End of Season: Analyzing the Top Line

Pair at the Point: A Pittsburgh Penguins Podcast

1. Rust

• Identity - What was the team’s identity this season? What is it moving forward?
• League at large - Rust says the league hasn’t fundamentally changed since 16-17, is that so?
• Physicality - Bigger teams that can skate are winning in recent years; Is there a quick fix to add size

2. Guentzel

• High quality chances were created consistently; luck was poor, which is bound to happen with a small sample size
• What is his future with the Pens? Discuss rumors of potential trade this summer.
• Wants to score goals, has shooter mentality; his mentality changes when he can’t bury
• Crosby v Malkin - should Guentzel be switched to play on line 2 occasionally

3. Crosby

• Different problems ended the Penguins' season in the past few years. Does there need to be another major tweak?
• Discuss each individual loss
• Keys to win in the playoffs next year
• What was wrong with Sid? Potential injury to hand?