Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - Josh Yohe returns to the show for A LOT of Penguins updates!

Episode Date: October 1, 2022

Happy Friday! It's the last day of September and what better way to celebrate than by inviting none other than Josh Yohe on the show! Hunter and Josh discuss all things relating to the Pittsburgh Penguins and start the show with some thoughts on the latest roster cuts. Is Josh surprised by them? After that, they get into the lineup for Saturday's preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres and Josh gives the players that will be worth watching. Following that, they discuss some of the roster battles on the team and Josh gives his take on who has the edge for the No. 6 defensive spot and the No. 12 forward spot. Does Radim Zohorna have a legit shot? How much does Mike Sullivan love him? Josh then discusses the special team's units and if he's concerned about them heading into the season before looking at who he thinks is prime for a breakout season for the Penguins. Finally, he predicts how this season will go for the Penguins.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnlineBetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hello, happy Friday, everyone, September 30th. The final day of September. Next day will be, of course, October 1st, and then we'll really into hockey season at that point. Joining me for today's episode will be Josh Joey of the athletic to go over everything Penguins related from Greening Camp updates, practice, you know, go over, maybe a little bit of a preview for Saturday's game against the Buffalo Sabres, and probably so much more.

So stick around for that coming up right after this drop. You're locked on penguins. Your daily podcast. on the Pittsburgh Penguins, part of the Locked-on Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello and welcome back to another episode of the Locked-on Penguins podcast. I am your host, Honour Hodeys. Want to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hode. You can also follow the shows Twitter at LORScore Penguins.

And of course, thank you all so much for making this your first listen of the day. Today's episode is brought to you by Bet Online. Bad Online knows you covered this season with more props, odds, and lines that ever before. That has been online where the game starts. All right. Joining me now is Josh Yewe of the Athletic. And funny enough, Josh, right as you join, the Penguins, they cut down their training camp roster to 45 players.

I think they just made it looks like at least like 9 to 10 cuts. A lot of players went back to Wilkesburg. We're going to get to that in just a second. But it's been a while. So, you know, how have you been? It's obviously great to have camp and practice back as the season is 13 days away now. Well, first of all, you're breaking news on me. I like that.

I like when the Penguins tweet when we're on the air. That's great. I am well. I'm coming to you live from the South Hills Village parking lot. Such is my dedication to your show that I, you know, I will indeed join you from mall parking lots, as is the case at this moment. It has been great just to be back in the locker room.

The first time we're actually in locker rooms almost three years. It's nice to kind of get to know. team on a different way. I should get to know guys again. And yeah, I'm, I'm ready to go. What have we got? 13 days, I think, until the opener. Can't believe it's already here. It's crazy how fast this offseason flew by. And yeah, you know, I was glad I was getting, I was able to hit you with that breaking news. The Penguins assigned. Ty Glover, Lucas of Shavkovsky, Brooklyn, Kyle Makov, Sam Hode, Jordan Froska, Josh Manoskalo, Chris Ortiz, Mitch Ranking, and John Lazott, all to Wilkesbury. So,

training camp rosters down to 45 players. I don't think you find any of that surprising. I certainly don't. I think most of those guys are HL guys that are just going to play in Wilkesbury for most of the year. I don't think any of those guys are going to be called up to the main squad unless I think the entire team gets hurt,

something like that. Yeah, not this season. But I will say, I think Wilkesbury, for what it's worth, it's going to be pretty good this year. The penguins don't have much in the way of top end talent in their system. I do think they have just a little more depth. Some of those Wilkesbury teams the last couple of years, man, there was nothing there. They might actually have some players down there this year, so that's good.

Yeah, and I think they'll definitely be better than they were last year. Last year, I don't even think they made the playoffs. I think that's like the first time in quite a while. They usually at least get into the Calder Cup playoffs. I know they haven't won the Coulter Cup trophy, but they usually at least get in and they have a shot. And then, you know, right before, you know, we start recording as well, this is about, well, close to an hour ago, the Penguins released their lineup for Saturdays preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres. That will be their fourth one.

Droke Conner, Drake Cajula, Alex Nealander, Ryan Paling, Andanovsky, Philip Hollander, Kisbury, Kavanaugh-O. Hollander, Kisperi Kappan, Radeghese, Al-Augh-Ree. Ravers Anson's, Chaduadle, Ty Smith, Jack St. Ivy, Mark Friedman, Isabrio Led, P.O. Joseph, Trishon Jarre, and, of course, Nathan Legerese. So did any of that roster surprise you at all? It looks like it's a decent mix of some Wilkesbury guys, some regulars. I figure you're not going to see a massive dress rehearsal, maybe until the fifth or sixth game or maybe not even at all for the preseason.

