February 7, 2015

Column: Kunitz must be more than a mirage

BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC CALGARY, Alberta — Marc-Andre Fleury carved another slice of franchise history with his eighth shutout, this on 21 saves in the Penguins’ 4-0 snuffing of the Flames Friday night at Scotiabank Saddledome. “I’m proud of it,” Fleury said afterward. “It’s a good feeling.” No doubt, but the best feeling among the visitors?

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105 Comments Newest to oldest

cmupensfan
2-7-2015, 1:05 am
Maybe its just the West Coast of Canada, but that locker room seems as lively as it has all season. Do you agree Dejan?

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kteemac
2-7-2015, 1:06 am
Blake Comeau was injured in our 12/22 game. Before that game, we were 22-6-4. Then we went 6-8-4 in the games leading up to this Western Canada trip (with the past 2 wins, that goes up to 8-8-4). CANNOT WAIT to get Comeau back into the lineup.

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Scaldis Noel
2-7-2015, 6:32 am
It's hard to imagine that anyone was thinking about Comeau this way when the season started. Heck, I'm not sure many fans were giving more than a passing thought to Blake Comeau at all. It's amazing how a little bit of surprise production in the first 2-1/2 months can change our thoughts about a player.

A. Lane
2-7-2015, 7:23 am
I'm not sure Black Comeau is going to continue his career high shooting rate of 15.5%. Good player, great pickup but some regression is expected.

ian.c.burnham
2-7-2015, 1:06 am
Worth the wait. Excellent insight into the team as always.

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kteemac
2-7-2015, 1:11 am
Your Western Canada trip columns have made my entire year's subscription worthwhile. Excellent!

Ray
2-7-2015, 1:11 am
Is there really a difference between line 1 and 2? Might as well be 1 and 1a. 14 is going to be on top two no matter how he plays

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Scaldis Noel
2-7-2015, 6:28 am
I think the point is that he might get dropped to the third line, which is why the discussion has been whether he is or isn't a top 6 forward, rather than whether he is a first line player or not.

DJ
2-7-2015, 1:15 am
Just one game but it's a start for Kuni. We'll see if he has stamina to keep it going.

Big fan but have real concerns.

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DJ
2-7-2015, 1:21 am
Kuni should take a page from Dupuis on post-season training regimen.

Only thing that may have dissuaded him was beating he took / doled out last year.

DiegoPittFan
2-7-2015, 1:19 am
I'd still take Jagr

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DJ
2-7-2015, 1:35 am
Teaching accountability requires striking a balance between motivation, repercussion and pragmatism.

Now that players are coming back there's no better time for a few lessons.

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Rico
2-7-2015, 7:42 am
Very well said, DJ!

Rico
2-7-2015, 9:34 am
Now that I've had my coffee, I can expound on that! What you said about accountability and motivation is perfectly illustrated by what they are doing with Beau. Can you even imagine the previous regime taking the time and focused effort to work with an individual player like they're doing with BB? That's mighty impressive to me, and along with the nugget from the column about the members of the Crosby line meeting with the coach and other things we've heard, I'm beginning to be cautiously optimistic that this year's playoff experience just might be a little sweeter because of the teaching and accountability thing.

DJ
2-7-2015, 2:31 pm
Nice, Rico.

A. Lane
2-7-2015, 3:11 pm
Go look at what Matt Niskanen had to say about the Penguins organization and development.

DJ
2-7-2015, 10:10 pm
Man, couldn't care less what Nisky had to say.

Or Orpik.

Dave G
2-7-2015, 1:46 am
Nice to see Adams and Scuderi have a quiet week.

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Dr. Van Nostrand
2-7-2015, 2:07 am
The major point of your piece, to me, is buried in the bottom paragraph DK. (Though I'm not saying you buried the lead!). It's nice to see 14 step up and play a great game, but I wouldn't bet a box of cracker jacks, let alone my entire team's season, that he can perform at a high level with any degree of consistency...that's a major issue with father time.

