Why Pittsburgh Penguins Players Keep Saying 'It's Just Different' This Year
Photo credit: NHL.com
There's a different feel to this Penguins team so far, and players admit the feeling is not like it used to be, with confidence, skill, and friendships building.
The Pittsburgh Penguins fought through a grim, slow beginning before taking it to the Vancouver Canucks. Tommy Novak's goal, Anthony Mantha's goal, and Connor Dewar's goal sealed the victory, but the evening was about milestones.
Sidney Crosby became the all-time points leader in franchise history (regular season and playoffs included), and Kris Letang reached his 600th career assist, becoming a member of the elite ranks among NHL defensemen.
Behind the scenes, though, it's the dark horses, fighting to remain with the team, doing what's needed to drive the Penguins' sensational start.
The advice from coach Dan Muse is that prior status and salary don't count with him; performance does. And the new boys are coming through.
"No matter what your contract is, no matter how long you're here for, we want everybody playing for this jersey and for this city, and I think guys are. That's what we're looking to build out. And so I think there are definitely guys in some different situations-I would hope that (they'd) be hungry if you're getting a new opportunity. I think these guys are. I think they're working to take advantage of the opportunity that they've earned here."
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
Justin Brazeau is on fire this season and is leading the charge
Justin Brazeau, who signed in the off-season without fanfare, has five goals in seven games. Arturs Silovs, once buried on the Vancouver depth chart, has three victories and a .958 save percentage.
Parker Wotherspoon, once an AHL starter, is now a solid partner with Erik Karlsson. The Dewar, Blake Lizotte, and Noel Acciari energy line continues to set the tone night in and night out.
Projected to be fighting for a lottery pick this year, the Penguins are instead 5-2-0 for 10 points and a +4 goal difference, solidly in a playoff spot.
Whether that level of play can be maintained is uncertain, but the team's determination isn't. Players admit there is a different feel to it this year.
"I mean, it's just a different atmosphere than it used to be. A lot of guys are on deals that they have to prove themselves, you know? So there's a lot of guys that play hungry every single night. It's also a new voice. You know, guys are coming to the rink and they want to get to know the system and they want to thrive in that new environment. So I just think it's a different vibe than this room."
- Kris Letang
- Kris Letang
In a year characterized by second chances on the team roster and by faith in every game, the Penguins are demonstrating that experience, hunger, and heart can redefine expectations. At least in the short term, it's a new book, and so far, so good.
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