Penguins Attempting to Round Out Lineup

The offseason for the Penguins hasn't really gone as planned for the Black n' Gold.  They were very open about their interest in both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, but both decided to go elsewhere.  Then there was the Jordan Staal fiasco.  He leaves via trade to Carolina to play along side his brother, Eric, but the Penguins receive Brandon Sutter in return, who reportedly can fill the shoes of Staal on the 3rd line, as well as on the Penalty Kill.  The Penguins release Michalek to free up some cap space, but there were two big question marks on this team that I feel the team didn't address, or hasn't yet. 

#1- The defense.  There are times when I long for the days of Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi that were able to just sit back and play defense.  I don't know if it is Dan Bylsma or GM Ray Shero's love fest with defenseman that are more offensive than defensive players, but the Pens need more lock down defenders like Brooks Orpik than they need the fast offensive defenders.  You remember what the Flyers did to the swiss cheese defense in the playoffs right?  They are a good team, but go back to the last few games of the regular season...anyone remember what the ISLANDERS did to the swiss cheese defense?  This team will NOT win another cup until the defense gets improved.  The Penguins signing Brian Strait is a step in the right direction in my opinion, but I really don't care how they improve that aspect of their game (via free agency or through their system), but the defense has to keep people off the board and the pressure of the very shaky Marc Andre-Fleury if the Pens want to win another cup.  You simply can't outscore every team in the NHL...it just can't happen.  Example: 2012 playoffs vs Philly.

#2 - A true scorer to play along side Sid. Crosby recently inked a deal that will have him retiring as a Penguin, and I expect a HUGE year from him next year.  He will have the ability to train the way he normally does, and will have a full pre-season under his belt before the start of the regular season in October.  However, not much of that matters if the Pens can't find a winger to flank Crosby the way James Neal did for Malkin this season.  I wouldn't think of breaking up the 71-14-18 line that worked so well this year, but the 87-?-? line needs some work.  Dupuis has proven he is capable of playing along side Sid, but where is the other piece to the puzzle?  The Penguins have shown interest in forward Shane Doan from Phoenix, and have reportedly offered him a contract, but he has yet to accept or decline.  If they get him, that could fill out the top line and make their offensive top 2 lines very tough.  If they don't get him, then who will fill that spot? Tyler Kennedy (who isn't an accurate shooter / scorer), Matt Cooke (are you joking?), Eric Tangradi (again...not funny).  Sidney Crosby is the best player the NHL has seen in the last 10 years in my opinion, and could be one of the greatest of all time if he stays healthy, but he needs help as well.  Lets keep our fingers crossed that Shero can get Doan in there and keep this lineup formidable.

It will be very interesting to see how the offseason rounds out for the Penguins, but I know the hopes are high for the team as they are expected to win a cup, not juts make the playoffs.  The offseason and the health of its stars could go a long way in making the cup a reality again in the Steel City.