The Pittsburgh Penguins finally say Drew O'Connor get rewarded with his first goal of the season.

Drew O’Connor entered the 2023-24 season will all kinds of momentum leaning in his favor as a solid depth forward option for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A new contract to keep him around the Penguins set O’Connor up for a solid preseason, but things hadn’t translated into the regular season.

Playing as an everyday third line winger, O’Connor started the year with only two assists in 12 games.

Not finding the back of the net certainly wasn’t for lack of trying, either, since he had recorded 17 shots on goal through those games.

O’Connor was finally rewarded for his efforts against the Buffalo Sabres with his first goal of the season.

Linemate Lars Eller found O'Connor and sent him away with speed and space and O'Connor got his shot to squeeze past the goaltender.

“It’s always nice to get the first one of the year,” O’Connor said. “The longer you go, the more pressure that builds up. It feels good to get that one.”

With that pressure mounting, O’Connor was getting plenty of chances, but he wasn’t able to capitalize.

O’Connor kept his cool, though, knowing he’d break through eventually.

“Just try to stay patient,” O’Connor said. “I’ve had chances. If you’re getting those chances, eventually it’s going to go in. You kind of start to worry when you’re not getting those chances.”

Head coach Mike Sullivan backed that statement up by noting how many opportunities have come for O’Connor through the start of the year.

“I think he’s got a lot of looks,” Sullivan said. “He hasn’t scored, maybe this one will help. It’ll take the pressure off.”

Sullivan spoke highly of the play O’Connor has brought to the Penguins and the boost he’s giving his linemates on the third group.

“I think he’s been a big part of that line,” Sullivan said. “That line in particular has gotten a lot of looks offensively, and they’re starting to score some goals, which is great for our group.”

With O’Connor potting his first of the year, only three forwards are left on the Penguins roster without a goal (Rickard Rakell, Noel Acciari, and Jeff Carter).

The third line is finding life and the Penguins are getting close to the point where they can roll all four lines and be a threatening team.

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

THN Archive: Penguins Pest Among Top Free Agents

Key Penguins String Together Outstanding Performances

Penguins Keep Streak Alive with Shutout Win Over Sabres

Jeff Carter Out of Penguins Lineup Against Sabres

Penguins Defenseman Hopes to Take After Jaromir Jagr

• undefined
• undefined