Pittsburgh Penguins 2014-15 Offseason/Season Thread
 

Well... another #1 preseason ranking and another major disappointment. The absolute first thing we need to do is GET RID OF BYLSMA. He has no control over his players and his coaching technique is absolutely terrible. Every time we have a lead, we go into DB shell mode and give up the lead and lose or nearly lose the game. Never benches his star players when they mess up. I'm just sick of him.

Again, this thread will be like the previous one, the thread to go to whenever anything Penguins related comes up. I look forward to your opinions on this years team and look forward to the draft/next years team.

Also say bye bye to Orpik, Niskanen and Jokinen as well as they are all UFA.

I would like to say bye bye to Fleury as well. I know he was pretty good in the playoffs, but I just don't have any trust in him when the game is on the line. I would take Henrik over Fleury in a heart beat.

But, I'm sure we'll lock up Flower for another 5 years.

[QUOTE=SeanieTheMan;7256267] The absolute first thing we need to do is GET RID OF BYLSMA. [/QUOTE]

yep. and maybe a new GM. this team needs a complete overhaul. Lemieux needs to rebuild this organization.


[QUOTE=solt0131;7256301]Also say bye bye to Orpik, Niskanen and Jokinen as well as they are all UFA.[/QUOTE]

hate to lose Niskanen and Jokinen. would like to see them keep Gibbons around too.

Shero is a genius we need execution from those below him. We need motivation, someone who makes our players use talent instead of thinking just cause they have it they will win. Flower is who I want in net. There is no one available who is better. He won once he can win again. Id like to see nisky, Jussi and stemp back. Cut Orpik loose he is always hurt when we need him. Bennett as much as I like his upside reminds me of Erik Christansen. He can be an asset but also doesnt use his skills right. Maybe a package of a young Dman and young forward and a pick to move up in the draft. I hear Edmonton wants to move the 3 pick.

I like the core but we need those gritty players who complimented them in 09 Hal Gill Billy G, Max.....

I would also like to get at LEAST one enforcer/tough/dirty player on the team. We let other teams push us around and ever since Cooke left the team, we really haven't had a tough guy. I would like to pick up one. Apparently, there is some in the minors though?

[QUOTE=SeanieTheMan;7257803]I would also like to get at LEAST one enforcer/tough/dirty player on the team. We let other teams push us around and ever since Cooke left the team, we really haven't had a tough guy. I would like to pick up one. Apparently, there is some in the minors though?[/QUOTE]

Pierre-Luc Letourneau Leblond... aka PL3. i thought for sure they'd call him up at some point this past season to play the role.

[youtube]ICwh7eBsGDw&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

This thread may get to 20 pages before next season even starts.

They will keep Fleury, I have no doubt about that. Jussi will go, Niskanen will get paid more than he deserves by someone else, and Orpik will veteran anchor some other younger defense.

Dan is toast. It makes me laugh out loud to think how quick he will be gone.

Shero may be toast as well.

We need a winger so badly...

This is interesting - from Rob Rossi in the Trib:

"Ownership is not satisfied with the direction of the franchise and feels Shero specifically tethered himself to Bylsma, who he signed to a two-year extension after the Penguins were swept from the Eastern Conference final last June, the sources said.

That is why the term of Bylsma's deal was made to run concurrent with the final years remaining on Shero's contract, the sources said. If Bylsma were deemed necessary to replace, Shero would be held accountable, the sources said.

Ownership favored firing Bylsma as of Wednesday, the sources said.

Ownership believed Bylsma lost the dressing room this season, specifically the support of franchise centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the sources said.

[B]Players were unhappy with Bylsma's numerous meetings and long practices and the decreasing sense of fun within the Penguins' daily environment[/B], the sources said.

[B]Crosby and Malkin also grew disenchanted with perceived harsh criticism they received from Bylsma during meetings[/B], the sources said.

Also, the sources said, ownership was concerned about the Crosby's body language during the playoffs."

If this is all true, then heaven help this franchise. No coach will be able to fix it. Just like in Lemieux's days, the inmates are running the asylum. Unhappy with "the decreasing sense of fun"??? What is that, an f'ing day care center??? Unhappy with the "perceived harsh criticism they received from Bylsma"??? Are you serious??? THESE ARE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES!!! NO ONE likes to be criticized, but EVERYONE needs it occasionally!!!

from a very good source Orpik tore his ACL and is done for a while regardless he wont be back .....Jussi unless he gets a stupid offer elsewhere will be back .....Sutter is gone,Nisky is gone

no reason, other than his drain on the salary cap, to get rid of Fleury. even with the mistakes he played well enough this post season. though they do need a solid #2 who can step up and be the #1 if needed.

