Categories: PenguinPoop

Penguins Update: Making the Grade (The Defense and Goalies)

For my second installment of Making the Grade, I’ve turned my attention to the guys who keep the puck out of our net…the defensemen and goalies.

Again, grades are totally subjective. Feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts and opinions.

Here goes:

*Grade: A+*
Player	Pos.	The Skinny
Lagace	G	Okay, this one’s a little over the top. But a 29-save shutout in his first NHL game in 26 months to clinch a division title deserves a little love.
*Grade: A*
Player	Pos.	The Skinny
Letang	RD	Following a bit of a rocky start, Letang settled down and enjoyed arguably his finest season, finishing among the top NHL defensemen in assists, points and plus-minus. In particular, his decision-making seemed more sound than at any other time in recent memory, which freed partner Brian Dumoulin to contribute more offensively.
Dumoulin	LD	Speaking of “Dumo,” we were 12-9-1 before he returned form a lower-body injury on March 6…and 25-7-2 after. He and Letang emerged as one of the premier defense pairings in the league (a combined plus-37). Long regarded as a top stay-at-home defenseman, the Maine native displayed some offensive prowess as well (four goals and 14 points in 41 games).
*Grade: A-*
Player	Pos.	The Skinny
Ceci	RD	Exceeded expectations across the board. Way more solid and poised defensively than I expected (plus-18) and a better skater, too. Showed good judgment on when to join and, at times, lead the rush, and displayed a hard, accurate shot as well. I can’t say enough good things about Cody.
*Grade: B+*
Player	Pos.	The Skinny
Matheson	LD	Matheson’s first two games reinforced the negative baggage he brought from Florida. However, after returning from an early season injury his supreme skills began to surface. A terrific skater who excels at lugging the puck, Mike helped fuel our improved transition game while serving at times as a fourth forward or rover. Although still a bit of an adventure in his own zone on occasion, he drastically reduced his giveaway rate and penchant for skating himself into trouble.
Jarry	G	In many ways, Jarry’s season mirrored Matheson’s. Shelled in a couple of early season losses to the Flyers, Tristan rebounded in spectacular fashion to tie Marc-Andre Fleury for third in wins with 25. Since March 1, he’s posted a sterling 18-3-2 record and a highly respectable .917 save percentage, not to mention shutouts against the Bruins and Capitals. Allows a softie from time to time but stops ‘em when he needs to. Solid first season as a starter.
*Grade: B*
Player	Pos.	The Skinny
DeSmith	G	After spending the entire 2019-20 season with the Baby Pens, DeSmith returned to the NHL in style. Following an incredible run in March, Casey backstopped the Pens to a 4-1 win over the Bruins on April 1 to lower his goals against average to a microscopic 1.84. Alas, a late season funk removed some of the luster from his earlier performances. But overall, Casey did a solid job.
Ruhwedel	RD	When injuries rocked the defensive corps, Ruhwedel stepped in to do his usual workmanlike job. Actually, maybe even better. Chad topped the Pens with a 54.3 Corsi for and was on the ice for only 1.67 goals against per 60 at 5v5…lowest among the team’s defenders. Chad was a minus in only four of 17 games (a plus in eight others). The Pens reeled off winning streaks of four and five games with the San Diego native in the lineup.
*Grade: B-*
Player	Pos.	The Skinny
Marino	RD	Following a terrific rookie season, Marino’s game took a hit early on. Tried on the left side during the plague of injuries to our defense, he resembled a fish out of water. Nor was he comfortable with Matheson as a partner. Returned to his customary slot beside Marcus Pettersson, Marino reemerged as one of the club’s steadier defensemen down the stretch.
Pettersson	LD	Pettersson’s report card pretty much matches Marino’s. Shaky early, Marcus gradually rediscovered his footing…especially after teaming back up with Marino. Perhaps due in part to his long stride and gangly physique, he never looks especially impressive, yet always seems to get the job done. His 1.77 goals allowed per 60 minutes at 5v5 is second lowest on the team behind Ruhwedel.
Friedman	RD	GM Ron Hextall’s first pickup, Friedman proved to be an intriguing blend of feistiness, mobility and puck-moving skills. Playing the off side, it was hard to get a read on him defensively. Mark’s lack of size appeared to work against him at times, especially given his physical style. But he seems capable of filling a depth role a la Ruhwedel.
Joseph	LD	Literally thrown into the deep end right off the bat, Joseph initially performed brilliantly, culminating in a sparkling three-assist performance against the Rangers. Blessed with a long, powerful skating stride, great vision and a hard shot, at times he looked like our best defenseman…and that included No. 58. Then cracks began to show, especially in the defensive zone (minus-six over a five-game stretch), leading to a demotion to the Baby Pens. But make no mistake, this kid’s got a future.
*Grade: Incomplete*
Player	Pos.	The Skinny
Riikola	LD	When Matheson went down early, it appeared Riikola would finally have an opportunity to establish himself. Alas, Juuso, too, was injured after two games and never got a chance to play again in what turned out to be a lost season for the Finnish rearguard. Still an intriguing package, but will he ever get a chance to prove his worth?
Czuczman	LD	A true feel-good story, Czuczman returned to the NHL following a seven-year absence. The fairy tale didn’t have an especially happy ending…Kevin got exposed in the two games he played (minus-three). Still, it was nice to see him rewarded for his perseverance.
Weber	RD	In what turned out to be Jim Rutherford’s final move as GM, Weber was signed off the streets to bolster our decimated defense. Plugging a hole on the left side, Yannick was a minus-three in two games.