Skip to main content
Penguins' Erik Karlsson Discusses Growing Chemistry With Sidney Crosby
Penguins' Erik Karlsson Discusses Growing Chemistry With Sidney Crosby

Penguins Like What They Saw From Drew O’Connor on First Line

Drew O'Connor doesn't strike many as a first line player, but the Pittsburgh Penguins weren't mad at his performance.
  • Author:
  • Publish date:

When the Pittsburgh Penguins entered their Thanksgiving Eve contest against the New York Rangers, they did so with a completely new-look lineup.

Injuries to multiple key players forced the Penguins to hit the shuffle button on just about each of their lines.

With Bryan Rust being among those injured, a spot next to Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel opened up, and youngster Drew O’Connor was given the opportunity.

Entering the contest against New York, O’Connor had only one goal and three assists in 17 games playing alongside Lars Eller as his center.

The Penguins ended up being shutout by Jonathan Quick and the Rangers, but head coach Mike Sullivan liked what he saw from O’Connor in his jump to the top line.

“I thought OC did a pretty good job,” Sullivan said. “I think what he brings to those guys is just his ability to hunt pucks. He’s a rangy guy, a really good skater.”

One thing Rust does very well, and a big reason why he gets so many minutes, is his ability to be tough on opponents and battle for pucks in every area of the ice.

Sullivan believes O’Connor has that same ability and can generate good offensive opportunities for the big guns.

“He forces a lot of turnovers,” Sullivan said. “He can use his size to get to the net. He hunted pucks for those guys. Created opportunities for some O-zone time. That was one of our hopes when we put him up there.”

One noticeable aspect to O’Connor’s game that might shock people is his speed; it’s likely he doesn’t even realize how fast he is at times.

According to NHL Edge, O’Connor has maxed out at 22.48 MPH, just slightly behind the Penguins fasted top speed of 22.88.

Scroll to Continue

Recommended Articles

The Penguins are far from the fastest team in the NHL, but O’Connor has the wheels to keep up with the best.

It’s not clear how long Rust will be out of the Penguins lineup, he’s been listed as day-to-day.

If Rust is to miss more games, however, the Penguins like what they see from O’Connor in that spot and likely won’t be moved until Rust returns.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.

Struggling Power Play Costing Penguins Games

Rangers Hand Penguins First Shutout Loss of Season

Big Changes in Penguins Lineup Against Rangers

Penguins Elevate John Ludvig from LTIR

Penguins Recalls Excited for New Chance at NHL