To get things started I will be talking about some big signings. This off season the Penguins front office made some nice moves. The most important acquisition came when the Pens finally picked up a top 6 winger by acquiring Phil Kessel in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs
My Reaction Exactly
The Penguins picking up Kessel is huge,and he will make a huge impact in the steel city. The Penguins also added of Nick Bonino and Eric Fehr, two bottom six centers who will look to add skill and physicality to this team.
Now on to the offensive unit
The Penguins have had the best player in the NHL since 1984 (Mario Lemieux, Jarmir Jagar, Ron Francis and Sidney Crosby). However, there has always been one fault that crushes this team, and that is lack of production from the wingers. This year, I believe things will be different. Some key wingers that will help this team are: Patric Hornqvist, David Perron, Phil Kessel, Chris Kunitz, and Sergei Plotnikov. Oh and Pascal Dupuis if you remember him (if he can stay healthy). Now everyone sees the Pens talent and just shake their heads thinking "Why don't they have more cups?"Honestly, it's a question that stumps me for days. But don't you worry, it will be settled soon. Lord knows that this team has potential, arguably the two best players in the NHL in Sidney Crosby and Evegini Malkin as well as the ability to score big. It's just a matter of time until we see the skills at work. I have brainstormed what I've wanted to see as far as the lines go:
Line 1: 72 87 57
Line 2: 61 71 81
Line 3: 14 7 19
Line 4: 34 13 40
However, I'll let the coaches coach. Grade: A-
Let's talk defense.
This defensive unit right now looks very okay. There are some comforting names such as:Kris Letang... oh God that's it! Right now the Penguins defense looks; stale, crusty, old and bland. It thoroughly worries me that Penguins coaching staff decided to send down young and rising defensive player Derrick Pouliot, who I see potential in. The team did bring up big boy Brian Dumolin who helps in a physical aspect, but I'm still salty over the Simon Despres trade back in March because Ben Lovejoy dosent cut it. Also, Rob Scuderi is over paid, just a heads up. This defensive unit scares me, I hope that they prove me wrong. I have thought out what pairings I want
Line 1: 58 8
Line 2: 28 4
Line 3: 12 2
\Defensive Grade: C-
Conclusion
This season I believe the Penguins will make another trip to the post season, I do think they will surpass the first round as a middle fourth or fifth seed. The Pens will look to make it this year.This year expect these things, A hard run at the cup if healthy, Letang finally wins Norris, Crosby wins Art Ross and Hart trophy, Fleury as a candidate for the Vezina Trophy, and a handful of commercials with Fall Out Boy in the background. I see the Pens reaching the eastern conference finals before bowing out, which will be an improvement over the past two seasons, but still won't be enough to satisfy this fan base. Go Pens, and have a blessed week. Overall team Grade: B
-Connor R. Roese-
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