After getting a call-up during the Pittsburgh Penguins youth movement last season, Conor Sheary got his first opportunity at a full season this season.
The young gun played so well last season and in the playoffs for the Pittsburgh Penguins that he held down a well-deserved roster spot this year. Expectations weren’t necessarily high for the young gun, but he has exceeded any expectations set in ample ways.
Conor Sheary has achieved a lot this season for the Penguins, so let’s take a look at what he’s done this season.
Stats This Season
Let’s just take a quick look at Sheary’s stats this season. In 58 games, Sheary has put up 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points. This blows his rookie season record of 7 goals and 3 assists in 44 games out of the water.
The improvement is pretty clear. Conor Sheary has taken a big step this season in terms of improvement, and that alone is a major accomplishment. But let’s look at things more specifically.
20 Goal Scorer
Being a 20 goal scorer in the National Hockey League isn’t an easy task. To come in and become that in your first full season is all the more impressive. Sheary has been able to achieve this feat this season and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Currently, the young gun has scored 22 goals in 58 games. He’s currently tied for third on the roster in scoring with star Phil Kessel, only behind superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. But let’s be honest, this was expected. Being right behind these stars on a very good Pittsburgh Penguins team is something to surely be proud of.
Not to mention, he also leads the team with six game winning goals. Talk about clutch. Definitely something to be proud of.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Nearly a Point Per Game Pace
Conor Sheary currently has 52 points in 58 games. Let’s translate that to if he played a full 82 game season with the Penguins.
If Sheary were to get the chance to play a full season, he’d be on pace for about 73 points. This is incredible for a player who was just a call-up last season. Even if he was to hit some expected bumps in a full season, topping over 60-65 points is a huge feat on its own.
He has truly sprouted into a leading player on this Penguins roster and he has found a spot in which he can truly excel at. Conor Sheary is nothing short of an excellent player.
Crosby’s New Linemate?
Let’s face it, Sidney Crosby has seen a handful of different linemates over the course of his career. Some of them exceled while playing with him, some did not.
Conor Sheary has adapted well to Crosby’s play. In fact, he’s adapted very well.
This may be Sheary’s biggest accomplishment if I’m being completely honest. Going into next season, it’s always a question as to who will be Crosby’s linemates. Well now it seems as if Sheary is an obvious candidate. The two have played great together, and I’m sure it will only continue in the playoffs. I see no reason as to why the Penguins shouldn’t give him a shot at first-line minutes with Crosby come next season. His performance this season is also more than enough proof that he can handle it.
Who knows, maybe with a full season held down next year and a more formidable line, Sheary can surpass his achievements from this season. The future looks bright for Sheary and the Penguins should be glad they have him.
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