Penguins Update: Bitter Beer Face?

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.