LeClair signs with Pens

[JGraz15 53]

More old guys for the team....

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=133574

[trucks 0]

They better hope that Fleury or T-Bo play stellar because they have no defence. But theyre building their team the NHL wants hockey to be played offensively and hopefully for the sake of entertainment this all offense system works and other teams follow suit making the game much more entertaining.

[Chadd 916]

This makes zero sense.

[gopens67 0]

I dont really care if it makes sense, chances are, the pens arent paying him more than 2 mill a year, and Ill take my chances on a 50 goal scorer for that price...

[Chadd 916]

I dont really care if it makes sense, chances are, the pens arent paying him more than 2 mill a year, and Ill take my chances on a 50 goal scorer for that price...

He works best as a grinder in the corners or in front of the net on a PP. They have nobody that plays the same style of game on their roster. As much as I like him and think he could be effective (30 goals) in the right situation, this just doesn't make any sense.

[gopens67 0]

we dont need anyone else to play his style, like you said he can be effective on a checking line and up front on the pp...I wouldnt mind seeing big john crash the net with lemieux,crosby, recchi feeding him...

[Chadd 916]

I think what Chadd might mean is that John usually does the digging, dirty work and the team doesn't really look like it will play like that. It will be tough for him to be doing it himself while the rest are either finesse playmakers or trying to find an open slot.

The Pens never run a crash the net or shot and screen PP with Mario. When he plays it's always a puck movement PP. You can't use Leclair at even strength with Mario, two old guys with bad wheels isn't good for team defense. I can't see him fitting with the type of game Malkin or Palffy play, so that puts him on the third line with Bradley and Malone?

[mik3 1]

I could see them trying to turn Koltsov into a center for some reason. He plays both ends of the ice well, has speed, and has touch. If so I think Leclair, Koltsov, Malone would be an amazing third line.

[gopens67 0]

i agree with you about putting leclair and mario out there together often, because they wont be able to effectively backcheck, but its not like the Pens dont get point shots on the PP, they could still use a guy in front of the net to bang in rebounds..and you guys are right, Leclair might be more effective on a third line... altho Malone wouldnt be on it..

[DarkStar50 679]

Johnny L has taken a beating in the NHL. This guy was around in 93 when the Habs last won the Cup! The last time he was dangerous Eric Lindros was his center! That was in another lifetime in NHL dog years. I wish him well but this rotisserie hockey league in the NHL has fans dreaming about stats from years and years ago. It is time to turn the league over to the next generation. Nash, Kovalchuk, Heatley, Thornton, Vinny, and Jarome are about to rule the roost, not the Over-the-Hill gang from the 90's. The writing is on the wall for those long ago stars guys. Grab one more contract and c ya!

[Chadd 916]

i agree with you about putting leclair and mario out there together often, because they wont be able to effectively backcheck, but its not like the Pens dont get point shots on the PP, they could still use a guy in front of the net to bang in rebounds..and you guys are right, Leclair might be more effective on a third line... altho Malone wouldnt be on it..

Malone should be a top two line winger but with Mario, Rex and Palffy on the wings and two rookies at center I just can't picture a second year guy on Malkin's wing. I honestly question putting Crosby in the middle as a rookie, but what the hell do I know.