Game Thread: Rangers @ Penguins

[Jims_Doors]

Isn't Neal playing with Sid tonight?

It looks to be that way. Here's the lines from practice this morning. Engo looks to be a healthy scratch.

Kunitz-Sid-Neil
Jokinen-Sutter-Gibbons
Pyatt-Vitale-Adams
Glass-Sill-Kobasew

Orpik -Despres
Scuds-Bortuzzo
Nisky-Matta

I feel bad for Vitale. His wingers have a combined ZERO goals in their last 60gms.

Pittsburgh has no business winning this game tonight...none. But I'll still watch...

 

[BF4L]

Is it on the ever popular "(Marginal) RIVALRY NIGHT"?!

Not on for me. Was hoping but Friday night usually I dont see any hockey unless it is the Bruins. Could be a good game and I am bored out of my mind with all the snow and sub zero temps.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

It looks to be that way. Here's the lines from practice this morning. Engo looks to be a healthy scratch.

Kunitz-Sid-Neil
Jokinen-Sutter-Gibbons
Pyatt-Vitale-Adams
Glass-Sill-Kobasew

Orpik -Despres
Scuds-Bortuzzo
Nisky-Matta

I feel bad for Vitale. His wingers have a combined ZERO goals in their last 60gms.

Pittsburgh has no business winning this game tonight...none. But I'll still watch...

I think we could sneak one out with that lineup (knocks on wood).

 

[pixburgher66]

Engo was working as a forward this morning, fyi.

 

[pixburgher66]

I really like those defensive pairs btw.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

I really like those defensive pairs btw.

Yeah, really like our defensive potential with Scuds & Orpik in the lineup (and with Tang out ).

 

[pixburgher66]

Yeah, really like our defensive potential with Scuds & Orpik in the lineup (and with Tang out ).

When Martin is back, it's hard not to look at our defense and think "wow, we really don't need Letang". That's not me saying he doesn't have value. He's good, really he is. But the Pens don't NEED him, and certainly don't need that contract starting next year. *sigh*

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

When Martin is back, it's hard not to look at our defense and think "wow, we really don't need Letang". That's not me saying he doesn't have value. He's good, really he is. But the Pens don't NEED him, and certainly don't need that contract starting next year. *sigh*

Yeah, whenever I see Martin, Maatta, Despres, and with the potential of Pouliot (maybe even Harrington) I think we would've been better off trading him than signing him to a contract like that. I really liked Tang until he signed that contract. Now I'm very blah about him.

 

[Jims_Doors]

Engo was working as a forward this morning, fyi.

Yeah...I saw a little later after I posted that Chuck was out, Engo in.

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

Almost puck drop time!

 

[Darkstone42]

I really like those defensive pairs btw.

That's how I would do it, I think, with the current situation.

Deciding what to do when everyone's healthy is a little more challenging. We'll need to try to deal someone, I think. I would like it to be Letang because of the contract and the potential return. I fear it may be Niskanen, although that could prove to be a good sell-high move.

 

[Jims_Doors]

When Martin is back, it's hard not to look at our defense and think "wow, we really don't need Letang". That's not me saying he doesn't have value. He's good, really he is. But the Pens don't NEED him, and certainly don't need that contract starting next year. *sigh*

The contract isn't great, but he's still only 26yrs old (27 seasons end)

Pens need Letang considering at seasons end Martin, Orpik and Scuds will all be North of 32yrs old. Plus Engelland will be 32 and will get no better anytime soon. He's basically the Pens grit and barely brings anything else to the table.

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

You guys want me to update this with the official GDT I did in the Ranger forum?

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Can the Pens escape the Rangers with a point or 2?

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

Let's hope not! Let's Go Rangers!!!

 

[Darkstone42]

Good chance for Bortuzzo right off the bat.

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

Good chance for Bortuzzo right off the bat.

Hank loves heading it away, i hate it.

 

[Darkstone42]

Two good chance for the Penguins, one for the Rangers so far. Gibbons got a good shot off, and Hagelin had a crossing deflected just before it got to him.

 

[Darkstone42]

Lot of feeling out going on so far in this game, it seems.

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

Girardi has looked significantly better over the last 10 games. about time.