FanPost

1/4 of the way through eh?

If after 20 games you thought the Pens would be 12-8 raise your hand. All that offseason hype was squashed pretty quickly. 0-3 starts don't often get as criticized as this one did. 12-5 since is pretty good. For the most part the Pens have righted the ship. But have they? Most have been calling for Johnston's head all season. And I cannot disagree with that. He turned a team with huge firepower into a bb gun. 45 goals in 20 games probably wont win you a cup. 45 goals against isn't as great as it appears also.

The big O, or lack of

Obviously I could hate on Crosby here. But the fact is he doesn't look much different to me. He is getting his chances, he has always had huge assists numbers. But you get those assists when others finish, and right now he doesn't have wingers who can. Kuni is an old dog, so is duper. There finishing days are gone. I love Hornqvist, often nights he has been there best forward outside of Sid and Geno. But his game doesn't match what Crosby does. He is better suited to play with Geno or Bonino. Kessel has been more that advertised for me. His D and back checking are there. So is his effort. I bet he loves being outta that Toronto limelight. I think over the course of 82 Phil should net 35 goals, atleast. I see a lot of social media hatred towards Plotnikov. But lets understand that the KHL is no NHL. He was a huge question mark. In my mind WB/S should be where he is right now. He hasnt helped here and doesn't appear to be breaking through anytime soon. In a similar boat but very different at the same time sits Sprong. He has a strong camp, made the team, and has shown scoring prowess. Yet he seems to be in a doghouse of sorts. Johnston has him on a very short leash and may be killing his ceiling. 7-11 minutes every night with the 4th line isn't helping this kid. In my opinion he should be next to Sid. Sid will find him, that we can count on. Sprong seems to know where to go to score goals also.

Surprising D

The D has been strong to an outsiders eye. A closer look will let you know that Fleury will eventually hit a wall with how many high intensity chances he faces every night. Our D give up too many big chances. We allow alot of rubber to make its way to Fleury. I do not expect him to stand on his head all season. He will give us a chance and cover for his D guys. It appears we miss Martin more than most think. For all the hate Scuderi gets he might be the most consistent D-man we have had this year. Scuds is a plus 7, and i know that is the end all be all of stats, but that says something. Zatkoff is zatkoff, ok not great. good for 15-18 games.

Mike Johnston is not going anywhere this year at this rate. 12-5 since the 0-3 start ended any chance of that. Not to mention there are no candidates to take his spot right now. It is also clear that his offensive system has zapped this team of its offensive ability. Our powerplay, for all the offensive talent we have, is mostly a disaster. And do not say that's Tocchets fault. The last 3 weeks the head coach has been running the powerplay. I had hope for a cup at the beginning of the year, but it has been slowly crushed. I still believe, We got Crosby, Malkin, Kessel, and Fleury. This team can do it.

Ill be back after the next 20 games to recap again. Comment below and let me know what ya think. I love the guins and talking hockey. See ya in 20

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