But does anything in this lineup surprise you? Not really. Typically, Mike Sullivan likes to go with the dress rehearsal in the last preseason game. I believe they play is October 7th, I think, which is next. Friday. I think that's their last home. It's a home preseasoning game. It's the last one. I would think that would be pretty close to the

roster that Mike Sullivan's going to go with against Arizona on the 13th if I had to guess. So yeah, he still wants to see some people. You mentioned, you know, Ty Smith, P.O. Joseph. That's interesting. You know, Drew O'Connor redeems the Hornah.

Maybe another couple of guys fighting for a spot. So I think it's interesting that Sullivan's going, you know, with a lineup with all those guys playing in Buffalo on Saturday. And unless you are entrenched in a college football game Saturday afternoon, might be a good thing to keep track of. It'll be interesting in Buffalo tomorrow. Yeah, I mean, it's definitely a game, you know, that's, I guess, worth watching a little bit.

You know, it's hard enough, I think, at times to watch a full preseason game just because it doesn't really mean anything. Like, I don't think the players are really trying, you know, people where I think were freaking out after the loss against Detroit. I'm like, look hungover, man. Like they literally looked like they went out to howl at the moon the night before in downtown and just like got drunk. Maybe they did. Yeah, people need not overreact about preseason games, especially when you're talking about a team.

Okay, there's 23 roster spots. We know who about 20 of those spots are going to already. And so do they. Now, whereas a team like Detroit, when you have all kinds of guys fighting for spots, I realize the Penguins are roster was a lot more talented, but it's September hockey. I promise you they don't care that much. And these penguins in general, you know, we have seen them have some slow starts over the years anyway. It happens. I remember, oh, God, it was a few years ago. I was in Toronto and the penguins were off to a slow start. They were like four and five or something. And I was

talking about Jim Rutherford, and I said, you little worried? He said, nope. I said, why? He said, we're an older team. Like, older teams usually need a month to get going. That's just the way It is. Nobody likes to hear it, but they're the oldest team in the league. So I always go back to that. And if they are, and they have a brutal schedule in October, by the way. The Western Canada trip is early. And there are some good teams out there. That is a nasty trip. If they start out four and six at the end of October, there will be panic in the streets, but probably not justified. It might take them a little while to get going. Heck, even last year, you know, earlier in the season, they were kind of treading water a little bit,

especially with Crosby, Malkin and some of the regulars out due to COVID and injuries, but they're able to tread water, they're able to get some guys back, and then they go on some of these massive winning streak. It's like you people shouldn't be surprised because this is what they've done, I feel like almost every season. They know when to turn on the Jets. Yes. No, they do.

And that's not to suggest that they aren't trying hard in October. I mean, they're not going to tank games. The Crosby, Malkin, LaTang, they're not wired that way. but I can't tell you how many seasons, you know, it's been November, and I've heard people say, well, you know, if they don't win 68% of their games, the rest of the way, they're not making the playoffs. And well, guess what?

They win 72% of their games. I mean, yeah, they know how it works. They know they're not lazy. They're always a team that gives you a pretty honest effort, but something clicks in them when it's must win time. And we've seen it over the year. So because I'm saying, this they'll start out nine and one in October or something but I know I mean that they could start

slowly wouldn't shock me when you look at the schedule and when you consider their ages but um you know I still have a a pretty good feeling about this team I think they'll kind of be what they've been the last couple of years I think they'll be a good team and a playoff team and we'll kind of go from there when the spring comes yeah I mean I I definitely have them easily finishing in the top three of the metropolitan division at least that's just that's my opinion um on that but you know, switching gears a little bit, Josh, you know, one of the big training camp battles is for that third left-handed spot for the defense. You know, I think everyone knows, well, Tang's going to be on the team.

Marcus Pedersen's going to make it. Jeff Petrie, Jan Ruta. Brian Dumman will be on there, even though I think he struggled a little bit the other night. But, you know, that final spot, you know, Mark Friedman can play that, P.O. Joseph and Ty Smith. So far, you know, with 13 days to go until the regular season starts, who would you begin giving the edge to you. If you're asking me, I think it is Ty Smith. I think he's looked really strong in the preseason games, but you've been there basically, I think all the practices

and you've watched the games in person. Who do you think has the edge right now? It's really interesting. What I would maybe do and what I think the team is going to do are perhaps different things. Ty Smith is really talented, and he is an interesting player. You can see the talent. You watch him in practice for five minutes in the offensive zone. It's like, whoa, this guy can do some things. Like, he's just so, he's really high hockey IQ. He's good with the puck. He can really skate.

I mean, yeah, he's talented. I see some holes in his defensive game. He's going to have troubles in his own zone at times. And I know there's a way of thinking, well, who cares? He's got great talent. That's what matters. Like, well, agreed. But you don't want to be a disaster in your own zone either.

And I'm not saying he'll be a disaster, but it's a concern. If I were running the team, I would probably send Ty Smith to Wilkesbury for a month or two and I would just want him to dominate down there and just work with the coaches and just get himself absolutely right. For two reasons. Number one, it gets you under the cap.

And that's the easy way to get under the cap. Number two, I want to see who P.O. Joseph is. I want to see what he brings to the table. I don't think he's looked bad in training camp at all. He's been fine. I think he's an interesting player. when you hear Mike Sullivan or Ron Hextall talk about him, they never sound that impressed. They just don't.

And I've had enough people tell me that Hexel and Brian Burke aren't huge PO fans. Okay, fine. But I still want to see what he can do for an extended time at the NHL level. At that point, if you're not pleased, you can always trade him and bring Ty Smith up. There's stuff you can do. That's what I would do. But I think Ty Smith is absolutely. in the lead. I think he's

probably going to be the guy. If I had to guess the Penguins Blue Line on opening night, it would be Dumlin with Letang, Pedersen with Petersen with Petrie, and then I think you're going to see Ty Smith with Ruta is the third pairing. That leaves Ruehdle and Friedman, probably

is your 7 and 8 guys. What you do with P.O. Joseph, I don't know. I don't think he would clear waivers. I think somebody would claim him, and I think it would be a really bad look for the penguins just to lose him. So I I'm curious to see what happens, but I think that's their top six on the blue line at this moment. I feel like that is their top six, too, and I apologize for the background noise.

For some reason, my Discord was open, and I have no idea why it, like, nothing, it, like, would not stop. Even when I would, like, close it, it would just not stop. I think I finally fixed the issue, though, so I haven't heard it in the last, like, minute or two. So apologize about that. Hasn't been an issue in a long time. But you might be what I was saying, yeah, I mean, for the Ty Smith thing, I mean, in my opinion, I don't think would do him any good to put him down in the NHL just because I feel like he doesn't he shouldn't be getting

those minutes. I think it's kind of like a similar situation to Matheson where you need to play him in the NHL like he was a tire fire in Florida. He worked with Reardon and then obviously he blossomed into a top four defenseman like he was this past year. I think that's similar to what they're going to do with Ty. I do agree with POJ though. It would not look good if they lost him for nothing.

You know, I think they probably want to see what he can do in 15-20 games, but it's also tough because, you know, he has to, he has to play one in the preseason. He has to outplay someone like Tyne Smith, who's also really pushing for our roster spot. It's good that, you know, he's exempt from waivers, so you can just send him down and not risk losing him for nothing. But it's just, it's a tough call. And it's a tough call either way. But with P.O., I wonder if they would potentially consider moving him for like a forward or something if you can. But I'm not really sure if. they would. And maybe that's

the best thing for them to do. If they like Ty Smith as much as I think they do, then okay. Here's the thing. Everyone's going to say, well, why don't you trade Pedersen? Here's the problem if you trade Pedersen. You got P.O.

And you've got Ty Smith. Two guys that you're a little shaky defensively, probably. Two guys who are very similar who are going to get destroyed in front of their net a lot, who are not going to be real good in the defensive zone. Do you really want two of those guys on the ice 60% of the time? I don't think the penguins do.

And also, when you talk with Jeff Petrie, Pittsburgh's going to like him. Really good guy, really refreshing, honest guy. He will be very open with you that he likes to play with, you know, the quote-unquote stay-at-home defenseman. That's who he's comfortable with because he likes to freelance. And it doesn't really make sense to have two guys out there do the same thing, right? that really only leaves Marcus to play with him.

It's the only guy that makes sense. Marcus doesn't play well with Latang. They just don't. So, you know, assuming Dummline's in decent form, which we'll see, that that's your top pairing. So that really only leaves Marcus to play with Petrie, and that's the situation they have right now. So trading P.O. Joseph would not shock me at all.

