Expectations Are High for Young Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins and their coaching staff expect a lot from their young players in the lineup.
The 2023-24 season is an important one for the Pittsburgh Penguins and they have no time to wait around for results from certain players.
With numerous options waiting for a chance at the main club, head coach Mike Sullivan and the rest of the Penguins staff have high expectations for their players.
Specifically, the young depth players at the NHL level are being watched extra close, and Sullivan has proven early that he needs everyone to be at their best, or risk losing a lineup spot.
After four games, Jansen Harkins found himself sent back through waivers and off to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for Radim Zohorna and most recently, P.O. Joseph will be scratched for Ryan Shea.
Joseph and his linemate Chad Ruhwedel haven’t had an outstanding start to the season and the Penguins are curious to see what Shea can do at the NHL level.
Sullivan said that Joseph is understanding of the move and that this is also a product of compete level of the team as a whole.
“We’ve got a competitive group,” Sullivan said. “Performance matters. As I told P.O., it’s our challenge together… to capture his very best game.”
While Joseph might be missing from the lineup for the time being, Sullivan knows he is an important member of the team and will be a key piece for the team.
“He’s a very good player for us,” Sullivan said. “And he’ll continue to be a very good player for us.”
Sullivan is showing early that he isn’t afraid to pull plugs on certain players if the team needs a jump to the lineup.
Kyle Dubas bolstered the depth with a number of options and Harkins and Joseph are the first couple examples of the high expectations.
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