Friday Insider: Pirates push pen competition

A+ material again

"• Somebody at some level needs to take charge. Someone needs to coach. Someone needs to lead in the locker room. Both are voids at the moment."

HALLELUJAH!!

Baseball can't start fast enough. I hope the penguins prove me wrong but this does not look like a deep playoff run team. Sid needs to move off having to have kunitz on his line. So frustrating to see them leaving flower out to dry game in and game out. im also off the tocchett bandwagon too.

For clarification DK, by citing "positive examples" now at WBS, you mean the player you spoke with citing "non-soff" players?

There is one guy who was supposed to change the Penguins attitude. There is one guy at the helm of an awful powerplay. There is one guy that hasn't showed an ounce of emotion during a game. There is one guy that was supposed to be the bad cop when things aren't going right.
#FireTocchet

There is one guy who was supposed to change the Penguins attitude. There is one guy at the helm of an awful powerplay. There is one guy that hasn't showed an ounce of emotion during a game. There is one guy that was supposed to be the bad cop when things aren't going right.
#FireTocchet

So Dejan, Is Crosby the cancer?

This was great. Not that I'm surprised.
I'm not sure what is going on with the Pens right now. It's a very frustrating time to be a fan. They are 'soff' and even more than that I don't think they want to win. Half the time I feel like I want the win more than they do.
Though I do have to say, good for Sid. How much abuse can he take from the same guy without standing up for himself. I do agree that he could use some leadership training. Though that's mostly based on what you've said because I don't truly know. My biggest concern is how did they drop so sharply from the beginning of this year. I don't think injuries can be blamed for it all anymore. Fleury is the lone exception.
Baseball sounds exciting and mostly positive. That weight room…wow.
The steelers tidbit is best left alone, I think.
Oh, and I noticed this:
"That would appear to leaves two more spots, but it’s really just one." I think leaves should be leave.

Good stuff DK. With your comment on Hughes and Holdzkom...does Hold just look unconditioned and out of shape?

When I watched Sid scrap, I thought to myself, "YES. Finally. Now surely the rest of the team will follow suit and finish every single check, make the smart plays, and take over this game..."

What we got was another inconsistent effort, topped off with the power play somehow putting on a worse display than their current 0 for February swoon. The thing is, I love Johnston's system, and I think it's perfect for our talent. Who's to blame? Sorry folks, it is the PLAYERS. Johntson can't be on the ice to bury one in the open net (Crosby early on).

Crosby is turning into the Peyton Manning of the NHL. I am fine with the Steelers drafting any position in the first as long as they draft a couple corners early somewhere. I think Marte only scratched the surface last year and will have a dominating year this year. How is Marte not being talked about.

How big of a deal is the new weight room? I appreciate the coverage and i do find it interesting, but I'm just wondering what's the bigger picture? Does that really help to make them more of a legit franchise and more of a destination place ? How much use does it actually get from the players outside of spring training? How does it compare to other teams in MLB? Can't help but to think about the YouTube videos of Alabama and Oregon, any correlation?

Not able to watch many Penguins games (except Nationally televised ones), but I have noticed the assistant coach drawing up the play on the board, and was wondering why the head coach wasn't doing that. Now I know.

Amazing how quiet all the "real fans" are now after being so impressed with wins against the mighty Oilers and Flames. Unfortunately, I'm one of those guys who loves saying I told you so.

I told you so.

If you knew what to look for, you could smell this coming from a mile away, and here we are.

A coaching staff that refuses to coach (please let me know when MJ finally adjusts to the opposition sealing off the boards on the breakout. It's been months) A coaching staff that seems almost terrified to do anything but roll out the same top 2 lines for fear of finding something that might actually work and go against convention. A coaching staff who surely realizes what the problem on the PP is but clearly doesn't want to ruffle any feathers by making the necessary changes. This is now two coaching staffs who let the players run things (see Iginla at LW) because of a culture of complacency created by Shero and Bylsma for 5 years.

