Malkin after Tyler Myers crushed him int he corner
The Penguins managed to win 1 of their last 5 since these two have been down (2-1 OT win VS LA Kings), but dropped their last 2 games by a count of 14-5 against a 14th place New York Islander team and a New York Ranger team that coming in had lost 6 in a row (including a 7 round shootout loss to these very same Penguins w.o Crosby and Malkin). The best third line center in the game has been moved to a top line spot and has to carry most of the load with these two down, and Jordan Staal just is not that kind of producer up front. What comes next for this Penguin team?
Crosby assuming the position.
With no timetable for Crosby's return, I can't see them making any trades at the deadline to rejuvenate their crippled offense. After watching them jump out to a 2 goal lead in the first 5 minutes of today's game and allow 5 straight to a team that hasn't scored more than 3 goals in the last 21 games, this Penguin team clearly is not dominant without Crosby and Malkin. Having 24 games left, I can't see them going any better than 6-18. That would have the Pens finish the season with 86 points, which should be well short of the 8th and final playoff spot.
Since this Penguin has absolutely no depth beyond Crosby and Malkin, the Penguins clearly need to find a way to rebuild their offense. If the Pens begin to tank and slip out of a playoff spot, would it surprise you to see them tank for a high draft pic? They clearly need to find a way to replenish their offense, and what better way than to build through the draft? If there was ever a season to do it, it would be this one, when the NHL won't rip on them for losing 18 of 24 without Crosby and Malkin. I personally don't buy that shit, think Crosby is a fucking pussy, and Pens will tank for a better first round pick in the upcoming draft.
You're out of your mind.
ReplyDeletePens have a history of tanking. Why stop now? The next best forward behind Crosby and Malkin is Kunitz who is down and then Pascal Dupuis
ReplyDeleteDude, they're 35-19-4, they will make the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteIf Crosby doesn't come back, there is no way that offense is going to produce. Especially now with Kunitz out as well. The Penguins have 8 of 24 games against teams under 500 (3 of which are the Devils). Without Crosby, I don't expect them to win more than 2 games against a team that is above 500.
ReplyDeleteIf the Penguins begin to slide, is it so hard to see them being overtaken by a surging team like Carolina or Buffalo? As well as the Thrashers who are still not out of it.
ReplyDeleteYour defense is only as good as your offense. I am not contending that they have one of the best defenses in the league, but when your offense cannot sustain pressure all game there is no way you can hold off even an offensively challenged team like the Rangers. Lundqvist looked terrible today. He is playing without any confidence and you can tell he was fighting the puck.
ReplyDeleteWhat about they're defense? Still one of the best in the league. They're offense seemed to be generating chances all night tonight, plus they scored 3 goals against Lundqvist. Not a chance Buffalo or Atlanta finish ahead of them.
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