Nov 29, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Johnston looks on during the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Johnston Will Win the Hearts of Pittsburgh Penguins Fans
Jim Rutherford seems to have turned the tide on how the Pittsburgh Penguins faithful view him. The fan base is genuinely excited about the upcoming season and the volume of skeptics is shrinking by the day.
However, I’m not sure the same goes for Head Coach Mike Johnston. Many have pegged a lot of the Pens’ issues on him, despite knowing the extent of the injuries suffered by the 2014-15 Pittsburgh Penguins. How much of last season’s failures can be placed on his shoulders?
Here’s what we know…
Mike Johnston’s possession style offense requires speed and skill, a lot of which the Pittsburgh Penguins were lacking for most of 2014-15. It also requires mobile defensemen that can move the puck up ice quickly and join the rush. Also something that the Pens were lacking for most of 2014-15.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are now built on skill and speed. Jim Rutherford and Company set out on a mission to give Johnston the tools required for his game plan, and they came through in a big way. Even on the defensive side of the puck, the Pens have young, mobile blue-liners that are all solid puck movers. Given the opportunity to have a healthy lineup this season, Mike Johnston will prove his skeptics wrong and impress a fan base that still seems unsure of whether he fits the mold for Pittsburgh.
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