Penguins/NHL
PENGUINS 4 – CANADIENS 3 (OT)
Goal Scorers
1. Scott Wilson
2. Ty Loney
3. Oskar Sundqvist
4. Daniel Sprong (OT Winner)
Rookie Tournament Recap
The Penguins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in Game 1 of the Rookie Tournament. Daniel Sprong scored the game winner in overtime. Scott Wilson, Ty Loney, Oskar Sundqvist also scored in the win. Game 2 of the Rookie tournament for the Penguins is Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. vs the Ottawa Senators.
The game can be seen on PittsburghPenguins.com
Quotes
AHL Coach Mike Sullivan on Daniel Sprong: “His skill level is evident. He’s dynamic with the puck, He’s got great speed, he can really shoot the puck. His skill jumps out to you. That’s the most exciting thing from our standpoint…. He’s still a young kid, he’s got a lot to learn as far as his play away from the puck. Just decision making and some of the critical areas in the rink… What he has is hard to teach.”
Some Observations From Game 1
— If Oskar Sundqvist is going to make an impact at the NHL level this season it’s going to be with his defensive play in a bottom-6 role. Sundqvist did a lot of things well today away from the puck. In the defensive zone he had good low support down low and was excellent in a 5-on-3 kill in the first period with two blocks in one sequence.
Offensively Sundqvist chipped in a goal and while the foot speed isn’t great and is somewhat of a concern against NHL talent, he knows how to use his size well in protecting the puck.
— This should be a tournament that Derrick Pouliot comes out and dominates, at least that should be the expectation. The puck management from Pouliot was poor in the first two periods, struggled at times when pressured hard on the forecheck. Many don’t want to believe it but a little more time in the minors isn’t going to hurt Pouliot and may do him some good. [hide]
— The Penguins top line was Scott Wilson – J.S. Deal – Daniel Sprong. 
Wilson has a knack for finishing plays in around the net and buried a great pass from J.S. Dea off the rush.
“I thought Scott Wilson played extremely well,” Sullivan said.
— Daniel Sprong who scored a breakaway goal in overtime, showed excellent vision with the puck. Can see the ice very well, finds teammates in space.
Lots of questions about his defensive game and willingness to go in corners. He stays to the outside a bit too much but there were situations where his battle level was good in the corners. One of the most if not the most talented player on the ice today.
— Conor Sheary is very crafty with the puck down low and in tight situations. Able to keep plays alive due to his slick hands. Where Sheary has made a commitment is also playing his own end and Sullivan praised Sheary’s two-way game.
— If 3-on-3 overtime in the Rookie Tournament is going to be like the NHL, look out.
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