I know there would be a market for him. He's got talent. He doesn't make much money. I know a guy in Vancouver who would probably, trade for him if I had to guess in all seriousness, it wouldn't shock me. And you know what? If you don't think he's that great and if you really are infatuated with Ty Smith, which I kind of think the penguins are, and trading Joseph probably is the right move in all seriousness. If you can get, you know, a good draft pick for him, you get, I don't know, a third round pick even or something,

maybe it's just the right time to do it. Yeah. And, you know, they, in Vancouver, they do have that young player, the Niels Hugglender, who I've been wanting that. I've been talk about that over the offseason. He was, be like a perfect bottom six fit for this team. And, you know, we'll get to the bottom six in just a second. But yeah, I mean, I do think there would be a market for him, just even though I do think there are a lot of teams out there that kind of have a similar kind of player to P.O. But, you know, I think teams you can never use enough defensive depth, even though teams are also kind of don't really want to take on too much money. But that, wraps up this first segment for today's episode coming up in the next segment. We're going to get into

a couple of the other roster battles, well, at least one big one with the forwards. But before I get to that, Ben Online is your number one source for football betting info this season. You can find all the latest player developments, team matchups, news, podcasts, and in-depth articles and analysis on every game you can find. And as always, Benin remains your continued source for all of your sports to raise your information with live, betting, and up to the minute scores for every sport out there. It's the fastest and easiest way, check in all your favorite games in a events, including MLB, MM Boxing Golf, and you head to bed online or use your phone to learn more.

That is bed online where the game starts. All right. I'm back on this episode of the Lockdown Penguins podcast. I am your host, Hunter Hodes. Want to follow me on Twitter. Hunter Hodes follow the shows, Twitter, at L.O. underscore Penguins. So, Josh, you know, I think the other big, you know, I've kind of seen this as like two big

camp battles, the one for the defense. And again, that lamp back there is just awful right now. and the second one is that 12th forward. You know, lately I think they want Archibald to win it just because they signed him to 900K. I don't think they want to bury him in the minors and still pay him 900K. Though that said, I said this on my Wednesday episode.

I think Drew O'Connor has a much higher skill ceiling than he does. I think he's someone that's a lot younger, deserves to get some more reps after the way he played last year, redeems Elhornah. another player that's really intriguing. Sam Poulan, it looks like, has been getting reps with the top guys. As it stands right now, you know, who have you, you know, most been impressed with just with, like, that 12 forward spot through the first couple weeks they can?

Well, I am a long-timer of Team Drew O'Connor, so I, that's my guy. I love him. I think he should have gotten a lot more playing time last season, quite honestly. I think he's just ready to play in the NHL. I think he's exactly what their bottom six needs. He's big. He's fast. His hands are all right.

They're not great. If he played the whole season, could he score 12 goals? Yeah, sure he could. Maybe more. I mean, he can play. He's a legitimately good NHL forward. I would have him in the lineup. And he's had a good camp.

The Penguins like him. I'm going to tell you the guy, though, that again, you can learn little things to talk with Mike Sullivan when you ask, hey, who's sticking out or who's looking good? He keeps going back to redeem Zahorna every single time. They really like what they've seen from him.

Zahorn is what, 6'7? So when you're that big, you're always going to look like a little bit of a clumsy skater, right? You're never going to skate like Carl Hagman. But I will say his skating is better this year. And Sullivan's mentioned that a lot. that step of his looks really quick he has had a good camp they like him he can play center or wing which helps uh i wouldn't be shocked if he's on the ice opening night it absolutely would not

shock me in the least archibald's been okay i i know some people are really down on archibald i don't need i don't know that they needed to sign him um he's okay it was just weird because like it was a it was a day one signing like that's the guy you're going out on day one So I'm like, Sonny Milano gets a PTO. It's just weird to me. That's all. That's all. Right.

Yeah, what's going? I know. It's so weird. Yeah, Archibald, he is what he is. He's a 12th or 13th four-world dual scorey eight to ten goals. He works his butt off. He's fast. But, you know, he's just a guy.

Like, he just sees the Horner or O'Connor grab that position. And I'm curious to see how they both look in Buffalo. Like I said, I love. love O'Connor. I like, he's a little more than the Hornet's a little faster. I get on a fourth line personally. But, but the horn, I just want to know who he is, right?

Okay, he's 6'7, so you think, well, he's this imposing guy. He's not physical in all, though, play with an act. And he does have some, but like, does you really have enough skill, like on a top three line? Like, maybe, I just don't know. Oh, I'm I'm not sure who he is.

think he's a legitimate NHL player. I'm not what you do with him or where you play him, but I can tell you that the coaching staff is pleased with him. But between those three guys, it's really kind of an interesting competition right now. No, it definitely is. And I think it's something that's really going to come down to the wire.

