Pens v. Devs GNT

[pixburgher66]

I don't know how you justify that. If the Pens didn't have 30% of their roster tied up in two players, that could easily be distributed among 3, maybe 4 above average scoring wingers.

But, if you subtract Malkin and Crosby, and replace them with 3 or 4 25+ goal scoring wingers, is that going to make them a more dangerous Stanley Cup contender?That was the ORIGINAL debate. A flyer fan opined that the Pens weakness is scoring depth, and I argued that their weakness was quality defensemen, which has been addressed.

The scoring depth the Pens currently have will be more than sufficient in the playoffs. It has been the past three years, two of which were SCF appearances.

Their weakness was addressed in the offseason with the additions of Z and Martin. Plus, they've also gotten a greater contribution from Engelland, Tanger and Goligoski.

I agree with a big part of what you're saying, however our scoring depth isn't the same this season as it was in our 2 SCF appearances. In 2008 we had the best team in franchise history IMO. Seriously. Go back and look at that roster. RIDICULOUS players on that team. Of course that wasn't enough, but if that team were reassembled (impossible with the salaries of course) I'd be hard pressed to see a better team in the league. I digress though...if you look at the 2009 roster, there was STILL more scoring depth on the wings. Billy G was playing like he was 25, Fedetenko was playing like he belonged in the NHL, Sykora was...well, there for Geno (they always had good chemistry), and heck Satan was even playing like he belonged! Those names, while not star powered, were what provided depth. The current roster doesn't have those as of now...guys still have time to step up and assume the scoring role, but as of now, the team has been carried by Sid (although Koon is having a great season).

 

[evolver115]

If your entire scoring depth is two players, then thats not depth

when two of the players that are missing from the roster are the leader in goals scored and assists, plus a player who is 3rd in goals and assists, no amount of scoring depth is going to replace that kind of productivity.

 

[evolver115]

I agree with a big part of what you're saying, however our scoring depth isn't the same this season as it was in our 2 SCF appearances. In 2008 we had the best team in franchise history IMO. Seriously. Go back and look at that roster. RIDICULOUS players on that team. Of course that wasn't enough, but if that team were reassembled (impossible with the salaries of course) I'd be hard pressed to see a better team in the league. I digress though...if you look at the 2009 roster, there was STILL more scoring depth on the wings. Billy G was playing like he was 25, Fedetenko was playing like he belonged in the NHL, Sykora was...well, there for Geno (they always had good chemistry), and heck Satan was even playing like he belonged! Those names, while not star powered, were what provided depth. The current roster doesn't have those as of now...guys still have time to step up and assume the scoring role, but as of now, the team has been carried by Sid (although Koon is having a great season).

Those are the breaks of balancing a roster in the salary cap era. The strength of the roster is built down the middle, and through the defense. Just as it was during the Cup run. The power of the team was in its centers, and defensemen.

 

[pixburgher66]

I think you all are trying to prove two separate arguments. Yes, losing two players that take up that amount of the payroll and that are of the talents of Sid/Geno is tough, and you can NEVER replace that production to a T, however, evolver, you're kidding yourself if you think the Pens HAVE good depth.

 

[TiLoBrown]

Like I said its not very deep in terms of depth. Take us for example, Parise went down and since Lermaire came back others have stepped up, people not named Kovy, yet people never say the Devils have depth. But we can agree to disagree on this point.

 

[pixburgher66]

I think some of this falls on what your definition of depth is. To me, it's this: your production beyond your star players and down through the roster. The Pens have gotten major production from Sid/Geno, and significant production from others of late (Staal, Koon, LeTang, Fleury, etc.), but from a purely offensive standpoint, not quite enough.

 

[evolver115]

I think you all are trying to prove two separate arguments. Yes, losing two players that take up that amount of the payroll and that are of the talents of Sid/Geno is tough, and you can NEVER replace that production to a T, however, evolver, you're kidding yourself if you think the Pens HAVE good depth.

Four players sit at 9 goals with 48 games played. Suffice it to say, those four will be around 15 goals each, by seasons end.

Two more players sit at 7 goals, apiece. They will likely be around 12 goals by seasons end.

That's 84 goals among six players, two of which are defensemen.

They have scoring depth where they need it. Winning in the playoffs is more dependent upon defense and the play of your goal-tender. I like the Pens chances in April/May/June with what they have currently on their roster.

 

[pixburgher66]

Four players sit at 9 goals with 48 games played. Suffice it to say, those four will be around 15 goals each, by seasons end.

Two more players sit at 7 goals, apiece. They will likely be around 12 goals by seasons end.

That's 84 goals among six players, two of which are defensemen.

They have scoring depth where they need it. Winning in the playoffs is more dependent upon defense and the play of your goal-tender. I like the Pens chances in April/May/June with what they have currently on their roster.

Oh, I agree from that point. That wasn't the point of my arguement at all, I was just saying that I understand Flyers fan's opinion that we don't have depth up front, because even though that many players have so many goals, how many do you think involved Sid or Geno somehow. Even if Sid/Geno didn't get a point on the goal, the presence of either one of them on the ice takes some of the attention of the defending side, and even if they weren't on the shift, if they're in the game then they take the top defenders on their shift, etc.