There were many different opinions that formed when the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Ryan Reaves in the offseason.
Ryan Reaves was brought in by the Pittsburgh Penguins to be a protector. The guy who can help prevent us from getting injured. The guy who can defend the stars and the younger guys. He was encouraged to do just that. But did we really need that?
Pittsburgh Penguins
After an injury-plagued season, it looked like we really needed that. But many people didn’t think we did. After all, we won the Stanley Cup regardless of these injuries and obstacles, but a little help can never be bad.
Well with the season finally underway, we’ve gotten our first glimpses of Ryan Reaves. And I must say, especially after Saturday night’s game against the Nashville Predators, Reaves could be a great addition.
The Protector
Let’s talk about the main reason why Ryan Reaves was brought in–to fight and wear down opponents who wanna pick on our stars.
Ryan Reaves did exactly that on Saturday night as he got into not one, but TWO fights.
After being embarrassed by the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night, losing by a score of 10-1, the Penguins knew they had to come out banging against the Predators. Ryan Reaves knew this, and he went out to prove something.
In the second period of the game, Reaves decided to tango with Austin Watson in a fight. In the third, he fought Cody McLeod when emotions were high. He was keeping his team protected and they definitely took notice.
Crosby on Reaves: “For him to have that presence, stick up for guys, chip in with a goal, that was huge.” pic.twitter.com/YJnKmsydDY
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 8, 2017
He Can Score Too
Oh and let’s not forget that Reaves isn’t just a big body to bully the other guys. He can score too, and he’s pretty darn good at it.
The Penguins ended up winning 4-0 on Saturday, and Reaves’ second period goal definitely had a lot more to do with the outcome than most people think.
The Grim Reaver. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/kBtirO0NTT
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 8, 2017
He was a leader on the ice in more ways than one and he helped us get our first win of the season. I’m excited to see what else Reaves can bring to the Penguins this year. Let’s hope his play keeps up!
Next: Penguins Bouncing Right Back
Let me know what your opinion on Ryan Reaves so far are in the comments below!