The Top-5 Players For Pittsburgh During October

Number Three: Forward Chris Kunitz

Oct 19, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Chris Kunitz (14) shoots a slap shot against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Rewarded with a brand new three-year contract during the offseason, forward Chris Kunitz continues to display why he was so important to retain.

For the 13 games in October, Kunitz recorded 13 points (6G, 7A), skated to a plus-11 (now plus-12), and is currently riding a four-game goal scoring streak.

Leading the team with three power play tallies, the 34-year-old winger has made a living in front of the net, resulting in multiple goal-scoring opportunities off rebound attempts.

Currently ranking second on the team in shots (52), Kunitz is getting just as many chances to deliver as he did last year, and there’s no reason to believe he’s going to stop any time soon.

Contributing with two game-winning goals, when the team needs to bury the biscuit most, he’s been there.

He’s recognized offensively, however, he’s just as effective on defense. Providing the team with a sufficient forecheck night-in and night-out, Kunitz does a phenomenal job in creating space and time for his teammates.

It was a big month for Kunitz, which isn’t surprising considering the type of year he had last season. From now on, critics can no longer label him a second-tier player.