Just some quick thoughts;
Firstly, I thought Eric Tangradi was fine. He was the first man in on the forecheck and I saw more than a little Ryan Malone in him. I don't think he is as skilled, but I honestly think he is a better skater. Two times he went in a creamed someone allowing Geno to retrieve the puck. I thought he forced offense at times and missed two glorious chances. However, the fact that he is getting chances means that will come in time as he adjusts to NHL speed. Tangradi also made key little plays in the neutral zone and dzone (chipped a couple pucks up to teammates, blocked a shot, broke up some passes). Tangradi has the job.
Secondly, Those slagging Shero's drafting (including me) need to settle down. There was a ton of prospect talent on display last night. Bennett is the best of the bunch. No he isn't ready for prime time yet; but he is damn close. Wouldn't be surprised if he was a April call-up. He has the hands, flash and finish-simple need to polish his game. That kids gonna be a stud NHLer. Also, we have defenders in spades. I was impressed by that kid who came over with Sutter; Dumalin? he is huge and looks to have skill, I just cant place how good of a dman he will be yet. The non-waiver guys all produced adequately, as expected. Morrow has a future, again not yet, but he is definately a strong contender to land an NHL job.
Third, Paul Martin. Paul didn't make any mistakes but he is still so paper soft. He never panics, which is admirable, but he never displays any sense of urgency, which is not. I'm totally in favor of dumping him as soon as possible. Is oil to the penguins system water, he aint gonna mix here, ever.
Fourth, Goalies. Fleury is Fleury. I have zero confidence in his abilities and it seems like the team has taken it upon themselves to challenge him. Ever single play and guys are chirping him, swatting him, pressuring him. Maybe they are testing him as well? Regardless, I haven't lost faith in a Penguin goalie as fast as I have in MAF, and he hasn't restored that faith at any time in the couple practices and the scrim I've went to.
Fifthly, Orpik. Looks like the extended offseason has put to bed any lingering effects of his injury and surgery last season. Guy looks like a brick and was killing players until clearly told to lay off. Letang looks incredibly fit and strong on his skates as well. Cannon shot and great skating.
Lastly, the Powerplay. This powerplay is going to be dreadful, pure and simple. They miss Sullivans ability to skate it into the zone. They try and create any and all offense based upon the rush, which is a receipe for a powerplay disaster. There is no powerplay quarterback on this team. Geno did a passible job last year, but now we are back to too many chiefs and not enough indians. Kris Letang only creates consistent offense off the rush, he has never been, and I'm starting to doubt, ever will be, a powerplay qb or at least a guy whose head thinks the game at the level required to fully gell with Sid and Malkin powerplay.
I think this is a very good squad, but to be successful they have to fix that gapping hole in their blueline. Martin out, a guy who can eat minutes and play powerplay in.
P.S. Crosby looks rusty and off timing. Geno was flying around at half speed making players look silly. Game shape and practice shape are clearly two different things.