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New Penguins defender becoming one of the team's most physical players: 'I hated playing against him'
New Penguins defender Connor Clifton now has the second-most hits on the Penguins despite playing only seven games, truly showing his worth.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are not lacking in physicality, and it is evident in their pair of Connors. The team's leader with 39 hits is Connor Dewar, and right behind him with 33 hits is the new defenseman to the team, Connor Clifton.
What the big difference is between the two Connors
The difference, of course, is that Dewar has played in all 19 games this year, while his counterpart has only laced up his skates seven times. Dewar really disliked playing against Clifton when they weren't teammates.
"I hated playing against him," Dewar said. "He always gives you a reverse hit when you're not ready for it, or box you out real hard. Some players, physicality gets them in the game and helps them be themselves."
Hit totals may differ depending on individual arena recording; however, Clifton established his presence right from his first game with the Penguins, notching eight hits against the Anaheim Ducks on October 14.
Why Connnor Clifton's physicality is nothing new
His physical presence, however, has not been anything new. Since 2022, he has led his teams each season in hits, with 208 in 2022-23 with Boston, 204 with Buffalo in 2023-24, and then 208 last season again with the Sabres.
Offense has never been part of his game, with only 77 points in 391 games, but physicality is his strength and what has earned him NHL playing time.
He has dressed in only three of Pittsburgh's first 14 games, but has seen playing time in four of the last five.
At least for now, it seems likely that Clifton will be present in the lineup Friday against the Minnesota Wild, playing third-pairing minutes alongside Ryan Graves, with whom he has remained paired for almost two weeks.
Regardless of how well he may be playing, his role and identity in those remaining weeks of the season are plain: he is a contact guy first and, second, everything else.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 21 | 39 ANSWERS New Penguins defender becoming one of the team's most physical players: 'I hated playing against him' Do you like Connor Clifton's style of play? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 92.3 % |
| No | 3 | 7.7 % |
| List of polls | ||