Blogger's Breakouts 2011 - Pittsburgh Penguins

Our first non-SBNation blog joins the fray today as The Pensblog graciously accepted our request.  We asked the guys seven fantasy questions related to the Penguins.  The guys not only know the Pens team inside and out they are pretty entertaining too.  Go check out their site... do it.

Click here for more Blogger's Breakouts.

If you're interested in FHS' breakout picks and fantasy take on the Penguins check out our draft kit which includes The Breakout Bible, the Fantasy Scouting Report (with SuperStats included) and our Fantasy Prospect Database.

BY THE PENSBLOG

Q1) Penguins'  Breakout of the Year?
We'll be the first to tell you about how underwhelmed we were with James Neal last year. For some reason Neal really struggled to find the net. But it wasn't for lack of effort. This season could make all that go away as Neal will get to play with Malkin or Crosby a good bit, and that could open up some big time room. Could be one of those special years, we'll thinking 30-35 goals for Neal. If he clicks with Malkin or Crosby, the sky is the limit.

Q2) Darkhorse Breakout on the Penguins?
Dustin Jeffrey. Jeffrey was a monster in the AHL last year, and deservedly got called up. He made the most of the opportunity by scoring 12 points in 25 games. He was just settling in when he suffered a knee injury late in the season. Jeffrey could easily hit the 20 goal mark this year, and if Crosby isn't ready to go, Jeffrey will get unlimited chances to suceeed.

Q3) League-Wide Breakout of the Year?
No idea why the name Matthew Lombardi popped into our heads. If he can comeback after his concussion issues, he could be the sleeper of the NHL. He was a big signing for Nashville last season, and was primed to have a big year before the aforementioned concussion issues showed up. Two years ago in Phoenix he picked up 19 goals and 34 assists. He could get playing time with Phil Kessel... .could double those stats across the board.

Q4) Player likely to Breakdown on the Penguins?
Let's put it this way. Big year for Kris Letang last season but he fell off when Sidney Crosby got hurt for some reason. Could see this season being a defining moment for him in Pittsburgh or it could be a ticket out of town

Q5) Best Fantasy Prospect on the Penguins?
Eric Tangradi will get a long look this year. He has the size and the hands. If his speed gets there you could be looking at a Bobby Ryan type of player.

Q6) How do you see the Penguins' Goalie Situation playing out this year?
Marc-Andre Fleury will carry the load. Brent Johnson will step in to beat up Rick DiPietro every so often.

Q7) You're probably sick of thinking/answering this but we really need to know... is Sidney Crosby going to be ready for the start of the season? How many games do you think he miss this year? What about Evgeni Malkin?
Going to venture and say Sidney Crosby will not be ready for the season opener. There are too many whispers, and not enough Crosby saying " Yes, I will be ready for the season." He will comeback eventually.

As for Evgeni Malkin, by all accounts he has rehabbed his ass off. He has carried the Penguins before, and we think this year he can carry them again. We're thinking an MVP-type season. But we've been wrong before. If he stays healthy, 100+ points.

Thanks guys, great job.  If you have any other Pens-related Q's fire off in the questions.  Hopefully we can get the guys to pop back in to answer them, otherwise we'll give it a shot.