Penguins/NHL
MORNING PENS BUZZ
The Pittsburgh Penguins out-shot the Detroit Red Wings 35-27 Thursday night and held a 38-31 shot attempts advantage at even strength but anyone who watched that game knew the Red Wings were on a different level.
The Red Wings young talent led by the likes of Dylan Larkin overwhelmed the Penguins roster they put on the ice in a Detroit 6-1 win.
Mike Johnston after the game questioned the battle level for some of his players, especially those looking to win spots.
— Conor Sheary who was a key player coming into the night, did not have the type of performance he needed. The speed of the game looked to overwhelm Sheary at times and he was pushed around a bit down low in the offensive zone.
His best opportunity came in the second period on a scramble in front and Sheary was not able to get a shot off.
Sheary was a minus-3 with no shots on goal and had just two shot attempts.
Bryan Rust is another bubble player who didn’t do enough last night and has been underwhelming in camp so far.
ROUGH NIGHT FOR SERGEI, KUHNHACKL IMPRESSES
— Sergei Plotnikov playing away from Evgeni Malkin was a non-factor in the loss. he was officially credited with zero shots on goal and no shot attempts from the rookie winger, though, reviewing the tape he had a shot on goal in the third period. Overall Plotnikov struggled to create offense and that’s going to be something to watch with him. Plotnikov’s 31.6 CF% was the worst among Penguin skaters last night.[hide]
— 2010 4th round pick Tom Kuhnhackl had a good night for himself. Assist, 4 shots on goal, 5 shot attempts and was the Penguins best possession player, on the ice for 17 shot attempts and just 6 against.
Turns 24 in January so time is starting to run out when it comes to Kuhnhackl’s NHL prospects but wouldn’t write him off just yet with his size and some tools are there to be a bottom-6 power forward.
Kuhnhackl has worked extensively with Bill Guerin over the last two years to improve his puck protection ability down low. Playing better competition seems to bring the best out of him as he also played well last year in the preseason.
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