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Yohe mailbag, part 2: What are the odds that the Penguins reach the playoffs next season?

Published

6 months ago

July 16, 2024

Press Room

Yohe mailbag, part 2: What are the odds that the Penguins reach the playoffs next season?

Welcome to the second part of the July mailbag.

Lots of fun questions in this go-around, including some hypotheticals that are good for daydreaming, if nothing else.

May your summers be going safely and with an abundance of good times.

Away we go…

(Some questions have been lightly edited for style and clarity.)

Based not only on what Kyle Dubas has said, but also on his track record with the Maple Leafs and what he has done in his short time here, how long will it be until the Penguins are competitive again? — @PeteKadar

The key here, Pete, is your definition of “competitive.” Could they sneak into the playoffs next year? Sure. Sometimes expectations are exceeded. And it’s not like they’re terrible.

When can they be Stanley Cup competitive? I have to think they’re four or five years away from that, realistically speaking. They need a group of young players to come along. Not just one or two. A group. And they have to have some special players in that mix.

Ideally, Sidney Crosby is still something of a force when those kids show up. It would be the fairytale ending to his career, graybeard Sid leading a bunch of kids to the promised land. It’s not an impossible dream. But Dubas has to go on a heater in the next couple of years.

Do you think Tristan Jarry can win back his teammates after last season, when he gave some of them a look after allowing a goal? — @paulmcd1232

I don’t know that he has to. I do know that many in the organization were fuming after the game in Dallas on March 22, when Jarry stared down Marcus Pettersson following a Stars goal. It’s not the first time he’s done stuff like that, and it doesn’t reek of accountability. Goalies do this a lot. Henrik Lundqvist was infamous for it. While it didn’t go over well with some in the organization, I honestly don’t know how the locker room feels about Jarry. I know of a couple of players who didn’t care for him many years ago, but I’ve not heard a bad word about him from the current team.

Josh, do you think the Pens have a shot at the postseason next season and a chance to be really competitive in a year or two? — @MarcieWodlinger

I wouldn’t bet on them making the playoffs, though nothing is impossible. On paper, the Rangers, Hurricanes and Devils are clearly better than the Penguins, in my opinion. So that theoretically leaves them fighting for a wild-card spot. The thing is, the middle of the Eastern Conference is terrible. Look at the Islanders, Capitals, Red Wings, Sabres, etc. … do any of those teams scare you? So sure, they could get in, but they’d have to stay healthy and receive top-notch goaltending.

You can remake one draft choice over the last 15 years. The player has to be available at the Penguins drafting position. Who are you taking? — @JakeEGraham

I’ve got to look at 2014. The Penguins took Kasperi Kapanen with the No. 22 pick.

Three picks later, the Bruins selected David Pastrnak.

I don’t think a further explanation is required.

Bonus pick: They took Derrick Pouliot with the No. 8 pick in 2012 with Filip Forsberg on the board. Good God.

Have you ever met a more superstitious athlete than Sid? — @jlhorn33

Here’s the thing: They’re all superstitious. We just talk about him so much more than we talk about other players.

That said, his superstitions are great and I like how miffed he becomes when others aren’t superstitious to his level. Case in point, during his brief stint with the Penguins, Ryan Reaves scored a goal on the same day in which he accidentally left his garage door open while departing for the game. Upon hearing this, Crosby looked at him and said, “Well, are you leaving it open tonight?”

Reaves said no. Crosby looked at him like he was crazy.

Do you think Erik Karlsson will be more comfortable in Year 2 in Pittsburgh? What kind of year do you think he’s capable of having? — @the_dzarina

He’s absolutely capable of more. Gauging his 2023-24 season is difficult. The analytics said one thing, the eye test said another. I know this much: He’s absolutely capable of more. I think he’s an on-ice genius who isn’t easy to coach, and I imagine fitting in with a new team and system is difficult for him because he plays the game like such of a free bird.

His teammates absolutely love him. Great guy, the kind of fellow you’d want to have a drink with. I think he’s a candidate for a bounce-back year, and having David Quinn on board should help. Karlsson needs to remember that he’s Erik Karlsson and stop deferring to Crosby and Evgeni Malkin so much. They’re great. They’ll figure out what he’s doing. He just needs to be more aggressive and do the things that make him special, because he is special.

With Connor McDavid available in two years, will Dubas and Crosby try to pitch him signing in Pittsburgh? Cap room, Evgeni Malkin off the books? — @BryanBorowitz

Well that would be a story!

