Penguins Tanev Bright Light

Let’s face it. The news surrounding our Penguins is pretty dismal these days.

Top-six forward Jason Zucker is out “longer-term” with a lower-body injury. Third-line center Teddy Blueger, such a pleasant surprise, out longer-term with an upper-body injury. And now Evgeni Malkin, recently red-hot, listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Mike Sullivan-speak for two-to-four weeks. Which could span anywhere from six to 15 games, including a murderous stretch of eight road games in nine outings starting April 1.

It’s enough to make a Penguins fan take a flying leap off the Fort Pitt Bridge. Or at the very least a long walk off a short pier.

There is however, a very bright light shining through the gloom and doom. The play of Brandon Tanev.

If “Turbo” did nothing else but race around the rink, deliver crunching hits, kill penalties and make himself a general nuisance to foes while lighting a fire under his teammates with his uber-energized play, he’d be well worth his $3.5 million price tag. But he’s quietly (or not so quietly) emerging as an occasional offensive threat.

While higher-profile players such as Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Kasperi Kapanen have grabbed the headlines, Tanev’s been on a roll himself. Heading into Saturday’s matchup with the Devils, the feisty winger’s produced at a point-per-game clip over the past eight games (two goals and six assists). Utilizing his world-class speed, he’s been quick to pounce on scoring opportunities and has displayed surprisingly soft hands for a player who’s been strictly regarded as a bottom-six energy guy.

Tanev isn’t just thriving in the offensive zone. With a plus-10 rating over his past 10 games, he’s been a difference maker all over the ice while evolving into one of the Pens’ top two-way players.

It goes without saying he’s one of the most noticeable, flinging his frame (generously listed at 6’0” 180) into opponents with reckless abandon (133 hits). Indeed, Tanev crackles with energy whenever he’s on the ice and the atmosphere throbs accordingly. He never takes a shift off.

Not too shabby for a guy who was rated as one of the worst forwards in the league by Arctic Ice Hockey following his rookie season with Winnipeg. Fortunately, the Toronto native didn’t read his press clippings. Used to bucking the odds, the undrafted Providence College grad continued to work at his game while showing steady improvement, jumping from two goals as a rookie to eight in 2017-18 to 14 the following season.

Hoping to add a jolt of speed and adrenalin while making us tougher to play against, former general manager Jim Rutherford made signing Tanev a priority, inking him to a six-year deal worth $21 million in the summer of 2019. The contract was derided by many, both in length and value, but Brandon immediately set about proving his doubters wrong.

Last season, his first in the ‘Burgh, he tallied 11 goals and 25 points, dished out 244 hits (fourth in the league) and drew Selke Trophy votes while skating on what was widely regarded as the best defensive line in the league with Blueger and Zach Aston-Reese.

Now he’s taking his game to another level while thriving in an elevated role, as his seven goals and 15 points will attest.

I’ll close by echoing the sentiments of long-time PenguinPoop commenter Mike. Wish we had a few more like him.

More Reasons to Smile

Tanev isn’t the only black-and-gold feel-good story. Jake Guentzel’s made a remarkable comeback from what by all accounts was a gruesome shoulder injury. Over the last month he’s tallied points in 12 of 15 games. Jake’s been particularly hot of late, notching goals in five of his past six games. All the while absorbing plenty of punishment from opposing defensemen for his penchant for mucking in the trenches.

Like a Timex watch, Jake takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin.’

Likewise, Kapanen’s been a steady contributor. Over his past 10 games, the flying Finn has four goals and 11 points. Can’t forget Crosby and Kris Letang. They’ve both been hot of late. Or Bryan Rust, who creates so many chances through hard work and hustle.

While we’re passing out plaudits, I’ll throw in goalies Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith, who’ve exceeded expectations lately, and defenseman Cody Ceci, who’s been sound as a pound.