Tuesday 12 Qs: Sid, J-Hay, Jarvis, Blake, Elias

Is Sidney Crosby turned into a middling finesse player? The Pens have way too many of those.

When healthy, what is your ideal penguins lineup?

What do the steelers need to advance further in the playoffs? Realistic?

Has Brandon Sutter been somewhat disappointing to you this year? After his surge at the end of last season and into the playoffs, I was expecting more offense from him than 10 goals and 18 points through 48 games. Or are these totals about what should be expected for his role as a two-way shutdown center?

I realize this may be an unpopular opinion....but at what point does Crosby start getting a share of the blame for the past five years worth of playoff letdowns? Coaches coach and players play the game but the guy who wears the C is a peer leader, the voice in the locker room who leads by example. Letting a team sink to the level of the Flyers, rolling over for the Bruins, losing after being up 3-1...yet when they were healthy he had his hand picked guys on the wing and they still dropped series after series. Fine, blow up the coaching staff and now the team is in yet another funk. It is body language and attitude. This team gets up for one game and forgets to lace up the skates the next. Shouldn't the best player in the world elevate his teammates to at least a level of consistency?

I'm not advocating pulling the C, and yes, it is easier replacing bottom six guys and coaches than a once in a generation player, but where are the results to match his leadership and talent?

Since you're not a "fan" of the teams you cover, can you ask Mike Tomlin why the media refuses to inform us what return the Penguins could get for Malkin and what impact that would have on Nutting's profits and the ability to finance a stadium for Pitt?

Curious if there are some venues or teams that treat you differently now that you are independent.

At the start of the year HCMJ said that everything he would be doing would be aimed at preparation for the playoffs, or something to that effect. Have you noticed any day to day or in game decisions/tactics where it is clear to you that it is about the long term goal and not about the 2 points that are on the line?

Does the lack of success at the collegiate level by Khem Birch and Steven Adams hurt Pitt's chances at landing big time recruits? If so, what does this mean for the programs success moving forward?

do you think the pens may need another shut down defenseman?

The Pens haven't beaten a major playoff contender in a month (Tampa Bay) and the only divisional opponents they've beaten since Thanksgiving were the Devils and the Hurricanes. How can they expect to be a playoff threat if they can't win important games? If it's lack of effort, like some people say, how can that be corrected?

Is Sid emotionally fragile in a way that Mario wasn't? I don't recall Mario ever flat-out wilting under pressure the way that Sid has on multiple occasions now.

Do you think Josh Harrison can possibly repeat his awesome 2014?

How long will it be until we see some of these seven top 100 prospects in the bigs?

it might be time for a shakeup trade like the one in 92-Coach Tocchet being the cornerstone of the trade. Your thoughts?

On Sports Showdown, the debate was whether Brady was greatest QB. How much credit should go to the situation he came into (i.e great coach and low expectations of being a late round pick). I wonder how he would've done had another team drafted him.

What does coach Johnston see or not see that is keeping him from putting hornqvist with Crosby and Perron?

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

I loathe the MLB operating without a salary cap and obviously, so do you and many other people. Is there any slightest indication that the league is working towards any resemblance of a salary cap? If any, I have not heard it.
P.S. the Pirates are doing a fine job of competing in the league in which some teams can spend $100 million more per year than the Bucs.

Dejan- Two Pens questions for you.
2) The last time I recall seeing the dominant, game-changing Sid was last October-December...I keep expecting that Sid to pop out of the phone booth against one of these Metro teams to lead the Pens to victory. Hasn't come close to happening. Seeing as its been over a year, is there a "new normal" to expect from Sid going forward? What's amazing is hes still so high in the scoring list, but so clearly failing the eye test. Please tell me theres hope that the old Sid will return!

Seems a lot of the fan base is starting to question Sid - either being mentally tough or physically tough. Do you ever see a time when the Pens consider trading him. There's been a history of major stars being traded from Gretzky to Manning and how big would the fan backlash be.

