Penguins/NHL
FARNHAM MAKING STRONG IMPRESSION ON COACHING STAFF
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Beau Bennett scored the only goal of the game in the third round of the shootout and Jeff Zatkoff stopped 23 of 23 shots as the Penguins earned a 1-0 victory in their preseason opener.
2013 2nd round pick Tristan Jarry played the third period/overtime/shootout and stopped all seven shots he faced and was perfect in the shootout.
“I give Jarry a lot of credit,” Mike Johnston said of the young goaltender coming in for the start of the third. “He did a very good job.”
Highlights: #CBJ bested in preseason opener vs. #Pens.
https://t.co/TTUOtTUpBh
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 22, 2015
The player with a lot of buzz coming out of the preseason opener is Bobby Fanham who was described by one observer tonight as a “wrecking ball” on the forecheck. After earning high praise from Mike Johnston after Sunday’s practice, Johnston again tonight was raving about Farnham.
“The way he’s noticeable is with speed and hitting,” Johnston said. “It’s just so evident out there. He gets on loose pucks hard, he makes the other teams’ defense pay a price and they know when he’s on the ice. He played his game effectively. If he keeps that up, I believe he knows what his trademarks are as a player. I really like that in him and he brings it every bring.”
As mentioned before Farnham has been identified as the type of player the Penguins want as a 13th forward and to plug in the lineup every now and then.
Johnston, though, looks to be buying into what Farnham brings to the table that he has a shot to start the season among the top-12 forwards.
The issue is playing him regularly goes against the desire of having a skilled fourth line.
The Penguins home preseason opener is Tuesday night vs Carolina. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Phil Kessel, Marc Andre Fleury are among the big names who will be in the lineup.
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