Monday links: Almost time..

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 8:43 AM EDT

The Pens rookies are up in Canada, but the offense hasn't quite caught up, as they've only scored 1 goal in two games, including a 5-1 loss to Toronto yesterday. [PG]

The lone bright spot yesterday: when 22 year old Brandon DeFazio scored 12 seconds into the game for the Pens. For a guy who'll be fighting to stay in Wilkes-Barre and not Wheeling that's a pretty good way to catch the coaches attention right off the bat. [penguins.com]

The not-bright spot: Robert Bortuzzo will miss the final game with the dreaded "lower body injury". Never too early to not release injury detail there, Penguins. [penguins.com]

The Civic Arena is one step closer from it's inevitable date with the wrecking ball. (And we don't mean Mark Recchi). [Trib]

Dan Bylsma talked a little roster ideas, with the most intriguing lines floated being James Neal on the right side with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz and Tyler Kennedy and Steve Sullivan winging for Evgeni Malkin. Hopefully Crosby's healthy enough to see them soon, but knowing Byslma these combos wouldn't even last a full game anyways. [PG]

Former Penguin Chris Conner is going to be given a shot to stick with the Detroit Red Wings NHL roster, but the Michigan native faces a, uhm, tall challenge. [MLive]

Drew Doughty still needs a contract for next season. [Puck Daddy]

...And so does Luke Schenn [PPP]

...And so does Zach Bogosian [Rotoworld]

Can Nikita Filatov put it all together in a new environment? [Silver Seven]

Finally, it's September so that means it's time to scroll down the right side of Pensburgh to the "fanshot" section for the daily PensAreYourDaddy countdown. [24 days to go]

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Good. A bunch of non-roster guys from Toronto beat a bunch of non-roster guys from Pittsburgh in an almost meaningful game.

Also? They should’ve just let Batman blow up the arena.

Jagr? I don't even know 'er.

by PopRocks on Sep 12, 2011 8:49 AM EDT reply actions

Everyone knows Jean Claude Van Damme would never let that happen.

by Zuhbeenick Mickhawlick on Sep 12, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

when healthy....per HCDB

Kunitz – Crosby – Neal
Sullivan – Malkin – Kennedy
Cooke – Staal – Dupuis
Asham – Letestu – Adams

by AronV on Sep 12, 2011 9:43 AM EDT reply actions

Does anyone have thoughts on why DB thinks TK is a good match for Geno? I’m having a bit of trouble sorting it out in terms of playing styles.

I’m also unsettled by the Cooke-Staal-Dupuis line for some reason, but I can’t quite figure out why. There’s something about putting Dupuis on that line that doesn’t sit right, and I wish I knew what it was. If anyone is interested in explaining the mystery that is my brain … feel free.

Jagr? I don't even know 'er.

by PopRocks on Sep 12, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Bylsma’s interested in giving TK a shot at still playing top 6 minutes, in light of his goal scoring touch last season. And Kennedy’s work in the corners reminds me a little of Ruslan Fedotenko (when he was ’good Ruslan).

I think pairing Sullivan+Kennedy together would be over-kill. 2 smallish, right-handed wingers with similar skill sets. But then again, I don’t have a Jack Adams trophy on my shelf.

I don’t have a problem with the proposed 3rd line- TK and Dupuis are pretty similar- fast wingers, good positionally, both take a lot of bad angle or far distance shots. I would think a Cooke-Staal-Dupuis line would work just fine to eat the heavy minutes against other team’s top players.

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Bylsma’s interested in giving TK a shot at still playing top 6 minutes, in light of his goal scoring touch last season. And Kennedy’s work in the corners reminds me a little of Ruslan Fedotenko (when he was ’good Ruslan).