Pittsburgh makes sense for McDavid in some ways. He’s from Toronto, which is only a five-hour drive from here. He played his junior hockey two hours away in Erie. The Penguins have a rich, almost incomparable history of being an organization successfully run by superstar players. So, sure, I bet Pittsburgh would be high on his list, especially if, say, he and Crosby were to develop a friendship during international competitions in each of the next two seasons. (I am not suggesting that they aren’t pals, I just don’t think they know each other all that well.)

That said, it’s hard to imagine that the supporting cast in Pittsburgh two years from now is one that would intrigue McDavid. Although I don’t know this, and it’s 100 speculation on my part, I always suspected that GMJR had some kind of a post-Malkin mega-plan, and I always wondered if luring McDavid to Pittsburgh was part of it.

When you first started reporting, how did you go about building trust with higher-ups for them to leak information through you as a liaison to fans? — @WatchPGHSports

I’d love to give you a detailed answer, but so much of it is just being around, seeing your name grow. Then, they know who you are. Then you start to talk with people, get to know them. They trust you or they don’t. Treat them well and don’t backstab them, and you’ll probably get some stories. They’re people. Treat them the way you’d like to be treated.

With Pennsylvania getting new license plates featuring the Liberty Bell, should Western Pennsylvania be represented by getting a version with the Stanley Cup? — @slf66

This is one of the best questions I’ve ever received. And I really think you’re onto something here.

Who is your pro comparison with Brayden Yager? — @SeagerBombs

Remember Michael Ryder? Played for the Canadiens and some other teams. He had that great shot, a right-handed guy. Scored 30 goals a handful of times. That’s the name that comes to mind when I read this question.

Seems like we might have an abundance of goalie talent in the pipeline. With Sergei Murashov showing up, how do you see the future between the pipes in Pittsburgh? — @hennessey27

Tough to say, but I’m glad you asked about him. Man is he talented. He’s quite an athlete and I think he’s someone to watch. He won’t be ready for the NHL for a year or two, but I happen to think he’s a legitimate NHL talent. I don’t give Ron Hextall credit for a ton, but that was a good draft pick.

Is there any reason to think this time will be different for the Pirates? Should we have any hope that Paul Skenes won’t be out of here in four or five years like Gerrit Cole was? — @jtgensler

I don’t trust Bob Nutting any further than I can throw him. I pulled a muscle in my side the other day, so I couldn’t throw anyone very far. So, yeah, your question is understandable.

I hate that any time I tweet about Skenes, everyone responds, “He’ll be with the Yankees or Dodgers soon enough.” It’s annoying, but it’s also likely accurate, so I understand the fan rage.

Let’s just enjoy him while he’s here. You win championships with pitchers like him. It sounds silly saying that about the Pirates, I know, but this guy is different. Hopefully they quickly build a team around him.

If you were a closer in baseball, what song are you walking out to? — @cwhitney29

“Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground. I think creeping out the other hitters would be a good tactic.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the offseason? — @stefdin

Spend time with my kids, and get my toes in the sand at some point. I’m trying to learn to be a good cook, too. Any pointers are appreciated.

Hope all is well, everyone.

(Photo: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)

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Pittsburg, PA

Pittsburgh Department of Public Works preparing for another blast of winter weather Friday morning

Published

3 hours ago

January 3, 2025

Press Room

Public works crews in the City of Pittsburgh are preparing for another round of snow that’s expected to impact tomorrows morning commute.

Some people hope it won’t be a repeat of how the city handled last week’s snowfall.

With more snow on the way, some people in the City of Pittsburgh are concerned and still frustrated over last week’s wintry mess.

Several cars got stuck on Negley Avenue in Squirrel Hill the morning of Dec. 21.

Some people say a lot of roads were unsalted across the city.

“It’s Pittsburgh, they are supposed to be ready for stuff like this you know, should be out the day before night before salting everything,” DoorDash driver Robert Dennis said.

Dennis uses Negley Avenue daily.

“It’s the main drag. I go down it everyday. I don’t see why they wouldn’t come out and salt it. That’s crazy,” Dennis said.

The City of Pittsburgh said that day public works was responding to unexpected heavy snowfall.

A Ring camera video showed a car sliding on ice, nearly hitting an SUV and slamming straight into the side of a house on Parkwood Road in Mount Oliver that same day.

By that afternoon, the city deployed 40 plow trucks.

“I have friends who live on the slopes and Mount Oliver area that did have a big problem couple weeks ago. I’m glad they are gonna do a better job this time,” Lucy Leitner said.

