NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 6, 2020
In today’s NHL morning coffee headlines, recaps of Wednesday’s games plus the latest on Jake Muzzin, Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine, Micheal Ferland, and more.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: Jeff Petry scored his second game-winning goal as the Montreal Canadiens overcame a 3-1 deficit to edge the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3, taking a 2-1 lead in their qualifying-round series. Habs captain Shea Weber led the way with a goal and two assists.
Jeff Petry snipes from a bad angle pic.twitter.com/RY3oVCvFzd
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) August 6, 2020
Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews (Photo via NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens seemed done like dinner midway through the second period. They’re now poised to eliminate the Penguins in Game 4 on Friday. And speaking of potential upsets…
The Chicago Blackhawks got two unanswered third-period goals by Matthew Highmore and Jonathan Toews to nip the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 and take a 2-1 lead in their qualifier. Toews finished the game with two goals while teammate Corey Crawford made 25 saves to become the 20th goaltender in NHL history to record his 50th career playoff win. Leon Draisaitl scored twice and set up another for the Oilers. Edmonton defenseman Adam Larsson was unfit to play while Oilers winger Tyler Ennis left the game in the second period with an apparent leg injury.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The bounces went the Blackhawks’ way as Highmore’s goal was a deflection from a point shot while Toews’ deflected shot bounced in off an Oilers’ defenseman. They’re now poised to eliminate the Oilers if they win Game 4 on Friday.
The Boston Bruins won’t be the top seed in the 2020 playoffs after dropping a 3-2 decision to the Tampa Bay Lightning in round-robin play. Tyler Johnson tallied the winning goal late in the third period. Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask made 32 saves in his return to action after being unfit to play in their first round-robin game.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s the first time in NHL history the season’s Presidents’ Trophy winner won’t be the top seed in the playoffs. The Bruins are 0-2 in round-robin play. While they are guaranteed a playoff spot, they risk drawing a tougher first-round opponent the lower they sink in the round-robin seedings.
The Florida Panthers avoided elimination by hanging on for a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders. Third-period goals by Mike Hoffman and Brian Boyle broke a 1-1 tie while Sergei Bobrovsky made 20 saves for the win. A rare penalty by Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov for playing the puck beyond the trapezoid behind his net led to Hoffman’s power-play goal. The Isles hold a 2-1 series lead.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was the Panthers’ first postseason victory since the 2016 playoffs. It certainly came at the right time. They also shook up their lineup yesterday, scratching Mike Matheson and Frank Vatrano after their disappointing performances in the first two games.
Three unanswered third-period goals by Conor Garland, Taylor Hall, and Carl Soderberg lifted the Arizona Coyotes over the Nashville Predators 4-1. The Coyotes hold a 2-1 series lead. Darcy Kuemper enjoyed a bounce-back effort in this contest with a 39-save performance.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes weathered the first-period onslaught from the Predators and opened the scoring on their first shot of the game. They finally got some productions from Hall and Garland, who’d been held goalless in the first two games.
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz kicked out 27 shots to shut out the Dallas Stars 4-0 in round-robin action. Cale Makar tallied the game-winner while Joonas Donskoi and Andre Burakovsky each had a goal and an assist.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Stars were without starting goalie Ben Bishop and defenseman John Klingberg in this game. Both were declared unfit to play. Under league protocols, no reason was given for their absence, but it doesn’t appear as though it’s COVID-related.
HEADLINES TORONTO SUN: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin won’t be available for the remainder of his club’s qualifying-round series with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was injured in Game 2 and taken to hospital with what appeared to be a head or neck injury. Muzzin was released yesterday and returned to the Leafs hotel within the safety zone and will remain in quarantine until cleared. Martin Marincin will replace him in the lineup for today’s match with the Jackets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blue Jackets center Pierre-Luc Dubois won’t face supplemental discipline for the hit that sent Muzzin to hospital after colliding awkwardly with Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstand.
NHL.COM: The Winnipeg Jets aren’t ruling out Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine for Game 4 of their qualifier with the Calgary Flames later today. Both players have been sidelined since Game 1. The Flames hold a 2-1 series lead and could wrap it up with a win today.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets need some help following a dispiriting loss in Game 3. They also need Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor to start cashing in or this series will be over later tonight.
THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks winger Micheal Ferland is out of action and has returned to his home in Brandon, Manitoba. He’s been declared “unfit to play”, raising speculation it’s tied to the concussion symptoms that sidelined him for most of this season.
NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON: Capitals forward Lars Eller returned to Washington to be with his wife as she gives birth to their second child. He’ll rejoin his teammates following a period of quarantine and testing in the first round of the playoffs.
SPORTSNET: A report from a Swedish media outlet indicates winger Oskar Lindblom will be traveling to the Toronto bubble to join his Philadephia Flyers teammates. He missed the bulk of this season battling a rare form of bone cancer and finished his treatment on July 2. He could return to action in September if the Flyers are still in the playoffs by then.
NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: San Jose Sharks winger Tomas Hertl has resumed skating for the first time since suffering a season-ending knee injury in January.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi has re-signed a one-year contract with Finland’s Karpat. It’s believed the deal contains an out-clause should Puljujarvi return to the Oilers next season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports suggest the relationship between Puljujarvi and the Oilers has improved after he spent last season in Finland. With the NHL tentatively planning a full 82-game schedule in December, it makes sense for him to get in some meaningful playing time in Finland before NHL camps open in November.
THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): The general managers of the seven non-playoff teams have submitted a proposal to the league allowing their clubs a two-week mini-camp before training camp for all clubs open in November.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sounds like a reasonable proposal. Those teams haven’t played since the regular season was derailed in mid-March and they’re now amid an unusually long off-season.
This year’s arbitration team walk away # is believed to be $4,538,958 (up from $4.4M LY – based on avg salary). Teams can walk away from arb ruling higher than this. Just this year, if team walks away, player/team can agree to team’s arbitration offer.https://t.co/VnyDM0gocT — PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) August 5, 2020
Pengy’s daily rant against Johnson just got a bit more fuel last night – in 16:06 time on the ice he managed a -3. Schultz was next at -2 in 19:26, while Marino was a -1 with 18:58 playing time.
Meanwhile, Letang (the alleged “giveaway” artist) was 0 in 24:25 ice time, as were Dumoulin in 21:18 and Pettersson in 17:21.
To this observer the even bigger question is, why did Sullivan see fit to even dress Marleau against a fast-skating team like the Habs, let alone give him 10:43 of ice time, during which he, too, managed a -3? The guy has 3 speeds: slow, slower and full stop.
Have to believe some lineup changes are coming for the Penguins. Johnson, Schultz, and Marleau haven’t looked good at all in this series.
Hi Lyle and George
Was posting (see below) on small screen; one finger; with tears in my eyes; at same time you were
I can’t say it enough
JJ is handing the series to Montreal… costing goals and effectively sucking the entire life out of his teammates
Sully HAS to sit him now
If he sits JJ … and that’s the only change…, the team will be super energized and should win the series
Perhaps this might be a great boost for Pens… forced to sit JJ… team comes output gangbusters and wins 2 w/o him…. goes on deep run w/o him (he is sat from now on)…. and since he is now completely untraceable… buy him out… saves $2.1 M in Cap next year and year after and massively improves team
🤞🙏🤞🙏🤞🙏🤞🙏
Pengy, Marleau – to this observer – is just as much an anchor as Johnson. WHY does Sullivan even dress him? Sentimentality? Honoring a veteran player? 10 minutes – minus 3
Hi George
Not a chance Marleau is ANYwhere near as bad as JJ
Marleau was slow; lacked energy and wasn’t productive …. he got negative in the +/- because JJ was on the ice
No one can put this on anybody but JJ; and therefore on Sully for playing him
After first game when JJ individually handed the win to Habs… Sully came to his defence stating that it was the forwards fault???
