It was the prettiest goal scored by a Penguin in a long time. No, I’m not talking about Phil Kessel’s far-side laser from the right circle, although that one was nice, too.
I’m referring to Scott Wilson’s tally. The one that came at 16:26 of the second period to give the Penguins a pronounced spark and a little breathing room during last night’s 6-3 victory over Detroit at the CONSOL.
Seconds earlier Wilson was unable to corral a nifty drop pass in the slot from linemate Conor Sheary. A fairly common occurrence over the past month as the kids from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton have struggled to capitalize on hard-earned chances.
The Oakville, Ontario native might have wondered if he’d ever get his first NHL goal.
Instead of brooding, Wilson kept working. So did Sheary. In a terrier-like display of tenacity, No. 43 outfought defender Mike Green for a loose puck behind the Detroit net. After evading Green’s partner, Brendan Smith, along the end boards the little winger slipped a forehand feed to Wilson at the left dot while falling to the ice. Flashing his latent offensive skill, Wilson dropped to a knee and ripped a bullet between Petr Mrazek’s pads.
While Wilson and Sheary joyfully embraced in the corner, Brian Dumoulin scooped up the rubber for a keep sake. Like a proud papa lion tending to his cubs, veteran Kevin Porter nuzzled his youthful linemates.
Wilson stole a glance at the scoreboard and skated to the Pens’ bench for a round of celebratory fist bumps from his black-and-gold teammates before taking a victorious half-turn toward the bench door. In one long exhale and shrug of the shoulders you could feel the weight of expectations and missed opportunities roll off his back.
“It’s a lot more fun when we’re chipping in, as well,” Wilson confessed to the Tribune-Review’s Bill West. “Night-in and night-out, we’re doing the little things and not taking chances. Tonight, to be rewarded, it definitely means a lot.”
Cullen Shines
When GM Jim Rutherford signed free-agent and former ‘Canes Cup winner Matt Cullen to a one-year deal for $800K this past summer, it raised some eyebrows. Some questioned whether the money might be better spent on a defenseman. Or a younger player.
No one’s questioning the move now. Indeed, the 39-year-old wonder’s been a revelation with his spirited, heady play. Still an excellent skater despite his advanced hockey age, Cullen’s been terrific on draws and the PK all season. A leader in the locker room, too.
Cullen stepped into the No. 2 center slot when Evgeni Malkin went down and promptly elevated his game. Much as he did last season with Nashville, when he tallied 16 points in 26 games while filling in for an ailing Mike Fisher. With three goals and two assists in his past eight games, the Minnesota native’s a big reason why the Pens have kept pace (4-2-1) during Geno’s absence.
Hi Rick,
Matt Cullen has been a blessing for the Pen’s given all the injuries we have had. What ever the Coach asks him to do,he does it without complaint and he usually excels at it. Second,third,fourth line,PK,PP, great versatility.
In this regard he reminds me a lot of Pascal Dupuis,in that he also would never complain and he too could play any forward position from the first to the fourth line. JR knew what he was doing when he signed Matt Cullen.I did not think so at the start of the season.Glad to be proven wrong.
The question will be asked,where do you put Cullen when Geno,Beau,and Nick return? He deserves to play given all that he has done for us ! We are a better team with him on our daily roster.
Cheers
Hey Rick,
I have to admit it, I was one of those who wondered about the wisdom of signing a 39yr old center. No one probably does know whether the Pens could have used that cap space better. We can only judge the results of what did happen. To that end, Cullen has probably out-played even the wildest expectations anyone may have had, especially considering his price tag. I agree with you, you have to give the man his due.
However, as much as I was glad to see Wilson get his first, I may have to disagree with you here, at least to some extent. The over-all play was a great example of why I like these kids, they don’t have any quit in them. However, my concern is that against any other goalie or Mrazek when he is hot, may not have been a goal. Mrazek is having a great season, but he got touched up by Boston for 5 goals on 17 shots in his last game before the Pens game, and he gave up 4 other goals, besides Wilson’s goal. Mrazek may be in the midsts of a cold spell.
Wilson’s shot still did not get that far off of the ice and with the way most goalies are able to close off that 5-hole (ala Esposito), shots like that aren’t very high percentage. I would have felt better if he ripped the shot over Mrazek’s glove or blocker and showed that he could pick the top corners in the NHL.
But here’s to hoping that the goal gives him the confidence to build a decent rest of the season during the stretch run.
I meant to also add my kudos to yours for Dumoulin for having the presence of mind to save that puck for Wilson.
Hey Other Rick,
I probably didn’t make my point as well as I could’ve. Although it was a nice shot, it wasn’t the goal so much as what it represented. Production from our bottom six. Specifically…the kids.
Actually, I thought Sheary’s work along the boards was downright incredible. He outfought two larger defensemen (well into his shift) to retain possession of the puck. Then he made a really nice pass off the boards…while falling down to boot.
You know me. I’ve always been a “bigger is better” guy. But Sheary’s really impressed me. The kid doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit. At least in terms of effort, he’s kind of a pocket version of Mark Recchi.
He’s got some skill, too.
Hey Rick,
Gotcha. I grudgingly agree with you about Sheary, particularly with the chemistry he and Wilson seem to have. I love Sheary’s compete level. But like you, I would prefer my players a little larger. There is a reason why there are so few Martin St Louis.