Game 26 vs Panthers - Thoughts from the Afternoon After

[Unbeliever]

Didn't see this thread up yet so I took the liberty. Just one thought..

In a game where we desperately need points, where we're up 1-0 and need a crucial kill. Sullivan decides to put a new guy in on the pk. When the team prides itself on literally everyone being able to kill penalties.

He makes a mistake, takes the wrong guy, puck ends up in the net and the entire momentum of the game flips. It is absolutely mind boggling. That was a mistake by Johnson. But he should never have been put in that situation with a competent coach. I am losing my god damn mind over this coaching.

[IntangibleBeer]

Well, that sucked. Again. They gave me some hope in the 2nd, but...

• It was nice to see Hornvquist honored at center ice. Pretty well screams how much we need that type of player on this team.
• Basically, I'm out of words that accurately describe how upset I am with the Pens. With all their injuries, if they had at least grabbed a point last night, I would have considered it a moral victory.
• Jarry played well, at least in what I saw. Effort squandered.
• Powerplay? What powerplay? 0-36. Pens got multiple chances to put the game out of reach or at least build a cushion. Same ****, different day.

And the beat goes on...

[Puck-Lurker]

Fire Sullivan and staff.

• The game started with the Pens showing a lot of energy. Playing firewagon hockey, racing from end to end, very exciting, but not a recipe for success I feel.
  Smith's goal was the culmination of Pens' pressure up to that point.
  Jarry was good, we needed great.
  The equalizer tilted momentum the other way and you knew how this was going to end.
  A team that missed the playoffs where half of its forwards are AHL'ers lose to a Stanley Cup finalist, not surprising but still disappointing.

Delenda Carthago.. I mean fire Sullivan.

[KG]

-Another game where the power play costs this team at least 1 point.
-The roster was already lacking offensive forward depth prior to Rust, Rakell, Acciari, Nieto all being out, now they really are a 1 line team.
-Injuries are showing what a flawed roster it is. This was what Sully wants though. 2 forward lines and 2 lines who play defense. But many questioned, what happens when an aged roster gets injured, then what ?!?!?. We are seeing now.
-They will go nowhere with a horrid power play. I hope there only answer isnt to take it away from Reirden. The players are clearly showing that the issue is larger then what Todd freaking Reirden draws up on the board.
-Have to be careful not to let this season slip away. I expect Dubas to do something over these next 4 off days.
-Jarry was good and the bottom 6 played physical in the first period, that's about it. The team got throttled in the 3rd.

[mariojr]

I've stopped watching, since every game is the same.

You'd think they'd score a PPG by luck.
Except for the fact they never shoot the puck.

They have no problem giving up short-handed goals, though.

Smith has been snake bit until last night, and Rakell's next goal, if he even scores one this season, will tie him with Jarry.

The third line seems pretty good; at least Eller can score, and they do a nice job forechecking.

The fourth line is just terrible. They just don't have enough NHL players in the system to roll out four lines capable of competent play in any aspect of the game.

People pick on Jarry, but the goaltending has actually been pretty solid.

[Dynasty1970]

https://www.pensburgh.com/2023/12/9/239 ... hl-history

[mariojr]

How long ago was the Toronto futility record set? The article doesn't say. And how many shorthanded goals did the Leafs give up during that time?

[FLPensFan]

FSG better get their butts out of their swimming pool filled with their billions of dollars and start paying attention. I'm starting to see the tipping point where this fan base completely turns on this team, including the core. I'm seeing more logo on the jersey than name on the back comments. I'm seeing more people tuning out. I myself am at the point where the games are on but I'm usually not giving it my full attention. Fans are ready for Sullivan to get the axe. Fans are close to pointing fingers at Sid, Geno, and Letang. 4 years of 1st round exits and a missed playoffs with the talent this team has on its roster has become unacceptable, as it should.

Sadly, other than a PP that will eventually score, I think last night's game is a pretty accurate dose of what this team is going to be 80% of their games. They can play well for a stretch of a game, but the old legs mean the effort isn't there late in games. Worse, the early 1st period effort when they look good doesn't actually lead to goals.

The Penguins are 29th in the league in 1st period goals for. They are also 5th best in 1st period goals against. So, a lot of good hockey is played that really doesn't alter the game much on the scoresheet. In the 3rd period, they are 16th in goals for, and 21st in goals against.

I'm not really sure what Dubas can do, other than fire the coach. It may not correct the issue, but it might be the biggest card he has to play. Otherwise, a lot of heat is going to start being thrown his way pretty early in his tenure.

[KG]

Danny Shirey
@DannyShireyPGH
Mike Sullivan’s three-year contract extension doesn’t kick in until the end of this season.

Going to learn quite a bit about the Penguins and Fenway Sports Group in the coming weeks.

It's not my money, but I wouldn't worry about Sullivan's contract. He will most certainly get a job this season or the off-season, then the Pens are off the hook for paying him the remainder of his contract.

[DelPen]

Danny Shirey
@DannyShireyPGH
Mike Sullivan’s three-year contract extension doesn’t kick in until the end of this season.

Going to learn quite a bit about the Penguins and Fenway Sports Group in the coming weeks.

It's not my money, but I wouldn't worry about Sullivan's contract. He will most certainly get a job this season or the off-season, then the Pens are off the hook for paying him the remainder of his contract.

