Categories: PenguinPoop

Penguins Update: Making the Grade

Since most of the other media outlets and blogs have already doled out their first-half grades to our Penguins, I’m a little bit like the tail wagging the dog. But what the heck, better late than never.

For the most part, grades are subjective and based on the opinion of yours truly. My only stipulation…players need to have appeared in at least 10 games to receive a grade. Oh, and a disclaimer. Any similarity between my grades and those posted on other sites are purely coincidental.

Without further ado, here are my first-half report cards:

Grade	Player	Comments
A	Tristan Jarry, G	Following last spring’s playoff meltdown, Jarry authored arguably one of the most brilliant extended stretches of goaltending in franchise history. His anticipation and coolness under fire were extraordinary. Stole countless points for the team while staring down a plethora of odd-man breaks. Has slipped a bit in recent weeks…perhaps in part due to an uber-heavy workload. The team’s MVP to date.
A	Jake Guentzel, LW	Simply put, Jake’s been terrific all season long. A team-best 23 goals and 46 points in only 40 games says it all. Remarkably consistent, he ran off an 18-game point streak and has only been held off the scoresheet in eight games. Smart, crafty, courageous player who always finds the open spots and seams. Despite his slight build, he’s utterly fearless about venturing into traffic.
A	Sidney Crosby, C	Following a sluggish start due to offseason wrist surgery, Sid’s been superb. He’s piled up a dozen goals and 40 points in 34 games…a whopping 38 points in his past 27! His passing has never been more crisp and sure. At age 34, his passion for the game and commitment level remain off the charts. Truly, one of the all-time greats.
A	Kris Letang, RD	I can’t say enough about the way Kris has played, and I’m a former Letang basher. At age 34, his decision-making has improved and he’s simplified his game. With 41 points in 42 games, he’s scoring at a pace worthy of Norris consideration. Gets the job done at the other end of the ice too (92 hits, 78 blocked shots). The Pens’ defensive structure and transition game would collapse without him.
A	Bryan Rust, RW	With 14 goals and 32 points in only 24 games, a truly amazing performance from a former third-round pick who projected to be a bottom-six energy guy. Combining sled-dog tenacity and speed with a surprising scoring touch, Rust has evolved into an elite player and in many ways the quintessential Penguin. Blends with Crosby like peas and carrots.
B+	Teddy Blueger, C	Like Ian Cole on the Cup teams, a vastly underrated but vital cog in the team’s success. Blueger does just about everything well, and he’s dramatically improved on faceoffs too (a career-best 54.8 percent). It’s no coincidence that the team’s recent slide coincided with his injury. When healthy, anchors the best fourth line in hockey.
B+	Evgeni Malkin, C	Considering the severity of Geno’s injury and his age, he’s made a rather remarkable comeback while scoring at better than a point-per-game clip. Has had a huge hand in reviving the Pens’ previously spotty power play. Defensive work and decision-making could use a little polishing. But at this stage he’s playing better than anyone could’ve expected.
B+	Evan Rodrigues, F	Perhaps my most pleasant surprise. Took to an expanded role like a duck to water while emerging as a bona fide scoring threat. Thanks in part to a blistering one-timer from the left circle, E-Rod tallied 12 goals and 25 points over a 24-game span. Has since cooled off, which brought his grade down a peg. Still, a fast, versatile, do-it-all, possession-driving forward.
B+	Marcus Pettersson, LD	Another pleasant surprise. To my eye, Pettersson’s positioning has improved to the extent that he rarely seems to be in a bad spot or make a bad play, as his 93 percent defensive WAR will attest. Also displays surprising sturdiness given his willowy frame and a willingness to mix it up (73 hits). Not an offensive threat, but steady and reliable in his own end.
B	Mike Matheson, LD	Love the elements in Matheson’s game. Terrific in the transition game and, while he’ll never be a defensive rock, has improved markedly in his own end. Could probably involve his teammates a little more…his offensive forays tend to be solo efforts. But has game-changer potential.
B	Chad Ruhwedel, RD	Like Pettersson, Chad’s not noticeable on most nights, which is generally a good thing for a defenseman. Has done an admirable job of stepping into a top-six role. A surprisingly solid partner for Matheson and an excellent penalty-killer. With 79 hits (third on the team), more physical than you’d think.
B	Brock McGinn, LW-RW	Has done everything the Pens could ask. Solid, gritty performer with an underrated scoring touch (10 goals). Tremendous on the PK. Blended seamlessly with Blueger and Aston-Reese on the Grind Line.
