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Some Penguins related news to pass along for today.
New Pittsburgh Tribune reporter Jason Mackey
sat down with new Penguins Head Coach Mike Johnston and was able to get interesting quotes from him in regards to Sidney Crosby.
We have to ensure that other players on our team take some of the responsibility off his shoulders — both in leadership and also in performance,” Johnston said. “He is the captain and he is a leader, but it doesn't all rest on Sid.”
“Look, if you want to have a leader in sports, the first thing I think the leader has to do is set an example,” Johnston said. “He sets a great example.
“You don't ever question his work ethic. You don't ever question his commitment. For a guy his age coming into the NHL and carrying the load that he's carried, I believe he's done a phenomenal job.
“Do we have to lessen the load? Yes.”
I wrote extensively about the Hart Trophy voting last week and part of that series of blogs looked at the amazing year Crosby had in 2013-14. I don't think he got enough credit for the job he did. Playing in a Selke caliber shutdown role while piling up 104 points is amazing. It is also something that can wear a player down, even the best in the world.
It would be prudent for the Penguins to lessen that burden on Crosby moving forward. That isn't to say that he can't be placed back in that role for stretches of time, it just shouldn't be for the entire season.
For Johnston to lessen the load Brandon Sutter is going to have to step up his game.
Here are the roles from last year, both Crosby and Sutter are circled. The arrows show what needs to happen if Johnston is going to be able to lessen the load for Crosby.
Sutter needs to play against tougher competition and his bubble needs to start changing towards a shade of blue. Better linemates than last year should help him, but
he has had better linemates in the past and still underperformed in the possession department.
If Sutter can achieve this proposed goal Sidney Crosby would be able to take the shackles off from a shutdown role and probably put up a 120-130 point season (if healthy).
In other Penguins news
Josh Yohe is reporting that the Penguins will not enter the season with a contract extension for Marc Andre Fleury. This is the right move. There is literally no reason to rush this decision. The Penguins have all the leverage here and quite frankly as I have written over and over, you don't need to pay a premium for what Fleury brings.
Lastly, Mike Johnston announced the roles for the assistant coaches. Rick Tocchet will be running the forwards as well as the power play. All I can say about the power play is if Tocchet keeps Sidney Crosby from the left point or the left half wall it will be an improvement in my book.
Gary Agnew will run the defensemen as well as the penalty kill. Here is to hoping that Agnew doesn't fall into the trap of believing that Craig Adams is an effective penalty killer anymore.
That is all for now
Thanks for reading!
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