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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Flames released Doug Murray again.
I’d be down for a yahoo league, assuming it’s a live auction
I’d like to join in someone’s fantasy hockey league???
Wait a second, how did both teams have more even strength shots than they did total shots? How can you oushoot someone 38-31 5on5 but only outshoot them 35-27 for the entire game?
Red Wing prospects > Penguin prospects
It is what it is. Not to concerned with plotnikov. If you put talent around him he will perform.
I actually disagree walluk, I wasn’t all that impressed with how Plotkinov handled the speed of the game playing with Malkin & Hornqvist, he did ok along the boards and in front of the net when they were already setup in the zone but he had trouble keeping up on the rush and wasn’t able to handle some of the beautiful feeds from Geno. I think he is going to be a much better player in a bottom 6 role where his grind-it-out style will fit in a little better than he will in a top 6 role trying to… Read more »
Wasn’t specifically stating top six talent. I should’ve specified that. I pictured him flanking bonino and dupuis or fehr. 3rd line talent.
In that case I agree 100%.
Too bad on Sheary, I had hoped he would give us a Tyler Johnson style surprise this year. Rust I wasn’t big on when he played in this line up at any point so I cant say I am shocked there.
I still think Sheary will be a fine complementary player on the 4th line with guys like Cullen, Bennett and Plotkinov but anyone that thought he would fit well with the top end talent on this roster was drinking a little too much Kool Aid.
Jeff and Jay, I invited both of you to fantasy hockey again if you still want to join.
I’m always game to show you lesser minds how much smarter I am…jk. I’d love to be in again.
Did you get the invite?