Penguins/NHL
KUNITZ ROLE IN 2015-2016
While all indications are Kunitz’ will get the first shot to stay on Sidney Crosby’s line and it’s the option the Penguins coaches prefer, Kunitz regression in play last season and competition behind him has Kunitz going into camp needing to prove he can still handle a top-line role.
This isn’t the lockout shortened season where the Penguins entered the year with Kunitz and Eric Tangradi as their top-2 line left wingers.
The competition at left wing in camp will be strong with Kunitz, David Perron, Sergei Plotnikov, and Pascal Dupuis, Beau Bennett also options to play left wing.
“You gotta go out and play the way you think helps the team,” Kunitz said to reporters today when asked about his role. “What I’ve always done. You have to earn your way every year.”
The Penguins forward group has been revamped and it was no surprise to veterans in that room like Kunitz to see changes and the Penguins to add a potential game changer in Kessel.
“When you lose so many close games in the playoffs, adding a guy like Kessel can change that dynamic,” Kunitz said. “Depth down the center is unbelievable.”
Other than Crosby – Kessel, and Malkin – Hornqvist, there’s going to be a lot of interchanging in the top-9.
“Lot of interchanging,” Kunitz said of the current group forwards. Don’t think there will be a lot of set pieces.”
KUNITZ – CROSBY – KESSEL?
Sidney Crosby isn’t the only player giddy about playing with Phil Kessel. Kunitz feels he can be the other piece on the line. “Obviously you want[hide] to play with Sid. Guy like Kessel [has] speed, can shoot the puck. Something you have to go out and earn,” Kunitz said of being the left winger with those two.
Is father time catching up for Kunitz and will his best role on the team be in the bottom-6? The advance stats crowd seem to favor a bounce back season for Kunitz because of his strong possession numbers. However, what was alarming for Kunitz last season was how the hands started to go.[/hide]
Fingers crossed that Kunitz was just hampered by injury last year… and the end of the prior year? 😉 But I think he may be better served as a depth guy moving forward. As for Sids other wing, Well I am sure Plotnikov gets the long look with Malkin and Hornqvist to start the year, escape clause and all but I also feel that Perron will get another look with Sid. He was lights out upon arrival last year with Sid but stopped shooting. He realizes this and with the room that both Kessel and Sid could create for him… Read more »
i think Perron can play top two lines. He has the talent; he has a contract year coming. He’s poised for a great year I think.
Anyone else get the sense that Sundqvist’s health is in question? Seeing conflicting reports about his injury/surgery was concerning… I think we have great depth but I am still going to be rooting for the young guys (forwards).
I think that’s the whole reason cullen was signed. Plus he still needs some time in ahl why rush it
I took it as being related to the Cullen signing as well.’ Whether it’s health or not ready…
I think people are putting to much stock into an unsupported rumor from Sweden. I don’t know what the motivation would be for them to put out a false article like that but why would the Pens have him on the Rookie Tournament roster if he wasn’t physically ready to play?
Kunitz – Crosby – Kessel
Perron – Malkin – Hornqvist
Fehr – Bonino – Dupuis
Plotnikov – Cullen – Bennett
Sestito – Sundqvist – Farnham
Wilson – Porter – Rust
That’s crazy forward depth!
Dupuis-Crosby-Kessel
Kunitz-Malkin-Hornqvist
Plotnikov/Fehr-Bonino-Perron
Plotnikov-Cullen-Bennett
Actually gives a little more depth but balancing out the talent a little more. I don’t understand why everyone is so against Perron playing on the 3rd.
My guess is Duper.
I was just going to say the same thing. Sid and Duper have been inseparable during informal workouts and MM (who is well connected with Sid) believes that if Sid is given any say it will be Duper. My guess is that since Kunitz has shown good chemistry with both Sid & Geno that Dupuis plays with Sid/Kessel, Kunitz plays with Geno/Hornqvist and Perron is on the right side with Bonino.