Marcus Pettersson was asked to step up for the Pittsburgh Penguins and he answered the call as one of the best defenders this year.
PITTSBURGH - Since the opening of the 2022-23 season, it could be argued that Marcus Pettersson has played as the best defenseman on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With an added element of consistency, Pettersson has jumped up the Penguins lineup with a well deserved promotion.
When the play of Brian Dumoulin began to decline, someone was needed to step up and stabilize the first defensive line.
Pettersson was slotted next to Kris Letang on the top line and Pettersson has been rising to the occasion.
“I think Marcus has played hard for us,” Mike Sullivan said. “I’ve said this on a number of occasions, he’s been our most consistent defensemen.”
The push to the first line came with added minutes for Pettersson, as he went from averaging around 18 minutes of ice time to just over 21 minutes.
Not only has Pettersson been forced to play more minutes, but he’s also taking on a higher level of player while on the first line.
“Marcus has made the adjustment of playing with Tanger extremely well,” Sullivan said. “When he does play with Tanger he gets a hard matchup… and I think he’s handled that well.”
More than just shutting down opposing offenses, the Penguins made an attempt this offseason to add some extra offense on their back end.
Sullivan says that Pettersson is exceeding with his playmaking ability.
“He’s helping us get out of our end, he’s making sound decisions with the puck,” Sullivan said. “He’s trying to get involved offensively when the opportunity presents itself.”
With assists in three straight games, Pettersson is making sure to capitalize on every opportunity possible.
The added focus of offense from defense has made for some dangerous play, but once again Pettersson has looked like smartest risk taker on the team.
“He’s not turning into a high-risk player,” Sullivan said. “That’s the sweet spot we’re looking for with a lot of our defensemen, with respect to the offensive side of the game.”
The Penguins have seen success from Pettersson during his time on the first line; it was a surprising jump in ability, but a much needed one.
“Is he perfect? No,” Sullivan said. “But he’s competing hard. He’s doing the things were asking him to do to win games.”
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