Today, Allegheny County’s Department of Public Works said when the snow starts early Friday morning, they will have 30 salt trucks with plows deployed.

The city said they are also prepared and will have 60 trucks out overnight to treat the roads.

The city says the bulk of the snow is expected to hit during rush hour tomorrow morning so they will have crews out around the clock to make sure the roads are safe.

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Cincinnati heads to Pittsburgh in a regular-season finale that has plenty at stake

Published

11 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Press Room

Cincinnati heads to Pittsburgh in a regular-season finale that has plenty at stake

Cincinnati (8-8) at Pittsburgh (10-6)

Saturday, 8 p.m., EST, ESPN/ABC.

BetMGM NFL Odds: Bengals by 1 1/2.

Against the spread: Bengals 10-6; Steelers 10-6

Series record: Steelers lead 71-39.

Last meeting: Steelers beat Bengals 44-38 on Dec. 1, 2024 in Cincinnati.

Last week: Bengals beat Broncos 30-24 in overtime; Steelers lost to Chiefs 29-10

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) celebrates with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) after making a touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Cincinnati. Credit: AP/Jeff Dean

Bengals offense: overall (6), rush (29), pass (1), scoring (8).

Bengals defense: overall (27), rush (21), pass (24), scoring (29).

Steelers offense: overall (16), rush (10), pass (25), scoring (15).

Steelers defense: overall (11), rush (7), pass (23), scoring (7).

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs into the end... — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. Credit: AP/Matt Freed

Turnover differential: Bengals plus-4; Steelers plus-15.

Bengals player to watch

QB Joe Burrow is having the best year of his career. The fifth-year pro leads the NFL in completions, yards, and touchdowns and has thrown for 250 yards and three touchdowns in eight straight games, an NFL record.

Steelers player to watch

LB T.J. Watt. The perennial All-Pro has been quiet lately, failing to get a sack in three of Pittsburgh’s past four games. Watt was his usual disruptive self in the first meeting with the Bengals, dropping Burrow twice and forcing a fumble that was scooped up by teammate Payton Wilson.

Key matchup

Pittsburgh’s secondary against Bengals WRs JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase and Higgins, one the best wide receiver duos in the league, combined for 11 receptions, 155 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting with the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s pass defense was lit up last week by Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 320 yards. Several Steelers veterans — namely safety DeShon Elliott — complained afterward about communication issues that shouldn’t be happening in late December. With Cincinnati’s offense rolling, expect Burrow to test the Steelers down the field repeatedly.

Key injuries

Bengals: DE Sam Hubbard (knee) is out. WR Tee Higgins (ankle/knee), WR Charlie Jones (groin), OT Amarius Mims (ankle/hand), TE Drew Sample (groin) and CB Cam Taylor-Britt (ankle) are questionable.

Steelers: CB Joey Porter (knee) is expected to play after sitting out the loss to the Chiefs. CB Donte Jackson (back) is questionable.

Series notes

Pittsburgh has won four of the past five meetings, including the 44-38 thriller in Cincinnati on Dec. 1 in which Russell Wilson threw for 414 yards. … The Steelers are 36-18 at home against Cincinnati, though the Bengals have won in two of their past three visits to Acrisure Stadium. This is the first regular-season meeting between the two clubs in January. They’ve met twice in January in the playoffs, with the Steelers winning both times (2005 and 2015). … Pittsburgh’s 71 wins over the Bengals are its second most against any opponent (Cleveland, 82).