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Scott Hey Hey
2-7-2015, 2:20 am
If Jagr can do it at his age, the only thing stopping Kunitz at 35 is Kunitz. It's all a matter of desire at this point...and I think with the chemistry starting to build among the 1st line guys, I wouldn't count him out just yet

Scaldis Noel
2-7-2015, 6:25 am
Scott, when you say "if Jagr can do it at his age...", I don't think that's a fair comparison for Kunitz, or any other mid-30s player for that matter. Jagr is both an all-time great in the league - one of the top 10 forwards to ever play the game - and a physical freak of nature. Players past 40 years old just don't do what he can still do. That being said, Kunitz MIGHT have enough left in his tank to regain productive form for the stretch run and the playoffs.

Dr. Van Nostrand
2-7-2015, 1:21 pm
Agree Noel, very few can maintain that high level with age...guys like Jagr and Selanne come to mind...he's nowhere near the ballpark of those two. It's also fair to account that while he is familiar with 87's style of play, speed is speed, and if he can't get up and down anymore, that severely mitigates the chemistry regardless. I'm not going to completely count him out, but the odds are against Kunitz enough that JR should explore other avenues, even if 14 does have a good week or two.

Scott Hey Hey
2-7-2015, 9:50 pm
Agreed, Jagr is an all-time great and a physical freak. I wasn't implying that Kunitz could compare...just meant that since he has stayed relatively healthy and not continuously fighting major injuries, the only thing keeping him from reaching the physical shape/conditioning he needs to continue to be productive/successful is himself and his own desire to do so

Psychlone
2-7-2015, 2:21 am
The advanced stats actually show Kunitz is playing better than it appears on the ice. Not saying that he can't play better but there are far worse performers on the team. *cough cough* Sutter.

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lowness
2-7-2015, 2:34 am
Jagr: where he's a master

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Dejan Kovacevic
2-7-2015, 2:37 am
Thanks!

dannyboy1631
2-7-2015, 4:31 am
This is, by far, the best column written about this team ANYWHERE to date. Thanks for giving your readers what they're looking for time and time again.

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Rico
2-7-2015, 7:36 am
Wow, I agree. DK is just blowing away the competition at this point, with his you-are-there coverage of the games, combined with his expert analysis and his nuggets of insider gold. I for one can't wait till the hockey stretch run and playoffs collide with spring training and the Steelers draft. DK might just have to clone himself to be able to cover everything in his superlatively thorough way!

Bob Stevens
2-7-2015, 6:10 am
Great article, thanks DK. Ive always like Kunitz, its a shame that he has struggled so much this year, I think hes a great fit for Sid and the Burgh, lets hope he can get it together.

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Nancy Marcotte
2-7-2015, 6:30 am
Another great read . Kunitz's play has been a moot point of mine this season. Why would he not show up in better shape. Perhaps he didn't like the DB firing. Perhaps at his age he just wanted the summer off.Hockey is a business and that part or it needs to be left up to management. The players jobs are to be in the best shape and go out and play hard. You can't survive in the NHL these days with less. Bet if it was his contract year it would of been different. A real pet peeve of mine. Good to Kuni's his great game tonight. Hope that continues. Because in my heart would hate to see him go. But it's about performance and winning. Bottom line.!! ..

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Psychlone
2-7-2015, 7:15 am
What's funny is the advanced stats guys actually say that based on some of the stats Kunitz is actually playing well. I still think if a trade is made Kunitz could be a candidate to go based on his salary alone. We shall see but I too can't wait for Comeau to get back!

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Scaldis Noel
2-7-2015, 6:17 am
I understand that people want to get rid of him because of his salary cap hit, but why would another team want him right now? Unless he continues to play like he did last night, which would make a trade for another top 6 forward much less necessary, his only significant appeal to another team would be veteran playoff experience. That's his only notable value at this point. Presumably, any team desperate for that veteran presence is a young "bubble" team, not one of the repeat contenders in the top 6 of either conference. The most obvious teams that meet that description are Florida, Winnipeg, and Calgary. I'm not sure that any of those three have any meaningful trade bait that would appeal to the Penguins.

The only way that the Penguins will be able to trade him will be in a multi-player deal in which he is not the centerpiece from the Penguins side of the transaction.

Marc
2-7-2015, 11:42 am
Scaldis... if you're talking a trade with Florida, then Brad Boyes would be who we'd want

rokinray
2-7-2015, 7:55 am
Nice to see the top line play a great game. Let's see them do it more than one or two games in a row.