Really…. let’s put it on ZAR… he told JJ to screw up the poke check; he told JJ to pivot the wrong way; he then begged JJ to plough over him (ZAR) and then directed (from the ice) to plough the Hab into Murr so that Murr has to deal with 200 lbs of flying Hab knocking him over and the puck
Sully…. wake up
There has been some really questionable calls from the coaching staff. The third line has been terrible, Sheary has been terrible and Jack Johnson has been Jack Johnson. They need to put some toughness and some hungry young players into the lineup. I wish they had Ryan Reaves or Jaimie Oleksiak still. I hope Tony Angelo can learn how to fight before Friday. Get Jack out and let Jusso loose and change that third line to Angelo, Laffery and Rodriguez
Cried myself to sleep last night
To Lyle and all Habs fans … U are all now JJ fans
Minus 3 on night… if not for ZAR and Murr with two excellent saves… JJ minus 5 on night
He individually handed the victory to Habs by those three goals and completely sucking the confidence and energy out of his teammates 😡🤬😡🤬
He may have now lost the series for Pens AND ended the current longest playoff streak (as technically Habs winning series means Pens don’t make playoffs)
… and Pens won’t get Lafrennierre .. Karma not on their side
This really is on Sully for putting his name on the game sheet
Sully had no problem making game changes…. mysteriously sat McCann… who had been the best on his line for two games (could have and should have sat Marleau if bringing in Lafferty)
If Sully can sit McCann…. he HAS to sit the worst player in NHL history who has now hand delivered 2 victories (and maybe series) to Habs; hand delivered 1 win and co-handed another win to Isles in last year‘s playoffs. Destroyed all teammates confidence and stats. The look of disgust in Jacques Martin’s and Gonch’s faces tells it all… they starred daggers at Sully after JJ’s guffaws…
Just watch Sully lay the blame on ANYBODY but JJ 🤬😡🤬😡😭😭😭😭😭😭
Now to dump him in a trade…. 4 firsts might not be enough
This is absolutely ludicrous…. they just may be golfing this weekend
Alright all. Time to set up a charity fund to help Pengy…
Every minute JJ plays Pengy dies a little inside. YOU CAN make a difference! Call your local Penguins rep and demand JJ be scratched. Only you can prevent dumpster fires.
In all seriousness though, how McCann was sat and JJ played is baffling.
As to Scheifele and Laine potentially back for tonights game; I really think they should take an extra day of rest and recuperation…totally unbiased point of view of course. Again in seriousness, it would be great to see them return to the ice. It was grueling seeing Scheifele’s injury and seeing him back playing would be amazing.
Thanks SCJ
Mrs. Pengy called our insurance broker and confirmed that death by watching JJ end the series IS covered. She was worried that by me watching the game knowing JJ dressed could effectively end up in my demise and be deemed by insurance company as self inflicted death…. no worries… confirmed as covered
However he did say that Mrs Pengy may have right to sue JJ; Sully (for playing JJ) and Pens for allowing Sully to play JJ; for wrongful death if I do succumb
So my estate is covered 🤨😫😢
To me, JJ is costing the Habs any shot at Lafreniere and, at the very least, dropping the pick from 9 to 16. Even if they beat the Pens, I can’t imagine the Habs knocking off the #1 seed.
So please explain to me why I should be a JJ “fan”.
Howard, as I posted in these pages a few weeks back, I have a close friend living in Nova Scotia who has seen a LOT of Lafrenière in the Q and, to someone whose hockey knowledge I have come to respect a great deal over the years, this kid is going to be a very good player in the NHL.
However, he cautions that he is NOT going to be another McJesus … or Matthews … or Crosby etc. If the fans of any team that gets to select him expects THAT level of performance right out of the gate they will only put undue pressure on the kid.
And, knowing the expectations that Habs fans can demand, and how quickly they can turn on someone if they don’t measure up, being in Montreal could – and I am NOT saying will – wind up being the worst possible location.
Pittsburgh would be the next worst if they expect the next Lemieux or Crosby or Malkin.
In the final analysis, maybe – for the kid’s sake – he’ll be far better off in a non-traditional hockey market.
Fair point, George. Many French speaking Quebecois don’t want to deal with the gong show that is Montreal.
There is a counter point though: pro sports demands consistent, high end performance. It doesn’t speak well of a player’s commitment to excellence if they balk at accountability.
As for the Habs and drafting, I want them to lose in 5. Get the experience their young players need and land a top 10 pick in the lottery draft. They have an 88% chance of not getting LaFreniere but there are solid picks in the first 10.
LJ, I’m not saying Lafrenière won’t relish the thought of donning the bleu-blanc-rouge – I’m sure he would and would play to his level best. What I AM saying is that that might not be enough if the fans, collectively, expect and demand the goal-scoring performances of a McDavid or Matthews or Crosby simply because he was a # 1.
100%, Howard.
What a debacle.
