Penguins Lose Center to Concussion
The Pittsburgh Penguins lost a key center early due to a concussion diagnosis.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins found their way back to the win column against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it came at a cost. Forward Drew O’Connor did not finish the contest, exiting midway through the second period.
O’Connor played only 12 shifts for 9:07 ice time before leaving the contest. Following the game, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said O’Connor had been diagnosed with a concussion.
No further details were given, and no time frame of return was stated, but this is a tremendous blow to the Penguins. O’Connor has been playing fantastic hockey, putting up a career year stats-wise, and was just moved to third-line center against the Blue Jackets.
In 59 games this season, O’Connor has scored nine goals and 12 assists for 21 total points, all of which are career highs. Sullivan was pleased with how O’Connor transitioned back to the center position after playing wing all year.
“He’s a center… it’s his main position,” Sullivan said. I thought OC did a good job in the time that we had him there. I thought he was responsible down low. He made some real good reads. He won a couple of key face-offs.”
O’Connor has been a key figure in the Penguins' lineup this season, and no matter how long he is out, his teammates will miss him.
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