Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Good day not to be a Maple Leaf

October 24, 2021, 10:14 AM ET [101 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It’s a lot better to be a Pittsburgh Penguin these days than it is a Toronto Maple Leaf. The Penguins with no expectations have taken a point in every single game this season while the team with high expectations are meandering their way through the early stage of the season going 2-3-1.

The Maple Leafs had no excuses heading into this game. The Penguins are completely ravaged by injury yet it was Pittsburgh who was on the right end of a 7-1 blowout. Pittsburgh is off to what should be considered a best-case scenario as far as how their available players are performing.















Here are all the highlights from the game







Drew O’Connor continues to make the best of his opportunity by scoring another two goals. He now has five points in four games which leads all rookies. The raw points can sometimes prop up perception, but O’Connor is backing those up with a forward best 78.79 xGF% These aren’t empty calories. Somebody is likely going to lose their spot to O’Connor when the Penguins eventually return the bulk of the injured players. O’Connor has earned it.

John Marino may have gotten the promotion to play with Brian Dumoulin but it was Marcus Pettersson doing his best Kris Letang impression by scoring a goal and having four(!) points. I thought Pettersson would have been a cap casualty stemming from the Matheson contract, but he’s still here and he’s playing good hockey.

Another player stepping up is Evan Rodrigues who took over the first line center duties last night. He leads all Penguins in CF% this season at 62.63 and his xGF% is 69.68.

The Penguins don’t have a game until Tuesday. They are in a great spot in the standings. Life is good. Enjoy your Sunday, at least you aren’t a member of the Maple Leafs.

Thanks for reading!
Join the Discussion: » 101 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Ryan Wilson
» Penguins earn victory on Jake night
» A salute to Jake Guentzel
» Sid puts on show as Avs dig out of hole
» A dud in Dallas
» My thoughts on Dubas' thoughts