Hi Howard
Noted…. yes I can see the dilemma …. JJ is for sure (if he plays tomorrow and/or Sat , very likely to move Habs from 12.5% chance at Lafrennierre to 16th pick (as you said…9th guaranteed)
I can’t see Habs beating bolts
Please join me then in my pleas in having JJ omitted entirely from play
Cheers and thanks
Pengy, you can use JJ as a whipping boy all you want.
But a couple of things:
This series isn’t over.
Give credit to the Habs. They played a good game last night.
If you want to take someone to task, try Malkin. He’s a terrific player but has under performed. That’s had more of an effect than role players like JJ or Marleau.
I would agree they need more out of Malkin. But JJ has been on the ice for 5 of 7 of Montreal’s goals and it’s not like he is playing 25 minutes a night.
Sorry, haven’t watched any of the Pitt series so not sure, but is JJ on the ice by himself when it’s his shift? Seems like a lot gets blamed on one guy…
Every team has multiple weak(er) players but dont’ see the point in blaming a team loss entirely on one player all the time. Of course players screw up and cost a game but the JJ rants on here make it sound like Pitt would be undefeated if this guy wasn’t playing.
Hi LJ
Sorry if I’m not stating the obvious… Habs are playing great; absolutely no question
Price 👍👍👍👍
Suzuki 👍👍👍
Habs in general 👍👍👍
However; JJ not in… series definitely goes to Pens; and not a chance it gets to 5th game
JJ On ice for 5 of 7 goals
Fully and directly responsible for 3; co responsible for 2 others
There is no more telling stats than:
In series Pen’s 5on5 ….
GA/60 when JJ on the ice 9.15
GA/60 JJ on bench 1.22
His xGF % 5on5 last night was a hair over 15%
Every single D partner he’s had over last two years have massively better stats when JJ on the bench
Same goes for ALL other Pens that played a minimum of 5 games total these last two years
One stat that stuck in my mind that was from late in 18/19 season… only a few games left … was that XGF – XGA % was more than 20% greater for the Pens when JJ was on the bench than him on ice
The next worst players in the league were below 8% differential (min 20 games played)… WTF!!
if Ferland is out of action due to PCS then he needs to seriously think about retiring. I enjoy him as a player but he plays a robust style and knocks to the head are inevitable. The tilt he had with Marcus Foligno likely was the contributing factor to him not feeling well. A couple of shots to the head from a player who is 6’3″ 225lbs not a good thing for someone who struggles with concussions.
I will take back the ‘retire’ comment but I can see him on LTIR for the next 3 seasons until his contract expires.
NHL should have an ‘exemption clause’ for players who are deemed medically unfit to ever return to play. They retire due to medical reasons and come off the cap , insurance pays them out. Marc Savard , Hossa , Franzen all examples of players who were never coming back and deemed medically unfit
Hi Fergy
While on LTIR they are not counted in the Cap and are paid out via ins (80 % I think) and team (20 % I ghink)
Owners would still have to pay so no $ advantage and lose the Cap flex if the LTIR so their want to keep it
Pronger did retire as unfit to return to play; was paid out via insurance and team; and was kept on LTIR until his contract ran out
I believe he was elected into the HHOF while he was technically still under contract… does anybody know if I have that correct?
I agree, a player being medically unfit to play isn’t the player’s or the team’s fault, shouldn’t have to juggle LTIR calculations because of it. They would, and already do, need a better system of verification though as multiple teams at least appear to abuse the LTIR system. I know when Lupul tried to challenge his status league hired doctors evaluated him and failed him, which makes it sound like the team docs are the ones signing off on it now which isn’t right. I could be wrong, just seems like that’s the system now.
Agree Fergy
Life is more important. I’m not sure how many concussions he’s had but it’s getting up there.
Continued concussions could have long term and seriously detrimental effects
Hope the best for him; but for sure he needs to be out a while
Pengy , once the season starts the team gets cap relief for players on LTIR but the players cap hit counts against the total team spend in the off season which narrows the amount GM’s have to spend on UFA’s.
Marc Savard did not play a game for 6.5 years but the B’s had to put him on LTIR once the season started.
Hi Fergy22
Yep and bang on re off season (can “overspend by 10% … $8.1 M)… but the LTIR flex for start of season is coveted by some GMs… it certainly helped Dubas out of a jam this year
Can’t see them changing it; would need to wait until next CBA
I think you’re being a little unfair to JJ. He had a couple good shifts. I’d play him more minutes and see if he can shake off this bad luck.
