New Guys Making Huge Impact For Pens

What a turnaround this year has been. Of course, the big stars started playing the way we’re used to seeing them play. But the biggest pieces, are those that we’ve had in the bottom six: Daddy Cullen, Nicky Bones, Phil the Thrill, Swagelin, and how about those rookies?! Knux, Sheary, Rusty, and we cannot forget the rookie MVP, Matthew Murray. That depth we “didn’t have” at the beginning of the year is finally starting to show its true colors. This team has been playing as the most complete team in the league since the beginning of March, and I am excited to keep watching these guys (hopefully into June).

First, let’s talk about that line that Sully put together with Hagelin-Bones-Kessel. It was a perfect line to kickstart this team. Taking over for the injured Malkin, that line brought firepower and a beautiful forecheck to an offense that was looking like it could start struggling without Geno. Then behind them, Cullen and Fehr with their ever changing wingers maintained solid pressure in the offensive zone and great PK units.

Second, there’s the rookies. How invaluable have they been to this team. Sheary and Rust have been playing better than most and have been formidable forwards in the lethal offense Sullivan has been able to produce. Collecting points against Lundqvist, arguably the toughest goalie during the playoffs, and causing trouble for the NYR defense for the entire series; they may be the most underrated threats in the playoffs, for any team, really. Now, what about Matt Murray? What can you say that already hasn't been said?! This kid has been phenomenal! Shutting down a tough NYR offense, and even collecting his first (of many to come) playoff shutouts. So far he has been the biggest key to our playoff success. Let’s see how this will play out against a very tough and lethal Washington offense.

Lastly, Mike Sullivan. This guy has my vote for the Jack Adams. He has had this team playing the best hockey I have seen since the ‘09 SCF run. The sky is the limit with this guy as our bench boss. He has been able to keep this team calm, composed, and collected no matter the score. How many times have we seen this team come back from a two goal deficit to come back and win? How many times have we seen this team light up the lamp in the second period alone only to keep up the pressure in the final frame? Sully has this team looking like the next team to hoist Lord Stanley’s Trophy.

All in all, this team isn’t going to take any game lightly. It could be game 1 of any series or game five after holding a 3-1 series lead, and this team will fight until the final horn. This team will contend in any game. This team will fight to the end.

Four down, twelve to go.