Pittsburgh Penguins: Training Camp Thoughts – Day 1

As the Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up day one on Friday, a lot of information became available via quotes and interviews. Also, with great coverage from camp, we were able to get an indication of how these guys looked.

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It’s extremely early and we obviously have to be careful about how much stock we put into what’s happening on the ice. But, with that being said, there were some very interesting and tidbits from today’s skate.

First, while everyone has been attempting their best guesses at how this lineup will shake out to start the season, it seems that Mike Johnston may have changed the game a bit. I’m not referencing the specific line combos that participated in today’s skate, as it’s unlikely we’ll see any of them when the season starts. However, I am referencing where specific players were located.

Beau Bennett spent the day playing on the right side. It’s widely believed that he’s much stronger at right-wing as opposed to left-wing and while I’m a firm believer that many players can adjust to opposite sides of the ice, Bennett looks much more comfortable on the right. His ability to handle the puck off the boards make quick passes to a streaking center on the breakout is where it’s most glaring. So, one would assume that if Bennett is playing on the right side, he’s almost a lock for the fourth line, right?

The consensus up to this point is that Pascal Dupuis would be the third line right-wing until Eric Fehr returns. Once Fehr makes his way into the lineup the Pens would reassess how the bottom-six shakes out. But, if today is any indication, Dupuis looks to be a left-winger in the mind of Mike Johnston and that’s perfectly fine if you ask me. Dupuis has proven that he’s versatile and can play either side, so if he can help fill-out a questionable left-wing crew then so be it. Which brings us back to Bennett.

Bennett spent some time with Sergei Plotnikov and Nick Bonino today during camp. I don’t think we can read much in to lines and Mike Johnston actually confirmed that. However, there is a good chance that Bennett gets a shot at third line right-wing with Dupuis moving to the left. It will interesting to watch how this plays out.

According to Josh Yohe of DKonPittsburghSports.Com, Sergei Gonchar looked very smooth with the puck and skated fairly well today. He clearly didn’t have the speed that we remember from his younger days with the Pittsburgh Penguins but like Yohe said in his column, Gonchar has a great shot at making the team if they do indeed plan on carrying eight defensemen to start the season.

I personally have been against signing Gonchar since it was first rumored a few months ago. But, I do see value in what he can offer young players like Derrick Pouliot and Russian winger Sergei Plotnikov. At this point I’m fairly torn on my opinion of whether or not they should bring him in but I remain strong that if it means pushing out one of Pittsburgh’s young up-and-comers, it will do more harm than good.

Lastly, Phil Kessel has created a serious spectacle in Pittsburgh this summer. The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t been favored as Stanley Cup contenders for a few years and their training camps have been all but forgotten by national media. However, now that Kessel is in town and added to the two best centers in hockey, TSN made their way to Cranberry to report on the Pens.

Guess who else showed up?

I guess the Toronto media wasn’t able to stay busy with Leafs’ camp and decided they missed Kessel? Whatever the case, it’s fairly strange to see a player’s former city send media to cover his new team’s training camp. But, it’s Toronto so I shouldn’t be surprised.

Next: Power Ranking the Pens' Top-10 Defensemen

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