Hi HabsfaninPhx
Per Marlon Brando
“Oh the horror“
I’m on the cusp of 60…., Ur going to kill me🤪🤓
I’ve got a company to run and JJ has individually dragged my emotions down and de-energized my spirit
Hope I can shake this off… clients to “meet” (virtual) with in 30 mins
😭😭😭😭😭
Pengy:
It’s:
Joseph Conrad
Colonel Kurtz
or:
I happened to say “the horror” the other day – so you can attribute it to me.
That would be equally as valid as Brando, unknowingly mouthing lines from a screenwriter who in turn stole them from Conrad.
rich
Hi Rattus Rattus
Yes knew that but the movie was loosely based on the book as was Brando’s character on Conrad’s Kurtz
Read the book 40 plus years ago; loved the movie (fun factoid…movie has scenes in it with Fishburne still only 14! He turned 15 3 months after filming started and had lied about his age)
whether Conrad’s Kurtz ; Brando in rehearsal; or Pengy every night JJ plays…. “the horror”. 😡🤬😡🤬😭😭🤯
Lol nice one.
It’s funny how the two teams who had objections on allowing these teams to play and their concerns coming true. Question is, where/are these guys in their heads? I doubt either team makes it past the next round but it’s been full of nice surprises so far.
Nice twist.
Hi Ron
Sorry I have to disagree
If Pens sit JJ and win (seeing how well they do w/o him) they will easily be super invigorated without the negativity and brutal anchor they had with JJ in line up
Well I’m not there yet, as I stated several times; Montreal will eliminate Pittsburgh and the Penguin win the lottery.
The two teams most people were upset about being in the playoffs (Chi, MTL) because folks felt they didn’t deserve to be there and both could upset in the play in round; well them fears are starting to be realized.
Don’t blame MTL or Chi they are making the most of their opportunities.
Neither has won yet but how upset will folks be if Edmonton won the draft lottery?
Good thing Boston isn’t in the play in round or they be toast.
Wheeler and Connor must start cashing in; that would imply they had opportunities.
Connor has ghost his team, while Wheeler has poked his head out of the shadows every now and then.
If Toronto can eliminate Columbus, there is a good chance they could meet Boston in the first round and isnt that what everyone wants.
I think we’ll end up facing Carolina.
Makes no difference really.
You have to beat em all if you wanna win it all.
Hi Caper
Yep note quite done yet
Fingers crossed
If Sully does the right thing (I can’t believe he’s only done it once in 2 years) and sits JJ… fair chance of Bruins/Pens first round match up
Jack Johnson deserves the whipping he’s getting here but what about Murray & Malkin? As a life long & diehard Pens fan Geno is my favorite player but he looks disinterested even with talented guys like Zucker & Rust on his wings …
Matt Murray has lost his confidence and his glove has never been that good anyway so it’s time for the Tristian Jarry era to begin.
Pens biggest issue in the off season is the need to address the defense. And that’s easier said than done. I’m in the minority here but I’d get rid of Johnson (would probably have to buy him out), let Schultz walk via FA and try and trade Letang. Doumalin, Pettersson & Marino are my keepers. Murray could bring back a d-man hopefully.
Up front, Marleau walks, Sheary goes and Bjugstad gets dumped somewhere, anywhere. Not ready to give up on McCann yet.
Getting Lafriennere would be criminal but the Pens have had extraordinary luck with draft slots.
Not sure anyone would give up anything significant for Geno at this point but it needs to be explored. He’s getting up there, has a bad temper and takes dumb penalties and is a turnover machine. But he has had a wonderful career in Pittsburgh. I always got the feeling that he felt like he should have been the #1 centre on any team he was on … and he would have been on most but you can’t deny Crosby that slot here.
The series isn’t over, wouldn’t be surprised either way, Habs win tomorrow or Pens take the next two but JR has a lot of work to do in a short period of time.
Hi Ed
Yep Malkin not up to par
“just missing” quite often and frustrated often. Not what we expect for sure
Marleau ?????
Sully pulling McC and putting in Laffy? No issue with Laffy in; it’s just if there is any change it MUST be JJ and even if a forward needs to be changed; you don’t take out the fastest and hardest working of that third line and leave Marleau in?????