Bylsma and Shero should both be gone soon.

whether it's because Bylsma sucked all the fun out of the game or criticized them too much... though neither of those things seem like a realistic reason. once it's not working, it's just not working.

from an article by Dejan Kovacevic in the Trib:

"There's no intelligent reason the Penguins — the front office, the coaching staff and, yes, Crosby's teammates — should have allowed him to take a fraction of the abuse he did. It was disgraceful..... Blame Shero, mostly.

What happened to this GM's appreciation for tough, even dirty players, filling out his third and fourth lines?"

No Cooke, no Talbot, no Kennedy, etc. They need some of that back. Otherwise, every team in the NHL knows the formula to beating the Pens at this point.

the only good thing about yesterday's disaster is changes are, hopefully, coming to make them better.

I agree the only thing good about this destruction is it'll force much needed changes. I think fleury proved he can stay our #1 goalie. I see tr pens keeping Jonly 1 of the 2 between sutter and jokinen. Niskenen will be back. Orpik and Scuderi will be gone. we need guys like Cooke and Kennedy. I though gibbons played great keep him around. In my opinion we are top heavy, too much high skill. I hate to say it but Neal needs to go. As far as a head coach, I thought maybe tortarella he brings the fire that locker room needs, except if crosby and makin are crying about critisism then that wouldn't work out.

Oh God, anybody but Torts. If the players are getting their feelings hurt by getting criticized, Torts is the LAST coach you need then.

[QUOTE=SeanieTheMan;7261764]Oh God, anybody but Torts. If the players are getting their feelings hurt by getting criticized, Torts is the LAST coach you need then.[/QUOTE]

Haha yeah I agree but if they weren't complaining about that he's got that fire the locker room really needs. And he ain't afraid to bench a player for playing awful like bylsma should have done

[QUOTE=a1breakz;7261780]Haha yeah I agree but if they weren't complaining about that he's got that fire the locker room really needs. And he ain't afraid to bench a player for playing awful like bylsma should have done[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I do like his passion and energy. Although, it's probably not a good sign he's had a few meetings with the NHL top guys already...

Word on the street is that the Pens have inquired to Detroit about Mike Babcock. He has only one year left on his contract. Interesting.

[QUOTE=solt0131;7265372]Word on the street is that the Pens have inquired to Detroit about Mike Babcock. He has only one year left on his contract. Interesting.[/QUOTE]

This could be epic, but it's way too early for me to even dream about.

Now as far as Torts goes, he openly has said he does not like (putting it mildly) a great number of Penguins players both stars and role players. Can we all just agree that all attitude aside, he would poison the locker room? I'm thinking one season here and he will have our team broken, seeking trades, and we will be a sunken ship.

Boy I hate that guy.

Torts sucks.

Bylsma and Shero have both been fired today. Press conference today.

So the coaching staff still has a job (for now) but Shero has been fired.

seems like the right move. it was more important for Shero to go.

What a joke, I always wished the Rangers had Shero, this guy makes awesome trades. And his pucks are always late and are still good.

[QUOTE=solt0131;7272754]Bylsma and Shero have both been fired today. Press conference today.[/QUOTE]

I've only seen an announcement for Shero being fired, where did you see Bylsma getting fired?

[QUOTE=ejs23;7273515]seems like the right move. it was more important for Shero to go.[/QUOTE]

Really? I guess I just don't understand how it is the GM's responsibility to motivate the superstars. What has Bylsma done besides continuously lose in the playoffs? Shero frequently seemed to pull off trades that no one would think possible that absolutely should have improved the team. This team with the massive amount of FA's they have this season has their work cut out for them, and quite frankly firing the guy who has the ability to make it work seems short sighted at best. Guess his big splash of resigning Bylsma for 2 years got him fired.

I can't imagine a situation where Disco Dan is safe here, how does he still have a job...

[QUOTE=jchic87;7274067]Really? I guess I just don't understand how it is the GM's responsibility to motivate the superstars. What has Bylsma done besides continuously lose in the playoffs? Shero frequently seemed to pull off trades that no one would think possible that absolutely should have improved the team. This team with the massive amount of FA's they have this season has their work cut out for them, and quite frankly firing the guy who has the ability to make it work seems short sighted at best. Guess his big splash of resigning Bylsma for 2 years got him fired.[/QUOTE]

Bylsma is only as good as the players that are given to him ....if they don't show up its not his fault ......the third and fourth lines were garbage and a liability ....Bylsma wont make it through with a new GM

Word is, Bylsma is coming back for the final year of his contract and they have no idea who the GM is going to be. Sounds like they really have things together down there.

