Penguins Update: Kids Earning Their Keep

Back on February 16, I posted an article on PenguinPoop bemoaning the Penguins’ lack of scoring depth. While commending their collective effort, I singled out the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton kids for their inability to find the net.

Then a funny thing happened. Scott Wilson scored his first NHL goal the very next game against the Red Wings, courtesy of a pretty feed from Conor Sheary. Wilson’s tallied four more since. Counting the Detroit game, that’s five goals in 10 games for the redheaded rookie. Roughly a 40-goal clip over a full season.

The other erstwhile Baby Pens have sprung to life, too. Over that same 10-game stretch rangy Tom Kuhnhackl—son of a German hockey legend—has two goals and an assist, including a dazzling shorthanded tally. Hustling Bryan Rust? A goal and four assists. Not to mention a plethora of Grade A scoring chances.

Production perfectly in line with what you’d expect from established bottom-six forwards.

Factor in defenseman Derrick Pouliot (four helpers and a plus-5 in his last nine games), and it’s clear the youngsters are earning their keep.

The Penguins are pleased. No one more than GM Jim Rutherford, who acknowledged on numerous occasions that the black and gold needed to get younger, hungrier (and cheaper) among the support players.

Coach Mike Sullivan’s a huge fan, too. He praised Kuhnhackl and Rust, who combined with veteran center Nick Bonino to tally six points (including a pair of goals) in Sunday’s romp over New Jersey.

“The (Tom Kuhnhackl-Bonino-Rust) line was very effective,” Sullivan said. “Kuhnhackl and Rust bring an element of speed to that line, and Bonino is smart at both ends. Their impact was huge.”

A far cry from earlier this season, when the Pens’ bottom six struggled to contribute on a consistent basis. Before the “Three I’s” (injuries, illness and ineffectiveness) encouraged the brass to dip into the farm system for help.

Since Kuhnhackl and Rust were recalled from Wilkes-Barre on January 7? The Pens are 15-7-3.

Makes you wonder what Sullivan will do when forwards Beau Bennett and Eric Fehr come off the IR. Both are skating with the team and are slated to return soon.

Frankly, I hate to see any of the kids sit. Even Sheary, who’s languished a bit of late (no points since assisting on Wilson’s first goal) and appears to be on the bubble. They provide so much energy and jump. Ideal for Sullivan’s puck-pursuit style.

Still, it’s a nice problem to have. Especially if the Pens nail down a playoff spot and embark on a long postseason run. They’ll need contributions from lots of different players.

Including the kids.