I understand the whole “giving him a shot at playing in the top six given his scoring output” thing. It’s the “he’s a good fit for Geno” part that struck me as odd. I suppose there’s something to the hard-work-in-the-corners aspect, but we’ll see. In my mind, good Ruslan was still ho-hum Ruslan, and what made the whole thing spectacular was on-fire Geno. But if regular-season TK can be like pre-season Mike Comrie (except without the pop starlette wife), then I’m all for it.

Jagr? I don't even know 'er.

by PopRocks on Sep 12, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

DB is losing it? Geno needs a big forward on his line and Neal seems like the perfect fit. Sid like speed on his line and Geno likes a big forward to provide space.

Kunitz-Crosby-Kennedy
Neal-Malkin-Sullivan

or flip Kennedy and Sullivan either way it’s overkill to me to have Kunitz and Neal on the same line.

by Geno McFleury on Sep 12, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think anything’s set in stone or going to be together for that long. Certainly it’s not permanent enough to question a coach like that. Right now he’s just spitballing ideas that haven’t even taken shape yet (including Crosby’s status).

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh ya I understand that especially since DB juggles the lines more than anything but he’s had this idea for awhile now with Kunitz-Crosby-Neal and I’m not a fan of it, wasn’t when he first mentioned it, and not now.

by Geno McFleury on Sep 12, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Neal has as much speed as TK, so I don’t have an issue with it from that standpoint. I think Sullivan suits Crosby more than he does Malkin. So to me it would make more sense to go Kunitz – Crosby – Sullivan and Neal – Malkin – TK….if that’s where they have plans for him this year. I have zero problems with the 3rd line as constructed. If anything it’s better defensively with Dupuis out there.

by AronV on Sep 12, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Ya I’d take either of them as long as the formula looks more balanced and appropriate and in my eyes that’s Neal and Kunitz both playing LW.

by Geno McFleury on Sep 12, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions

I think it’s odd you have such concrete ideas, especially when a lot of these guys (Sullivan, Neal) have never played with Crosby and Malkin.

I agree that Kunitz-Crosby is a good building block, but I don’t think trying out Neal would be a bad thing. Given Neal’s shot and sniping ability, it’s actually a very good thing. Where does that leave Malkin? Good question, and one that would have to be addressed once we see how they all look out there.

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Currently it leaves Malkin with Kunitz and Neal? if they just shift the C’s up

by AronV on Sep 12, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Right. I was thinking if you went through with a Kunitz-Crosby-Neal line.

That would leave Sullivan for Malkin…And then Kennedy, Dupuis, Tangradi or whomever to fill it out.

It’s not secret I haven’t been a fan of Staalkin, but to super-stack the lines could be interesting (Especially when Jeffrey returns to full strength)

Kunitz-Sid-Neal
Sullivan-Staal-Malkin
Cooke-Letestu-Dupuis
Asham-Jeffrey-Adams

That could be a lineup to do damage come playoff time, if it can be lucky enough get and stay that healthy.

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Poor TK ;)

by Skyff on Sep 12, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

haha, healthy scratch. No respect

by AronV on Sep 12, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

It never fails that I’ll forget someone.

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Well at least you didn’t forget CFA. That would’ve been nigh unforgiveable.

Jagr? I don't even know 'er.

by PopRocks on Sep 12, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Those lines look fantastic. I couldn’t agree more with you about super stacking lines. Staal and Malkin have an undeniable chemistry and Letestu is more than capable of holding down a really good third line, and he is clearly better than a fourth line center. Plus the best player in the world should get the best wingers the club has to offer. He’ll have two big bodies one with raw sniping abilities and the other to make room. Then you can follow up with an equally as skilled second line, and now that the defenses are worn down, you put out the speedy third line to get the job done. Really impressive HEALTHY lineup. I really hope this is how it looks come mid november, if not sooner.

by Will87 on Sep 12, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not opposed to trying a Kunitz-Crosby-Neal line but I’m inclined to have balance among the top-6 and putting the 2 PFs on the same line and then the 2 small scappy guys on another doesn’t make sense to me, I’d rather have one on each. Plus, Malkin always gets a lesser priority and honestly it’s annoying. We know Geno does very well when he has a player creating space for him and I don’t see Sullivan or Kennedy doing that good of a job compared to Neal.

by Geno McFleury on Sep 12, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Personally I don’t see much difference in a lot of Kunitz and Kennedy’s game. Both are smaller, both are great in the corners and winning board battles.

