Pittsburgh Penguins by the numbers: Evan Rodrigues
The by the numbers series takes a break from defenders and moves to a Pittsburgh Penguins forward looking for a rebound. What did the move mean for him, and what’s in store next?
Before we get to the Evan Rodrigues move, we start with him facing the Pittsburgh Penguins back on opening night. Except, he wasn’t facing them as he was in street clothes watching his Sabres walk all over the Pens. From that point on, neither he nor the Buffalo Sabres had their expectations met, and the trade was put in place, bringing him and Conor Sheary to 5th Ave.
Between the Rodrigues trade and the NHL season seeing a pause in the action (February 24th – March 12th), the honeymoon period was short-lived. The Pens lost five out of the eight matches and left a sour, yet wanting more taste in Rodrigues’s mouth. He did score once and somewhat proved that he could be a bottom-six forward for Pittsburgh. Now, hockey just needs to come back.
Evan Rodrigues has the potential to be more than just a scorer. Case in point, in a game against Carolina, he forced three penalties and gave the drowning Penguins a chance. It was a chance they didn’t finish, but Rodrigues still gave it to them. He continues looking for his rebound chance, but all it will take is the right timing, and as a light of a match, he’ll be off.
Pittsburgh Penguins by the numbers: Evan Rodrigues
His sample size has been small, but in his time on the ice for the Penguins, he has made the side better. Just over 61% of the scoring chances came when he was on the ice. The Pens were reeling, but he was helping out as much as he could.
His skills are growing, but they don’t top the list when it comes to Penguins forwards. When the season resumes, he may not even get a top shot. If the injuries for the Pens heal, then he may be on the outside looking in.
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Regardless of it is this season or not, Evan Rodrigues will get his chance in Pittsburgh. Many project him to be a third-line center next season or maybe even this one if the cards fall for him. He is a five-tool forward, meaning he can play all three positions, kill penalties, and attack on them. His rebound season may not be yet, but it’s coming soon.