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[element1286]

I thought Agnew did his job the best of all the coaches, and Tocchet to me was more of a problem than Johnston. And Johnston was also running a very Martin system this year after having a much more open one last season. I think 2014-15 Johnston's system would have been great with the addition of Kessel, but that's not what we're doing anymore.

Do we even have enough info to tell who was/wasn't doing a good job?

There were rumors that Johnston took over the pp from Tocchet and Agnew made all the lineup decisions on defense. Colors my opinion of both if true. And now I heard that Martin was the architect of the 'system' they were running.

I think the only person we can unequivocally say is doing a good job is Mike Bales.

It's just a weird situation.

 

[Darkstone42]

Do we even have enough info to tell who was/wasn't doing a good job?

There were rumors that Johnston took over the pp from Tocchet and Agnew made all the lineup decisions on defense. Colors my opinion of both if true. And now I heard that Martin was the architect of the 'system' they were running.

I think the only person we can unequivocally say is doing a good job is Mike Bales.

It's just a weird situation.

If they like Sullivan this year, they have to give him freedom to choose his own staff next year.

I wonder if this happened with Bylsma, too. Though Rutherford does seem to have a bit more of a hands-on style than Shero, really likes to fiddle with things, so maybe not.

 

[element1286]

Also, think it's time to start talking about the Rutherford exit strategy. This organization needs a new philosophy and new ideas. I don't think Rutherford has done a terrible job, but he was here because the team wanted to win now, they aren't really a contender anymore.

Major changes are needed in the FO, and a new plan needs to be implemented. You can rebuild in hockey fairly quickly. Just stop trading away assets to get mediocre veterans for band aid solutions.

 

[element1286]

If they like Sullivan this year, they have to give him freedom to choose his own staff next year.

I wonder if this happened with Bylsma, too. Though Rutherford does seem to have a bit more of a hands-on style than Shero, really likes to fiddle with things, so maybe not.

Yeah a few assistants stayed around after MT was fired that first year. Maybe Tocchet and Martin are continuity stays, it's hard to completely blow up a staff overnight. But agreed if they are really all in on Sullivan, and considering he got a three year deal off the bat they seem to be. He should be able to pick his staff in the offseason.

 

[Darkstone42]

Also, think it's time to start talking about the Rutherford exit strategy. This organization needs a new philosophy and new ideas. I don't think Rutherford has done a terrible job, but he was here because the team wanted to win now, they aren't really a contender anymore.

Major changes are needed in the FO, and a new plan needs to be implemented. You can rebuild in hockey fairly quickly. Just stop trading away assets to get mediocre veterans for band aid solutions.

I mostly like how he's handled the roster. I really like the group of forwards, and the defense starts to look good if Pouliot comes up and finds his game. They just need to get everyone on the same page.

 

[element1286]

I'll feel better with his performance when he brings Poliuot up and doesn't trade away any assets at the deadline.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Also, think it's time to start talking about the Rutherford exit strategy. This organization needs a new philosophy and new ideas. I don't think Rutherford has done a terrible job, but he was here because the team wanted to win now, they aren't really a contender anymore.

Major changes are needed in the FO, and a new plan needs to be implemented. You can rebuild in hockey fairly quickly. Just stop trading away assets to get mediocre veterans for band aid solutions.

Rutherford needs to go.

 

[thedddd]

Penguins' 1st practice under Sullivan shows difference in coaching styles

Now I haven't seen the video or if one exists but from the context of Crosby's quote doesn't sound too warm and fuzzy (3/4th from last paragraph).
On the other hand Sullivan's quote at the end of the article is the biggest "no S**T" quote ever.

 

[evolver115]

I will be interested to see, maybe after Sullivan has coached a couple of games with the current group, if he asks for promotions and moves for some of his old players in Wilkes-Barre, and to move some current players off the roster.

You can't argue about Sullivan's short, but successful run with the AHL Pens. Best record in the division and second best record in the league at 19-5. He quickly established himself with a group there that was left largely intact from the previous season, and they thrived. And if you read scouting websites, the Pens minor league team is supposedly seen as weak from both an offensive and defensive standpoint. Yet, they've scored the 3rd most goals and given up the 3rd fewest in the AHL through a third of the season.

 

[thedddd]

The game tonight will be very interesting. Usually the first game under a new coach the players come out flying and play a good motivated game.
If they come out flat and seem dis-interested then we know it is a player leadership issue. If they come out strong and play hard (knowing mistakes will happen) in a while we should know Johnston lost the players prior to his firing.

 

[I_Shall_Return]

Good luck guys with your new coach. Maybe the shake up will cause some winning! I don't know what it will take for the Bolts having a worse record and still keeping the same boring game plan but I hope your new system makes you Guin fans proud! Raise the roof and help them out!

 

[Darkstone42]

So many shots, just one goal. And they've missed the net on a few really good looks. Everything's there but the finish.

 

[Darkstone42]

Scuderi has been traded to Chicago for Trevor Daley.

 

[thedddd]

^ I am shocked there was a taker for Scuderi.

 

[thedddd]

Shame that last goal was on Fleury after keeping the Penguins in it all game prior to this.

 

[Darkstone42]

Daley has some offensive skill, scored 16 goals last year in Dallas. Pittsburgh will retain 1/3 of Scuderi's salary, but this is a clear upgrade on the blue line. Daley should play top 4 minutes.

 

[thedddd]

I am really shocked how JR was able to pull that one off? Chicago must see something that Scuderi could do in their system.

 

[thedddd]

Starting to wonder if Hornqvist might be on the move at some point? Whatever was there just isn't clicking this year and not sure if he doesn't need a change?

Tonight they had their chances, but like a broken record, the opponents goalie came up huge.

 

[element1286]

I think Chicago just wanted salary relief. I think both teams got what they wanted, Pens a better player, Blackhawks more cap space to make additions.

 

[element1286]

I do like that Daley is a LH shot to, so he could conceivably QB the top pp, and the Pens can use the umbrella a bit more effectively.