I would probably say the last preseason game or honestly the last couple of days of practice before they have to really make the cuts. You know, again, you know, I said it on Wednesday. Josh. I just don't know like what Archibald has really shown them so far. It's like, oh, wow, he, he fully deserves a spot, like, you know, practicing with the main group when, you know, someone like Drew O'Connor redeems O'Hourna, you know, two players who I know don't have as much initial experience, but, you know, two players who I think their skill ceilings are a bit higher.

At least to me, you know, about Terry Puson, I think he's there too. He would be, I think a quick call up. I don't think he's going to make a team, but I do think he would be a quick call-up this year to say the least. I'm definitely pretty intrigued about him. I think you know, you tweeted out he was playing with Gensel and Crosby to start camp. That's no, no,

that's a tall task, I think, is the way to say it. You know what it is with Pustodon? He's one of those guys. Like you talk with scouts and scouts, there's certain guys, they'll tell you. He'll be better at the NHL level than at the HL level because he's one of those guys who, knows how to play with good players and the more talent you surround him with, you'll get the most

out of him. So maybe that's why they did it. And I'll tell you what, you're not the biggest guy in the world. He doesn't, like, blow you away necessarily with his skill. He's really smart. He did play with Crosby and Gensel the first couple days. He just knows how to get open. He's like one of those guys who knows how to find seams and defenses. He just does. You can see he knows where to go. So I don't think he'll make the team. I do think we'll see him at the some point in Pittsburgh this season when somebody gets hurt or if he just plays his way there, they would like to see it. The guys got real talent. So like I said, Wilkesbury, I'm telling you, they're probably going to have Poulan, Laguerre, Pustinen. I mean, they're going to have

some real talent down there. I think more than they've had in the past. Did you mention a Cajolia, by the way? I think he's been mentioning him on the show a lot lately. I think he's someone that could potentially make this team, in my opinion, Josh. I love him. This guy could really, really play. I mean, he grabbed my attention the first day of camp. He's not real big, but he's feisty. He can skate.

If you look at his NHL history, too, he scores goals. He's produced a little bit everywhere he's been. He played well in. He played college in North Dakota. And when he came out of college in 2016, he got a phone phone. call from Mike Sullivan. The Penguins wanted him in Pittsburgh, and he ended up signing Edmonton or Boston. I think

he's been all around. I think he played Buffalo last season. Keep your eye on him. That guy can play. He really can. He's not big, but man, there's just something about him. He gets my attention in practice every day. He had a neck injury last season, so he hasn't

played much hockey in the last 12 months, but he'll be on the ice tomorrow. I think he's an interesting player. I really do. I like him. Yeah, I definitely think he has a decent chance at making this team out of camp. If not, he'll definitely be one of the first call-ups out of Wilkesbury. He would be up there with O'Connor if he doesn't make it, Zohorna, Puson, and all of those guys, excuse me. But that wraps up the second segment, coming up from the final segment. I'm going to get into a couple of other things regarding

the team, especially the special teams from the other night, Josh, just because I know a lot of people are talking about that right now. So stick around for that coming up in our final segment. All right, I'm back here on this episode of the Lockdown Penguins podcast. I'm, of course, joined by Josh Joey. You can follow me on Twitter, Hunter Hodes. You can follow the show's Twitter at L.O underscore Penguins. So, Josh, 0 for 8, 0 for 9 on the power play in a preseason game.

Even though it is preseason, definitely something you don't want to see when you're playing. I get a bunch of C-C-minus players on the other side. you know, from my vantage point when I was watching on the stream, kind of look like the penguins were just playing, you know, happy feet with the puck, basically, just passing back and forth. No one wants to take a shot. I felt like they were also kind of trying to globe-trotter them, just trying to look for the perfect play,

just because they're playing a bunch of players that really aren't going to be in the NHL this year. Looks like they definitely did work on the power play, at least from what I saw today, on social media. I think a couple of reporters were tweeting that out. I only kill. Same thing. Are you concerned about the power play going into the season at all? No, not really.

Listen, it's Crosby, Malkin, Gensel, Latang, and Rust. It's not their first rodeo. No. They know what to do on the power play. And it's funny. You mentioned how it looked against Detroit the other night because when it does struggle, it's always the same stuff. They keep it on the perimeter.

La Tang and Malkin like to look for the. the perfect play. Crosby does it too. It doesn't always work. But it's not a big deal. And I will say, they literally hadn't even practiced the power play before that game. They really hadn't at all. There was no special teams work. And I'll tell you one thing that Mike Sullivan's not thrilled about and a lot of coaches aren't. There are literally three days of training camp before the first preseason game. They don't have a chance to practice anything before the game start. coaches hate that. So the power play will be fine.

