play with him lol…I wouldn’t be heartbroken if he and DOC were swapped, but it’s not like we have four legit top six wingers on this team lol

 

[tom_servo]

Let's go Pens