B-	Jeff Carter, C-RW	Jeff was huge early on when Sid and Geno were sidelined. Helped carry the team in the early going. Provided secondary scoring and a power element…great on faceoffs, too (57.3 percent). However, defensive play seems to have slipped some recently.
B-	Brian Dumoulin, LD	The Pens’ long-time defensive stalwart appears to have regressed a bit at age 30. Mobility seems to be an issue…Dumo’s been caught out of position more times than I can ever recall and he’s being beaten more frequently in one-on-one matchups. On the plus side, he leads in team with 81 blocked shots, and is displaying a bit more offense and physicality than in the past.
B-	Danton Heinen, LW-RW	Really like what I saw of Danton. Excellent skater who’s good at reading the play. Sneaky good shot and skills. Unfortunately, his scoring has tailed off following a hot start.
C+	Jason Zucker, LW	Love Jason’s speed, spirit and feistiness. Just wish he’d score more goals. Gamely played through a core muscle injury before submitting to surgery. Could be a pivotal player come the playoffs.
C+	Kasperi Kapanen, RW	Tons of skill and speed. On nights when he’s feeling it, a sight to behold. But there are far too many occasions when Kapanen seems to be a passenger. A shame, because he does almost everything well and with a touch of elan to boot. An almost permanent residence of Mike Sullivan’s doghouse.
C+	John Marino, RD	Maybe my biggest disappointment. His defensive play has slipped, especially as he attempts to develop the offensive side of his game…perhaps at the coaching staff’s behest. A bit soft…and at times lackadaisical…down low and around his net.
C+	Brian Boyle, C	Boyle’s added much needed size, leadership and a physical presence. He’s been great defensively and on the PK while chipping in with the occasional goal. Not a great fighter, but love the way he stands up for his teammates.
C+	Drew O’Connor, LW-C	Given his limited ice time, O’Connor’s played admirably. He’s shown marked improvement from his rookie season. Needs a more defined role and increased playing time to excel.
C+	Mark Friedman, RD	Feisty defenseman skates well and shows an offensive bent. Things seem to happen when he’s on the ice…both good and bad. Hasn’t had much of a chance to show his wares.
C+	Dominik Simon, F	Possession driver (58.8 Corsi) who does a lot of little things well. While it’s not a knock on Simon, I personally would rather see a bigger and potentially more productive player in his spot, like Zohorna.
C	Zach Aston-Reese, LW	Like ZAR’s grit and his strong defensive play. But, with only one goal in 38 games, more is needed from the former Hobey Baker finalist. Much more. Leads the team with 142 hits.
C	Sam Lafferty, F	I 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.
D	Casey DeSmith, G	I feel for Casey. However, his checkered netminding has caused the coaching staff to lean heavily…perhaps too heavily…on Jarry. Turned in a strong performance in his last outing. Hopefully, a harbinger of things to come.
Inc.	Louis Domingue, G	Terrific in his one start with the black and gold, turning aside 40 shots. Foot injury is most unfortunate.
Inc.	Radim Zohorna, F	Big Z always seems to make the most of his time with the Pens. I believe he has the size, speed and smarts to play in the NHL. If only he could get an extended look.
Inc.	Pierre-Olivier Joseph, LD	In contrast to his brilliant start last season, P-O was erratic during his four games with the Pens. Has rebounded with a strong all-around season for the Baby Pens.
Inc.	Juuso Riikola, LD	Filled in for five games early in the season. Although Juuso’s numbers were fine, he failed to impress the coaching staff. Lack of playing time over the past couple of seasons has no doubt slowed his progress.
Inc.	Anthony Angello, RW	I like Angello. He possesses good speed for a big man (6’5”, 210), uses the body and is defensively responsible. Has demonstrated a scoring touch in the AHL. Alas, the 5:19 of ice time he received in his only game speaks volumes of his status with the coaching staff. Not a “Sully guy.”
Inc.	Kasper Bjorkqvist, RW	I’m not super high on Bjorkqvist. He seems a step slow for the NHL. But he did score a goal in his first game.

I’ll include a quick blurb about the front office and the coaching staff. I give Mike Sullivan and his staff an A-. Most folks, including myself, thought the Pens would be scrapping for a playoff spot, not challenging for another division title.

In terms of knowledge of the game and the ability to communicate and motivate, I give Sullivan the highest marks. When it comes to utilizing his personnel, I think he’s a little too wedded to his type of player. Simon’s a classic example. Sully picks quickness and speed over size and strength every time.

I give GM Ron Hextall an A- as well. He’s had some very difficult waters to navigate due to severe cap constraints and has 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. Made an under-the-radar deal for former No. 8 overall pick Alexander Nylander that may pay dividends down the road.

Rick Buker