Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2015 8:49:52 GMT -5
General Manager, Russ Walsh
Walsh is a strong advocate of using advanced statistics to help make hockey decisions. His trade of Alexander Semin to Edmonton for Derrick Brassard paid substantial dividends. Flipping veteran players Vincent Lecavalier and Eric Staal for young up and comers in Gustav Nyquist and Prospect Sam Bennett have definitely enhanced the Pittsburgh Penguins for years to come. Moving backup goaltender Carter Hutton for prospect Alex Tuch and also moving two defensemen in Calvin de Haan and Trevor Daley for future stars Curtis Lazar and Oliver Bjorkstrand proves the direction of the team. His tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins has been solid so far but has a long way to go.
Head Coach, Mike Johnston
Johnston has coached at all levels and possesses one of the league’s top hockey minds. Although he has a clear vision of what the Pittsburgh Penguins need to do strategically and tactically to achieve success in the post season, he can’t seem to get his squad to buy in to his scheme. And because of this fact, his Penguins rank 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 20-17-4 record (only 5 points back on the 2nd Wild Card).
Left Winger, Jamie Benn
Captain Jamie Benn has been somewhat quiet this season. While 14 goals and 24 assists isn’t terrible, he’s shooting percentage is at a horrific 7.78%. Spreading around offense has always been a good thing in the NHL, but Benn hasn’t had the same explosiveness to his game. He is still producing at a near point-a-game rate, but the Penguins will need more dynamic play and scoring touch from the captain in the second half of the season.
Center, Jeff Carter
The Penguins will need to see a significant improvement in their level of play if they stand a chance of even qualifying for the playoffs, as there are several teams just a few points behind the playoff spots. The Penguins have seen some of their top players really struggle in the first half of the season. Jeff Carter has only 14 goals and 9 assists. And has been rumored to be available for the right price. The Pens will need to find some more offense in the second half if they plan on making a deep run into the playoffs.
Right Winger, Gustav Nyquist
Third on the team with 30 points and first on the team with 15 goals. On pace for 30 goals and 60 points, but somehow it doesn’t seem like Nyquist has met expectations after coming over from the Sabres. If he can improve on his 8.72 shooting % not only will it help his production, but also that of the team.
Center, Derrick Brassard
The Penguins acquired Brassard from the Oilers for injury plagued Alexander Semin and has locked him up to a long term deal after this season and so far he hasn’t disappointed. His 22 assists rank him just second on the team behind Captain Benn (24). He leads the team in powerplay points with 8 which have been vital to the team’s success.
Right Winger, Marian Gaborik
Much like Benn and Nyquist, Gaborik’s shooting % is a dismal 8.40%, but is 2nd on the team with a +/- of +7. It hasn’t been a kind season to Gaborik, but does have 32 points in 41 games. On a team that seems to be looking towards the future, Gaborik’s time with the flightless birds may be coming to an end in the near future. His experience and scoring potential would pay dividends to whatever team he ends up on.
Goaltender, John Gibson
The rookie goalteander is calm and composed even in the most pressure-packed moments of a game. Gibson is the #1 goalie currently for the Penguins and for years to come. He has great net coverage and size (6’3”, 200lbs), and is very strong. He’s sound technically, moves very well laterally and is controlled. Thus far this season Gibson has a 15-12-3 record and a respectable 0.904 SV%. However, has a terrible GAA of 3.01.
Left Winger, Johnny Gaudreau
The fact Gaudreau would have some struggles at some point is no surprise, having made the jump from Boston College of the NCAA to the NHL. The key is patience and keeping forecasts reasonable while Gaudreau comes to terms with the calibre of the NHL while playing so many games. While he only has 5 goals and 6 assists and a -6 rating, the rookie forward does possess one of the higher shooting percentages of the team (11.11%), 2nd among active forwards (behind Carter at 11.29%)
Walsh is a strong advocate of using advanced statistics to help make hockey decisions. His trade of Alexander Semin to Edmonton for Derrick Brassard paid substantial dividends. Flipping veteran players Vincent Lecavalier and Eric Staal for young up and comers in Gustav Nyquist and Prospect Sam Bennett have definitely enhanced the Pittsburgh Penguins for years to come. Moving backup goaltender Carter Hutton for prospect Alex Tuch and also moving two defensemen in Calvin de Haan and Trevor Daley for future stars Curtis Lazar and Oliver Bjorkstrand proves the direction of the team. His tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins has been solid so far but has a long way to go.
Head Coach, Mike Johnston
Johnston has coached at all levels and possesses one of the league’s top hockey minds. Although he has a clear vision of what the Pittsburgh Penguins need to do strategically and tactically to achieve success in the post season, he can’t seem to get his squad to buy in to his scheme. And because of this fact, his Penguins rank 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 20-17-4 record (only 5 points back on the 2nd Wild Card).
Left Winger, Jamie Benn
Captain Jamie Benn has been somewhat quiet this season. While 14 goals and 24 assists isn’t terrible, he’s shooting percentage is at a horrific 7.78%. Spreading around offense has always been a good thing in the NHL, but Benn hasn’t had the same explosiveness to his game. He is still producing at a near point-a-game rate, but the Penguins will need more dynamic play and scoring touch from the captain in the second half of the season.
Center, Jeff Carter
The Penguins will need to see a significant improvement in their level of play if they stand a chance of even qualifying for the playoffs, as there are several teams just a few points behind the playoff spots. The Penguins have seen some of their top players really struggle in the first half of the season. Jeff Carter has only 14 goals and 9 assists. And has been rumored to be available for the right price. The Pens will need to find some more offense in the second half if they plan on making a deep run into the playoffs.
Right Winger, Gustav Nyquist
Third on the team with 30 points and first on the team with 15 goals. On pace for 30 goals and 60 points, but somehow it doesn’t seem like Nyquist has met expectations after coming over from the Sabres. If he can improve on his 8.72 shooting % not only will it help his production, but also that of the team.
Center, Derrick Brassard
The Penguins acquired Brassard from the Oilers for injury plagued Alexander Semin and has locked him up to a long term deal after this season and so far he hasn’t disappointed. His 22 assists rank him just second on the team behind Captain Benn (24). He leads the team in powerplay points with 8 which have been vital to the team’s success.
Right Winger, Marian Gaborik
Much like Benn and Nyquist, Gaborik’s shooting % is a dismal 8.40%, but is 2nd on the team with a +/- of +7. It hasn’t been a kind season to Gaborik, but does have 32 points in 41 games. On a team that seems to be looking towards the future, Gaborik’s time with the flightless birds may be coming to an end in the near future. His experience and scoring potential would pay dividends to whatever team he ends up on.
Goaltender, John Gibson
The rookie goalteander is calm and composed even in the most pressure-packed moments of a game. Gibson is the #1 goalie currently for the Penguins and for years to come. He has great net coverage and size (6’3”, 200lbs), and is very strong. He’s sound technically, moves very well laterally and is controlled. Thus far this season Gibson has a 15-12-3 record and a respectable 0.904 SV%. However, has a terrible GAA of 3.01.
Left Winger, Johnny Gaudreau
The fact Gaudreau would have some struggles at some point is no surprise, having made the jump from Boston College of the NCAA to the NHL. The key is patience and keeping forecasts reasonable while Gaudreau comes to terms with the calibre of the NHL while playing so many games. While he only has 5 goals and 6 assists and a -6 rating, the rookie forward does possess one of the higher shooting percentages of the team (11.11%), 2nd among active forwards (behind Carter at 11.29%)
