Penguins Final 2021-22 Report Cards

Well, I lied. After intimating the other day that I didn’t plan to grade our Penguins, I decided to do it anyway.

Without further ado, here are my report cards. Purely subjective, of course.

Grade	Player	Comments
A	Sidney Crosby, C	When Crosby stumbled out of the gate following wrist surgery (two points in his first seven games) I confess I was worried. But Sid allayed my fears with a marvelous season, tallying 82 points over his final 62 games to tie Jake Guentzel for the club scoring lead. Great in the postseason as well. To my eye, still the best leader and two-way player in the game.
A	Jake Guentzel, LW	It’s doubtful any player in hockey gets more out of his abilities than Guentzel. He isn’t very big or all that fast. Nor does he possess a booming shot. All he does is produce…40 goals and a team-high 84 points in the regular season and eight goals and 10 points in the playoffs. Incredible hockey sense and absolutely fearless when it comes to competing in the dirty areas. Arguably our MVP.
A-	Tristan Jarry, G	Although Jarry’s performance slipped a bit following his second All-Star Game appearance in three seasons, he enjoyed a bounce-back season following an epic meltdown in the playoffs the previous spring. The Pens might still be playing had a broken foot not sidelined Tristan for all but one playoff game.
A-	Kris Letang, RD	Similar to Jarry, Letang experienced a slight drop off following an outstanding first half, particularly in his decision-making and net-front play. Still, the mercurial blueliner enjoyed arguably his finest season, setting career highs in assists (58) and points (68). Perhaps due to age or maturity or both, Tanger let the game come to him rather than forcing the issue, with positive results.
A-	Bryan Rust, RW	The ultimate grinder-turned-scorer, Rust established new career highs with 34 assists and 58 points. Tallied seven goals and 11 points during a Mario-esque three-game stretch in January. Had his rough patches, too, including a nine-game pointless streak to end the regular season. But a diligent, hard-working hustler who never fails to give his all. Tied Evgeni Malkin with a team-best nine power-play goals.
B+	Mike Matheson, LD	The fleet defender recorded career highs in all major offensive categories, including goals (11), assists (20) and points (31). Thanks to his world-class speed and puck carrying skills, a dynamic offensive performer at times. Has cut way down on his giveaways (43 as opposed to career high of 135 in 2018-19). Plays with a bit of an edge, too. Emerging as a bona fide top-four defenseman.
B+	Rickard Rakell, RW	Following his arrival at the trade deadline, the former Duck quickly established himself with his size, speed and skill. Displayed great chemistry with Sid while providing something we haven’t had since the days of Marian Hossa…a playmaking winger. Surprisingly physical, too, and fearless about crashing the net. Had Rakell scored more than four goals in 19 games, his grade would’ve been higher.
B	Brian Boyle, C/LW	Given his age (37), fourth-line role and the fact that he sat out the 2020-21 season, Boyle was outstanding. The big guy scored 11 goals and 21 points in 66 games while averaging under 11 minutes of ice time per game. Strong defensively and on the PK while providing inspiration and leadership and much-needed a physical element. Gave the Pens a solid return on their $750K.
B	Casey DeSmith, G	Following a shaky first half, Casey improved dramatically. Over his final 17 appearances he posted a sterling .927 save percentage and three shutouts. Was more than holding his own in Game 1 of the playoffs when a core-muscle injury and subsequent surgery robbed him of his moment in the sun. In the process casting a shadow over his future with the club.
B	Danton Heinen, LW-RW	Quick, smart and stealthy, Heinen emerged as an effective if somewhat streaky secondary scorer. Ranked seventh on the team with a career-best 18 goals despite somewhat limited use (12:43 ATOI). Finished fifth among regulars in shooting percentage. Responded to dwindling ice time with a strong home stretch and postseason.
