Salary Cap: The Endless Speculation Edition

[JTG]

That is such bad logic that I don't even see a point in continuing this discussion.

Right, because "faceoffs dont matter until they do" is a flawless logic.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Right, because "faceoffs dont matter until they do" is a flawless logic.

Saying that a majority of faceoffs don't matter and don't have a statistical link between winning makes a hell of a lot more sense to me than saying "a faceoff in game 7 of the Cup finals matters, so every faceoff matters".

Faceoffs matter situationally, but to say that all faceoffs matter because some of them matter situationally is just a dumb argument.

 

[Ryder71]

From a visual perspective I like McCann better at wing, he seems far more dangerous and much more comfortable with less responsibility. I'd keep him at wing unless we trade Bjug

I see it similarly, he can do all the things he does and with less defensive and detailed responsibility at wing. Yep!

 

[Empoleon8771]

I see it similarly, he can do all the things he does and with less defensive and detailed responsibility at wing. Yep!

Why is that a good thing? McCann's biggest strength is how good he is defensively.

 

[JTG]

Saying that a majority of faceoffs don't matter and don't have a statistical link between winning makes a hell of a lot more sense to me than saying "a faceoff in game 7 of the Cup finals matters, so every faceoff matters".

That isn't what I said at all. Read again.

I said that having centers who can take faceoffs are important because those situations do arise where you have to win faceoffs. McCann taking a faceoff next game is irrelevant. McCann taking a defensive zone draw in the playoffs is something that would give me some pause, and I'd rather not be put in that position.

 

[JTG]

Why is that a good thing? McCann's biggest strength is how good he is defensively.

Which is why I would flank Geno with McCann. Create a situation like Geno did with Talbot where they would hand off responsibility.

 

[Ryder71]

Why is that a good thing? McCann's biggest strength is how good he is defensively.

I don't see it as precluding him to be solid defensively. And it's not like he's thrown on lines with defensive liabilities either, which helps. I just don't want him taking faceoffs. and Offensively he's not the type of pivot that's best at distributing the puck. It just depends as to what aspects to his game you wish to place more onus on. Again I see him as better at wing for the reasons I stated. You see it differently.

 

[JTG]

Hossa made a living backchecking and turning pucks over.

 

[Ryder71]

Which is why I would flank Geno with McCann. Create a situation like Geno did with Talbot where they would hand off responsibility.

When we're healthy I'm more in line with this also. That makes a lot of sense. And McCann has better offensive acumen than Talbot. In theory that should be an effective duo, add in Rust and yeah, I like it.

 

[JTG]

I think McCann can legitimately play anywhere and be successful.

 

[Ryder71]

I think McCann can legitimately play anywhere and be successful.

I prefer wing, but considering our rash of injuries I'm not cringing at him temporarily playing the middle. Well, until a key faceoff takes place in a tie game with under a minute to go in our end of the ice.

 

[Peat]

I still prefer McCann as a winger because in terms of attack, the less time we spend with the puck on McCann's stick is generally the better, but we can support McCann with wingers who'll gloss over that weakness of his all day long if we stick him at centre and he can perform the core defensive responsibilities of the role which is probably the most important thing.

 

[Gurglesons]

I think the bigger issue with “faceoffs” is how the NHL accounts for them much like “hits” versus the actual sequence having no value.

I also think this is a weird argument to connect with possession with McCann as he is rocking a 54% CF and his FF% is second highest amongst forwards. He may be losing faceoffs but he is assisting with possessing the puck when he is on the ice. He also has the best GF% on the team and has been on the ice for 4 GA. All while being a sub 50% zone start player. All of that at 5v5 obviously. And while having this most fluid role on the team being consistently bounced between line mates and from W to C to W to C.

 

[JTG]

Jarry has a .938 sv% and a sub 2.00 GAA...and he has a losing record. Don't see that very often.

 

[Gurglesons]

Jarry has a .938 sv% and a sub 2.00 GAA...and he has a losing record. Don't see that very often.

Pretty common among backups actually.

5 of the top ten goalies in SV% if you take out GP are back ups.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I still prefer McCann as a winger because in terms of attack, the less time we spend with the puck on McCann's stick is generally the better, but we can support McCann with wingers who'll gloss over that weakness of his all day long if we stick him at centre and he can perform the core defensive responsibilities of the role which is probably the most important thing.

Here's what it comes down to for me, do the Penguins have a better 3C option on their team right now than McCann? Personally, I don't see anyone else who fits there better. There is a situation where McCann at center wouldn't be a fit, but like you said, the Penguins have the wingers who can support McCann and cover his weaknesses. I think he's perfectly comfortable at center and has been doing really damn well in that role, so I don't see a reason to take him out of that spot. You just need to make sure he has one of Simon or Kahun (ideally Kahun) on his wing.

I think McCann is pretty similar to Sutter (albeit much better IMO), and I feel like these discussions were also had with Sutter. To me, McCann is a perfectly strong enough 3C and you should only move him to the wing if you somehow stumble into a better 3C option. In this case, "stumbling into a better 3C option" would be something like Lafferty or Blueger developing into a 3C. Don't actively look for a 3C because McCann is a good 3C option, but if you do stumble into a better option, feel free to put McCann back on LW.