DK,
It seems pretty obvious to me what ails the local hockey team. It's in front of our faces, but no one seems to want to admit it. The undisputed best player in the world, no longer wears black and gold. This is as individually talented (and deep) of a team as we've had since 12-13. Flower, save for the last few weeks, has blossomed (Hacky pun absolutely intended) into a vezina candidate...I realize that health has been an issue for what seems like about 4 years now for this team. But when was the last time 87 took over and willed his team to victory? Outside of the backhander against New Jersey, when was the last vintage "only 87 could have made that play" play? I'm not saying the tank is even remotely empty, but I am saying that the days of having hockey's unquestioned best player certainly appear to be over. Sorry for the long winded comment/question, I'd love to hear your take.

-Chuck

What is it about Craig Adams that makes coaches do dumb things like play him every single game, yet healthy scratch promising youngsters like Beau Bennett?

Rumors have us drafting two corners high in the NFL Draft, who do you think would make a good fit in our scheme?

At this point it really seems like Crosby and Kunitz playing together is hurting more than it is helping, the two seem like they are overly comfortable with one another and too often defer to each other and dont put enough pucks on the net, can this simply be fixed by moving Kunitz in the lineup or should we really trade him given it would give us enough cap space to probably add a winger for Geno and possible a solid pure defensive defensemen?

Of Troy, Ike, Worilds, Harrison and Keisel, who returns next season?

How much do the Steelers really trust Jarvis Jones to step in and be that OLB they need?

When healthy, what is your ideal #1 PP unit and in what position would you place Crosby?

Losing Russell Martin was a huge blow to the Pirates, both on the field and in the clubhouse. I am very concerned about the impact on the pitching staff and on the team's offense. Should we expect the Pirates to take a step back?

Skating is an activity that may subject Dupuis to an injury that has the potential to be serious, even if taken lightly, because of the bloodthinners. Have the doctors cleared him for skating or is he doing it by himself?

I'm no specialist, but I've been on bloodthinners myself for one year, and the recommendation I got was not to do any sports activity that might be bumpy. The problem is not only a cut (for example, I once I got a tiny little cut and bled for five hours), but also internal hemorrhaging. This is why a bruise that would leave a black mark on a normal person leaves a huge black mark on one who's taking bloodthinners.

Our Pens are OK in the division standings right now. Are they just cruising along or realizing how they compare to the other teams?

How is K Kapanen doing overseas, and is he a possibility to help Pens down the stretch and into the playoffs?

If you're Mike Johnston, how much does Fleury start for the rest of the season? I realize he's got to stay sharp, but if he keeps up this pace he'll be wore out by the time the playoffs start.

What role do you see injuries play in the fact that Crosby's Penguins have won one cup during his 10 years in the league? They have the second most man games lost from '09-'15 according to mangameslost.com

The pens seem to want to have some grit in the bottom six. Do you see that as a plus if it means moving some skilled young forwards?

Dejan,

Are the Penguins wasting Sid and Geno's "Prime"? I know it isn't a lack of trying, as they have attempted to load the team more than once (Iginla, Morrow, Neal, etc) however, they always seem to be missing "something" and the injury bug constantly plagues them. It's actually sad to witness year after year.

So, I lent my terrible towel to the Seahawks by waving it for them during the Super Bowl. Is this an act of heresy? Why didn't the power of the towel work?

Which is your favorite city to travel to in order to cover the Pens and why? (I'm planning a trip to Toronto for next season)

DK, with the passing of Stuart Scott last month, there was a huge reaction from both athletes and media in the sporting world who were impacted by his work over the years. I am curious if you ever had the chance to meet him and your thoughts on his legacy in sports media.

DK, is it just me, or has it become accepted practice that the NHL refs allow defenders to absolutely waste a goal scorer after the puck enters the net? I’m all for playing a guy in the paint hard and “continuation of play” ‘n all that, but I think that it’s gotten ridiculous. Does scoring a goal in tight mean that you have to expect a stick across your neck or in the middle of your back? I thought that it was especially bad last week during the Jets game. The puck was well in the net, and guys were getting crushed. Did you see Pgh product Jacob Trouba rake David Perror after #39 circled the net??? Do you think that this is something that’s on the Garage League’s radar, or they okay with “boys will be boys”? It’s a joke.

