Penguins Update: What’s Up DOC?

One of my favorite cartoon characters when I was a kid was Bugs Bunny. I especially loved when he’d start munching on a carrot and utter his infamous, “What’s up doc?” greeting to one of his foils (usually Daffy Duck or Elmer Fudd).

I thought I’d pose the same question regarding Penguins forward Drew O’Connor.

What’s up DOC?

With only two assists through our first 11 games, O’Connor’s been a virtual no-show on the scoresheet. He’s one of only four forwards currently with the team (Noel Acciari, Jeff Carter and Rickard Rakell the others) who’ve yet to score a goal.

Color me surprised.

Following a strong showing for Team USA at the IIHF World Championship last summer and an outstanding preseason (four goals, five points in three games), I truly thought the 25-year-old forward was primed for a breakout. After all, the kid has all the tools…size, speed and a nose for the net.

So what gives?

Perhaps his shot, for one. Although he’s displayed a scoring touch in college and with the Baby Pens, his release may be a bit slow at the NHL level. Along those lines, his shot total is modest (17) compared to, say, that of Rakell (34).

Too, his offensive zone starts percentage is a shade under 32 percent…ridiculously low.

The good news?

Despite his paucity of production, the native of Wayne, New Jersey has been very effective in his third-line role. His Corsi (60.73) and 5v5 goals for percentage (55.97) are excellent, indicating he’s helping to drive play.

Hopefully, it’s just a matter of time before he gets a lucky bounce and the puck starts going in.

Power Line

When it comes to building a well-balanced team, I’ve long been a proponent of adding functional size and strength. Elements that for the most part have been missing from our mix the past few seasons.

Don’t look now, but POHO/GM Kyle Dubas (with an assist from coach Mike Sullivan) has constructed a line that features those missing ingredients.

With their unique blend of size, speed and underrated skill, the trio of Lars Eller (6’2″ 205), Radim Zohorna (6’6” 220) and O’Connor (6’3” 200) and have made life miserable for foes while providing something we absolutely didn’t have last season…an effective third line. One that’s hard to play against and causing match-up problems galore.

It’s no surprise that all of their goals have resulted from plays around the net.

The unit’s Corsi (65.57) and xGF% (66.33) are off the charts, especially when you consider their dearth of offensive zone faceoffs (29.23 percent). They’ve scored four goals 5v5 and allowed only one. Truly exceptional work.

Perhaps it’s time to give them a nickname.

How about the “Power Line?”

Johnsson Released

The Pens have placed forward Andreas Johnsson on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

One of the many forwards imported by Dubas last summer to compete for a bottom-six slot, the former 20-goal scorer never gained any traction with the black-and-gold. Following a quiet training camp and preseason, the 28-year-old left wing was sent to Wilke-Barre/Scranton. After appearing in one preseason game for the Baby Pens, he’s been a healthy scratch.

Johnsson’s expected to return to his native Sweden.

Jarry Status

Still no official word on goalie Tristan Jarry, who was struck by a puck in the face late in the second period of our 2-0 victory over the Ducks.

If Jarry’s a no-go, the Pens can recall a goalie on an emergency basis.