Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Thoughts From Hockeyville
By Mike Necciai
Sep 24, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings goalie
Jimmy Howard(35) makes the save on Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Sergei Plotnikov (61) in the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Plotnikov Adapting Well to the Pittsburgh Penguins
Sergei Plotnikov hasn’t stood out as I imagined he would through training camp and up to this point, seemed to have a hard time adjusting to the lack of time and space on North American ice.
Plotnikov: "The biggest difference between the NHL and KHL is that you have to make quicker decisions here." pic.twitter.com/RbL1BRDzAF
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 30, 2015
However, over his last two performances that has changed drastically and he looks to be poised for the start of the regular season.
Unlike many in the media and blogosphere, I don’t see a place for him in the top-six just yet. But, last night was a great indication that he’ll be able to fill a role in that capacity if called upon throughout the season. He skated well with Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist, tallying the game’s first goal just 14-seconds in. He continues to create chances for his line mates with his physical play and bulldog style.
In four preseason GP with Sergei Plotnikov in the lineup, Penguins have allowed 15 GA. He's been on for 1. Has been on for 9 of 14 GF.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) September 30, 2015
That line accounted for three of the Penguins’ goals last night. Of course, Malkin looked like he was in mid-season form but Plotnikov had a lot to do with that production as well. It’ll be interesting to watch where he ends up in the lineup and how he progresses throughout the season.
Next: Sundqvist Has Done Enough, Again