But Pens scored enough (on a Spectacular Price I might add) to win
G/As are the downfall… 3 directly and fully on JJ; 2 others he was co blame on
You can’t say anything bad re Murray so far… he is well over playing his seasonal stats (season .899) …. this series 914 (85/93)
This series when JJ is on the bench …. he’s north of .970!!!
I can’t emphasize how much negative influence JJ has on the entire team
Shultz has been dumped on all season … but his stats sans JJ are extremely higher
JJ HAS to sit tomorrow
I’m confident that Sid’s birthday wish is for Sully to own up and take JJ out of the line up
Sid is the reason he is in the line up nightly. If sid gets his wish jj would be his winger.
NHL deserves the joke rep they will never shake when the GMs of the eliminated teams like EDM, PENS publicly state truthfully that they made 60 regular season games irrelevant.
Scheiffle I guess has some soccer player DNA to be back in after writhing around like he was taken down with an elephant gun in the Serengetti.
Nah. It’s all good.
Reduce the regular season to 60 to 70 games, and run this play in tournament every year.
46 games max!
And retire the old records books – start fresh!
SO’s long as it’s after 84!
Cried in every meeting today so far
😭😭😭
For those defending JJ….
Pens have 7 GA in series…. JJ on ice for 5; 3 completely and individually his fault alone; the other two he was at least 1/2 to blame
In series Pen’s 5on5 ….
GA/60 when JJ on the ice 9.15
GA/60 JJ on bench 1.22
….. Hello
His xGF % 5on5 last night was a hair over 15%…. yikes
2 unforced icings; 5 blown break out passes; and he flubbed receiving 3 more stumbling Pens pressure in O zone
Out of position and clueless to play, opponents, puck; his own team; throughout the entire game
Every mistake he made brought the energy out of the Pens. Just sucked it dry. Pens bullish Onslaughts after JJ guffaws became pressure panics in Pens own zone
Is it Shultz bringing down JJ…. not on your life…. not only is EVERY single D partner’s stats this year AND last year ; worse (by a gargantuan amount) with JJ than w/o; but EVERY single Pen who played more than 5 games this year or last year; has massively better stats w/o JJ on the ice than with him on. EVERY player.
He’s a team killer
There is absolutely no other way to look at it
It HAS to stop!!
He could go down as the individual that stopped a franchise record setting 13 year playoff streak (and longest current streak of any NHL team) as these play-ins NOT considered “playoffs”
He was individually responsible for one of the Isle’s series (‘19) losses and co-responsible for another
Remember…. Pens in play-in because they finished 3 points behind Flyers…. earlier game in season Flyers won 3-0 including EN goal…. guess who was directly and individually responsible for 2 (and in effect nullifying a potential shutout) …. yep… w/o those goals …. no EN…. zero…zero then w/o JJ’s costly mistakes…. if….
Pens win that game 1-0 in either reg or OT…. then Pens already *in (top 4, and streak continues) with chance at top seed; Flyers in play-in series v Habs
*both teams would have 88 points and same winning %’age then; but Pens get tie-breaker; finish in 4th in East.. RR series against Caps; Bruins; Bolts
and that’s just one game… he cost at least 2 others by his lonesome this year; last year on his lonesome ; 11 game points (which would have had Pens 2nd in league in 18/19 instead of just a hair North of the bubble line)
Sully has Sat JJ but 1 (one) game in two years; that’s it..,and he is the costliest (in terms of team success) player in the history of the NHL; and without knowing for sure; likely the entire history of all hockey; every level; everywhere; EVER
Separated at birth, Pengy , JJ and Ceci.
Hi W17H
That’s quite a separation
One twin worst player (to his team’s success) in the history of hockey; any level; anywhere ; anytime
Last two years has massively brought down all stats for all teammates he’s played at least 5 games with; on his own lost (for his team) 3 (of the last 7) playoff/play in games; in 18/19, on his own; lost 11 game points (which would have had his team finish 2nd in league instead of almost missing playoffs.)
The other twin is a pretty dang weak Leaf Dman who has (at worst) marginally brought down the stats of a handful of Leafs; and has never; to my knowledge; individually lost a game by Leafs
WH17…. the better twin just scored … first goal in 50 or so games
The infinite monkey theorem strikes again!