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2018-19 Penguins and NHL Offseason

Murray is out with another concussion, his 3rd. Reports said he was hurt in practice yesterday. Hopefully DeSmith can step up and take advantage of the opportunity.

Murray is fragile and fragile Goaltender's have short careers.
 
Steelr4evr said:
Hurt in practice again. **** that guys melon needs better padding in the mask. Maybe whiplash from all of those goals flying on by.
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Which leads me to the question of asking why they don't wear some sort of extra protective mask in practice to guard against this? I know the weight and restricted vision might be of consequence but having your goalie go down with a concussion is a hell of a lot bigger consequence IMO.
 
str8liner said:
Which leads me to the question of asking why they don't wear some sort of extra protective mask in practice to guard against this? I know the weight and restricted vision might be of consequence but having your goalie go down with a concussion is a hell of a lot bigger consequence IMO.
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You would think so. Those goalie masks have so much bullshit on them as it is. It's hard to figure getting a KO in one. Maybe a ricochet from the bar to the back of the head...hell if I know.
 
I've got a question*for you hockey sticks. I'm a casual NHL fan now. Growing up in NY, my Islanders had quite a team in the 1980's. I used to watch them all the time. I'm not a fair weather fan, I watched*the Islanders*on the way up before they won anything. Six Lombardi's and 4 Stanley Cups.* What can I say, I'm a lucky fan.

My question is on the NHL draft. Is the Goaltender position really not that important? The reason I ask if I hardly ever see a goaltender go in the first round of the draft.** Why is this so?

PS: I thought the Pen's Goalie was decent.
 
Coach said:
I've got a question*for you hockey sticks. I'm a casual NHL fan now. Growing up in NY, my Islanders had quite a team in the 1980's. I used to watch them all the time. I'm not a fair weather fan, I watched*the Islanders*on the way up before they won anything. Six Lombardi's and 4 Stanley Cups.* What can I say, I'm a lucky fan.

My question is on the NHL draft. Is the Goaltender position really not that important? The reason I ask if I hardly ever see a goaltender go in the first round of the draft.** Why is this so?

PS: I thought the Pen's Goalie was decent.
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The percentage of goalies that have been selected in the first round and washed out is really high. Sure, it is risk/reward but most NHL GM's don't want to squander their number one pick. Also goaltenders take longer to develop. Many come from smaller programs with mixed competition. It's easier to shine and be considered a top prospect as a position player. There have been some "can't miss" and have actually proven to be high quality. Fleury, Price and Schnider come to mind. Just my thoughts,

Murray is good and at times has been great. He has a weak glove and teams are exploiting it. I think the mental aspect is the weakest part of his game. He fails to stay focused, loses concentration if he takes a bump in net front traffic. I hope he regains his confidence and plays to his capability. Another part of the equation is he doesn't play in front of a consistent defensive effort. And now concussion number 3.
 
Murray definitely has some confidence issues. It's apparent through body language.

I want to say since Ovie/Sid, GM's look more for forwards or high prospect D men in the draft.
Goalies are hit/miss. I think Jarry was a top draft prospect who the Pens landed. A lot of our 1st round guys are no longer with the team or are not panning out as expected ala Sprong.


I will say this though.
I am glad the Pens give American prospects a look.
Aside from winning the cup, I love to see that old wanker Don Cherry throw a hissy fit cause Americans are taking over the NHL lol
 
MTC said:
Rikkola's a ******* gamer
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So far I really like what I see. Holds good position and has made solid transitions. Hustles back hard after joining the rush. Seems to good to be true. What a find !
 
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Uncle Ben said:
So far I really like what I see. Holds good position and has made solid transitions. Hustles back hard after joining the rush. Seems to good to be true. What a find !
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He's making key plays. Always in position.
I know I know it's one game. But damn this guy is amazing.


Loving the goals today lol.
Kessel is on it.
 
Pens win!
4-2. Hat trick for Phil! The guy was motivated today.
Liked Hagelin's hustle, hard time looking in passes.

-Riikola is solid.
Physical, smart, always seemed in position. Silky smooth puck handling and skating.
The guy can be something.

-DeSmith. MAF like demeanor.
A confident guy when he's on.


Just an overall happy game.
Although with about 6 minutes left, the Pens seem to get complacent with a lead.
 
By the box score it looks like they had a good game, wish I could have seen it.

How did our goalie look compared to Murray's first few games?

Did we play good defense last night or was Vegas not hitting on all cylinders?
 
Rikkola needs to play. He is easily top 4 on this defensively challenged team. He needs to play.
 
The Pens played well. Still gave Vegas too many shot opportunities DeSmith had a solid performance and I hope it continues.

Riikola looks pretty damn poised. I'll wait for a couple games to anoint him but I think he is going to be solid.

I about dropped dead. Since Fleury wasn't starting. There were good seats available for $25.00, two hours before the game. Not good when you live 2 1/2 hours away. You guys living closer need to jump on some of these cheap seats. 206 row E was there and they aren't bad at all. Vivid Seats and believe it or not the NHL ticket exchange. Sure fees bump it up some. So far this year ticket prices are running well below the last couple of years.
 
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I have never been to a Pens game in Pittsburgh. Would love to take advantage of those tickets. Maybe I'll get up there later in the year.

Got to see the Vegas game replay. It was great to see the big smile on Kessel's face!
 
Shultz probably done for awhile :(

Good news. Pens shut down a 5 on 3 opportunity for Montreal.
Possibly a PP for the Pens to start the 3rd
 
MTC said:
Shultz probably done for awhile :(

Good news. Pens shut down a 5 on 3 opportunity for Montreal.
Possibly a PP for the Pens to start the 3rd
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Disappointing shootout loss. Right now, MTL is the Vegas of last year. Predicted as a basement dweller and over performing.

The Shultz injury looked awful. Legs just don't bend that way. I hoping for the best but I'm sure we will hear "lower body injury, week to week. This solves the who to sit on D dilemma. Maatta will play and I'm not excited. He looked worse against MTL, if that's even possible. He's young, I expect he will find his game but it better be soon.

I did like Brassard with Sid and Jake.

Vancouver is next and at home. I think we will see a solid bounce-back. Tickets are dirt cheap, we're going.
 
For those that didn't catch the game. ACL ? MCL ? A break ?

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Uncle Ben said:
Disappointing shootout loss. Right now, MTL is the Vegas of last year. Predicted as a basement dweller and over performing.

The Shultz injury looked awful. Legs just don't bend that way. I hoping for the best but I'm sure we will hear "lower body injury, week to week. This solves the who to sit on D dilemma. Maatta will play and I'm not excited. He looked worse against MTL, if that's even possible. He's young, I expect he will find his game but it better be soon.

I did like Brassard with Sid and Jake.

Vancouver is next and at home. I think we will see a solid bounce-back. Tickets are dirt cheap, we're going.
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Brassard looked good as a winger. Jake was off his game, he was taking some hits.
Letang is playing solid. Had multiple big hits last night along with decent decision making.

Riikola looked like a rookie this time.
Malkin and Crosby looked meh in the shootout.

Not too concerned about MTL. They always start strong and fizzle by December
 
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