[QUOTE=jchic87;7274067]Really? I guess I just don't understand how it is the GM's responsibility to motivate the superstars. What has Bylsma done besides continuously lose in the playoffs? Shero frequently seemed to pull off trades that no one would think possible that absolutely should have improved the team. This team with the massive amount of FA's they have this season has their work cut out for them, and quite frankly firing the guy who has the ability to make it work seems short sighted at best. Guess his big splash of resigning Bylsma for 2 years got him fired.[/QUOTE]

it was Shero's responsibility to give Bylsma and his superstars a sustainable roster. he's definitely made some good moves over the years but in between all those he allowed the roster to steadily decline. too much money tied up in too few, and often the wrong, guys.

[QUOTE=solt0131;7274369]Word is, Bylsma is coming back for the final year of his contract and they have no idea who the GM is going to be. Sounds like they really have things together down there.[/QUOTE]

that wouldn't be a complete shocker... assuming things int he locker room aren't as bad as reported.

they have to consider if there's anyone better than Bylsma available. as for Shero, they don't necessarily need to replace him with better... just different.

So Bylsma keeps his job Lol

Shero taking the fall for lack of organization and motivation on the ice. Makes sense. :rolleyes:

Only way out is if the new GM fires him I guess

I'm sorry but didn't shero draft fleury malkin and Crosby? Why should he be canned?

[QUOTE=howethegreat;7275509]I'm sorry but didn't shero draft fleury malkin [B]and Crosby?[/B] Why should he be canned?[/QUOTE]

Was it really that hard of a decision to draft the best player in the world with the #1 overall pick??? :)!

Correction
 

Actually in Shero's first year he drafted Jordan Staal meaning Fleury, Malkin, and Crosby were already with the Penguins.

I heard they are keeping Dan as the Canucks are interested in him and they may get picks for him instead of just firing him.......intriguing.

[QUOTE=jtrsteel15;7294631]Actually in Shero's first year he drafted Jordan Staal meaning Fleury, Malkin, and Crosby were already with the Penguins.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, he picked Staal ahead of Toews.

Jim Rutherford is new GM.
*facepalm*

[QUOTE=SeanieTheMan;7394003]Jim Rutherford is new GM.
*facepalm*[/QUOTE]

such a joke ....dude has been a HORRIBLE Gm for the hurricanes and yet hes an upgrade for us ....

If you are a Penguin fan Id strongly suggest finding a new team for the next year or so ....what a cluster this has turned into

Firing of the head coach is dumb, He is not reason for their troubles, Injuries and just bad play from their stars hurt them. As a Flyer fan I like that move cause IMO it weakens them more than they know.

[QUOTE=Wolves4Life;7394087]Firing of the head coach is dumb, He is not reason for their troubles, Injuries and just bad play from their stars hurt them. As a Flyer fan I like that move cause IMO it weakens them more than they know.[/QUOTE]

Uh... have you watched the Pens the past few years? He was one of the main reasons we haven't won a second Cup. I'm happy with the Bylsma firing. Hopefully we can pick up an coach that can actually discipline his star players.

As for the GM hiring, not as happy with that.

[QUOTE=SeanieTheMan;7394143]Uh... have you watched the Pens the past few years? He was one of the main reasons we haven't won a second Cup. I'm happy with the Bylsma firing. Hopefully we can pick up an coach that can actually discipline his star players.

As for the GM hiring, not as happy with that.[/QUOTE]

The stars on Pens didn't show up that is not coach fault. Players are paid to play and perform and coach can only put his best guys out there, When best don't perform the coach gets blamed.

[QUOTE=Wolves4Life;7394206]The stars on Pens didn't show up that is not coach fault. Players are paid to play and perform and coach can only put his best guys out there, When best don't perform the coach gets blamed.[/QUOTE]

1 Cup in 5 years, he coached half of that season

3 early exits in the last 3 years

Coaching the USA team in the Olympics was more valid proof he sucks.

He lost the room just like MT did.

He couldn't coach when losing in a game and he couldn't coach half the time with the lead.