Kunitz is a much better playmaker/passer and probably has better vision. Kennedy’s shot (and shot willingness) is better.

Sometimes stacking lines works. The pure balance to me of having one power forward with one smaller skill guy doesn’t mean too much to me compared to how stylistcally a line plays. Kunitz/Neal have the most skill and probably deserve to be top line wingers. Neal hasn’t played much RW, but that’s the easiest shift, especially when he’d be out there with a good positional player in Kunitz who can adapt and adjust on the fly as needed.

To me, it’s just impossible to say Neal would be a better fit with Malkin than Sullivan, because neither have gotten the chance. It’s possible that Sully is the best choice, he’s better playmaking, vision and passing skills than Neal. Malkin really hasn’t gotten to play with a player with the puck-skills of Sullivan. Health is always the key with SS, I think he could be a Comrie-like player, with more speed and hopefully luck.

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

I think he could be a Comrie-like player,

Dear God, I hope not….I would like to see Sullivan score more than one goal this season….

"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra

by cyroose on Sep 12, 2011 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

You know what he meant…. At least he didn’t say Chris Bourque-like

by AronV on Sep 12, 2011 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I love Neal on Crosby’s line. A big man who will go to the net and cause trouble gives Crosby much more opportunity to cause trouble.

by rlsuth on Sep 12, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Kunitz provides what you just mentioned.

by Geno McFleury on Sep 12, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions

No clue why people are going berserk about the TK to the 2-line quote. Guy had the highest regular season adjusted Corsi last year. If he didn’t earn at least a chance at top 6 minutes after his spring I don’t know what will. He was 4th on the team in points last year and one of only 4 20G scorers on the team.

If he flops he moves down, that simple. He took a discount to stay home when could have easily gone to arbitration and won as a RFA. Did everything right as a team player. Give the guy his chance. I’m not big on him personally but he proved me wrong last spring so let’s see if he does it again.

The “when healthy” part of the whole article was pretty useless. How about “when the puck drops”? Those lines bother me a little bit. 2-3 roster spots open per Disco. Jeffrey isn’t there which signals to me they intend to at least rehab him in WBS to start the year.

IF Tangradi makes this team out of camp I see Asham as the scratch casualty. I just don’t see him getting top 6 time where he needs to continue his development with the big club any time soon.

Disco also mentioned a 4F PP with Sully at the point. I guess when everything else you try blows up why not do that? At least they are not trying to force Geno there, against his stick hand. Forward to carry the puck up ice now as well.

Fanpost writer at Pensburgh :: Follow me on Twitter at @Ozman51

by ozman_fiftyone on Sep 12, 2011 10:05 AM EDT reply actions

Chris Conner had a higher Corsi than Crosby

by AronV on Sep 12, 2011 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

If you don’t go Staalkin (Which it doesn’t seem like we will) then TK should absolutely get a chance in the top6. Most here seem to agree with that.

by Skyff on Sep 12, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I can’t speak for others, but the thing I found odd was Bylsma’s claim that he thought TK would fit well with Malkin. I have no problem giving TK a chance in the top 6, and I’m also okay with it being on the second line. What I’m still trying to figure out is what it is that would make someone say that TK is a good fit for Geno — beyond all the “he’s earned a chance” stuff.

Jagr? I don't even know 'er.

by PopRocks on Sep 12, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Kennedy could be a good fit because he’s great in the corners and on the boards to battle for scrappy pucks. That’ll do some dirty work and open up room. Also, Kennedy’s scored 20 goals in a season and that shows some scoring touch.

