He’s the Rodney Dangerfield of the Penguins’ defense. Close your eyes and you can picture him standing before his teammates in the locker room. Dressed in a dark suit, tugging on his tie. Eyes bulging. Sweat pouring from his brow.
I’ll tell ya’ I don’t get no respect.
Actually, it’s been a season of quiet vindication for Ben Lovejoy. Following a tumultuous stretch run and near nuclear fallout among the Pens’ faithful last season after his acquisition for promising Simon Despres, “the Reverend’s” emerged as a valued member of the black-and-gold defense. Trusted enough by the coaching staff to pair with two of the organization’s most promising young defensemen, Brian Dumoulin and Derrick Pouliot.
Modest metrics aside, Lovejoy’s 2015-16 regular-season numbers speak to his solid all-around play. Tops among Penguins defensemen in hits (154), despite missing 16 games with an upper-body injury. Second in blocked shots (104). Fewest giveaways (18) among rearguards who started the season in the ‘Burgh. A respectable plus-9.
While not a standout in any one facet of the game, No. 12 does everything at least reasonably well. A poor man’s all-arounder.
Here’s how The Hockey News describes Lovejoy:
Has good size and is quite mobile. Moves the puck well and will use his frame to his advantage from time to time. Also has a little offensive ability. Could stand to play a more aggressive game, so as to take full advantage of his 6-1, 206-pound frame. Lacks a little confidence in his overall ability. Decent defenseman.
I found the confidence comment interesting. I sense that, too. Especially after the emotional flogging he absorbed last spring.
Fortunately, the New Hampshire native’s appreciated by those who matter the most.
GM Jim Rutherford’s a fan, citing Lovejoy’s experience and determination. His teammates love his team-first attitude and outgoing nature.
Coach Mike Sullivan appears to have the utmost faith in him. To the extent that when the playoffs unfolded, it was skilled newcomer Justin Schultz who found himself squeezed out of the defensive mix and not Lovejoy.
Most recently paired with Pouliot, the Dartmouth grad’s averaged a shade over 15 minutes of ice time per game in the postseason. Perfect for his energetic, tenacious style.
Among his contributions, Lovejoy assisted on the pivotal first goal in Game 4 of the Rangers series. He notched the Pens’ series-opening tally against the Caps. His all-out hustle after blocking a shot in Game 4 helped jump-start the overtime scoring sequence. As always, he’s been good on the PK.
“He’s found his niche and his comfort level,” Sullivan said.
Fehr and Maatta Practice
Forward Eric Fehr and defenseman Olli Maatta practiced with the team yesterday. Fehr sat out Game 4 with an undisclosed injury. Maatta has missed all but 31 seconds of the last three contests after absorbing a late hit from ex-Pen Brooks Orpik early in Game 2.
“I feel good,” Maatta told the Penguins Michelle Crechiolo. “This is the first step to being back playing with the team. I’m happy with the progression we made.”
Enough to suit up?
“Olli is making progress, but we don’t envision him playing in Game 5,” Sullivan said.
Fehr, on the other hand, is expected to return to action along with defenseman Kris Letang.
Oleksy Returned to Baby Pens
The Penguins re-assigned defenseman Steve Oleksy to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Thursday. The Michigan native was recalled on an emergency basis following Maatta’s injury and Letang’s one-game suspension.
yes love for the Reverend!