Game Thread: Penguins GDT/GNT's week 7 (Nov 17 - Nov 23)

[evolver115]

How are both Spaling and Comeau ahead of Bennett for top six minutes? Are they still just waiting on Bennett to get his timing and conditioning back up before they put him up there? Or do they just really like how he plays with Sutter (they do, admittedly, often look pretty good together)?

I heard an interview with Bennett from the other week and he spoke about how much he likes skating with Sutter and Downie. Saying that they had good chemistry in the pre-season, and that the team needs that spark from the 3rd line.

I actually agree with that. The team needs the third line to really step up this season. Teams are spending such an effort to contain Sid and Geno's lines, so it makes sense to expect that third line to get out there and make a difference because they likely are going against bottom pairing d-men.

 

[Darkstone42]

I heard an interview with Bennett from the other week and he spoke about how much he likes skating with Sutter and Downie. Saying that they had good chemistry in the pre-season, and that the team needs that spark from the 3rd line.

I actually agree with that. The team needs the third line to really step up this season. Teams are spending such an effort to contain Sid and Geno's lines, so it makes sense to expect that third line to get out there and make a difference because they likely are going against bottom pairing d-men.

Yeah, that's a good point. Even so, with Sid and Kunitz not filling the net right now like they had been, and Dupuis going down, I would definitely consider putting Bennett on that line to spark them a bit.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Yeah, that's a good point. Even so, with Sid and Kunitz not filling the net right now like they had been, and Dupuis going down, I would definitely consider putting Bennett on that line to spark them a bit.

Would give them a right handed shooter to work with.

 

[evolver115]

Yeah, that's a good point. Even so, with Sid and Kunitz not filling the net right now like they had been, and Dupuis going down, I would definitely consider putting Bennett on that line to spark them a bit.

There is something to be said about a right-handed stick on a line with Crosby. Hornqvist lit it up to start the season as Sid fed him pass after pass near the blue paint. But, Bennett also comes with the caveat that he isn't a shoot first type. The more I've watched him in limited time the past couple seasons shows me that Bennett is looking to pass more than he's looking to shoot.

If MJ makes that change and puts Bennett on the top line with Sid and Kunitz, I really hope he stops passing up chances to shoot the puck.

 

[Darkstone42]

Well, Comeau's a righty, so we'll see how that goes, I guess.

 

[element1286]

Think Bennett is more of a natural passer, but he has mega hockey sense, I don't see why he couldn't change his game some.

Either way, I think he works better with Malkin. I'd like to see.

Dupuis - Sid - Hornqvist
Kunitz - Malkin - Bennett

 

[Darkstone42]

Think Bennett is more of a natural passer, but he has mega hockey sense, I don't see why he couldn't change his game some.

Either way, I think he works better with Malkin. I'd like to see.

Dupuis - Sid - Hornqvist
Kunitz - Malkin - Bennett

That's what I'd like to see, too. Sid needs a trigger man and a worker on his line. That's when he's been at his best. Malkin needs a net-front guy and someone with a little patience to keep his pace in check. Every time Bennett has been on Malkin's line, he's looked good, and we've seen Kunitz succeed with Malkin in the past. Hornqvist and Sid were automatic together, and Dupuis elevates his play on Sid's wing.

 

[scoutyjones2]

Don't worry, give it a few games...Bennett will go on the DL again

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Looks like Maatta is back

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Bennett
1-0 Pens!

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Downie
2-0 Pens!

 

[Darkstone42]

I guess those guys do have chemistry!

And Bennett almost got another one. Price robbed him.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

I guess those guys do have chemistry!

And Bennett almost got another one. Price robbed him.

Yeah, he looks really good tonight.

 

[Darkstone42]

Great pass by Bennett, great shot by Sutter, 3-0 Pens!

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Sutter
3-0 Pens!

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Great pass by Bennett, great shot by Sutter, 3-0 Pens!

3rd line is putting on a clinic tonight!

 

[Darkstone42]

That close for Sid. Good, hard quick one-timer from the slot, squeaked through Price, but ticked off the post.

 

[Darkstone42]

There he got one. 4-0 Pens!

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

SID
4-0 Pens!

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

There he got one. 4-0 Pens!

Glad he got 1 tonight, the dry spell was worrying me.