Bryan Rust Breaks His Silence on Penguins Tenure in Postseason Finale Interview
Photo credit: Screenshot
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust broke his silence about his tenure with the organisation in his final interview of the season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins players were back at the PPG Paints Arena today for the last time of the season following a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals for their 82nd game of the regular calendar.
The team had a rough season, but in the end, they were only six wins away from a playoff spot. Considering all the holes in their lineup and all the trades made by Kyle Dubas this year, it could've been worse.
However, it's still a disappointing season for the team, even if individually, a few players had success.
Among others, Bryan Rust had a great season. For the first time in his career, he reached the 30-goal mark, ending with a 31-goal, 34-assist tally in 71 games.
He ended on a high note last night, scoring two goals in the win:
In his exit interview, Rust talked about his team's season, but his own as well, starting with how he never expected to score 30 goals in an NHL season when he first came into the league:
"It's really cool. I'm proud of it. I never thought I'd score 30 goals - maybe 30 over my entire career when I first entered the league. It's a bit of proof that I've been working hard, and hopefully, I can keep it going and hit the next milestone."
He continued by mentioning how he wants to get better every day, and how playing on Sidney Crosby's line helped him considerably:
"I try to learn something every day - different situations, where to be, how to get open. Hockey has endless possibilities, but the longer you're in the league, the more you recognize different plays. I've learned how to get open and make better reads.
Playing with Sid for a long time helps. That consistency with linemates lets us build chemistry, understand each other's tendencies, and feed off each other."
Playing with Sid for a long time helps. That consistency with linemates lets us build chemistry, understand each other's tendencies, and feed off each other."
He spoke more of Crosby when he was asked to comment on what he and Alex Ovechkin achieved since joining the NHL and the historical season they had this year:
"It's amazing. From my point of view, they almost saved the league. Twenty years ago, the NHL wasn't in a great place. Then these two young guys came in and took it by storm. High-character players who've only gotten better and proven they're the best of their generation - maybe two of the best ever.
Seeing them both on the ice tonight after reaching big milestones this year - it was special. The hockey geek in me was really excited to be a part of it."
Seeing them both on the ice tonight after reaching big milestones this year - it was special. The hockey geek in me was really excited to be a part of it."
Finally, he revealed that there is frustration in the locker room because they missed the playoffs, and players realize that they could have kept their season going if they had won just a few more games:
"We know we should've won more games earlier in the season. That's a tough pill to swallow. If we had played like this earlier, maybe we'd still be playing right now."
Now, the Penguins' fate is in Kyle Dubas' hands. Rust is a valuable member of the lineup, and even if he was involved in trade rumors at the last deadline, it would be surprising to see him leave the team this summer, with three years left on his $5,125,000 AAV contract.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 18 | 228 ANSWERS Bryan Rust Breaks His Silence on Penguins Tenure in Postseason Finale Interview Do you think Bryan Rust will score 30 goals next season? | ||
| Yes | 194 | 85.1 % |
| No | 34 | 14.9 % |
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