{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/fIgrMt7q.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman Erik Karlsson says he will try out wearing a neck guard after tragic accident to Adam Johnson.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/fIgrMt7q-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/fIgrMt7q.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/fIgrMt7q.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fIgrMt7q-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 182, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 407968, "filesize": 9281294, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fIgrMt7q-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 272, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 585734, "filesize": 13325468, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fIgrMt7q-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 724, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1337581, "filesize": 30429980, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fIgrMt7q-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113500, "filesize": 2582145 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fIgrMt7q-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 362, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 558002, "filesize": 12694560, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fIgrMt7q-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 544, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 888090, "filesize": 20204052, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "While it’s still the early stages of the 2023-24 season, there are some clear dark spots appearing around the Pittsburgh Penguins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Through nine games of the season, the Penguins sit in dead last in the Eastern Conference forcing a huge uphill battle for the next few weeks." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "One area of concern in particular has been the lack of success on the power play, a group that had extremely high expectations." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Heading into their most recent contest against the Anaheim Ducks, the Penguins had only scored twice on the man advantage in 20 opportunities." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Thankfully, they picked up two more against the Ducks to improve their status, but things could still use some shaping up." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Erik Karlsson stated a little big ago that he feels someone needs to step up on the power play unit and take charge." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The first power play unit carries, Karlsson, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel, and currently Reilly Smith." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Of those players, it should be Karlsson that takes charge and steps up as the quarterback of the power play." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Karlsson is one of the most skilled offensive defenseman in the NHL and has a knack for making impossible passes look easy." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Aside from that one interception that cost the Penguins the game against the Ducks, Karlsson is the perfect choice to take charge." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Not only is Karlsson a phenomenal play maker, he’s the highest paid player on the team and deserves a chance to prove his worth." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "He’s looked better than expected on the defensive side of the puck, but everyone is waiting to see what kind of offense he can really bring to the Penguins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Sure, Crosby and Malkin are the franchise icons, but Karlsson can easily be considered a piece of the ‘core’ in no time." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins can’t keep waiting around for their special teams to wake up, either; if they had a solid power play through the first nine games, they probably aren’t in the position they’re in now." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "This is the perfect time for Karlsson to step up and become that leader, too; the Penguins are in San Jose to take on his former team in the Sharks." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Karlsson wants to create some new memories in San Jose, and a few power play points might be a perfect answer." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgW4FMva6b4[/embed]" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Time for Sidney Crosby To Put Penguins on His Shoulders" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins vs. Sharks: Must Win in San Jose" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "No Excuses for Penguins Against Sharks" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Multiple Penguins Can Reach Milestones On Road Trip" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Ducks Coach Fined for Conduct Against Penguins" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Elite Defender Needs To Step Up on Penguins Power Play