FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Hope they ain't hurt for long, the Pens need em healthy

I missed last night's game. How did those moves work out for the Pens?

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:49 AM ET  04.24 by davep

I missed last night's game. How did those moves work out for the Pens?

Funny, real funny :-(

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:49 AM ET  04.24 by davep

I missed last night's game. How did those moves work out for the Pens?

Might have had some affect, but not much. Philly played better hockey, bottom line.

Sykora has 2 goals in his last 21 games and has looked listless on the ice, then he misses an open net and he is "surprised" he was a scratch?

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:49 AM ET  04.24 by davep

I missed last night's game. How did those moves work out for the Pens?

Last time I checked, the series was 3-2 was it not?

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:34 AM ET  04.24 by Toronto Maple Leafs

I wouldn't scratch him, I would just move him down in the lines and give him less ice time.

Which I think is going to happen in Game 6. No way they play Satan again, or Boucher for that matter. If Bylsma wanted to send a message he did. Sykora and Letang have learned. Time to move on, and put this series to bed (in favor of the Pens, that is). :)

P.S. The only affect it might have had is a little difference in chemistry and morale (AGAIN, IF ANYTHING). Again, IF THAT. Biron was on fire, and Philly played better hockey in the 2nd and 3rd - that's all.

The one thing I do disagree with is that if you are going to replace Sykie with Satan, PUT HIM ON MALKIN'S LINE in Sykie's spot - NOT ON THE FOURTH line most of the time. Granted, he played with Malkin a bit, but not enough.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 09:08 AM ET  04.24 by PensFan-DWI

Might have had some affect, but not much. Philly played better hockey, bottom line.

It clearly had an effect because Boucher is no where near the defensiveman that Letang is...and it showed last night. Not to mention when you replace a player on a top line (even if he isn't scoring) it throws off the rhythm and timing of that line. Malkin having to get used to Satan back on his line now doubt affect the lines play.

QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 09:41 AM ET  04.24 by thegrinder

It clearly had an effect because Boucher is no where near the defensiveman that Letang is...and it showed last night. Not to mention when you replace a player on a top line (even if he isn't scoring) it throws off the rhythm and timing of that line. Malkin having to get used to Satan back on his line now doubt affect the lines play.

I will concede that two goals went in (I think it was two) when Boucher was out there.

See Comment 9. I stated as such. Regardless, even Sykie or Letang on, you still have wingers that aren't showing up in these games. Let's not discount that. Sykie being one of them, Kunitz, Feds and Guerin could be playing better as well.

The only line that has been consistent is Staal, Kennedy and Cooke.

I am sorry, but I am a Pens' fan who will admit that the Flyers played the better game last night. They played better hockey, Biron was on fire, and the Pens' regardless of who is playing Game 6 need to get the sticks out of their a$$.

One more point, I am so sick of the "mystery" as to whether or not Letang is hurt. He is hurt, or not? Bylsma says or alludes to "no, he isn't." If he is, and they just don't want to disclose the injury and say as much, the Boucher replacement is more understandable.

the pens fans are gettin' nervous, hehehehe

QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 09:55 AM ET  04.24 by PensFan-DWI

One more point, I am so sick of the "mystery" as to whether or not Letang is hurt. He is hurt, or not? Bylsma says or alludes to "no, he isn't." If he is, and they just don't want to disclose the injury and say as much, the Boucher replacement is more understandable.

Coaches will never reveal an injury in the Playoffs...never. Look for Letang to be in the line-up tomorrow as well as Sykora.

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 10:06 AM ET  04.24 by Vassago

the pens fans are gettin' nervous, hehehehe

Not all of us...the Pens will take this series...you heard it here first.

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 10:07 AM ET  04.24 by LGP: Stanley Cup Champs

Coaches will never reveal an injury in the Playoffs...never. Look for Letang to be in the line-up tomorrow as well as Sykora.

Well, either way, it is Bylsma's head, and he knows it. He will take responsibility for it, and again, he is willing to do so.

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 10:06 AM ET  04.24 by Vassago

the pens fans are gettin' nervous, hehehehe

Don't start taking your ticker tape out yet, friend. We got two more to play, if that.

Just because I acknowledge like a MATURE adult that Philly and Biron played a great game doesn't mean we are giving up.

Get over yourself.

QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 10:11 AM ET  04.24 by PensFan-DWI

Well, either way, it is Bylsma's head, and he knows it. He will take responsibility for it, and again, he is willing to do so.

Clarification: He isn't responsible for their injuries. The decision to scratch them, that is...ha. ha.

QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 10:12 AM ET  04.24 by PensFan-DWI

Don't start taking your ticker tape out yet, friend. We got two more to play, if that. Just because I acknowledge like a MATURE adult that Philly and Biron played a great game doesn't mean we are giving up. Get over yourself.

sorry buddy, I didn't realize how touchy you were on the subject, I was only making a comment - honestly though, you have to admit you're a little nervous, don't ya?

I didn't see last night's game, but 3-0 tells me all I need to know. To this point, the Flyers have outplayed the Pens in the series....sometimes for long stretches. The Pens are pretty fortunate to still be able to close it out in Philly. If they hope to survive this round, they better play with desperation and plenty of it because the Flyers have gotten better as the series has progressed.