B	Radim Zohorna, LW/C	Zohorna continues to make the most of the brief opportunities he’s been afforded at the big-league level. In 17 games while seeing mostly bottom-six duty, he tallied a pair of goals and six points. More impressive, he registered a plus-12…tied for third among Pens forwards…and an otherworldly 92.86 Goals For Percentage at 5v5. Merits a closer look.
B-	Teddy Blueger, C	Solid bottom-six center. Smart and extremely diligent, Blueger worked like a demon to improve on faceoffs (a career-best 53.1 percent). Excellent defensively and on the PK. Despite a lack of production (nine goals and 28 points) was tied for third among team forwards with a plus-12. The only rub? Would like to see a bit more production.
B-	Brian Dumoulin, LD	Whether due to injury or long-term wear and tear, the Pens’ defensive stalwart appeared to slip a bit this season. Indeed, while Dumoulin was more noticeable than at any time during his career, it was generally for the wrong reasons. Nor did he respond well when separated from long-time partner Letang. Yet even in a down season Dumo paced the team in blocked shots (139) and plus-minus (plus-24) while averaging nearly 22 minutes of ice time a game.
B-	Evgeni Malkin, C	It’s safe to say Malkin’s abbreviated season was a mixed bag. On the plus side, Geno struck for 20 goals and 42 points in only 41 games. He revived our sagging power play almost singlehanded while tying for the team lead with nine man-advantage markers. On the negative side, No. 71 struggled 5v5 while recording a team worst minus-10. Still golden when he was on. When he wasn’t…
B-	Evan Rodrigues, F	Perhaps no one experienced a more bipolar season than Rodrigues. On fire early with 15 goals and 30 points in 33 games, E-Rod’s numbers plummeted pretty much the instant Malkin returned to the lineup. Endured goalless streaks of 18, 11 and 10 games in the New Year. Through it all he remained a versatile, possession-driving performer.
B-	Chad Ruhwedel, RD	In his first season as a full-time player, Ruhwedel turned in a solid season for the black and gold. Teamed effectively with Matheson for a good portion of the campaign while serving as a stabilizer for his speedy partner. Surprisingly physical, Chad finished third on the team in hits (149) and fourth in blocked shots (86). Excelled on the PK as well. Responsible and reliable.
C+	Zach Aston-Reese, LW	A tale of two players. Aston-Reese performed his defensive duties as diligently as ever but seemed to abandon the offensive side of his game altogether, netting a paltry two goals prior to his departure at the trade deadline. Paced the Pens with 187 hits.
C+	Jeff Carter, C-RW	Another player whose season was a mixed bag. Carter was huge early on when Sid and Geno were sidelined while anchoring the top line. Provided secondary scoring (19 goals) and a power element. Big Jeff was dominant in the faceoff circle, too (57 percent). However, 5v5 play and defensive work were issues.
C+	Mark Friedman, RD	Fast and oh-so feisty, Friedman did an admirable job of filling the No. 7 d-man slot formerly manned by Ruhwedel. Spent quite a bit of time on his off (left) side but acquitted himself well. Good at jumping into the play and masterful at agitating foes and drawing penalties with his in-your-face style.
C+	John Marino, RD	Season mirrored that of his frequent partner, Marcus Pettersson. Faded after a strong start, tallying only eight assists over his final 42 games. Expected to provide offense from the blue line, Marino managed just one goal. At plus-1, his defensive play wasn’t airtight either. Career arc has flattened following a strong rookie season.
C+	Marcus Pettersson, LD	Following a solid start, Pettersson’s performance dipped as the season wore on. Dropped to the third pairing while receiving sheltered minutes, the rangy Swede struggled to mesh with Friedman and Ruhwedel. Reunited with his favored partner, Marino, Marcus enjoyed a return to form down the stretch and in the playoffs.
C+	Jason Zucker, LW	Season was train-wrecked by a nagging core muscle injury that eventually required surgery. While the ultra-popular winger displayed his trademark grit and hustle, he was once again invisible offensively at times. Managed a lone goal during one particularly onerous 23-game stretch. Simply hasn’t provided enough bang for the buck during his stay in the ‘Burgh.
