As general manager Ron Hextall and coach Mike Sullivan watched the proceedings unfold at Saturday’s Prospects Challenge matchup between the Penguins and Bruins, I would’ve given anything to be a fly on the wall.
Specifically, I would like to have seen the expression on Sullivan’s face as he glimpsed Pens winger Nathan Legare making like a bulldozer in Mike Lange’s proverbial construction yard while squirting gasoline on some incipient fires.
My guess? It would’ve been a bitter beer face…if not outwardly than inwardly.
I’d bet Sully took umbrage to the 10 penalty minutes issued to Legare. Never mind that the feisty winger goaded the Bruins into at least 15 minutes worth of infractions according to Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski. In the process providing us with several power plays.
Sullivan’s gag reflex toward overtly physical play (and players) is well-documented. Heavyweights Ryan Reaves (58 regular-season games), Jamie Oleksiak (83 games) and Erik Gudbranson (26) all had extremely short stays in the ‘Burgh. Super-charged buzz-saw Brandon Tanev lasted an even 100.
That’s not a coincidence.
Just last season when edgy d-man Mark Friedman turned in a performance comparable to Legare’s, Sullivan was quick to express a discouraging word.
“He does bring that (physical) dimension,” our coach cautioned. “There’s no question, that’s part of his DNA, and he could be a very effective defenseman in that capacity. And it’s important for Freeds–he and I have had this conversation–on when and how, and he utilizes that attribute.”
Talk about tightening the restraining bolts. With that kind of vote of confidence, it isn’t hard to see why the Pens traditionally ice a lineup that’s woefully short on combativeness and physical aggression.
As an aside, Other Rick wonders if Legare didn’t unwittingly sign his black-and-gold death warrant.
No, you don’t want guys running around all over the place and taking needless penalties. But you don’t want to toss a bucket of ice water on a player’s competitive fire, either.
I maintain a little piss and vinegar, the kind Legare displayed, is good for a team.
We’ll see if our coach agrees.
Hey Rick and Mike,
One of my pet peeves is when some fan chimes in with the excuse of hockey is now a game of speed to defend the listless play we have had to suffer through these last 5 or so seasons. Speed, size and grit are not mutually exclusive traits. Furthermore, age and speed although not inversely proportionate, they do exist in a bell shaped curve with only the most elite of players maintaining their speed into their mid to late 30s. Therefore, our Penguins player personnel decisions are mystifying. Our Penguins are not built for size, grit, nor speed but rather for whatever is farthest removed from all 3 of those attributes. If speed were our true endgame, young, fresh legs would be liberally spread through our bottom 6 Forwards and bottom defensive pairing with age only existing in the skilled top 2 lines and defensive pairings, and even there only so long as those players skill and speed exceeded any of the youth.
As Rick B. related, I really did go on record with him as to wondering if Legare signed his death warrant as a Penguin with his physical display. I do fear our coach’s allergy to, or phobia of grit and sand will have condemned this kid to the deepest burial in the organization, or a fast track to a trade.
Like you Mike, I am hoping that this year finally is the year that kids are truly given a legitimate shot at a roster spot. I don’t want to hear the team spew some inane blather to justify status quo resulting in another first round exit or worse With the team committing to a final three year window to Crosby, Malkin, Letang, they need to infuse some youth into the mix and enough sand to keep the liberties taken against them to something manageable.. Since the team did see fit to extend Sullivan’s contract 3 more years I am hoping that, with their association with UPMC, they either found an allergist or psychiatrist to treat whichever the problem with our Coach is; allergy to or phobia of grit.
Rick
Excellent perspective on the state of Pen’s management. You know when I look back at the game
Friedman had 1/2 of the opponents team in a tizzy and wanting a piece of him I don’t remember
him having another game like that the rest of the season. Coincidence I think not.
Hopefully the young players will get a legitimate shot – with the cap situation the way it is they
should be wide open to some youngsters making the opening day lineup. If that happens it could
also initiate some trade talk and possibly open up a little more cap room. GO PENS