Last season, from the time Malkin came back in Anaheim in July, I believe the Penguins power play, I think it was second in the league with him, the rest of the way. I think Colorado's was the only one that was better. So there's a history there that suggests that unit will be perfectly fine. The only question, I think, is if Brian Russ stays there all season. And I got to say, Rust is better on the power play now than I ever thought he would be.

when he came into the league, he wasn't a powerplay guy. The way he sees the ice now and everything, it's incredible how much better he's gotten in that area. But you know the other four aren't coming off the ice on the power play. You know that. So he's the only one that would, if there are any troubles, I would imagine Ricard Raquel's the guy that they would give a look. I love Raquel. I think he's just such of a uniquely talented guy. I'm sure we'll see him with the first unit here and there.

That will be interesting. But power play's going to be fine. It always has been. And so I don't think that those guys forgot what they were doing out there. Yeah, I mean, I'm sure it will be. I was just curious to see if they were going to make any systematic changes to it after last year. But I guess, you know, they're maybe trying to hide that right now. Penalty kill, I'm sure you probably have the same opinion.

You know, for me, at least going into the other season, I kind of want to see it be more aggressive. They sat back late too much in the playoffs against the Rangers. I think they were just trying to, you know, clog up some of the lanes, which is fine. But, you know, you also got to put some. pressure on someone at the point, aka at that point, was Adam Fox. So I think, you know, it should be okay. You know, I'm curious to see what happens with that. They also debuted some new lines, Josh, which, you know, it looks like they're pretty

serious about putting Raquel with Crosby. I think the underlying numbers were great with them. Last year, Brian Russ with a Guinea Malkin, their coursey shot attempts for per 60. They're scoring chances, expected goals. over 54, 55% when those two are on the ice. Are you a fan of splitting up against La Crosby-Rustline and putting Raquel up there, or do you think it should be the other way around?

Doesn't bother me. They can always go back to those three together. They know it works. And you're going to see it at some point this year. You know, that's just the way it is. Every season, you see lines flip-flop from time to time. That's reality. I am all for it, though.

It was a small sample size last year with Raquel, Crosby, and Rust. Or Crosby and Gensel, rather. But in that small sample size, they were awesome together. And, like, I did an interview with Raquel a few days ago. I wrote a story about it over the weekend. Like, he pretty much said, yeah, like, he said, I like playing with Gino, but I'm really comfortable with Sid. Like, he likes playing with him.

And Crosby, too. Like, he said, yeah, there's some chemistry there. And obviously, as long as Sid and Jaker together, you know, the line should work. But Raquel's a good hockey player. And here's the thing. You look at the trickle-down effect. Evgeti Malkin is still a great player, too.

He does not skate the way he did five years ago. I think even the biggest Gino fan would admit that. Whereas Crosby and Latang are freaks of nature. Like, they literally look the same as they did five or ten years ago pretty much. Malkin doesn't. He's still great, but he's 36. And you remember it every now and then when you see him skate. Mike Sullivan,

knows this. And Sullivan has admitted that he loves having fast wingers with Malkin. He just thinks it's better for Gino. And in Rust and Zucker, you have two really fast guys who also happen to be very attentive defensively, which let's be honest. I love Gino. I'm not trying to rip him. He's not Patrice Bergeron, okay? He's not, especially in the regular season. You know, he's a little flighty in his own zone sometimes. So Russ and Zucker are probably the most defensively responsible forwards they have. So to have them out there with him and also for their speed to open some room for Gino, it makes a lot of sense.

And I say this all the time and he always gets hurt, but I'm telling you, Zucker's out a really good camp. His legs look great. It's the best I've seen him skate in years. If he can stay healthy, he'll score 20 goals. I believe that. We know Russ is good for between 20 and 30 goals at least. That could be a really good second line.

And, you know, then you see, you know, the trickle-down effect. You got Capitan and Carter potentially on the third line. It's kind of a weird mix. Stylistically, they're so different. But those two, like, kind of a close relationship off the ice. You remember that game in Nashville last year when Capitin was having a meltdown on the bench? Carter actually, like, put his arm around him on the bench. You could see, like, Carter takes care of him a little bit.

And, you know, Carter's not the fastest in the world at his age. either. So you got cap and speed with him. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe he can help him too. So we'll see. But for now, that's what they're going to go with. And I actually like the combinations a lot. Yeah. I think the top, especially the top two lines are really solid. The third line has the potential to be good, especially if Carter continues on, you know, from what he did last year, even though he down the stretch wasn't as good. And if captain can actually get back to form, you know, I think that as the makings of a pretty solid third line. You can put Danton Hine there, who's coming off in almost 20-goal season.