The Penguins have not played well since the incident with Malkin and Craig Adams. Usually fighting with the star player would find the lesser player on his way out. Do you think keeping Adams around is a good idea? With all the personnel changes made recently, I'm surprised he is still here.

When Malkin comes back, is it time for Kunitz to slide to the 2nd line??? 1st line Sid, Hornqvist & Perron; Malkin, Kunitz & Spalding/Bennett/Comeau; Thoughts

Should the NFL and MLB add playoff teams?

what is wrong with the logic of selling high on players in baseball. i cant understand the outrage in trading a 4th outfielder in travis snider.
would you be in favour of trading walker next year, mccutchen when the time comes and whoever else is nearing the end of their contract. All to restock the farm and try and turn this window of winning baseball into a sustainable period of competing.

Dejan with the added budget to the football program for recruiting is there going to be a more money added to the basketball budget so maybe just maybe they can recruit somebody who can score the basketball all own. J. Artis last 5 games aside.

Anything new to update on Beau Bennett are the pens shopping him? Hearing anything on Jagr watch 2015? Thanks DK

For a long time I've continued to be dumbfounded at the refusal of the coaching staff to put our best forwards on the PK. I hoped that would end with HCMJ, but alas, moar Craig Adams. Geno, like the guy sitting in the owners box, would be terrific at the PK and create excellent chances the other way. The same goes for Sid. Look around the league on any given night and you will see the top forwards on the PK. Why has the organization (over the past three staffs) not done more of this?

I've heard a lot of talk about Chris Kunitz losing a step. Is it entirely out of the question that Sidney Crosby maybe having the same happen to him? Early in his career Sid was a beast in the corners, playing a very physical and grueling style especially for a man of his skill level. On top of that, he has had the concussionand dental work that he has endured

You're GM of Pens. Entire line-up is healthy, slightly underperforming and you feel one move or tweak is still needed headed to playoffs. In what area do you think it will be and what move/tweak -- internal or external -- do you make?

Feel free to dodge this question (hey, trying a different tact).

How big of a distraction or disruptive influence could Pedro's attitude be in the Pirates clubhouse this year especially with Martin and Snyder gone?

Hey Dejan. You wrote a few times earlier in the year about Geno buying into Jonston's system. My concern is about Sid's buy-in. He isn't even the best player on the team anymore. When the games get tough, Malkin steps up his game, and Sid seems to fold. Is he all in?

When you talk with employees of teams, how do you determine which information you can share or not? With the awesome Friday Insider feature I wondered if people around the organizations were more or less likely to share info.

Despite a $60m offer to Russell Martin and heavy turnover at the catcher position around the league this winter, the Pirates enter Spring Training with oft-injured Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart on the 25-man roster. Are these really the two catchers we'll see for the next nine months, or is internal-favorite Elias Diaz in line for a significant opportunity?

Are the Steelers a Super Bowl contender next season? With the difficult schedule, and possibility of playing in New England on opening night, it's tough to imagine the steelers making a run for Super Bowl 50. But then again, we only play a couple bad teams so we might win more games.

Time to trade Sid! Ship him off to Edmonton,Toronto or Buffalo for picks, young forwards, and a solid 2nd pairing defenseman. While we're at it, let's package Fleury into the deal. No soup for you!

DK, the Penguins over the last several games seem light-years away from the top teams in the NHL. On paper, they certainly have the talent, but the results are simply not there. Do you think its realistic to expect this them to pull it together and coalesce into a team that is capable of winning a series against the Islanders, Rangers, Lightning, etc? Are the problems fixable?

Would you say the Pens would benefit from having a "veteran", ala Bill Guerin, Gary Roberts type? Despite having offensive pieces it seems they lack direction.

Now media people start anointing Brady as the gratest big-game quarterback ever to take field. With all due respect to him what about Terry Bradshaw? He never lost a Super Bowl, played in an era when DBs and LBs were killing receiving targets, pass rushers made every effort to literally bury Qbs into stadium turf if possible. Not to mention that 70-es were not exactly a pass-stat happy era that it is now. Your thoughts on that.

Here and there whether on the radio or in the sports coverage, I keep hearing things that make it seem Kunitz isn't happy - like he wants out. Is this true, and if so, what is making him upset?

