Faceoff Factor

Grading the Pens' Forwards

Mike Adams | Grade "A" Reviews

Jun 13, 10:15 AM | Hype this story!

Remember, these grades are versus expectations. That means it is much harder for a guy like Sidney Crosby to get an A than, say, Adam Hall. When I say “expectations,” I mean a combination of my expectations and fans’ expectations as a whole. You can also look at it as how well a player performed versus the role he was expected to fill.

A: Far exceeded expectations
B: Exceeded expectations
C: Met expectations
D: Fell short of expectations
F: Fell far short of expectations

Colby Armstrong: D

He pretty much did what was expected of him, though he did ride the pine for a few games early on. Michel Therrien apparently didn’t like his effort. Armstrong was a prototypical third/fourth line winger. He chipped in a few goals and played a gritty game, at least after he got back in the lineup. But he was expendable, as most such players are. He was loved by Pens’ fans, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear. He just wasn’t that good a player. But, hey, he makes a mean commercial.

Kris Beech: I

The next Ron Francis wasn’t even the next Kris Beech before breaking his hand.

Tim Brent: I

Did he play for the Pens? Oh, yeah, one game. One very forgettable game. To think, many had him penciled in as the fourth line center last offseason.

Erik Christensen: D-

He never developed with the Pens. Part of that was because there was no room for him at center, his natural position. And part of it was because he never could adapt to playing wing. His only real contribution was as the leadoff guy in shootouts, and he performed spectacularly in that role. But he was thrown in in the Hossa deal and really didn’t do much with Atlanta, either.

Sidney Crosby: B

Oh, boy, here we go again. Expectations, folks, expectations. Prior to his injury, he was actually a bit behind last year’s scoring pace. His first half was rather ordinary by his standards. Then he missed 20-some games. He wasn’t his usual self right after his return, but by the end of the playoffs he was in true Sid form. He was spectacular in the Final, when some Pens disappeared. His play kept them in it.

Pascal Dupuis: C

He was probably out of his league playing on the top line, but he could serve very well as a third-liner and penalty killer. Depending on how much he wants, I’d like to see him brought back.

Jonathan Filewich: F

Coming into camp, many thought he had a chance to make the team. He proceeded to have a terrible camp and an equally poor season. He is going to have to rebound big-time next season, or he’ll be looking for a new organization.

Adam Hall: B

Before the sports hernia injury, he was nothing special. I expected him to be buried in the press box when he returned. But Therrien got him back into the lineup, and it turned out to be a good move. He was actually one of the Pens’ better players in the Final. He chipped in with a few goals. He was a solid penalty killer. And he was a right-handed faceoff guy.

Marian Hossa: A

He far exceeded all my expectations. I knew the guy was good, but I didn’t realize how good he was. He is a defensive demon. He is tough on his skates. And he finally started scoring goals. Once he did that, he convinced me that the “playoff choker” label was profoundly undeserved. The sight of him sitting slumped against the boards after the final horn will remain seared in my memory forever. Anybody who said this guy doesn’t care hasn’t seen him play through these playoffs. I really hope they can find a way to bring him back.

Connor James: C

He was exactly what he was purported to be—an energy player.

Tyler Kennedy: A-

Kennedy was a bit of a surprise. He’s another guy I thought of as an energy type of guy, but he actually chipped in with some offense, too. And how cool was it for him to fight Scottie Upshall in the Conference Final? Looks like he’s earned himself a spot, possibly even on the top two lines, depending on who is signed in the offseason.

Georges Laraque: B-

He had a decent year. His forecheck and ability to control the puck below the goal line were excellent. But he found very few dance partners. He is such a good fighter that nobody wants to go with him. Depending on how much money he wants, he could be brought back.

Evgeni Malkin: A-

Only a disappointing Final took some luster off a tremendous sophomore campaign for the enigmatic young Russian. He stepped into the leading role when Sid went down, and was simply amazing. He was the best player in the league through that stretch, making both his wingers into better players. He was a stud in the first two rounds of the playoffs, until either getting hurt/sick or running out of gas against in the last 10 games. But viewed as a whole, his season was a huge success. Ignore the trade rumors, folks. This guy will be one of two cornerstones for this franchise for years to come.

Ryan Malone: A

Ryan Malone became a man this year. He played hard night in and night out. He scored big goals (Game 2 against Ottawa), he stood up for his teammates. In short, he did everything a power forward is supposed to do. Now the question is, was it a contract drive, or is he truly a changed man? It is most likely the latter, but his great play might well lead to him being priced right out of Pittsburgh.

Chris Minard: B

He was a nice fill-in while all the injured guys were out. He even actually managed to score a goal. It was quite a performance by a guy that was laboring in the ECHL a couple years back. That said, he doesn’t really appear to have NHL potential, as his scoring prowess in the minors didn’t translate into success in the NHL.

Mark Recchi: F

It’s the end of the line for the Wreckin’ Ball. he was offensively inept despite playing with the best center in the game today. He has lost his hop. His hands are shot. He was a healthy scratch his last couple weeks as a Penguin. Nothing more need be said except, retire already.

Gary Roberts: D

The legendary Hockey God might finally be at the end of the line. He suffered through numerous illnesses and injuries from training camp right through the playoffs. His shining moment was the two goals in the playoff opener against Ottawa, and that’s how I want to remember him. With cap issues galore, The Hockey God has likely played his last game for the Pens. But thank you, Gary, for all you taught this team in your short time here.

Jarkko Ruutu: B

He had a better season than I anticipated. Therrien even came to rely on him in the shootout. You have to love what this guy brought to the team, and it would be nice to find a way to bring him back.

Nathan Smith: I

Who?

Jordan Staal: C

He exceeded expectations defensively, as he continued to develop into a shutdown center. But he was woeful offensively. I have my doubts that he will ever flourish as a center offensively, because he just doesn’t seem to know how to use his teammates. He is not a good passer. This year, his goalscoring touch also deserted him. I suspect his scoring ability is in some middle ground between his rookie and sophomore years.

Ryan Stone: F

It should probably be an incomplete. But, like Filewich, he was expected to possibly challenge for an NHL job, didn’t make it, then struggled in the minors. Hope is running out that he’ll ever be a contributor at the NHL level.

Petr Sykora: A

The Pens got a far better player than I had imagined when Shero signed Sykora. He played a top-line role while Crosby was out, and was deadly on the power play. He is a tremendous bargain when compared to Paul Kariya, who the Pens were also wooing. And who can forget the triple overtime winner in Game 5?

Jeff Taffe: B

He contributed more than I thought he would. I had figured he was just Wilkes Barre fodder when they signed him. But because of the injuries, he got a chance with the big club and showed he can play at that level. Not a star, but a guy who can play on a third or forth line and not hurt you.

Max Talbot: B+

He does what he does. He is one of the rocks in the clubhouse. He has some offensive ability that makes him a valuable third line kind of guy. Missed a large chunk of time due to the dreaded high ankle sprain, but had regained his form by the end of the season. His tying goal in Game 5 against the Wings will never be forgotten.