C	Louis Domingue, G	His “spicy pork and broccoli” performance in Game 1 was arguably the feel-good story of the season and rightfully earned a place of honor in Penguins lore. However, in subsequent starts, Louis was exposed for what he is…a journeyman goalie and fringe NHLer.
C	Sam Lafferty, F	Loved Sam’s speed and aggressiveness. He had his moments, just not enough to earn the trust of the coaching staff. Dealt to Chicago on January 5 for Alexander Nylander.
C	Brock McGinn, LW-RW	Another player whose game tailed off as the season wore on. Following a decent start, McGinn managed only two goals over his final 25 games despite an extended stay on Malkin’s line. Defensive play and work on the penalty kill slipped some as well.
C	Drew O’Connor, LW-C	Still technically a rookie, O’Connor showed definite improvement in his second go ‘round. Following a strong preseason he tallied three goals in his first four games, then cooled and gradually saw his ice time dwindle. Suffered a collapsed lung in January, further derailing his progress.
C	Dominik Simon, F	Signed to a two-way contract, Simon claimed a spot with his hustling, possession-driving play. Second to O’Connor in Corsi (58). However, with only three goals, production (or lack of) remained a sore spot. Dealt to the Ducks at the trade deadline.
D+	Kasperi Kapanen, RW	Despite countless opportunities to redeem himself, Kapanen was virtually invisible both on the ice and on the scoresheet for huge swaths of the season. Admitted that he’d lost his confidence. When on his game, Kappy has the speed, talent and shot to be a difference maker. Unfortunately, that player rarely made an appearance. All the more disappointing because he seemed poised for a breakout season.
Inc.	Anthony Angello, RW	Angello gave a hint of what could be when he kayoed the Rangers’ Tyler Motte with a hard, clean check. Alas, the hulking UFA-to-be never earned trust…or playing time…from the coaching staff.
Inc.	Kasper Bjorkqvist, RW	A former second-round pick, Bjorkqvist scored a goal in his NHL debut but was otherwise unremarkable. The grinding winger had eight goals and 12 points in 54 games for the Baby Pens.
Inc.	Filip Hallander, C	Skated a total of six shifts in his lone appearance with the Pens. Came on following a sluggish start at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to tally 14 goals and 28 points in northeastern PA.
Inc.	P-O Joseph, LD	In contrast to his brilliant start last season, P-O was erratic during his four games with the Pens. Rebounded with a strong season in WBS, registering 10 goals and 33 points in 61 games.
Inc.	Valtteri Puustinen, RW	The native of Kuopio, Finland, showed very well in his Pens debut, registering an assist and a plus-2. Led the Baby Pens with 20 goals and 42 points, perhaps positioning Puustinen for a promotion next season.
Inc.	Juuso Riikola, LD	Consigned to WBS following a brief early-season trial, Riikola led all Baby Pens defensemen with 35 points in what proved to be his North American swan song. Signed to play next season in Sweden.

Now for our brain trust. I give Mike Sullivan and his staff a B+. A lot of folks, including yours truly, thought the Pens would be scrapping for a playoff spot, not challenging for another division title. And we came within a whisker (or flying elbow) of advancing to the Second Round.

In terms of knowledge of the game and the ability to communicate and motivate, I give Sullivan high marks. However, tactically and personnel-wise, I think he’s a little too wedded to his speed-first system, often eschewing necessary adjustments. At critical junctures, particularly during the postseason, we lacked the ability to play with and protect a lead.

GM Ron Hextall gets a B+ as well. He had some choppy waters to navigate due to severe cap constraints and handled things as well if not better than anyone could have expected. Did a marvelous job of adding players like McGinn, Heinen and Rodrigues on the comparative cheap. His deal to acquire Rakell? A stroke of genius.

However, on the down side, GMRH mysteriously signed the aging Carter to a two-season extension worth $3.125 annually. Nor did we get anything approaching full value (Hallander) in the Jared McCann trade last summer.

Rick Buker