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Purple Moose
2-7-2015, 7:58 am
Getting one more winger is still crucial in my mind. Moving Kunitz to the 3rd line is a must because I dont think Spaling adds much to the 3rd line with an offensive threat. Dont get me wrong, I think Spaling is valuable but as a 4th liner.

Remember we still need the 3rd AND the 4th line to at least be a little bit of scoring threats if we want to go far in the playoffs.

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Rico
2-7-2015, 9:22 am
I don't think they necessarily need one more winger, Moose. (Great name, by the way, though the purple of the moose does clash somewhat with the green and gold of your Fighting Irish avatar :) ) Look at it this way. When Comeau comes back, you have three pretty solid lines with Kuni Sid Perron, Comeau Geno HQ, Sutter Bennett Downie, and then Spaling can slide down to the 4th, where I agree he is more valuable. Though the more I think of it, adding Jagr to this group would be amazing, but I just wonder what the price would be. It's going to be fun to see what they do because I'll bet GMJR has another trick or two up his sleeve before the trade deadline.

Purple Moose
2-7-2015, 9:29 am
Thanks Rico. I do love the idea of the top 2 lines especially with Jagr a possibility. Getting somebody like Jagr allows the move of Kunitz to 3rd in your equation and Downie to the 4th removing Adams. Adams has been playing better of late but is not a Stanley Cup 4th liner. A 4th line of Spaling-Lapierre-Downie is pretty darn good.

Sarah
2-7-2015, 9:46 am
But who would Jagr bump from top 6? He doesn't have wheels as much anymore....

Jay Baileys
2-7-2015, 8:00 am
Your last line completely nails it. This is the Kunitz we need moving forward and Sid does too. Great article DK, enjoy Vancouver. So off back to back shutouts are they really gonna play BB or does he sit again. Tough to make a change but they did say he would get a game on the trip.

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DJ
2-7-2015, 8:03 am
He's playing, JB.

Etch it.

DJ
2-7-2015, 8:01 am
Photo above -- surrounded by FOUR Flames and goalie -- says it all as to how Kuni's most effective, which is creating traffic in front of net. A warrior when he's there.

Had he finished a number of glorious chances at goal mouth early in season (where he'd ALWAYS been better than even money), might not be somewhat of a lightning rod right now.

Hoping the puck starts bouncing his way and that he's saved his best performances for playoffs. One of my all-time fave Pens.

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Rico
2-7-2015, 9:08 am
I love the caption, too: "Kunitz LUNGES through a pack of Flames for a loose puck." You're absolutely spot on, DJ (are you related to DK by the way?? a cousin one letter removed?) If Kuni can get back to his high-energy, net-crashing game, that line with Sid and David "The Finisher" Perron will be devastating. He's one of my all-time faves as well, and I have the feeling he's gearing up his game just in time for the stretch run and the playoffs.

Halvybuckets
2-7-2015, 8:14 am
Second paragraph under the Jagr bullet...where he is, not where's.

Great stuff as usual.

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DebM
2-7-2015, 8:44 am
Great article DK.....great insight.

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Scott
2-7-2015, 8:54 am
I think Perry's brother Blake has been a really good pick up, but I have to believe this staff is smart enough to know that he will likely regress back to his mean. He was on a 30+ goal pace before he went down to injury. He's more likely a 20 G guy on this team with top 6 minutes. Maybe that will work if he gets Malkin more space to excel at being Geno. And maybe it's going to be easier to add another BOT 6 FWD…

I'd also like to see the goalie work load get split 60/40 down the stretch no matter how well MAF is playing, to keep some in the tank for when it matters.

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mike
2-7-2015, 8:57 am
for sure, more than a mirage. his style of play and age is tough. no wonder Beau has been a HEALTHY scratch. traffic at the net, driving the slot and back checking are all hard, dangerous jobs. ancient risk-reward factors. for me, thats why Geno is so amazing and also, who is the Ryan Malone or Rick Tocchet on this team now? wow,what a game, what a team, what a sport eh

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PlazMan
2-7-2015, 9:00 am
Where has THIS Kunitz been all year? Honestly looked like another person last night. Here's hoping he keeps it up!

