I agree with most all of you grades,

I notice noone has commented with their votes. I voted for MAF as MVP this month. While GoGo and Sid have been amazing flower is the one keeping us in games most nights. And you are absolutely right in that flower has progressed nicely into an above average puck handler.

Its really a toss up as to MVP, and having three solid candidates (Sid, GoGo, and Flower) is a blessing.

Good assessment Hooks!

Only thing would’ve graded differently is to switch the notes of Orpik and Skoula – Brooks should be a bit better defensively (worst +/- rating on the team so far) and cut half of the penalties he takes. And Skoula has been very good the last 2 games… it’s normal he needed a game or two to shake the rust off.

He’s really, really stood out to me so far on D.

I think I’m going to try to start a “Vote for Jay” campaign for the All-Star Game, similar to the “Vote for Rory” a few years back for Rory Fitzpatrick. Who’s with me?

good selections on the poll. while mckee has been a plaeseant suprise in his play, maf has just kept right on trucking as far as his play. virtually everyone in the league is starting to recognize that maf is the argueably the best goalie in the east if not the league.

but with all that being said, gogo has been superb. we knew he was going to be a very good offensive dman. but he has not gotten lost in his own zone, and the timing of his goals, the outlet passes on break outs and a slew of over things have made this kid look like ol #77 or #55. with the loss of sarge, it will be up to the young guns like gogo and tanger to pick up the slack (yeah news flash right). but if he keeps his play up, the future of the pens without gooch is very bright indeed

Awesome post Hooks. I’m not surprised that Goligoski is leading the poll right now. He just have a knack for scoring important goals and looks like he’s been doing this on the NHL level for about five years right now.

Personally, I voted for Fleury. He’s been a lock in net. Last night’s loss to the Wild really wasn’t his fault. This team is built around a strong offense but when guy likes Malkin, Gonchar and Kennedy aren’t on the ice (and Sid chooses to go to the box for a few minutes) options are kinda limited. Fleury can normally give up two goals and still get the W. Just a different case last night.

I’m reading this blog when I should be grading midterms, so it’s funny that I can’t escape grading even here…

I agree with most grades. Maybe it’s because I am used to the “expensive university curve,” but I think Godard’s grade is too harsh. He should get some credit for not taking stupid penalties like other enforcers. He has stayed out of the box and done what has been asked of him, and like you said, he has made an effort to be a real forward during his limited ice team. While a few players have been underperforming in their roles, Godard does a good job with his role — it’s not his fault that he isn’t needed as much.

And, I think it says something that Bylsma has chosen to reward him with power play time during blowouts. I would give him a C+ or a B- maybe.

I voted for Golgs, not necessarily because he’s been our best player, but because he’s gone so far beyond my expectations. Sure, MAF and Sid have been great, but they’re supposed to be great. Nobody would have knocked Golgs had he put up numbers similar to Letang, however, his stats rival the best d-men in the league. He’s come up with big plays and won games for us, and I still can’t believe the improvements in his defensive game since last year. He looks like a totally different player in his own end.

I hate to say injuries are good, because they never are, however, the silver lining surrounding the dark cloud that is Gonch’s wrist injury is the added minutes Golgs is getting. I’m glad to see him get some time as the number one puck moving defensemen. Golgs definitely reduces some of the worry about life after Gonch.

Has Chris Conner been on a breakaway, only to lose the puck?

 Because he did that all the time with the Stars. He’s fast, but he can’t control the puck.

I can’t believe I am saying this, but I think Dupuis’ grade is a bit low!! He still is horrible with the puck, but the one-timer the other night was impressive and his back checking has been as good as any other player on the team in the last few games. I am officially not cracking on Dupuis anymore. (but I would still be happier if he got traded now that he has some value).

Borque and Conner get D’s from me. When asked to fill in on the top two lines, we should get some production. We have plenty of prospects that could come in an do the same as these two are doing now. We knew that both would be average to good defensively, but we need offensive growth from prospects. Neither has shown me that.

Goddard gets an F from me, but with us winning, he hasn’t had to push the issue.

Also, Eric Staal is not scoring either. Family issue?

I voted for other b/c my vote goes to KRIS LETANG. He has been THE most consistent player since the start of the season. I’ve seen Sid and Geno have games that have left me wondering if it was bad ice or an off night. Fleury has to play every game—and don’t get me wrong, he would be my second choice—but in back-to-back situations where Johnson plays and then MAF plays, he’s cold as a rock. LeTang has been out there working his guts out along the boards, making plays, rushing the puck into the zone and now leading the Pens in minutes played per game in Gonsh’s absence. But all you can look at is the fact he hasn’t scored yet?? How sad that THAT is the only worth seen in a player.