Comments on: Plug ‘N’ Play Penguins Too Predictable?

By: Rick Buker

Rick Buker — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 23:25:05 +0000

You make a lot of good “points” (no pun intended). A friend of mine who played high school and college hockey claimed the Pens would’ve beaten the Flyers last spring if they’d stuck with Bylsma’s system, instead of half the team playing one way and half playing another way.

Still, I have issues with the Pens’ attack-first style. When they’re forced to play in their own zone for any length of time they struggle, although they’ve looked better lately (the defense is more balanced with Robert Bortuzzo in the mix).

I definitely have issues with their lack of size up front. With all the skating, cycling, and digging in the corners that’s required, Bylsma’s system is physically demanding. Even the best conditioned 5’11” 195-pounder is going to wear down after a while if he goes up against a steady diet of bigger, stronger foes.

Call me old-fashioned (which I am), but I think a couple of 215-pounders (who can play some) would greatly enhance the Pens’ chances over a long playoff run, even if they aren’t going to win any speed-skating competitions …

By: 55 on point

55 on point — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:29:50 +0000

Regarding the plug and play reference, it reminds me of a Johnny Unitas interview I watched years ago in which he said, “If you go out on the field and execute your game plan as you designed it and practiced it, you could tell the other team what you were going to do and still be successful.” Of course I paraphrase, but that was the gist of it. I think that’s probably true. Who am I to debate Unitas? When the Pens play the system like they care and are interested, it works. New Jersey has been predictable for a long time. You can’t argue with their record as one of the more successful franchises in the league during that period. They play their “system,” and do it better than most on a consistent basis. Well, except for Kovalchuk! And, I don’t think it’s a coaching thing. It’s a player thing.

By: Rick Buker

Rick Buker — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:24:54 +0000

Hello Brian.

I agree that with the compressed 48-game schedule, there’s more pressure on Dan Bylsma and coaches throughout the league to push the right buttons. Teams can ill-afford to go on prolonged losing streaks when the season is essentially a sprint to the finish line.

Regarding the decision on whether to play Crosby and Malkin on the same line or split them up, you touched on an interesting issue. As good as the Pens’ top-end talent is (Sid, Geno, Neal), the team is still a bit thin on wing. That’s why they picked up Zach Boychuk. As a former No. 1 pick, they’re hoping he might have the skill, speed, and instincts to mesh with Sid or Geno.

If Boychuk doesn’t pan out, I wouldn’t mind seeing Brandon Sutter get some ice time on the top lines. I think he’s got some underrated offensive skills that are being wasted on the third line …

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 06:05:05 +0000

Watching the penguins play in the shortened 2013 season, coach bylsma has the toughest job in the NHL, by deciding should I put Crosby and Malkin on the ice at the same time on this shift, or should I try to mix it up by putting Malkin and Crosby on the ice at the same time on this shift? Hmmmmm…what should i do?

It is incredibly stressful to make those kind of decisions in this shortened 2013 post lockout season, what are your thoughts, don’t you agree?