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Vincenze G.
2-7-2015, 9:09 am
I have thought Kunitz' play this year has been a combination of lingering injury and an attempt to pace himself to have something left for the likely inevitable playoffs. I rarely agree with the comments about players not caring or giving effort but I think this is different. I'm expecting to see Kunitz come out in the playoffs going hard into the boards, checking and digging in the corners. If I dont, (or if he cant do it throughout the playoffs) then I'll believe he's done. He's still very productive - I think we undervalue our players - but Id rather see him on the 2nd or 3rd line which would strengthen the lineup top to bottom.

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chethejet
2-7-2015, 9:37 am
Kunitz as been pretty much a dog this year. The coaching staff is operating with the understanding the playoffs are where the rubber meets the road. The Pens coaching staff has to put the team ahead of comfort. Thus Kunitz will determine his fate. If he under performs, then he is winging it with Sutter. Team dynamics aside, winning is the goal here

Sarah
2-7-2015, 9:41 am
Not certain he's done. But he's done as an effective Top6er IMO. Can def contribute lower 6 vs non-top D and opposing lines.
Top6 in playoffs, no.

DJ
2-7-2015, 2:39 pm
Snidely Whiplash avatar.

Nice.

graingergroper
2-7-2015, 9:43 am
I get This video format is not supported on your device for the first video clip...never remember ever seeing that on the site. That said...good to see that line playing the way they did. We can leave Sid alone for a day anyway.

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Sarah
2-7-2015, 9:45 am
As for KCP not being a lock....is this a change? Didn't we hear from staff yesterday that the plan was definitely KCP going forward?
If now Kunitz has to earn it, great, but wondering if this is a change from what coaches intimated recently...

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YouMeAndDupuis
2-7-2015, 10:03 am
It really should be Perron-Sid-Hornqvist, imo Hornqvist just does not mesh with Malkin. And Kunitz has a good history with Geno as well.

I'm happy to know the coaches were seeing what we were all seeing with Kunitz, looked disengaged at times.

By the way, how about that Perron? Easily our 3rd best forward.

Sarah
2-7-2015, 10:34 am
Well if Kunitz and Crosby are meeting with staff to argue for staying together, then the mix we have is a out keeping Crosby comfortable. Not averse to that in principle, but Kuni has been awful frequently, and I simply do not see him playing at the level we saw last night consistently, or in the playoffs.
If the coaches are actually challenging vets on poor play and THEN holding them accountable if they don't improve, that would be very welcome, but haven't seen it yet. Only the younger guys get that treatment thus far.
Also, it's February. It took them this long To challenge Kunitz?

Jay Baileys
2-7-2015, 11:40 am
Perron has been awesome, anyone know how he has done in the past in the playoffs? I know he didn't see any with EDM but didn't he play in STL?

Jay Baileys
2-7-2015, 11:41 am
Sarah agree with everything you said especially the last line. 50 games to prove you can still play up top and BB gets benched after a bakers dozen.

Sarah
2-7-2015, 1:01 pm
Yeah JB, actually that is what worries me re the coaching staff...that this may just be posturing to show that they, um, have a pair if you get my meaning LOL!
Benching BB was the easy way out. If you're BB and you're watching Kuni and Sutter (never mind Adams or Sill) from the press box, you've got to be frustrated.
Add on that IMO BB had way more juju with Malkin than Horny has shown, it's all hard to justify.
Like I said, not opposed to keeping Crosby happy in principle, but there's too much happening downstream of that which affects the mix and effectiveness of the top 2 lines.

Robert
2-7-2015, 10:02 am
Just my opinion but I think most of Kunitz problem is the age. However, it's not just he's too slow or lacks stamina. He needs a somewhat physical opposite winger to share the burden, if you will. Perron has been fantastic on the boards, winning battles, making sharp passes in traffic, and (a little surprising to me) just being tough to move around the net. In other words, Kunitz, and Crosby for that matter, don't have to be a top producing line while making up for the deficiencies of some AHL-level wing like they have a lot of the past few seasons. As supportive evidence, I don't think it's coincidence that both 14 & 87 played their best hockey this season, pre-Perron, while having Hornqvist as a linemate.

