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@Penguins de Pittsburgh
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6 Comments
Shocked to see Rakell rated higher than Rust. Rakell had a pretty bad season last year, but 60 points in '23. Rust was nearly a point a game player in 22' and 24' while having a slight dip in production in 23' (which makes sense since Rakell popped off the year Rust's numbers dipped).
I think pettersson is more of a b plus player. Not gonna give you a lot of points but is the defensive defenseman on the team. He was good playing with letang or karlsson last season. The only one who did play well with karlsson. Jarry and ned pretty much had the same goals against averages and save percentages. I think he was more of a b plus last season. Jmo. Other then them to I agree with you on every other player. I probably would have had rust and rakell's grade flip flopped as well
I think overall I would agree with a lot of this even them being ranked 14th in your series. On paper that seems like where they should be and then if they figure the pp out i can see them moving up 2-3 spots standings wise and if not falling 2-3 and out of a playoff spot like last year. I agree the guentzel loss is a tough one to replace, though we did see a large sample of them without guentzel between him being hurt for about 6 weeks prior to being traded so theyve gotten to work on life without Jake already. Even with him the pp couldn't find consistency. If Crosby, Malkin, Karlsson, and whichever 2 out Rust, Bunting, and Rakell actually act like at minimum a league average pp the penguins will be in a much better spot than the past two years. Dan Quinn certainly stepped right into a hot seat job, but if he can fix their mental block I think Geno will be able to contribute back toward a point per game that plus continued chemistry with Rakell and Bunting from last year could help. Malkin had to try and do too much with anchors as wingers for much of last year and it just isn't fair or realistic to expect him to superman that line all year. I am definitely much happier with the bottom 6 forward options, I had some optomism last year and outside of eller that didn't really work out. But now this year I think this are much more the moves they needed. McGroarty being a high potential ceiling wild card is also excting and might be all the catalyst theyll need behind an improved pp to keep their top 6 productive all season long. As a final toast heres to the pens good health as well and great breakdown.
As a pens fan i'd so our biggest concern is who is going to be that final top 6 winger – whether it be McGroarty, DOC, or someone external. I'm not worried about Geno.. as long as he's healthy he's a great 'robin' to sidney crosby. Rakell/Geno/Bunting as a trio last year was fantastic. We just need to solidify Sid's other winger.
Jack St Ivany getting a D has to just be because lack of experience because down the stretch last year he was a fantastic 3rd pair Dman.
Dogfight in the East for sure – but the Penguins will not be in it. Crosby, Malkin. Karlsson and Letang are another year older on the downside of their careers. Even superstars can't fight time.