Pittsburgh Penguins: An Independence Day Top 5 Edition

The Pittsburgh Penguins vs. The Philadelphia Flyers. (Photo by Matt Kincaid/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Penguins vs. The Philadelphia Flyers. (Photo by Matt Kincaid/Getty Images) /
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On the day where American’s from all over celebrate their Independence Day, we thought it might be fitting to rank the current American Pittsburgh Penguins.

A typical 4th of July gets celebrated with fireworks, good eats, and refreshing drinks, but before we get to that, we look at the current Pittsburgh Penguins roster. More specifically, the US-born Penguins and how they rank against each other. Currently, the Pens host 11 American players, and most of them bring a lot of potential and skill, making this top 5 ranking a tough one to crack.

From crease to the crease, these Penguins have been pivotal to Pittsburgh’s success this season. From young and old, to seasoned and green, here are our Top 5 American players currently playing on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Number 5

Jason Zucker

Newport Beach, California

This will about the only time you will see Jason Zucker listed towards the bottom of a top 5 list. The reason being, we have only seen his worth in 15 games this season. Don’t let that fool you, though, because in that limited time with the Pens, he did also enough to make this list. He’s turned into a critical addition and has helped lead the team to where they are.

Pittsburgh Penguins: An Independence Day worth of rankings

Number 4

Conor Sheary

Winchester, Massachusetts

Some would argue that Conor Sheary should be nowhere near this list, but if you look past any skating deficiencies, you will find a grinder that pairs well with the best of the Penguins roster. Sheary came back to Pittsburgh after a bit of a hiatus and instantly messed into to the top line. His past Cup history cannot be forgotten either and will be needed once more.

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Number 3

John Marino

Easton, Massachusetts

John Marino came onto the scene with a fury this year for the Pittsburg Penguins. Easily the Pens rookie of the year, Marino went from the bottom to the top in just under 60 games. The rest is still up to determination, but if he can keep it going, Marino will be a top blueliner for years to come down on 5th avenue.

Number 2

Bryan Rust

Pontiac, Michigan

It’s doubtful that Bryan Rust would top the charts of many future Hall of Fame projections, but in recent history, you could see how he might be. Rust has been a core piece of the Penguin’s success this season and for the first time in his career, had more points than games played. Rust has been linking up well with his linemates and should be for years to come.

Number 1

Brian Dumoulin

Biddeford, Maine

The Mainiac, Brian Dumoulin, has always fallen into the mantra of never the bride and always the bridesmaid over his career. He has never gotten the credit that has been due here in Pittsburgh, but he has still done it all either way. He completely changed the Pens defensive dynamic this year and has been for a long time now. With him defending, the rest of Pittsburgh should feel at ease.

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Some honorable mentions are Jack Johnson, Zach Aston-Reese, and Nick Bjugstad. They are well-rounded Penguins through and through but have been out shadowed by the other 5. Enjoy your Independence Day American and LETS GO PENS!