The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to make changes to their power play group in hopes of a turnaround.
The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to make changes to their power play group in hopes of a turnaround.
At this point, the struggles of the Pittsburgh Penguins power play needs no introduction; they’re one of the worst groups in the league falling well short of expectations.
Without a power play goal scored in over a month, the Penguins have made numerous personnel changes, but nothing has worked out.
That tinkering has continued, however, as recent recall from the American Hockey League Valtteri Puustinen seems to be taking his reps on the top unit.
Puustinen is among the Penguins top prospects and brings loads of offensive upside that might provide a spark for the man advantage unit.
Head coach Mike Sullivan is aware of Puustinen’s strengths and is a big reason why he is being given this kind of opportunity.
“One of the strengths of his game is his offensive instinct,” Sullivan said. “He’s been very good on the power play in his time in Wilkes-Barre. We think he thinks the game on a high level.”
As part of the changes the Penguins have tried to make to their power play is adjusting certain schemes and set ups.
Puustinen being a right-handed shot plays a role in opening more opportunities for the group.
“We were looking for a righty as part of that group, we have so many lefties,” Sullivan said. “We think there’s value in having that right-handed shot for different types of options.”
Puustinen was one of two right-handed shots on the first unit alongside Erik Karlsson.
Lefties like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jake Guentzel filled out the rest of the first group.
The Penguins power play can use all the help it can get with a 9.46% success rate good for 30th in the NHL.
Only seven goals on 74 chances and six of them coming in the early stages of the season.
The Penguins are willing to try anything to see if it will stick with the power play and Puustinen has a chance to not only wake up the group, but also earn a regular role in the NHL.
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