 

[FunkySeeFunkyDo]

I just looked up ZAR's career stats and he has only played 79 NHL games. 15 goals and 13 assists. Seems like an odd target for the board's wrath given that his fancy stats are good too.

 

[Ugene Magic]

Hm... Would NJD do a even swap of Gally for Simmonds?

That's a shake up. No needing to retain and both sides gets value. Even if the Pens need to add it shouldn't be much.

It would fall in line with some push-back that wouldn't sacrifice speed too much. He can play both wings IIRC.

I see him as the guy who could compliment Geno and Rust if the 3rd line becomes Kahun, McCann and Tanev . That line has it all, and if McCann struggles in the dot they have to speed and tenacity to make up for it.

Guentzel, Crosby, Simon
Simmonds, Malkin, Rust
Kahun, McCann, Tanev
Lafferty, Blueger, Hornqvist
ZAR

Out>>>Gally and Bjugstad

UFA> Simmonds

There is always the possibility to flip-flop guys around. Like Horny to line 3 and Simmonds to line 4.

Simmonds can also be a help on the PP and has a RHS.

Not saying this is the greatest idea, but it is sound.

 

[Peat]

Here's what it comes down to for me, do the Penguins have a better 3C option on their team right now than McCann? Personally, I don't see anyone else who fits there better. There is a situation where McCann at center wouldn't be a fit, but like you said, the Penguins have the wingers who can support McCann and cover his weaknesses. I think he's perfectly comfortable at center and has been doing really damn well in that role, so I don't see a reason to take him out of that spot. You just need to make sure he has one of Simon or Kahun (ideally Kahun) on his wing.

I think McCann is pretty similar to Sutter (albeit much better IMO), and I feel like these discussions were also had with Sutter. To me, McCann is a perfectly strong enough 3C and you should only move him to the wing if you somehow stumble into a better 3C option. In this case, "stumbling into a better 3C option" would be something like Lafferty or Blueger developing into a 3C. Don't actively look for a 3C because McCann is a good 3C option, but if you do stumble into a better option, feel free to put McCann back on LW.

Honestly, I preferred Bjugstad there last season and I'm not sure I don't prefer Blueger there already. But that's not a hard prefer and I think they'd all be a little winger dependent in that role, so its not a big issue either way. I think McCann can be a better top 6 winger than any of the others... but we've got enough top 6 wingers that it's probably not an issue.

 

[Gurglesons]

Honestly, I preferred Bjugstad there last season and I'm not sure I don't prefer Blueger there already. But that's not a hard prefer and I think they'd all be a little winger dependent in that role, so its not a big issue either way. I think McCann can be a better top 6 winger than any of the others... but we've got enough top 6 wingers that it's probably not an issue.

Ideally I think you run Kahun - McCann - Tanev and Simon - Blueger - Hornqvist as your bottom six.

Issue is that gives us a pretty big hole on RW in the top six + forces Galchenyuk there.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Honestly, I preferred Bjugstad there last season and I'm not sure I don't prefer Blueger there already. But that's not a hard prefer and I think they'd all be a little winger dependent in that role, so its not a big issue either way. I think McCann can be a better top 6 winger than any of the others... but we've got enough top 6 wingers that it's probably not an issue.

McCann has been way too much better than Blueger for me to say Blueger should be in the 3C spot IMO, especially considering McCann is doing it at center.

 

[Peat]

Ideally I think you run Kahun - McCann - Tanev and Simon - Blueger - Hornqvist as your bottom six.

Issue is that gives us a pretty big hole on RW in the top six + forces Galchenyuk there.

Putting the hot hand on Sid's RW and playing Lafferty/ZAR/whoever isn't a big issue.

If Chucky doesn't take with Geno it is an issue, but you've got Chucky and Bjugstad as assets to try and find Geno's dreamboat LW.

McCann has been way too much better than Blueger for me to say Blueger should be in the 3C spot IMO, especially considering McCann is doing it at center.

Everytime I see McCann at C, I always think the wingers are the most important guys on the line. He's finishing his opportunities well but is dependent on them to set him up. Everytime I see Blueger at C, I think he's doing a great job of playing C.

Also it's a lot easier to be look good when you're getting the good minutes instead of relentless defensive zone draws against opposition best.

So... yeah, don't agree.

 

[Randy Butternubs]

perfect Geno's linemate

Nikolaj Ehlers?

 

[chethejet]

McCann on LW is where he bests serves the team. Injury to Bjugstad is a untimely injury as he is needed to elevate his game with Sid out. Wanted to see if he could do so. Pens if ever healthy are still a nice balanced team. Love to see another RW with some size but all in all, the roster is pretty good.

 

[JackFr]

I just looked up ZAR's career stats and he has only played 79 NHL games. 15 goals and 13 assists. Seems like an odd target for the board's wrath given that his fancy stats are good too.

Combination of his skill set being unremarkable to the eye (he's not fast, doesn't make flashy passes, etc) and that people hyped him to be something more than a very good bottom sixer.