Time for the Pittsburgh Penguins to call up Daniel Sprong
A loss on Monday to the Colorado Avalanche leave the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 17-15-3 record.
It’s becoming clear that this is not a phase. The Pittsburgh Penguins are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The team has also lost four of their last five.
Earlier this month, Jim Rutherford teased that he was wasn’t afraid to make a move. Now more than ever it seems like GMJR should pull the trigger.
If change is imminent, why not look to the Pens own minor league affiliate to plug some of the holes? One player in particular has been waiting in the wings…the right wing to be specific.
The Flying Dutchman
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That’s right, we’re talking Daniel Sprong. The Flying Dutchman. Ol’ Danny Boy. The Sprong Show. You get it.
Sprong was the first player born in the Netherlands to be drafted into the NHL. The Pens chose him 46th overall in 2015.
He’s tearing it up in Wilkes-Barre, leading the Baby Pens with 15 goals and 22 points in 25 games played. He also leads the team in shots with 82 (beating the closest teammate by 30).
Where does he fit?
Calling up Sprong could benefit the Penguins in a few ways.
He could take the place of Kuhnhackl or Reaves on the fourth line, giving the bottom six a shot in the arm. His shot first mentality might be able to spark some secondary offense.
If Penguin coaches decide they want him in the top six, it offers some flexibility with other wingers like Rust, Sheary and Guentzel. We saw during Monday’s game that Sullivan is not afraid to shake things up. Sprong is another resource to plug into these forward line combinations.
GOAL GIF: Daniel Sprong ( @sprong97 ) with the shot from the high point to make it a 7-3 game. pic.twitter.com/wdBL9ycGwm
— WBS Penguins (@WBSPenguins) December 16, 2017
It’s obvious bringing up Sprong wouldn’t fix every issue the team has. However, it is a cost effective way to get a promising young guy into the lineup. Jake Guentzel made quite the impression last season when he was called up, and the Pens could use a jolt like that right about now.