I summarily reject all anti-Penner B.S.

At first glance these kinds of quotes, and the commentary preceding them, make it look TM is calling Penner out publicly on his own, which I don’t see at all as being reality. It’s a funny effect of framing an article where what was probably a simple question breaking down to, “What do you think of Penner’s play?” gets transmuted into a continuation of an old, old storyline.

The story could easily have focused on what chances Penner has been getting, or the fact that he hasn’t had defensive breakdowns, despite learning a new system and having his line decimated by bad luck.

He is so TM’s new Frolov.

Summarily, eh?

I’m a little surprised by your seemingly strong defense of Penner simply because I would have guessed that you don’t particularly like his style of play.

I haven’t jumped on the anti-penner bandwagon as of yet. I totally attribute his drop off to losing his line so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for the duration of this season. That said, I do find it troubling that much of the same criticism from the Oilers’ media/fans/coaches etc. has so quickly followed him to Los Angeles. Usually a trend like that does not bode well for the future.

As for my observation of him, I am of the mindset that players of his kind are frustrating to watch most of the time. The flashes of “wow” are outweighed by his predilection towards “ho hum.” In other words, he’s not the type of player I look forward to watching. There’s no excitement for me. Players like Zus, who are similar in that “seem like they aren’t trying” kind of way are very interesting to watch because of his defensive skill. You can see him thinking out there, which isn’t as exciting as a Simmonds, but is still interesting to watch. Penner just doesn’t click on any level for me.

If only because we have no idea how it will work out for Edmonton, and won’t for a while. We don’t know how Teubert will do for them, nor do we know whom they will draft with the picks. If Teubert is a flop, the trade is at worst a wash. At the very worst.

I’m willing to give Penner the benefit of the doubt, and will for a while. I agree that the criticism of him is largely driven by perceptions of his style and basic ignorance. At times, he’s looked very good, done some useful things. In Murray’s system, you don’t have to be a brilliant player, but you do have to do things that are useful.

and I’m not officially on the anti-Penner bandwagon if there even is one.

But seriously there’s only so much micro stat analyzation you can do until one day you look back and go “what the hell just happened there? Wasn’t there supposed to be more point production? How long am I supposed to give him leeway for learning the system and working his way through Terry’s BS?”

I guess what I’m trying to say here Quisp is despite his size, he COULD actually show a little more fire in his belly … can you imagine Clifford in Penner’s body?

Actually I can … Chara comes to mind.

How bout we give him an open slate to make some major noise in the playoffs?

If there’s no bigger contribution out of him ie: points , then are we going to be having this same conversation or are you going to say openly that the guy should’ve stepped up more?

Where is the barometer here? I wanna know so I don’t get thrown into the ignorance category simply for wanting him to at least LOOK like he cares more.

Isn’t that always the case?

The most important thing to remember here is that perception is reality… regardless of its validity. One can argue both sides of this equation. One can spin the numbers/stats to defend their stance. I think that it is the nature of all conjecture. The BS surrounding Penner is case in point.

I feel that we (the royal WE) suffer from a lack of a truly quantative sample size. If not for the hypersensitivity of the situation that this team finds itself in I think that our focus would shift elsewhere. He is a good kid. I like him and that was even as a Duck. Sure, there are always things that we wish out of players more, or less, at any given time. There are plenty of cases where a system and player don’t fit. I am not saying that this is the case here, necessarily. At this point I still say the trade was worthwhile with the potential to be good, if not great. This is a team effort. The Kings shouldn’t be trying to ride one player but prevail by the collabrative efforts of a unified team.

We have a chance… something that 14 other teams cannot say at this point unless referencing next year. As long as there are games to be played we have a shot.

When big, skilled players don’t produce (and especially don’t hit and don’t produce), they are always always always labeled lazy, soft or stupid.

see Johan Franzen.

I don’t buy the whole lazy stereotype, and I don’t expect huge numbers from the guy, but it concerns me that there have now been three (four?) instances where TM has had to push Penner to “bring the work.”

Here’s hoping that we see a lot of more Penner in front of the and dragging defenders to the SJ net (don’t keep him high, TM!) with more regularity.

Derek Zona had Penner pegged as a player who quietly improved his line mates output. This seemed accurate until Penner’s line evaporated.

Maybe Penner has to double-down on his defensive focus when his line-mates change. And what would that look like? A little tentative, maybe?

Absolutely. I watched Penner hesitate while searching the ice for the right defensive position. Just as true on offense Penner frequently send pucks across the crease to players who aren’t there…at least not yet.

Plus there is the aspect of adjusting mentally and physically from a basement club to a top four seven team

This season’s overly high expectations were dashed, ending with disappointment not seen since Deadmarsh and Allison went down. Its only natural that coaches are being flogged by management and players are being talked about, like, well, players are always talked about.

Barring a post season miracle any sound judgments regarding Penner will have to wait until next season. I think he will end up a good fit.