It's more fun right now being a fan of the Islanders, Rangers or Capitals than it is to be a Penguins fan. Let that sink in for a moment.

Regardless, you were all warned.

"• I don’t care who this ticks off: If the bullpen battle comes down to Hughes vs. Holdzkom, and conditioning has anything to do with it, Hughes will win running away."

Is that a knock on Holdzkom or praise for Hughes?

The pens have changed GMs, and entire coaching staff, 60% of the roster, and in my humble opinion, all for the better. At what point will we recognize that the only problem the team has now is that its 2 superstar centers both have the tendency to disappear do

(Oops!)...disappear for long stretches and rarely sync up their dominance to take over a game? I know it's only February. I know where they are in the standings. I know both Geno and Sid are in the top 20 of the points leaders. So what? They're awful against their own division and shrink away from any team that engages them physically. The answer to why they can pound a non-conference team and keep losing in the Metro is because divisional teams know that when you hit this team and get in their face their superstars either lose their mind or vanish completely. This doesn't bode well for a extended post season. A trade will not help this team. Until our 9 million dollar superstars perform as expected AT THE SAME FOR A LONG STRETCH, there is little hope of making a cup run. Don't get me wrong, I love this team and will always cheer them on, but this disappearing act when the game turns physical is wearing thin.

Good job on the Pens front DK. Sickening to watch. I still believe they hired the wrong coaching staff. Started out strong. The staff just not taking to the next level. Babcock 2015-2016. I can dream can't I?

I just can't wait till April when The Pens turn into The L.A. Kings of the past 3 years, or so some people think will happen.

So now the know it all Pens fans are back to blaming the coaches. It is becoming pretty clear that the guys being paid the most money do what they want. Last time I checked not one coach on the Penguins was on the ice forcing passes through the box for the 40,000th time. Guess what folks Babcock will not be coming here. I am guessing Mr. Burkle is putting the checkbook away. I think the best thing they can do at the deadline is get rid of Kunitz. The problem with that is other teams have scouting departments.

On Pens, sounds like a few inmates are running the prison.

Had high hopes for HCMJ that have been dashed by last 45 days. Can't have players making the tough decisions. Feedback, yes, but not personnel calls.

Knew toughest part of HCMJ's job would be dealing with our vets and their egos -- meaning holdovers from last year. Thought HCMJ was doing well to an earlier point -- but then sadly backed off.

If they sell off future for a rental vet (a la Shero) in yet another deadline desperation move trying to placate the fans for a couple weeks and remain relevant, I'm going to hurl.

Does Holdzkom look fat?

Maybe this is Sid's little campaign push for Babcock.

His rep is taking some serious blows.

I'm with Miz. They don't have to take a corner at #22, just get a few in those first four rounds.

I had heard yesterday they spoke with a lot of the TEs...Certainly seems they are gonna let Worilds look around, if he leaves OLB a possibility...Me personally OT is in play, considering Beechum is entering a walk year, and Adams/Gilbert have been woefully inconsistent. Safety and DT work too...other than the skill positions, they need a talent infusion everywhere.

I'm not giving up on Cortez Allen yet either. The best thing for the Steelers D would be for him, Shazier and Jones to stay healthy and the light go on.

1-1-1-4-0-0-0-2-2-3-2-2-1-6-0-3-1-4-3-3-0

Penguins goals against playoff teams going back to December 1 and three of those (3, 4 and 6) came against Tampa. If you throw out those three games, they are averaging 1.3 goals per game against playoff teams.

Yet I keep seeing the same line combinations and the same PP configuration every game. I thought we were supposed to tinker and experiment during the regular season, yet I see:
- Perron playing the RW when he seemingly is better at LW
- Kunitz still on the first PP and the first line
- Bennett for whatever you think of him seemingly now stuck no higher than the 3rd line
- Crosby cemented to the right faceoff dot on the PP
- Kunitz as the first option at 4 on 4 with Crosby
- No semblance of a 5 man unit moving as one anymore, has that strategy been eliminated

Is it time to try something differently?