[QUOTE=HeyFitzy;7394225]

He couldn't coach when losing in a game and he couldn't coach half the time with the lead.[/QUOTE]

i have mixed feelings about this.

the Pens, with him as coach, have been great in the regular season. they finish 1st or 2nd in their division. always make the post season. have put together some impressive streaks. have suffered lots of injuries, including to their biggest stars... but they kept winning. that takes coaching too.

this team has a problem with the post season. the same team that performs well all season just folds. i don't know if that can all be on the coach.

Mike Babcock to be the next Pens head coach?

[url=http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nhl/3749/mike-babcock]Mike Babcock - Detroit Red Wings - 2014 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com[/url]

Very interesting.....

[QUOTE=solt0131;7398467]Mike Babcock to be the next Pens head coach?

[url=http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nhl/3749/mike-babcock]Mike Babcock - Detroit Red Wings - 2014 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com[/url]

Very interesting.....[/QUOTE]

They also say Rutherford is just going to stay for one year. I would like Babcock as manager though.

Rutherford said yesterday he will be here 2-3 years ......

I didn't like the Rutherford hiring either for the Pens. He did get that Cup in 2006, but Carolina has been a floundering ship for quite some time since that. He just refused to believe that Cam Ward wasn't the goaltender they saw in those play-offs. I would be interested to see who the next head coach will be. It certainly did seem from an outsider's point of view, that he lost that team, and most importantly, their star players. I would think a Mike Babcock union with the team would be an amazing fit.

[url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/mike-johnston-is-next-head-coach-of-pittsburgh-penguins-142517010.html]Y! SPORTS[/url] --- Mike Johnston is next head coach of Pittsburgh Penguins

And Tocchet will be the assistant......hmmm......

ejs23, you wil be in charge of letting the rest of the boards know which Pens games Tocchet doubles down on.....PMs work best.

If only I had that kind of in. 2 years ago the Pens were a good bet most of the season... last year, not so much. Hopefully he'll make sure they cover the puck line more often.

And hopefully Tocchet can inject a little grit into this team. They need a player like him on the ice as well though.

From Eklund on Hockeybuzz;

*The Penguins are working on something big, and it could be the movement of Marc-Andre Fleury to a Western Conference final 8 team..more on that to come.

[QUOTE=Rinkwraith;7509935]From Eklund on Hockeybuzz;

*The Penguins are working on something big, and it could be the movement of Marc-Andre Fleury to a Western Conference final 8 team..more on that to come.[/QUOTE]

Wild and crazy rumor. Will never happen. Fleury isn't going anywhere.

[QUOTE=solt0131;7511608]Wild and crazy rumor. Will never happen. Fleury isn't going anywhere.[/QUOTE]

Then who would be our goalie? Zatkoff?

Vokoun and Zatkoff. But with Vokoun's age and health I can't see it unless they believe Zatkoff is the future.

[QUOTE=Rinkwraith;7509935]From Eklund on Hockeybuzz;

*The Penguins are working on something big, and it could be the movement of Marc-Andre Fleury to a Western Conference final 8 team..more on that to come.[/QUOTE]

I stopped going to Eklund's site. His "predictions" are so far-fetched! He couldn't predict the winner of a one horse race!

James Neal to the Predators for Hornqvist, Spaling

Discuss.

[QUOTE=Rinkwraith;7520803]James Neal to the Predators for Hornqvist, Spaling

Discuss.[/QUOTE]

I'm not going to pretend like I'm an expert on hockey and complain about this trade. So, was it a smart or a dumb move?

i don't know what to think about this one.

even if it was decided that they had to part ways with Neal, is this really the best they could get for him?

even if Spaling improves the 3rd or 4th line, is a downgrade on the 2nd line a good way to achieve that?

all the talk about needing to get better, and tougher, forwards... doesn't seem they accomplished that here.

hopefully i'm wrong, but so far i'm not inspired.

[QUOTE=Rinkwraith;7520803]James Neal to the Predators for Hornqvist, Spaling

Discuss.[/QUOTE]

I really like the trade myself. I liked Neal but it was time for a change. Spaling will be a really nice addition to the 3rd line. Hornqvist will definitely see a bump in production now.....similar to Dupuis.

Trade was garbage ....we don't save any Salary...Spaling is a RFA no guarantee we even sign him ....for a team trying to get tougher and grittier we did the opposite

As a Preds fan, I'm happy we picked up a guy who should lead our team in scoring with Neal. On the other hand, I never expected Hornqvist to go. He is one of the nicest guys in the game and plays 110% every single play. Hornqvist could very easily score 30+ every year with someone like Malkin on his line. He was basically the heart of the Predators and works the goal with the best of them. Great PP presence in front of the net. I don't see much drop off, if any, in the production you were getting from Neal. You're going to love him there!