Will Kennedy work with Malkin? Unsure. Does he deserve the chance? Why not. The Pens have 82 games to figure it out, and it’s not like they have proven 20+ goal scoring wingers around.

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

it’s not like they have proven 20+ goal scoring wingers around.

other than Kunitz, Neal, Sullivan

by AronV on Sep 13, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed 100%

I’m also very excited that Dupuis has been dropped from the Top-6. He is great on the forecheck and all but the dude just can’t score. Also, it’s worth noting that Dustin Jeffrey isn’t in the top 12.

by Ced8771 on Sep 12, 2011 10:46 AM EDT reply actions

For good reason. He had a major ACL surgery less than 6 months ago. A lot of people (Jeffrey included) think he’ll be ready to go at the beginning of the season, but he’s definitely going to have to prove it with a strong training camp.

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Dustin Jeffrey

Jeffrey has stated that he will be ready for camp. Wishful thinking? Perhaps not as he is skating from what I hear. Last season, excepting Crosby, Jeffrey was the Pens’ top scorer per 60 minutes time on ice and he did so with Rupp and Adams as linemates. He must clear waivers to be sent down for more than a rehab. Since I believe he will not be waived and because of his proven abilities, he will make the roster out of camp or after a rehab. He can play either wing or center and is good on the PK and PP. He has starred at the AHL level as a checking line center and as a top six center and wing. He is capable at taking draws. He is just a better player than many roster Pens such as Dupuis, Kennedy, Asham, Adams, Sullivan, Williams, Park, etc. I see him as a top six out of camp or shortly thereafter.

by stoopidful on Sep 13, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions

was wondering...

if you read this:

All three games will air on Penguins HD Radio (WXDX FM HD-2 and streamed live on www.pittsburghpenguins.com)

would you expect that you’ll actually be able to watch the game? Cause that’s what I expected…

Don’t know if anyone bothered to stop by the Pens’ website for the rookie tournament games, but I couldn’t find a stream anywhere… so that was kind of disappointing for one hockey-starved fan…

Anyway I wanted to ask if yesterday’s game vs. the Leafs was streamed or it was only the radio broadcast again? (just to know what to expect for tomorrow afternoon)

You have to see it for yourself...

by Bla Razor on Sep 12, 2011 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

Usually for these rookie tournaments video is very hard to come by.

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Not really lol. Both games were presented through both Maple Leafs and Sens blogs and Rogers Sportsnet. I’d suggest going to HFBoards, I know it’s painful to go there, but they have a thread with links where you can watch the games live.

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=971705

check this thread for the Pens last game there might be a live stream.

by Geno McFleury on Sep 12, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Very hard for me to come by, I guess I should have said. Welcome to 2011, me!

Pensburgh

"You come at the King, you best not miss."

by Hooks Orpik on Sep 12, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I've seen the "Steelcityassault" guy stream also some of the WBS Pens games live, so I'll keep an eye out for tomorrow's game.

You have to see it for yourself...

by Bla Razor on Sep 12, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Leafs game was broadcast via Rogers and 30 minute tape-delay at mapleleafs.nhl.com

If you want to see the Game in Six from last night it’s up there.

Chicken Little is dead. Long Live Positive Pete.
Lebda-free since July 3.

by nhlcheapshot on Sep 12, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

thanks, checked it out…

Defense and the goalie seemed pretty bad… only Dmen that didn’t get badly beaten were Bortuzzo (injured in the 1st) and Despres.

You have to see it for yourself...

by Bla Razor on Sep 12, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Samuelsson and Grant were awful in my eyes whereas Morrows and Harrington were great.

by Geno McFleury on Sep 12, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I love how Disco kept brining up Sid when he was talkin’ about line combos & the power-play set up. It makes me feel like he (Sid) might not be out too long.

Is it October yet?

by Lindas1st on Sep 12, 2011 12:47 PM EDT reply actions