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Sarah
2-7-2015, 1:14 pm
You've described what Kunitz's job used to be.
That line needs a 3rd wheel (2009-10 Kunitz) and someone to make the opposition pay for double-teaming Sid (Perron). Perron on the left and Horny on the right is what makes sense.
But Crosby appears too comfortable with Kunitz to be forced to change.

BxgirlLouise
2-7-2015, 10:02 am
Kunitz like Crosby have not been their best this season. But like Crosby I think Kunitz still has the drive at age 35 to deliver, but his he happy to stay. No one mentioned if he wants to still be a Penguin. Hope he still does, great player and team player with Crosby and Perron. Jagr without sentiment is needed and has the skills to do the job

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Sarah
2-7-2015, 1:10 pm
Rumours from MM I believe are he wants out. Who knows. He was a DB supporter I believe. So thus far I think he'd be inclined to stay...vets are still favored here.

PucknutZ
2-7-2015, 10:09 am
Assuming that Jagr would turn out to be a good fit and really add something down the stretch and into the playoffs, he still would just be a rental.
How much do you give up for this year and maybe 1 more?
I cannot see Jagr being that valuable to any team unless they feel he would be the absolute final piece needed for a serious cup run.
As much as I would enjoy seeing him back on Pgh. ice it would almost have to be at a fire sale price.

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YouMeAndDupuis
2-7-2015, 10:21 am
Jagr is such a bad idea it's amazing. For what it would take to get him, clearing space for his high cap hit, for a player who has 1 goal in his last 5 million or so playoff games, for how slow he is...this nostalgia is just...absurd.

Sarah
2-7-2015, 10:42 am
Meh, he'd help the PP as a rental, which they definitely need.
Can't see him keeping up w Malkin or Crosby as a top6er though....

DJ
2-7-2015, 2:46 pm
With ya on this one, YMD.

Scott Hey Hey
2-7-2015, 10:05 pm
I don't see how he'd help the PP. He'd be one more guy preferring the same side of the ice, and one more guy holding the puck

dmkruth1
2-7-2015, 10:17 am
With the Pens recent history of strong showings in Western Canada, any thoughts on a considerable factor of that being the supreme ice quality? The games just look faster and smoother.

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Sarah
2-7-2015, 10:41 am
The better the ice, the more skill will shine!
It's too bad Consol is a slush bucket.

DJ
2-7-2015, 2:48 pm
Wondering same thing.

Although heard Edmonton's ice was downgraded for last one . . . surprising.

r_adical1
2-7-2015, 10:38 am
Great article DK

Kunitz and apparently Crosby had a fire lit under their behinds in their sit down with Johnston

Good on the coach

Now they need to keep at it

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eddie.melville
2-7-2015, 4:23 pm
Johnston seems to be able to do something Dan Bylsma lost early on in his coaching stint: command the attention and respect of his stars. I hope this is just the beginning for the Crosby line, the effort has been there the last 2 games.

A. Lane
2-7-2015, 10:48 am
Sorry, I don't see the issue with Kuntiz, he looked a stride slow just prior to missing time with a broken foot, and for a couple games after, but I just don't see this season long issue. During this relative bad stretch the first line is the only line that has shown up with any consistency.

Maybe his battle level and compete quotient aren't up to Tocchet's standards, but even with the poor play around his foot injury he is 3rd in goals and 4th in points.

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Sarah
2-7-2015, 1:09 pm
Meh....Kuni was great last night to be sure.
But all season I've not seen him look like that for more than 20-30 mins in a game tops. And many games more like 0 mins. I especially notice his poor speed (effort?) on back checks as a G myself.
IF he can keep this up through playoffs, I'd be delighted.
But not holding my breath.....

A. Lane
2-7-2015, 3:27 pm
I just disagree, he was pivotal in both goals against the Devils and the last month it has pretty much been the first line and Letang, Kunitz hasn't been racking up points but I don't see this slow skating or poor effort. I also find it a bit comical that Kunitz was a Canadian Olympian and coming off a career year and 9 month later he is a 3rd liner.

