And so did Talbot. That line worked because it came together at the right time. The Malone-Malkin-Sykora line was a line like Kunitz-Malkin-Neal. It's just a great line. The weight isn't solely on Geno's shoulders. He performs his best that way.
And so did Talbot. That line worked because it came together at the right time. The Malone-Malkin-Sykora line was a line like Kunitz-Malkin-Neal. It's just a great line.
Yeah, it was. I'm just saying Malkin didn't have that line when he won the Conn Smythe or Art Ross.
Yeah, it was. I'm just saying Malkin didn't have that line when he won the Conn Smythe or Art Ross.
And Malkin won those by, for lack of a better word, luck. That line worked for one stretch, and it worked at the right time.
I think you see what I'm saying but you're just trying to be difficult. There's a noticeable difference in Malkin when he has competent linemates, and has someone to feed off of. He hasn't had that for 2 years.
And Malkin won those by, for lack of a better word, luck. That line worked for one stretch, and it worked at the right time.
I think you see what I'm saying but you're just trying to be difficult. There's a noticeable difference in Malkin when he has competent linemates, and has someone to feed off of. He hasn't had that for 2 years.
Conn Smythe, sure. Art Ross? Nah.
But yeah I'm totally being difficult. I do agree with you to an extent. I think a healthy Malkin will be dominant regardless of his linemates.. but the linemates obviously help with the stats. He also won't always try to do everything himself if he has confidence in his wingers.
And while I am strolling down memory lane, and yes, totally unrelated to Staal I know, Malkin's entrance to the NHL is a really fun revisit. Do people remember his history making first NHL games? I think he was the first ever to score six goals in six games to start a career:
And while I am strolling down memory lane, and yes, totally unrelated to Staal I know, Malkin's entrance to the NHL is a really fun revisit. Do people remember his history making first NHL games? I think he was the first ever to score six goals in six games to start a career:
As an aside, the salary cap is supposed to go up to $70 - $72 million next year. But that said, the negotiations are going to be tough for Shero because there is no way of knowing what happens to that cap with the new CBA the next september. But theoretically there should be some more money for Staal and others and some of their long term deals, Neal, Letang, etc. eat up an ever shrinking cap percentage.
And so did Talbot. That line worked because it came together at the right time. The Malone-Malkin-Sykora line was a line like Kunitz-Malkin-Neal. It's just a great line. The weight isn't solely on Geno's shoulders. He performs his best that way.
KMN is way better than MMS mostly because all 3 are still playing a solid 2-way game when they aren't scoring. When Sykora wasn't scoring, he was probably the most useless player on the ice, I mean...Ian Moran was probably sitting at home watching him be useless and saying to his wife "haha and they said I sucked."
As an aside, the salary cap is supposed to go up to $70 - $72 million next year. But that said, the negotiations are going to be tough for Shero because there is no way of knowing what happens to that cap with the new CBA the next september. But theoretically there should be some more money for Staal and others and some of their long term deals, Neal, Letang, etc. eat up an ever shrinking cap percentage.
It'd be kind of neat if in the new CBA, it allowed a team to label a player a "franchise player" and have his salary cap hit come off the books against the cap. For some teams, it's a low cap hit, for most, it's a pretty high one. It could allow a team to keep the guys they draft and develop, longer.
It's really hard to see players a team drafts and develops and then has to trade away because they can't afford them. I mean if you see them being moved because the team wants a change, fine, understandable, but to lose a player because you can't "afford" to keep them...that bothers me. For any and every team.
Kesler is far more established with a very impressive resume. But I think Staal will be the better player in due time.
For 2 years I have been comparing Staal to Kesler and saying he has Kesler upside. You'd have a few who disagreed with me. I think you're seeing now that Staal can come close to Kesler levels. He still has some work and development to do to get there though.
KMN is way better than MMS mostly because all 3 are still playing a solid 2-way game when they aren't scoring. When Sykora wasn't scoring, he was probably the most useless player on the ice, I mean...Ian Moran was probably sitting at home watching him be useless and saying to his wife "haha and they said I sucked."
I agree.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Honour Over Glory
It'd be kind of neat if in the new CBA, it allowed a team to label a player a "franchise player" and have his salary cap hit come off the books against the cap. For some teams, it's a low cap hit, for most, it's a pretty high one. It could allow a team to keep the guys they draft and develop, longer.
It's really hard to see players a team drafts and develops and then has to trade away because they can't afford them. I mean if you see them being moved because the team wants a change, fine, understandable, but to lose a player because you can't "afford" to keep them...that bothers me. For any and every team.
Not sure if I like that idea. It'd be easier to bury a bad contract.
I'm just hoping the lines stay how they are and Staal excels on the second line. This would solve two problems... giving Crosby a winger that can play at his level (Malkin) and keeping Staal at his natural position where he is happy.
If Staal develops into a premiere second line center, the Pens could have two very dangerous lines.
I feel that Staal would do very well if he stays in this role all season, but he will have his up and downs as he develops into a top line center.
The difference is now Staal is truly showing he is a second line pivot, whereas back then I was just hoping.
