The Penguins' Other 'Big Three' Are Quietly Dominating Early This Season
Photo credit: TSN
The Penguins seem to have the emergence of a new big three who are dominating so far this season: Evgeni Malkin, Justin Brazeau, and Anthony Mantha.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have had their fair share of power-laden lines throughout the years, but few match up in size to their present second line.
In 1991-92, Mario Lemieux, Kevin Stevens, and Rick Tocchet stood tall over the competition, blending brawn and skill to guide Pittsburgh to a Stanley Cup.
Over 30 years later, a new "Big Three" has emerged on the scene, and they're hot out of the gates.
Justin Brazeau (6'6", 232), Evgeni Malkin (6'5", 213), and Anthony Mantha (6'5", 240) have been the spark for the Penguins' early successes. Brazeau was especially clutch, scoring the game-winner in both games.
His first was on opening night in New York to end a fancy pass from Malkin after a faceoff play that deceived the Rangers' defense.
Two nights later, Malkin and Mantha set up a chance once more for Brazeau, this time on a breakaway for another insurance goal.
There are not even 50 players in the NHL who have the size of these Penguins players
Their overwhelming size isn't hard to ignore in the faster, shorter NHL of today. Less than approximately 50 league players stand at 6'5" or above, and Brazeau and Mantha are among the bulkier ones.
"It's not something you see all the time, three big bodies like that," Brazeau said. "But it's obviously nice to feed off that."
Even Malkin, who was recently "upgraded" from 6'3" after years of playing that size, provides the line with unusual physical presence to complement its skill.
Mantha states that every player employs his size differently, but as a group, they produce space, win fights, and tire people out.
"These two kids, they're amazing," Malkin said. "They're big, they use speed, they use size. I think it's a great line. We can do everything. We can play (in the) offensive zone, take faceoffs, play (in the) defensive zone. I hope we play very well.
"I hope we stay focused, (have) the same energy and just keep going."
"I hope we stay focused, (have) the same energy and just keep going."
The Penguins' latest "Big Three" hasn't collected the hardware of Lemieux's team just yet, but if early signs are any indication, they're becoming something to reckon with, and even more formidable to play against.
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