Hi Dejan...in your Morning Java last week, you stated that the roster is pretty much set for the Pirates this year. Last year, there was some buzz about Nick Kingham being ready to contribute. Do you not feel that way, or is there just no room for him at this point?

As I write this, the Pens are only 12 points ahead of Florida in the standings and Fla has played 2 less games. With roughly 30 games left it is very possible for Pittsbirgh to miss the playoffs this year.

Why are so many automatically writing the Pens in as a playoff team this year, and do you see any lasting fallout if they miss out completely?

I am sure this is one of many "what is wrong with Sid" questions, but "what is wrong with Sid"? This is more than a slump. And I don't care about CORSI or Fenwick stats, the guy is paid to score, set up scores and lead. He is not doing much of any. And....when was the last time we saw Sid on a breakaway? They used to be once a game occurrences?

Has the concussions taken its toll? Seriously, I think has to be taken into consideration. Is the ridiculous NHL rules now stopping him as he is allowed to be mugged nightly and he just doesn't try and go threw these because if he is taken down he is more likely called for diving than the defender called for an interference infraction? I don't know.

But what is most concerning, he has no "joie de vivre", he doesn't seem like he is enjoying himself. And the most damning, he is the captain, the leader. Coaches, players, etc...have all changed around him, yet the same malaise, the same mistakes from years past are there. Is Sidney Crosby the problem with the Penguins as ridiculous as that sounds?

Do you think Sid is holding a bit back in his play so tank is completely full for playoffs? He doesnt seem hurt, is not digging it, but some of his play seems uninspired especially on the PP. He, above all, would understand his legacy and the team's is judged on spring not winter

Even though Punxy Phil says 6 more weeks of winner, Spring Training is right around the corner! I know the Pirates players and coaches will miss Jeff Bannister around the clubhouse, but I'm sure they are all happy for him getting the opportunity he did. Who has taken over most of his role with the organization? And would you like to share your fondest memory of Banny? Thanks DK!

Is it just me or does the Western Conference seem like it is miles ahead of the Eastern Conference in the NHL? The east has some solid teams but no one that I would pick in a series against Nashville, Chicago, Anaheim, St. Louis, etc. The west has won 4 of the last 5 cups and it just feels like they're going to continue that run this year.

Dejan,

Do you think that the following lineup which is my ideal lineup (when healthy) would be able to compete in the playoffs and if not what do you expect the Penguins to do?

39-87-72
17-71-19
14-16-23
13-40-27 (I Like arcobello more but Adams will never be scratched)

58-7
47-10
51-4

Also any chance of Dupuis coming back for the playoffs?

DK, Harsh critique of Belicheck at end of your "Worst Call Ever" column. Are you one who believes SpyGate/Deflategate controversies are bigger deals than some paint them to be?

It looks to me like Pedro could be on the way out, if the right circumstances present themselves. I as a fan would love to see them put their time and money into Neal WAlker. Pedro', going back to the 11th hour signing fiasco has never really seemed that interested in being in Pittsburgh, like he is biding his time. Don't the Yankees need a bat for a decent pitching prospect?

DK, with your experience in attending the Olympics, what do you think of the USOC pushing for Boston as the US rep for the 2024 games? After attending the London games, it seems that a big, vast city with a superior subway system is about as good as it gets. Boston is cramped, the subway system is horrible--do you think this was the way for the US to go?

Being a Pittsburgh fan living outside Chicago. Have to say Crosby and Malkin are no way even close to Toews and Kane as far as what they bring game in game out. Hurts to say it.

Rutherford seems to have tried to address the team's depth and willingness to go to the net. In your opinion, what's the next tangible skill/need that needs to be addressed? I think the overall team speed is sorely lacking, especially in the defense group. They get beat to pucks consistently. Frankly, it's maddening to watch.

