The guests continue to roll in as we are now in the late stages of summer. Joining Wednesday’s edition of the show is Matt Gajtka, formerly of DK Pittsburgh Sports, and they first discuss which Penguin players are under the most pressure heading into the season. They look at a player like Jeff Petry, who didn’t perform up to expectations this season, along with Bryan Rust, before Matt brings up an obvious candidate in Sidney Crosby as he tries to defy time. They also look at Mike Sullivan and how he’s under pressure to adjust before moving on to realistic expectations for Reilly Smith heading into this season. What sort of production should fans expect out of him? Is he going to get the team a few extra points due to his elite play on the PK? How different of a scorer is he, compared to Jason Zucker? The two jump into that before ending the show on a fun “What If?” note regarding what would’ve happened if the Penguins had drafted Patrice Bergeron in the 2003 NHL Draft? The two go into all kinds of scenarios, especially about future lotteries, before looking back at how great of a career Bergeron had. All that, plus much more, is on this episode of the Locked On Penguins podcast.
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9 Comments
Depending on what happens with what the roster looks like come training camp, you might have to move Rust around a bit if he continues to struggle. Even though he didn't put up the numbers, Nylander looked pretty good on the Malkin line last season. Maybe if Rust continues to struggle, he needs to get sent down to 3rd line and focus on his defensive upsides and providing depth scoring for the team. That said though, that is a pretty expensive contract for a 3rd liner and he might have to be moved like Hunter said if he can't put it back together this season.
I feel like having a really solid 3rd line has been one of the keys to success in the b2b cups with that HBK line, so maybe putting Rust down there if he is struggling might ignite the bottom lines and he also does fit the defense-first style that Sully has concocted for the bottom 6 that Dubas signed for next season.
Absolutely loved this show. I loved how much detail you guys went into on this. Definitely one of my favorite shows so far!
Great Show Hunter! I love all the content you've been producing even in the off season!
I have so much beef with Mike Sullivan: Evan Rodriguez was first line center for our team when Crosby and Malkin and Bryan Rust were out, and he put up point per game numbers! But, as soon as Rusty came back, Evan Rodriguez was demoted and production fell off. YET, Dominic Simone underachieved for YEARS on Crosby's first line.
I don't hate Mike Sullivan. But maybe he needs some time in the minor league to sharpen his coaching skills. Evaluate and familiarize up and coming talent.
I think Dubas has pressure because if he doesn't succeed this year the Penguins are basically done with this core and he won't be able to take a run at the cup for a long time. I don't think he'll be fired or anything but his overall reputation will take a big hit if this year goes poorly.
My concern is the Penguins don't have a net front presence. How are they going to score on NHL goalies with out anyone infront of the net? They need to get a player who is effective infront of the net….not sure how the Penguins will make the playoffs
Petry was on a major decline in his last year and a half in Montreal. This is who he is at this stage of his career and will only get worse. Matheson played great for Montreal this past season. Terrible trade.
Jarry is probably the most important player.
Thoughts on Kiril Marchenko? Under 1 million cap hit 22 year old, bring some youth, 20 goal scorer (29 goal pace last year), 6’3 Russian that Geno can mentor, maybe Smith can play 3rd line. It would be a hall though or Columbus isn’t interested in trading him