Watching the Pens and the CBJ as DK stated there seems to be no fire in these guys. Not one stepping up and taking control. Sutter gets the gig $$ and goes in the tank from what I have seen. Bring up the kids from WBS, let them show this team how to play with heart and drive!!

Just got a chance to listen to podcasts and could not agree with you more. Every time I watch Sid try that backdoor pass on the power play I think that hasn't worked since Ryan Whitney!
Also, the Michel Thierrian press conference could be included in every article you post and I would watch it every time. 'So disappoint'

The pen is where the tough decisions are. NH doesn't like to lose players he thinks can contribute so options are likely to play a role if two pitchers are close to equal. Every season they need to bring pitchers up so better to have a have a known quality at Indy. Still, should open the season with the best 25.

I think there was a lot of positive to take from that game Last night. Sid was reaaaallly flying for the first time in a while. Geno scored. The power play looked a little different.

They didn't get trounced. They lost on a weird turnover. It happens.

This is where we are going to see what Mike Johnston is made of. When the best player in the world and your captain sits down with you as asks you too keep Kunitz on his line. You have to listen. One because it creates trust between the coach and the player, which is imperative. And two, because they have had a proven track record of success in the past. But now, we get to see what he is made out of, is he going to allow Crosby to be the boss of the team or is he going to take control. However everything suggests that he is going to take control. I can only hope that he will sit Crosby down with Kunitz and simply say, "I trusted you when you asked to stay together, but it isn't working. Now you have to trust me."

I personally have a few friends that have played for him in Juniors and they all say the same thing, that he is very intelligent, and that if you don't play the way he wants you too play, that he will find the players what will. Granted, this is the NHL, not the WHL and he isn't the GM like he was in Portland. But I do believe that he has had it with Kunitz. As you stated in your radio interview, that you could park a stop sign next to Sid and you could get the same amount of production. Kunitz has done great things for the organization, however he is slowing down, just like any other player that is his age. I believe he is still extremely useful, but he needs to be managed better. The taste of losing tends to stick with people longer than winning does and like a lot of pens fans, I am not happy with the majority of the team. But one thing is for certain, that we are going to see what Mike Johnston is made of in these next few games.

I was so excited when hubby surprised me at Christmas with birthday tickets (this Sunday) to my first Penguins' game in 25 years. So here we are...Ask me how excited I am now.

Frankly, I'd rather be in Bradenton.

Always good tidbits in here!

Would be interested to know: how does this new weight facility compare to other teams' in Florida? Are you or other reporters allowed to poke around when the Bucs go to another team's site? I mean, we are running a professional sports franchise, so a weight room will be necessary, so you don't deserve too much credit unless you're doing something special (like what it sounds they have done in the DR, for example)...

It's amazing to me that Michel Therrien perfectly described the performance of the 2015 Pens way back in 2008. If you look at the rosters and coaches from then to now, what players are holdovers? I would have to put the current struggles on the players and in particular the holdovers from 2008.

Option for Lincoln is irrelevant He signed a minor league contract and is not on the 40 so the Pirates either will put him on the 40 if he makes the team or he starts the season at Indy.

Ok, I'm reading DK's reporting much differently than many of you are.

I'm reading comments along the lines of "HCMJ needs to take control. He can't let the players run the team."

I'm not saying this to sound snotty, but were you guys around in the 90s? That's how this team has worked for the majority of the time Mario Lemieux has been associated with it. It's just kind of shocking that THAT torch has been passed. #CountryClub

I think the injury stretch in December did more mental and morale damage to this team than we know or are willing to admit... I keep saying there's so much potential with this squad too.

And glad to see a fellow BF Tiger playing well at Pitt. Good stuff as always DK

The Penguins miss
James Neal, Brooks Orpik and Jussi Jokinen badly. Orpik especially. Pathetic to watch s
Sid get abused without a response from the team. Next time the Pens play the Caps, someone needs to take it to Ovetchkin, too "cool his ..