Sarah
2-7-2015, 6:08 pm
Not saying he doesn't get points. Talking about pretty much everything else.
The anomaly is not that he's a 3rd liner (he is, now) it was that he was given a slot as one of Canada's top 12 Fs (he isn't'). It pays to be buds with Crosby who is loathe to change routine, and IMO that is a large part of what is going on now. And what was going on at Sochi.

bpatterson63
2-7-2015, 10:52 am
This team has exactly what it needs...fundamentals and finesse. When the top changes were announced, I was like Jim Rutherford? Mike Johnston? Now I know...and knowing is half the battle!

GI JOE!

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Scott in Orlando
2-7-2015, 10:56 am
Mr. Kunitz has been a solid performer for the Penguins and to my recollection, has experienced infrequent lulls relative to scoring during his tenure. Certainly, he has been an integral part of the Penguins strengths through the years and if anyone recognizes the importance of him putting forth his all, it is him.

Let us not forget his injury, which I believe was a broken bone in his foot, just earlier this year. Certainly, his age is representative of degrading skills but it is my opinion he harbors the abilities of a much younger talent and he will prove this out by year end, or at least I'm hopeful. Accompanying his historical value to the club comes the salary hit which absolutely has to be taken into consideration. The picture which DK chose for this article, from last night's game, is emblematic of not just a young Chris Kunitz but one who clearly recognizes what he must do to succeed.

It is difficult for fans of any sports team to watch familiar, respected faces evolve through the systems until their age and/or salary makes them expendable. The Penguins have been a better hockey team with Mr. Kunitz than they would have been without him and I want to see him maximize not just his abilities but value to the team.

Great article, Mr. Kovacevic. I am looking forward to your coverage of the Pirates training camp in Bradenton, especially knowing this will be your first time doing so as the purveyor of the website. As a Lunatic Level subscriber, I am extremely appreciative of your efforts in providing what is likely the best sports coverage in any city within the USA.

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PucknutZ
2-7-2015, 11:10 am
Very well put Scott. esp...
"It is difficult for fans of any sports team to watch familiar, respected faces evolve through the systems until their age and/or salary makes them expendable"
Very true.
I also am hopeful that Kuni is not done yet. I don't think he is. If he can play 80% as well as he played last night the rest of the way out I think we are ok.

Paul
2-7-2015, 11:12 am
It would be great if Chris Kunitz can pick up his game and play at the level he has shown in the past but it won't matter if Crosby doesn't start scoring. You can level all the criticism you want at Bennett and Kunitz or whomever but Crosby is not doing enough. He skates around and hustles sure but he needs to put the puck in the net on a regular basis. If he doesn't the Pens will be out early again.

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The wolf
2-7-2015, 11:45 am
I see you missed last nights game.

Paul
2-7-2015, 7:17 pm
I did see last nights game and I hope it marks the return of Crosby's scoring touch. But it is one game. Lets go back and look at the Pens scoring as a whole and lets start from the end of last season when some of the superstars were unable to score, or the year before when Boston shut them down. Its just a fact as Crosby goes so go the Penguins. He needs to produce an a nightly basis and against the better oponents as well. I hope he does. I hope they all do. But if the stars on this team don't carry them, Kunitz Bennett, Sutter et al will not be enough to get the Penguins out of the east. And sure everyone has to chip in and give there best game in and game out to be sure, so while Sid was great last night he needs to start scoring and producing consistently for the team to be successful. I think he will.

The wolf
2-7-2015, 11:42 am
Nice piece DK it's good to see Kunitz back to his old self for a night and hopefully many more.

Just not sure about this preference cited for not going out to try and get a other scoring winger. Thats no argument at all against the guys already in the fold like Comeau, who's been great. The problem is depth. If and when they go down to injury the drop off in terms of replacements is very steep as we've seen. Banking on a fully healthy lineup to hold up through the postseason seems a bit like whistling past the graveyard if that is indeed the plan.

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Sarah
2-7-2015, 1:06 pm
Yup they are banking a LOT on thisTop6 as shown.
BB as insurance for injury, Comeau to continue to double his career scoring avgs, Horny to develop....something...with Geno, Kunitz to not look old/play lazy....and on and on...
I dunno.

Wild Bill
2-7-2015, 12:01 pm
Seems like all the Pens need to continue to hone what they do. Not a single Penguin among the league's top 40 in plus/minus stats.

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Wild Bill
2-7-2015, 12:11 pm
Martin and Scuderi in a ten way tie for 52nd at plus 11.