And I like your Zucker take as well. Funny enough, Josh, one of my bold predictions for this season is that he's going to score around 25 this year. I think he's going to stay healthy. And he can definitely do it. You know, he's done it before in Minnesota. All he has to do is to stay healthy, produce with Malkin on his line. And I think he's definitely going to do it.

Who do you? We'll get to some small predictions here before we wrap up the show. You know, who do you think is going to really surprise some fans this year in like a good obviously a positive way. Oh, boy. That's a really good question. Well, I always go back to Drew O'Connor. If he gets a chance to play,

I really think he's going to become a regular in the lineup. I believe in that guy. I think he's the real deal. And these aren't names that will surprise you. But other than the really big names, I love Raquel. I think Raquel can score 30 goals on Crosby's line. And it'll be hard for him to do that if he's not on the power play

because he's going to be out there at Crosby and Gensel and they're going to get their share of the shots on goal. Let's be honest, there's only so many pucks to go around. But when I watch Raquel play, man, that guy's the real deal. There's nothing he can't do on the ice. He's so talented. And we knew Raquel could finish. We knew he had the good hands.

What I didn't know was what a complete player he is, like how good he is in front of the net. is willingness to do the dirty work in the corners. You have to do that if you're going to play with Sid and Jake. Because even though they're not big guys, that's where they score all their goals. They like going to work down low. And they need the third wheel on their line to be willing to do that. And he is way more than I realize.

So I could see Raquel having a really big year. Yeah, I mean, that would obviously be great just because he signed that massive contract. You know, I was fine with the deal. Definitely, you know, the term was a little bit. And I think the AAV was a little high, but if he obviously outproduces that, I feel like, you know, I'm glad with E. Crow on that because I did like how he played down the stretch.

Josh, we'll get to the goaltending before I ask for your main prediction for them for the season. You know, are you concerned about any of the two going into this year? I know it's definitely, I think a lot of fans had their eyebrows raised when they decided to bring back that same tandem. You know, I think Brown Hextall could have easily went out, maybe gotten a new backup to pair with Tristan just because DeSmith has been banged up in the playoffs the last couple of years. So are you surprised that it's still the tandem? And are you concerned about it going into this year? And especially just because, you know, Jari, it's a big year for him, contract year.

He plays well. He could really set himself up to get a whole lot of money after the season, whether it's the penguins or someone else. Yeah, you're not wrong. A little surprised. I like Casey to Smith. I think Casey's one of those guys. He's a little goalie, right? So anytime he gives up a goal, it looks bad

because sometimes they're just, oh my God, he had half the nut open because his goaltender's so small and you've got to find somebody better. Then when he look at his NHL numbers over the years, he's been a really good backup, really good. He's got above average numbers for a backup. So I, in retrospect, I have no issue with him coming back.

Tristan Jari He's had a very good camp You know The physical talent is there I mean it just is I mean we've seen him play long enough now This kid is so gifted And I'm curious about his mindset

Because all of last season He was so driven To atone what happened Against the Islanders the year before in the playoffs So you could tell He was just hell bent on Proven everyone wrong in the playoffs and he gets hurt and he really doesn't get a chance.

You have him played in a month and you have to play game seven at Madison Square Garden and clearly he shouldn't have been playing. He even admitted he wouldn't have been able to play for two or three weeks after that game. He should not have been playing. God bless him for doing it. I think I told you something about his character that he played. But now maybe he'll get that chance again and now he's healthy. We know he can win in the regular season.

He has proven. and at worst, he's a good regular season goalie. I think he's going to be one of the stories of his team this year. I think he's going to have a really good year, too. It's funny, one of my little predictions. This is probably a really, really bold prediction. I have him as close to basically a Vesno finalist this year. I think he's going to really surprise some people.

I know that's, it probably won't happen just because there's so many elite goalies, but I'm really high on him. I think he definitely has something to prove to people again because he was having a heck of a redemption story last year for obviously got cut short. and I think he would have led the Penguins to victory in that first round series had he not been hurt. Finally, though, Josh, you know, how do you see this season playing out for the Penguins? You know, if you ask me, I see them easily finishing in the top three in the Metro. I don't think the Metro is that good, to be honest.

I see them getting into the playoffs with ease. And I think, honestly, they could win a round or two. You know, if all things go their way, they could potentially add someone at the trade deadline. If Hextel really wants to go all in, how do you see this season going? Yeah, like I alluded to earlier, they could start slowly and I wouldn't be shocked, but I bet you around the holidays they got hot as hell because that's what they do. And they know when to turn it up and they will. I agree with you.