Looks like Alvarez is saying and doing all the right things. Its an absolute asset if he can play 1st and reestablish his swing. If he makes this work, then the bucco's will contend for the division. Its that important.

The Francisco connection!

No one has mentioned this yet...
The Steelers can draft 6 CB's for all the good it will do them THIS year. Recall how well rookies fare in our system? Changing our DC doesn't matter: besides the system, Coach T isn't a big fan of playing rookies either.
If we are going to compete THIS YEAR, we need to sign a 1-2 year rental at CB.
I would at least kick the tires on someone like Tremon Williams or Cromarte until our draft pick(s) get up to speed.

Can we just accept this Pens team is not that good? Yes, they have talent. But they are restricted by big contracts given for previous work (scuds, Kunitz, dupuis). Those guys just can't be big pieces anymore, but they're paid that way. This team should just tread water (do they have a choice?) until those big deals come off the books. Did anyone think Shero's mistakes would be fixed in 6 months? He rewarded aging vets and traded picks for rentals. That takes years to correct

Great column, DK. I just keep thinking about who could that player be on the Pens you talked to who "doesn't have a hint of soff" and I can't think of one. That's a problem.

In the words of fHCMT: "Very disappoint."

Great write up. Concerning the pens. Is there no one stepping up to take charge of that team? Of Kunitz can't cut it with Sid then the coaches need to move him or GMJR needs to try to trade him. This is a bi polar team. Geno has looked more intense then Sid for a lot of the game. I don't know if they both get going this can be a dominate team.

Any addional stuff on Cervelli would be appreciated, Dejan. It's a rather vital spot he's in; even if he doesn't hit all that much, he still has to work with a whole new pitching staff and vice versa.

DK, you're a big supporter of HCMJ's system and of Horny and Comeau as players. Obviously, it starts with Sid and Geno, who both have been lousy, but what do think are the biggest differences now v. October, when Horny was ripping off 6+ shots per game and the team was supporting the puck in all three zones? Strategy, execution? Maata and Ehrhoff are definitely missed on breakout

I'm really looking forward to this Francisco Cervelli guy... Martin's leadership qualities were palpable, but this team has other leaders that just need to step up now.Lets hope that Cervelli can stay healthy and be the contributor that FO thinks he can be.

Well, I'll just say this....17 days ago after I questioned Crosby

"Dear God, Pittsburgh hockey fans, take a deep breath."
"Wow, chill. Seriously."
" Passion for one’s team doesn’t have to equate panic at the first sign of trouble."

Today:

"Somebody at some level needs to take charge. Someone needs to coach. Someone needs to lead in the locker room. Both are voids at the moment."

The seeds for this slump and lack of leadership were planted quite a while ago and have been blooming. The fact that it's been smoldering for quite some time indicates a 'quick fix' ain't gonna happen. I hope it doesn't happen, but I don't see anything other than a quick exit in April or early May.

The problem is not Kunitz.
The problem is not Mike Johnson.
The problem is not the line make-up.
The problem is not the foolish penalties.
(although that bugs me no end!)

The problem is that the Penguins have Grinch disease!

.
They need a Billy Guerin-type player fast!

I never understood the want of some singular strong man as a coach. The best coaches evaluate the talent and put it in a position to succeed. I'm not sure that is happening on the power play.

Move Kunitz, .30 goals/game, .70 points/game, and who do you replaced him with, culture changer Hornqvist .33 goals/game, .73 points/game?

Also the Blackhawks are one of the smallest teams in the league and somehow they succeed in the heavy western conference.

New Pace of the game rules now in place. Good Grief !

Taking a crack at next year's Pens...I think they have no choice, given the anchors of Kunitz and Dupuis' salary, but to let Martin and Ehroff go. They simply can't pay them $5+ when we've seen for 3-4 years that this group of forwards wilts in the face of big strong playoff defensemen.

Let them go. You come back with Letang, Maata, Depres and Pouliot as your top 4. Are they great? No. Are they serviceable and only getting better? Of course they are, and you still have Scuderi to steady things and Harrington/Bortuzzo/Dumoulin for your 6th.