Sarah
2-7-2015, 1:03 pm
Please, my darling Bill, don't get me started on Scuderi and Martin!!! It's the weekend LOL!!!

bpatterson63
2-7-2015, 2:21 pm
Good use of stats Untamed William!

Wild Bill
2-7-2015, 7:47 pm
Hey Sarah! Thought I'd get you going with that one.

Wild Bill
2-7-2015, 7:48 pm
Howdy Brandie!

Eric
2-7-2015, 1:02 pm
I am all in on bringin in Jagr, provided it doesn't cost a lot and I don't think it will. He will help this team score goals and it will help IF Jagr ever decides to retire for us to retire his jersey as a Penguuin. Great read as always Dejan. You never disappoint on bringin' sports to our living rooms every day. My nephew's hockey team has gotten two wins already in a Canadian hockey tourney and hopefully Dan and the Paralympic team bring home the gold tonight vs. Russia!

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Elbie Nickel
2-7-2015, 1:07 pm
+/- is an overrated stat, I like looking at 8 shutouts already this year and think it's more reflective of the team's overall play.

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Wild Bill
2-7-2015, 7:50 pm
Or is our record in our division more indicative?

alantig
2-7-2015, 10:23 pm
Regular season record means nothing once the playoffs come around.

3-0 against Boston in the 2012-13 regular season. 4-0 Boston sweep in the playoffs.

The regular season record against a team means nothing.

Dejan Kovacevic
2-7-2015, 1:21 pm
Front page of Calgary Herald sports section ...

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Zico
2-7-2015, 1:23 pm
Just read in a blog somewhere that Rossi reported yesterday that Sid openly stated he doesn't like playing with Hornqvist, and doesn't prefer wingers who drive the net. Anyone have ANY idea where I could find those quotes? I'd love to see if that was actually said or not( by Rossi I mean).

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Zico
2-7-2015, 1:38 pm
Nevermind, I found it. Mind blown.

Sarah
2-7-2015, 6:03 pm
Consider the source.

Zico
2-8-2015, 12:14 am
That's why I enjoy finding the quotes, Sarah. Rossi is so bad, it's actually entertaining. It was in his podcast from yesterday, and I was laughing hysterically from the intro to the podcast. It's like he tries to be Mark Madden.

Adam
2-7-2015, 5:56 pm
Did I say how much I love seeing a real head coach with the Penguins? Not afraid of any player on the roster or afraid to challenge them when they don't play up to expectations.

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Randy Steele
2-7-2015, 8:40 pm
I gotta say, Mr. Kovacevic, that it's fun watching a writer morph into a businessman. (Been there, done that.) Not as easy as it looks, eh?

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Kip
2-8-2015, 12:26 am
I think banking on Comeau's return is nuts. Regardless of the 2 win - winning streak there is a glaring need for wingers thanks to Ray Shero. Mattas season ending injury makes it a little difficult to deal D-men but they still have a glut ... Someone or two have to go and although JR. Has done a good job so far ... He still has some adding to do. We are short two quality wingers ... The Pens aren't even close to a Cup Finals team without 2 quality wingers. Shero's decision to extend Kunitz and Duper was a mistake ... Age and salary cap ... Martin and somebody else has to go ... Either Pouliot or Harrington. Risky business but there are no guarantees by keeping or dealing them. Forget rental players ...

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lucygolf4
2-8-2015, 12:52 pm
..,,m

lucygolf4
2-8-2015, 5:49 pm
If the Jagr dream comes true for everyone, how does this change Crosby's role, positionally on the power play?

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sluesh53
2-9-2015, 10:48 am
I'm sorry, but I think the idea of Kunitz as a 1st line player is over, at least on this team. For all the ice he has received in the past month with one of the best players in the world's top line and top Power play unit, it is not worth awing over a 3 assist game in Calgary. The 0-5 loss to Vancouver was as predictable as Kunitz consistent sub par play and he is a serious hindrance to that top line. His side of the ice is completely underutilized except for 1 random game per month. He did not provide value the past 4 playoff years, and his attitude toward his playing also hurting the team. Playing guys above their production level hurts the team on the ice and in the locker room. He is not held accountable

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Column: Kunitz must be more than a mirage

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