Penguins Update: Dumpin’ the Ol’ Brain Pan

Hi all. I’ve been focusing on another writing project and, frankly, needed to take a break from the blog. But I thought I’d break the silence and post a bit of a mish-mash ramble. Here goes:

All-World

Three Penguins have played a prominent role for Team USA in the IIHF World Championship. Forward Drew O’Connor (pictured above) has tallied three goals and five points in six games, including a pair of goals during a 9-0 shellacking of France on Sunday.

Erstwhile black-and-gold backup Casey DeSmith has sparked between the pipes, posting a .962 save percentage and 1.00 goals against average in three starts. His most recent, a 22-save shutout of Denmark on Saturday.

Oh, and veteran Nick Bonino has a pair of goals and three points in five games while serving as team captain.

North of the border, defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph has a goal to go with a plus-four in six games for Team Canada.

While the level of competition certainly isn’t NHL-caliber, here’s hoping their success in the tournament will serve as a confidence booster, especially for O’Connor, DeSmith and Joseph.

In particular, I think DOC has untapped potential. And while this comparison might seem outrageously over the top, a certain star forward for the Sabres of similar rangy dimensions experienced a similar start to his NHL career before blossoming into a lethal scorer.

Can you say Tage Thompson?

Hold the Phone

Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic suggests Fenway Sports Group has narrowed its GM search to the following five candidates: ‘Canes assistant GM Eric Tulsky, Lightning director of hockey operations Mathieu Darche, Stars director of strategy Steve Greeley, Devils assistant GM Dan MacKinnon and Sabres associate GM Jason Karmanos (the latter two former Pens staffers). Worthy candidates all.

But hold the phone. Apparently FSG has been granted permission to interview Kyle Dubas, the high-profile and recently deposed Toronto GM.

My two-cent take? While Dubas has experience running a Penguin-type (aka, top-heavy) team, Tulsky might prove to be a better fit. Simply put, the ‘Canes seem to do more with less, a boat I think our Pens will surely occupy in the coming seasons.

Final Four

No fewer than 21 former Pens have laced up their skates for other clubs this postseason, including five apiece for the Kraken and Wild.

Now that we’ve entered the Conference Finals, it seems wholly appropriate that only four remain. In the East…Jordan Staal and Stefan Noesen for the ‘Canes. Out west? While old favorite Phil Kessel’s been relegated to dining on press box nachos (or hot dogs), Teddy Blueger’s recently emerged from oblivion to center the Golden Knights’ fourth line.

With the ‘Canes down 3-0 and Vegas up 2-zip, it’s entirely possible “Bluegs” will be the last man standing when all is said and done.

A Matter of Choice

I was pondering who the Pens might select with the 14^th overall pick in the upcoming draft when I stumbled upon the name of an intriguing prospect.

Samuel Honzek, is a big 18-year-old Slovakian center who skates for Vancouver of the WHL. Last season he tallied 23 goals and 56 points in 43 games. The 6’3” 186-pounder is a smooth skater who plays both ends of the ice and in all situations, and he’s physical to boot.

Here’s what Steven Ellis of the Daily Faceoff had to say:

“I don’t think Honzek has a huge offensive ceiling, but I think he’s going to have a long career. He throws punishing hits, has a fantastic two-way presence and a great release on his shot.”

Sounds like a player whose game is built for playoff-style competition. Something we’re sorely lacking in our present mix.