With Spaling you get versatility. He is a natural center but can play either wing with ease. He has always been a decent penalty killer & even found PP time this past year. Spaling probably won't ever score 20, but he can fill in at any position, lines 2-4. It's a nice commodity to have.

Again, congrats on Hornqvist. You're going to love his attitude and his hard work. I hope he thrives in Pittsburgh and gets a Cup or two! [url=http://youtu.be/iTQ_K7krxKY]Patric Hornqvist Dives to Stop Goal 4/6/13 - YouTube[/url]

[QUOTE=stryke3_mb;7522603]As a Preds fan, I'm happy we picked up a guy who should lead our team in scoring with Neal. On the other hand, I never expected Hornqvist to go. He is one of the nicest guys in the game and plays 110% every single play. Hornqvist could very easily score 30+ every year with someone like Malkin on his line. He was basically the heart of the Predators and works the goal with the best of them. Great PP presence in front of the net. I don't see much drop off, if any, in the production you were getting from Neal. You're going to love him there!

With Spaling you get versatility. He is a natural center but can play either wing with ease. He has always been a decent penalty killer & even found PP time this past year. Spaling probably won't ever score 20, but he can fill in at any position, lines 2-4. It's a nice commodity to have.

Again, congrats on Hornqvist. You're going to love his attitude and his hard work. I hope he thrives in Pittsburgh and gets a Cup or two! [url=http://youtu.be/iTQ_K7krxKY]Patric Hornqvist Dives to Stop Goal 4/6/13 - YouTube[/url][/QUOTE]

Tks for the post didn't know much about him

What you described is exactly what the Pens need

I think this was Mario's call. He said he would be making character changes and this is likely it. I loved Neal but his actions on the ice have been questionable a lot the last 2 years. Mario hates that crap.

Gain; Ehrhoff

Loss; Jussi Jokinen; Orpik

Can why piss away money on ehrhoff instead of trying to resign NISKY or let the young talent come up. They make a mistake by not keeping jussi

[QUOTE=a1breakz;7539439]Can why piss away money on ehrhoff instead of trying to resign NISKY or let the young talent come up. They make a mistake by not keeping jussi[/QUOTE]

Jussi priced himself out of the market at 4 mill a year

[QUOTE=a1breakz;7539439]Can why piss away money on ehrhoff instead of trying to resign NISKY or let the young talent come up. They make a mistake by not keeping jussi[/QUOTE]

Piss away money on Ehroff? Are you insane? That was the steal of free agency.

As a Craps fan, happy to get a class act stay at home defensemen like Orpik on-board

Too funny. Niskanen to Washington. 7 years/$40.25 million.

[QUOTE=solt0131;7540014]Piss away money on Ehroff? Are you insane? That was the steal of free agency.[/QUOTE]

Our D is just fine. We need wingers. And well just how big of a steal it was but I think it won't be. Hope I'm wrong

Acquisitions so far - Christian Ehrhoff, Taylor Chorney, Blake Comeau, Thomas Greiss

Lost - Jokinen, Glass, Vitale, Orpik, Niskanen, Engelland

Not sure why we had to spend a million on Greiss when Zatkoff was perfectly fine as the backup goalie...

“I’m not sure we have to get a top-six forward at this time,” Rutherford said. “We don’t necessarily have to have our team all set for a playoff run in September. If something comes along and we can figure it out, cap-wise, we’ll take a look at it, but I’m not going to get anxious about it at this point.”


yeah... no reason to worry about little things like your top 6 forwards. let's just blow up our 2nd line, sit back and see what happens. i mean, Dupuis and Bennett are both coming off surgery... so nothing to worry about there.

so we lost Jokinen and Neal... at least we retained Goc. we'll barely miss those 2 putting up 60 points each as long as Goc is giving us 15 points this year.

Welcome Steve Downie.

One if the more questionable signings but I'll give him a chance, funny how 4 yrs ago this happened:

[url=http://youtu.be/SHeh3tyUL10]Steve Downie's Cheap Shot On Sidney Crosby (3-14-2010) - YouTube[/url]

Can't believe he was a 1st round pick. May be he can go back to his scoring ways he used to have with the Lightning before he turned into a douche

I can't get over the fact that Niskanen and Jokinen are gone!

Ironically enough, Downie's job is now to protect Crosby.