There’s probably some formula on how long this team can miss the playoffs with expected decline in all ticket sales and merchandising sold at the home games if that loss would be more than what firing Sullivan and having to pay out his full contract is. When the projection looks to be greater he will be fired.

But FSG has never had to worry about a salary cap in their owned teams. You could mostly throw money at a problem and fix everything that’s wrong. NHL isn’t as easy especially with the Pens having zero assets to rebuild anytime soon.

[FLPensFan]

Danny Shirey
@DannyShireyPGH
Mike Sullivan’s three-year contract extension doesn’t kick in until the end of this season.

Going to learn quite a bit about the Penguins and Fenway Sports Group in the coming weeks.

It's not my money, but I wouldn't worry about Sullivan's contract. He will most certainly get a job this season or the off-season, then the Pens are off the hook for paying him the remainder of his contract.

There’s probably some formula on how long this team can miss the playoffs with expected decline in all ticket sales and merchandising sold at the home games if that loss would be more than what firing Sullivan and having to pay out his full contract is. When the projection looks to be greater he will be fired.

But FSG has never had to worry about a salary cap in their owned teams. You could mostly throw money at a problem and fix everything that’s wrong. NHL isn’t as easy especially with the Pens having zero assets to rebuild anytime soon.

This is where FSG needs to put their money where their mouth is. All the word from them via the media was they had no problem spending money where they weren't limited by a cap....I'm, if they needed to spend extra money on a coach they would because there weren't restrictions on what they could spend there.

Paying his contract to be fired shouldn't be a major concern of theirs. Time to put up or shut up. Sullivan needs to go.

[Wyopen]

Who are some PP specialists/coaches that are currently available?

[offsides]

Sadly, other than a PP that will eventually score, I think last night's game is a pretty accurate dose of what this team is going to be 80% of their games. They can play well for a stretch of a game, but the old legs mean the effort isn't there late in games. Worse, the early 1st period effort when they look good doesn't actually lead to goals.

Agree with this 1000% and can't see any new coach being able to correct it but would like to see another coach try. But being a fan since the mid 70's I am still going to watch every game with or without Sully because I have seen some really bad times before also.

[BurghThing]

Who are some PP specialists/coaches that are currently available?

Eddie Johnson

[Fast B]

Who are some PP specialists/coaches that are currently available?

Jaromir Jagr.

(I'm joking of course, but only barely at this point.)

[Puck-Lurker]

Who are some PP specialists/coaches that are currently available?

Jaromir Jagr.

(I'm joking of course, but only barely at this point.)

He couldn't do worse.

[Daniel]

Who are some PP specialists/coaches that are currently available?

Jaromir Jagr.

(I'm joking of course, but only barely at this point.)

He couldn't do worse.

If the strategy was to stand behind their own net for 2 minutes it would at least break even, and possibly be ahead by removing SH goals.

[Maestro]

Danny Shirey
@DannyShireyPGH
Mike Sullivan’s three-year contract extension doesn’t kick in until the end of this season.

Going to learn quite a bit about the Penguins and Fenway Sports Group in the coming weeks.

It's not my money, but I wouldn't worry about Sullivan's contract. He will most certainly get a job this season or the off-season, then the Pens are off the hook for paying him the remainder of his contract.

There’s probably some formula on how long this team can miss the playoffs with expected decline in all ticket sales and merchandising sold at the home games if that loss would be more than what firing Sullivan and having to pay out his full contract is. When the projection looks to be greater he will be fired.

But FSG has never had to worry about a salary cap in their owned teams. You could mostly throw money at a problem and fix everything that’s wrong. NHL isn’t as easy especially with the Pens having zero assets to rebuild anytime soon.

Liverpool have few bad contracts/purchases.and a fairly strict wage structure. The Nike partnership helps I'm sure.
Chelsea saved them from Caicedo.

[Pitts]

-Another game where the power play costs this team at least 1 point.
-The roster was already lacking offensive forward depth prior to Rust, Rakell, Acciari, Nieto all being out, now they really are a 1 line team.
-Injuries are showing what a flawed roster it is. This was what Sully wants though. 2 forward lines and 2 lines who play defense. But many questioned, what happens when an aged roster gets injured, then what ?!?!?. We are seeing now.
-They will go nowhere with a horrid power play. I hope there only answer isnt to take it away from Reirden. The players are clearly showing that the issue is larger then what Todd freaking Reirden draws up on the board.
-Have to be careful not to let this season slip away. I expect Dubas to do something over these next 4 off days.
-Jarry was good and the bottom 6 played physical in the first period, that's about it. The team got throttled in the 3rd.

I don't know that is a flawed roster (the healthy NHL roster is pretty good on paper) as much as it is a complete and utter lack of depth through the system, We were all aware of this coming into the season though. The pipe dreams of Puustinens, Kopannens, Poulins, Grudens, etc. coming up to save the day were just that - pipe dreams. Waiting for O'Connor, Zohorna, POJ, etc. to "get it"... Trading away all your 1st and 2nd rounders for 10 years and horrible drafting behind all that leads you to what you see today.

I always go back to Tampa. The team rolls through players like water...there is always a good younger player in the system ready to step up and continue their success. THAT'S good drafting.