I don't think the division's that good. I say this every year, but I really think the capitals are ready to take a step back. I think the Islanders stink. I think the Flyers really stink. Columbus and Jersey will be better. And they're kind of interesting. Those teams have some real talent. But to me, the Penguins, Rangers, and Carolina are the three best teams in the division by far.

I haven't made my official predictions yet. Carolina is just built for regular season's success. I might pick them to win the division. But no, the Penguins will make the playoffs. I feel the same thing about the Penguins that I felt for three or four years now. They can beat anybody in a series. And we've seen that. We all know they should have beaten the Rangers.

Okay. We all know they should have beaten the Islanders here before. They can beat anybody. I just don't know that they can do it four times in a row. And, you know, it's hard to say that they can at this point because they won a playoff series in 2018. But they'll make the playoffs, barring a bunch of injuries. And even if they get some injuries, they tend to play better when they're hurt anyway. So I think they'll get in. I wouldn't be surprised if they went around.

Maybe even more than that. I still need to see more before I can say they're a real car. Cup team. But I will say this, Hunter, all the best teams in the East, they all have their flaws, okay? Toronto's good on paper. Look at their goaltending. I'm not taking them seriously. I'm sorry, I'm not. Florida's not as good as they played last year, in my opinion, and they don't know how to win in the playoffs. Tampa might be out of gas at this point, and they had made some weird decisions this summer. You know, the Rangers, bottom six still isn't very good, and they're still, I don't know if they're really a great playoff team. They won two,

series last year and didn't impress me one time. Carolina's another team. Never won anything in the playoffs. They're a good team. So it's not like where you have this looming specter of Colorado just hanging over you in the West, even though I didn't love their summer either. But they're just, you know, they're going to make some additions and they're going to be the team to beat in the West.

Everybody knows at the East. There might be three or four teams better than the Penguins in the East, but are any of them unbeatable? No. So it's wide open. It's going to be a fun season. I definitely do you think so, too. And honestly, it wouldn't surprise me of all eight playoff teams from last year just make it again.

I mean, I know there are some improvements from Ottawa. They're going to, I think, challenge for playoffs. Boston's going to be without. Yeah. No, they will be. They'll be, I think they'll play a lot of high-scoring games just because I'm not really high on their defense that much, though their goaltending is pretty decent. Boston's going to be without McAvoy and Marshan to start the year. That's going to be really interesting.

They also don't have Bruce Cassidy anymore. Really intrigued to see how that goes. But I think you're right. they're probably a few teams better than the Penguins overall roster-wise, but could the Penguins beat them in a 70-game series? I mean, I don't bet, you know, often against Crosby-Malk and Latang, even though they're a bit older now. So I do think this team is going to surprise a lot of people this year,

and I think they have what it takes to, you know, potentially go on one more long run before it's all set and done. But, you know, Josh, I really appreciate you coming on this episode. I was, you know, really looking at the time here, you know, 40 really strong minutes for this episode. So I really do appreciate it. I'll obviously have you on during the season. And hey, you know, if everything goes according to plan,

maybe I'll see you at PPG paints arena a whole lot more than, you know, a whole lot more often, I should say. Well, that'll be great. And 40 minutes, like we're like Crystal tagging, the more minutes we get the better we play. I mean, it's very clear to me. No, it's always a pleasure to come on, Hunter. I appreciate the time.

And it will be nice when you're perhaps officially a resident of Western Pennsylvania. That's what the people are waiting for. I think a lot of people are waiting for me to finally come up and maybe go to more than just, you know, one game a year. I think I want to go to way more than that, to say at least. But again, Josh, really appreciate you coming on. In case anyone does not know where your work is, I'll let you plug that right now. You know, just go to theathletic.com, and we've got these little bars you can click on. You just find the Pittsburgh section and read about the penguin stuff.

Myself and Rob Rossi and Jesse Marshall and a host of others. I mean, we have so much content that's like, especially if you're a hockey fan, like you want to read about any individual team or feature stories on people, analytic stuff, you name it. Man, we have quite a roster of talented writers. There is no shortage of material to read. Yes. And of course, you know, I'll just make sure everyone knows his Twitter out there.

Josh Yew underscore PGAH. Go follow him if you're somehow not following him on there either. But that concludes today's episode, five really strong episodes for this week. Next week will be the final week of episodes where, you know, we do not have any regular season games. After that, the regular season will kick off. And there will be game previews, game recaps all the time throughout the week. and, you know, I'm sure this podcast is just going to be going, hopefully going crazy.

But I really appreciate all of you listening to this one. Hope you all have a great weekend, especially just about October. I'll talk with you all on Monday.