Now you have $9MM of cap space open to sign 2-3 wingers, one of which should be Comeau. The league is back to clutch and grab, stop signing 180lb wingers and go get someone with size who will actually initiate contact in front of the net. Use Sutter if you have to make a trade. After 3 years I think we can settle the argument that he is not Jordan Staal and won't be anytime soon. 'Strong up the middle' only works when it's true, Sutter is not big, doesn't score, and isn't very physical.

It ain't happening this year, guys. But the blueprint is there to get them back in the Finals in another 1-2 years. I think we have to stop using band-aids to try to patch things in March, and just accept that these long-term contracts will keep things mediocre for another 2 years.

Pens deserve to be knocked out of the playoffs in the 1st round, preferably by Columbus, NYI, or WAS. Fire HCMJ, and take the C off 87.

By Crosby standards, he has been horrible this year. One more blind pass to nowhere and I might be forced to watch the NBA. OK, maybe not. But, his insistence on having Kunitz as his sidekick at all time is hurting the team. His leadership abilities have to be questioned, because a leader would make the hard decision and the one that helps the team win. It may be blasphemous to criticize Sid, but this year he has earned the criticism.

if we fail again this year; going into the playoffs and mimicking previous failures or not making the playoffs brings a huge question on the core guys. Do we really need Geno? this duo is not as fancy as it made out to be. I'm my opinion we should have 1more cup If not two. thoughts on changing something up if we bust without a fight?

So I just read 100 comments....most of them about the Pens being "soff" (I agree). How come no one's asking why Downie isn't the answer? Obviously he's not, but wasn't he supposed to be?

DK. Great as always but Comeau just said in an interview how much he and his wife loves Columbus and was upset when they didn't extend him.

Baseball back in Quebec? Assuming this is 8-10 years down the road, and that it wouldn't be an expansion team due to imbalance, I have to assume you're talking about Tampa Bay. Pitiful stadium + putrid attendance = moving trucks.

Hockey in Las Vegas? Because desert hockey has worked out so well over the years with the Coyotes. I won't rule it out, but leave it to the NHL to be the first to try and put a major team in gambling's Mecca.

Have the Pens been playing really poorly lately? Ab-so-friggin-loutely!

Do they deserve critism? See above!

But c'mon people, let's not push the panic button and hang everyone out to dry, it's still February for pete's sake. A new coach certainly deserves more than 4 1/2 months before he gets ripped to shreds and burned in effigfy.

You wanna to know what the Capitals have won to this point? Or the Islanders? Nada, zip, zero, zilch. Do they look better than our team right now? Sure do. But again, IT'S FEBRUARY!

I can't even begin to describe my frustration with what's been going on lately with this team, but to quote the great Douglas Adams and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, "Don't Panic!"

Surprised and happy to see your comment about the Jags moving to London...and not just because I am living there right now. I see so much negativity surrounding the NFL having a team in London....players won't go....flights are too long.....the English won't embrace them....I think it would be amazing to have a team here and I can't wait to see it happen. My proposal for the team name? The ERS. The London Ers.....get it? ER also being the initials for the Queen. It will never happen, but I can hear the talk on Monday...."'ow'd the Ers do yestaday?"

I enjoyed reading the leadership piece on the Pens! I have been telling everyone that Kunitz is no longer a first liner. I would like to see him traded. Unfortunately, we wouldn't get much for him.

Lots of new names in Pirates coverage. Would enjoy background notes on all of them.

It's interesting to see how OV has turned it around this year in DC. The past couple if years he looked disinterested, was not scoring up years past, was not himself. Today he is back to his heat seeking missile self. Just thinking of the challenge that Sid is dealing with now and his below grade play.

It is also interesting that the whole leadership issue is still coming up even though now these guys are in their late 20s. (87/71). Strange set of circumstances.

DK please explain how in the world Charlie Morton could be considered a more valuable starter than Vance Worley? Doesn't make sense to me. And if it's a choice between Locke and Worley, then it's a lock - Worley.