I hear you that center play is key and the play-offs are what's important according to Mike Johnson - then when will he stop play Marc-Andre as if games in October-February are part of the play-offs - the season can be broken down into 3 phases - (1) healthy team, rested Fleury - top team in NHL, (2) injured team, Fleury carrying team, just make the play-offs, (3) injured team, Fleury burned-out, not even a play-off team (fortunately (1) and (2) probably assure the play-offs) - seems like Bylsma all over again and afraid it may be too late to correct that past sin

Hi DK, It often occurs to me that, for better or worse, so much of sports coverage anymore is focused on the politics of sports (e.g. how leagues manage their sports, an athlete's refusal to speak to media) to the detriment of pure appreciation of sport. On that theme, disregarding from any socio/economic/political factors and focusing just on the games themselves, what are the elements of each of the sports that you cover that make them beautiful to you?

When the Pitt FB season is over, why don't the Steelers paint their endzones Gold like Three Rivers and early Heinz Field? Small thing, but I think it looks sharp.

I think this team is a steady 3rd pairing d-man and a couple more puck possession 3rd or 4th line types away from being a cup contender. Put it this way I would feel much better if Sill and Adams were in the press box and Johnston could skate his 4th line more regularly. Your thoughts?

With the news that NHL Referee Tim Peel was/is suspended after giving an interview to Greg Wyshynski over candid comments regarding being an NHL Referee... what's your reaction to this and do you think it will set a precedent with referees/officials from speaking out about their employment - especially with web-based journalists such as yourself?

Are those runway models in your Fashion One ad/video to the right really wearing McDonald's dresses and Happy Meal purses over their shoulder?

Right now, everyone is saying the right thing in regards to Johnny Manziel. " We support him." " We want him to get help and turn his life around" so on and so forth.

My question: Why will he have a roster spot in September? His stature and lack of running and reading a pro style system was already in question this time last year. Now you already have mountain character and preparation issues WHILE HE'S BEEN IN THE LEAGUE.

Great final line, DK! Maybe your most under-appreciated writing talent is your subtle sense of humor. Thank you, because, man, if we can't laugh and have about SPORTS, we are surely doomed.

Hope your observations about Josh are correct.
The team needs his whole package: offense....baserunning.....and DEFENSE.

And the fans LOVE his enthusiasm!

A Good 12 Q's today. Not only choice of questions but well thought out and detailed answers. Thanks for the insights..... Don't forget to pack your boots!

To Question/statement #1: I don't think you got the tone DK. Pens fans aren't concerned with Standings points and overall production anymore. I dont care if the Pens go 0-3 vs the Canadian Northwest, but we do care when then go 1-6 versus the Division or good playoff teams (let alone don't bother showing up for most of those games). Padding stats by scoring 6 goals versus Buffalo and getting blanked by playoff teams, does not balance.

I agree wih you 100% about the Pens current state of affairs DK. Here's what I said on another website in response to somone who said the Pens were showing him "nothing."

*The team is second in their Division by a point, 4 points from the top spot in the Conference and 12 points ahead of the 9th place team. If that’s “nothing”, I’d hate to see what you think is good.

Are they slumping a bit? Sure. But the Pens have been “Kings of January” for far too long. It’s all about moving forward and the Playoffs. Malkin and Comeau will be back sooner rather than later which will help the scoring.

IF the team is still playing like this in 2-3 weeks, there will be cause for concern. For now, it’s just the dog days of a long season and I personally would rather have them slump now than in April.*

Can we give this team a chance to get healthy and play out the string before panicking?

Didn't the Steelers sign Lemon for the OLB position? What are your thoughts on him? I've just read about him some.

Hey Dejan. You wrote a few times earlier in the year about Geno buying into Jonston's system. My concern is about Sid's buy-in. He isn't even the best player on the team anymore. When the games get tough, Malkin steps up his game, and Sid seems to fold. Is he all in?

Hope you & Pens Fans have a great time watching our Penguins play in Canada "...Presuming, of course, their season didn’t end with the loss to Nashville." DK, I always appreciate and enjoy your humor.

Dejan, you are right on about Pens fans panicking needlessly given their position in the standing and the fact that all hockey teams go through highs and lows during the long season...............................BUT.

You also cannot ignore the past 5 season endings and pretend that they didnt happen. The exact reasons that we saw for the past 5 years of underachieving are the exact same things we are seeing this year. So this panic, as you call it is not just based on what is happening this year but the fact that fans have not seen the issues of the ghosts of playoff pasts being corrected or addressed.

Love that last sentence Dejan. Take a deep breath people!