Stats and stuff

The Bengals have won four straight since they were 4-8 in their first meeting with the Steelers Dec. 1. … Cincinnati can clinch the last AFC wild-card spot with a win over Pittsburgh coupled with losses by Denver and Miami on Sunday. … The Steelers locked up a playoff berth weeks ago, but have dropped three straight to lose their grip on the AFC North. Pittsburgh would need a victory over the Bengals and a loss by Baltimore earlier Saturday to Cleveland to clinch its first division title since 2020. … Otherwise, the Steelers would lock up the fifth seed in the AFC with a victory or a loss by the Los Angeles Chargers to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. … If neither of those things happens, Pittsburgh would drop to the sixth seed, forcing it to travel to Baltimore in the opening round. … Seven of the Bengals’ eight losses have been by one score. … In the win over Denver last week, Burrow was 39 for 49 for 412 yards and three TDs, along with a rushing score. … Chase, who had nine catches for 102 yards against Denver, has had career highs this season in receptions (a team record 117), receiving yards (a team record 1,612; team record) and 16 TDs, one shy of the team record. … Chase also leads the NFL in each of those categories, and has a chance to become the fifth player since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger to complete the receiving triple crown. … A win against Pittsburgh would complete the Bengals’ fourth consecutive regular season with a record better than .500. … Cincinnati CB Mike Hilton played for the Steelers from 2017-20. … Burrow has 26 career games with 300 or more passing yards, the second most in team history behind Andy Dalton’s 28. … With 14 sacks, Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson is tied with the Browns’ Myles Garrett for the NFL lead. … Cincinnati has scored 453 points this season, seven shy of a team-record 460 in the 2021 season. … The Bengals have scored 56 total TDs, three shy of a team record 59 set by the 1988 team that reached the Super Bowl behind QB Boomer Esiason and RB Ickey Woods. … The Steelers are 38-30 on Saturday, including a 26-8 mark at home. … Pittsburgh’s defense took a significant step back in December and is giving up more than 400 yards a game during its three-game skid. … Steelers RB Najee Harris reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fourth straight season last week against Kansas City, but it’s backfield mate Jaylen Warren that seems to be surging late in the season. Warren has 33 touches for 202 yards over the past two games, compared to 24 touches for 123 yards for Harris. … Russell Wilson has fumbled in three straight games and has turned it over three times in the past two weeks. Wilson had three turnovers in his first seven starts with the Steelers. … Pittsburgh WR George Pickens’ 16 receptions of at least 25 yards rank third in the NFL this season behind Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson (17) and Chase (16). Pickens had three receptions for 50 yards last week against Kansas City after missing three games with a hamstring injury. … Watt has 11 1/2 sacks heading into Week 18. His lowest total in a non-injury interrupted season is 7, set during his rookie year in 2017. Watt’s dip in sack production mirrors that of his team. Pittsburgh has just 36 sacks this season, on pace for its lowest total since 2014 (32). … Steelers K Chris Boswell’s 40 field goals are tied for the second most in a season in league history, trailing only the 44 David Akers made in 2011 while kicking for San Francisco.

Fantasy tip

Considering the current state of Pittsburgh’s defense, the roll he’s been on and the stakes for the Bengals, starting Burrow is a no-brainer. Still need convincing? He’s averaging 334 yards passing in his past three starts against the Steelers.

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Steelers Could Make Huge Splash With Rookie RB

Published

18 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Press Room

Steelers Could Make Huge Splash With Rookie RB

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make at running back this offseason, choosing who they’ll offer contracts to and how they will go about replacing anyone in their backfield who leaves.

One name that’ll bring plenty of excitement just put on a show during the College Football Playoff. Coming into the Peach Bowl, Arizona State were heavy underdogs to Texas. But behind their superstar running back, the Sun Devils created an electrifying matchup, and took the Longhorns into overtime to decide the winner.

Leaving the tournament, the Sun Devils say goodbye to Cam Skattebo, who will head to the NFL Draft after a Heisman finalist season. With an NCAA-leading 1,711 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, the 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior will head to the pros, and the Steelers may be a team to watch for him.

2025 Steelers backfield:
RB1 Jaylen Warren
RB2 Cam Skattebo
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I’d sign up for that. pic.twitter.com/NISOPYJVxl
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) January 1, 2025

The Steelers have an easy decision when it comes to Jaylen Warren. As an undrafted free agent just three seasons ago, Warren will head into the offseason as a restricted free agent. He’ll see a nice pay raise compared to his $985,000 salary in 2024, but will still be inexpensive for the Steelers.

If they choose to bring him back, they likely move on from Najee Harris, letting the former first-round pick walk in free agency and head elsewhere for what will likely be a nice payday. From there, their best bet to replace him is the NFL Draft, where Skattebo would be sitting pretty in the second round.

Allowing Warren to be the explosive runner and pass-catcher, while Skattebo comes in as a bigger back who can pound his way for consistent yardage, while also have big play ability, is exactly what the Steelers have wanted. In a draft class that is loaded with talent at the running back position, it makes plenty of sense to try and find a rookie runner, and the NFL world will be waiting to see what the Sun Devils superstar can do at the next level.

Without wasting a first-round pick on a running back, or having to go out and sign someone in free agency, the Steelers can make a splash with an exciting name who just proved he can shine on the bigger stages.

His final college performance included 30 rushes for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and eight receptions for 99 yards. Next, he’ll be looking to make an impact in the NFL. And the Steelers will be looking for a runner to revamp their backfield.

Make sure to bookmark Steelers On SI to get all your daily Pittsburgh Steelers news, interviews, breakdowns and more!

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