Olli Maatta (9G-18A-27Pts, +12) and Matt Niskanen are the Penguins top two defensemen right now and the coaching staff is seeing that. Maatta was the star offensively for the Penguins in their 5-3 loss with a 2 goal night but what we’re seeing is Maatta’s responsibilities grow on the penalty kill. Maatta played 24:38 in the game, including 3:22 on the penalty kill, second among Penguins defensemen. Rob Scuderi had the most minutes on the PK vs San Jose with 5:49.
Olli Maatta
Penguins Development Camp: Fan Guide for Saturday’s Prospect Scrimmage Game
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS DEVELOPMENT CAMP 2013 FAN GUIDE FOR PROSPECT SCRIMMAGE GAME When, where, and how much: Saturday, July 20 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at CONSOL Energy Center The scrimmage is open to the public, with free admission Gates open at 2:00 PM (Trib and AE Gates only) Parking at arena lots is also free (site of old Civic Arena) Concession stands will be open, as well as the main team store What to expect *Expect the physical play to be kept to a minimum. No one wants to injure another player and thereby negatively affect his budding career. The players still skate with intensity and battle for the puck, but do not expect to see many thunderous hip checks or open-ice collisions. *Penalties result in a penalty shot awarded to the player that was fouled, and no one is sent to the box. So do not expect to seeRead More »
Observations on 2012 1st round pick Olli Maatta from Finland – Team USA game
Olli Maatta, the Penguins 2012 first round pick, is a prospect Penguin officials are giddy about and a prospect they regard as the total package. In fact, there’s even some scouts who see some Ryan Suter type comparisons in Maatta. I had a chance to catch Maatta in action (second & third period) today on NHLnetwork for Team Finland who defeated Team USA 5-1 pre-competition action. Here’s my takeaway from Olli Maatta (1 assist, even rating) who was impressive and he fit the scouting report I’ve been getting from evaluators:
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Steelers to avoid Hard Knocks?
The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed destined to be on Hard Knocks this summer but not so fast. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports if there are training camps, Hard Knocks will consist of the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams.