Kennedy and Leopold possibilities today

Same link as the last FanShot, but I wanted to separate this. Leopold skated using a regular jersey (as in not a non-contact color) in practice for the first time today since the Andy Sutton hit in the Ottawa series. Dan Bylsma says that he and Tyler Kennedy are making good progress and are both considered to be game-time decisions.

about 2 years ago JustinM 7 comments 0 recs |

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I am a huge Leopold fan, and I hope he is wearing black and gold next year….but do you insert him into the lineup yet, even if he is ready?

McKee is a d-man that is made for playoff hockey. As the games tighten up, his abilities are showcased a little more.

Why change a good thing?

by Link_Gaetz on May 2, 2010 12:26 PM EDT reply actions

Why change a good thing?

Maybe you don’t. If I wanted the best 6 defensive squad we’ve got right now, I wouldn’t change the lineup except possibly to switch Lovejoy in for Letang—but that would be dumb because of Letang’s offensive acumen.

If I were to take McKee out, Lovejoy would be his replacement, not Leopold as much as I like him.

PensBurgh

by JustinM on May 2, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Letang??

I like Leopold too but it’s going to be hard to crack him into the lineup with the way our guys are playing. Why would you take out Letang? He’s been solid in all three zones and has been using his body well in the playoffs. Not to mention he’s our only right handed blueliner. A week ago I would say you scratch Gogo for him, but he seems to be turning his game around as of late. I think the potential for Gogo is great and getting him as much playoff experience as possible is a very good thing. But we’ve seen HCDB roll seven defensemen last year during the playoffs. Not saying that’s what he’s going to do, just throwing it out there.

by Mario's Mullet on May 2, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn’t ever actually take out Letang. Notice I said it would be dumb. :p

I was speaking only of defense, and I don’t think that many people would say that Lovejoy’s stay at home D is probably better than any of the offensive defensemen we’ve got right now. That doesn’t mean he’s a better overall option, obviously.

PensBurgh

by JustinM on May 2, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

And to the 7 defensemen thing, I already advocated for that approach here. The trouble at the time was which forward to remove, but now with the injury to Staal, that becomes the easy part of the decision.

PensBurgh

by JustinM on May 2, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Props to Leo for getting out there again. To be honest I’m ok with him taking another game or two if needed. If he’s not 100% I’d rather he take a little more time to come back around. The D has done a good job since he went down. While I’m not exactly saying the Pens don’t need him, I think I speak for everyone when I say 100% Leo is better than 90% Leo.

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by FrankD on May 2, 2010 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

I’m much more eager to see if Kennedy plays than Leo. Right now the Pens are lacking bottom 6 forwards. Not to say that Leo wouldn’t be a much needed upgrade over McKee, but Kennedy is the type of player we need right now. Montreal is not going to be able to stand up to a relentless, physical forecheck. However, having a fleet-of-foot defenseman ready for the Bruins/Flyers winner will be much more important. IMHO, best keep Leo on the bench until he is really ready to go.

"Oh, buy Sam a drink and get his dog one too!" - Mike Lange

by gorgalor on May 2, 2010 1:37 PM EDT reply actions

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