Pitts 2049-50 preview

[thayner]

Pittsburg Penguins
45-26-11, 6th in East

After a significant unloading of talented players the previous year, the Penguins were supposed to be a lottery team in 2048-49. Oddly enough, rather than tumble in the standings (as many predicted) the Pens locked down their own zone, cut their goals against by 56 and jumped from 67 points to 101 in the process. The improvement was good for 6th in the East. What will they do for an encore?

Forwards
It was a big season for a number of Pittsburgh forwards, aided by the multiple open spots created by the mass exodus of talent at the ’48 deadline. Leading the charge was the speedy Swede Sigge Olofsson (66-66-132) who almost doubled his previous career best. Also breaking out in a big way was Daniel Dubek (50-39-89), who finally put up the kind of numbers envisioned of him when he was drafted 4th overall in ’41. However, the loss of former #1 center Mac Pasani will hurt; Adam Lundstrom (17-30-47) may get the opportunity to fill that void. He is not a natural sniper, shies away from physical contact and has trouble defensively, but he is a creative player who moves the puck with ease. Banger Zack MacDonnell (9-5-14) is a gritty player, acquired in the offseason, who may thrive here. Georges Brockman (14-9-23), Jean Fluery (36-37-73) and Daniel Thibault (17-16-33) provide solid depth. Libor McCutcheon (1-6-7) is a defensive specialist who provides little goal support. Jarmo Niemi (0-0-0), a 21 year old Finnish winger with two way ability, produced at near a point per game clip in his rookie season in the AHL- he may get a look. The Pens drafted a trio of forwards in the 1st round this summer (Jeremy Curran, Jean Emmerson & Garry kemp) that will eventually reinforce the Penguins attack, but all are a few years away.

Defence
Led by arguably the best blueliner in the league, 6’9 Daniel Fabian (14-53-67). Fabian is a punishing hitter who is exceptionally difficult to get around. An superb skater, perhaps the best ever for someone so large. Starts the breakout with ease, and owns an absolute bomb from the point. The Pens success begins with their superstar defenceman. Surrounding Fabian is a no-nonsense group, including Kirk McDonald (0-14-14), Alexi Plyuschev (6-42-48) and Robert Marek (2-29-32). 2048 1st round pick Eric Yannetti is still in College, but should contend for a roster spot next season.

Goaltending
Jamison McLaughlin (19-11-4, 3.43, .893) and Robert Schiender (19-15-6, 3.15, .886) will likely split time in the crease. Both are NHL quality, but neither are clear cut #1 goaltenders. The Penguins may need to upgrade here to take the next step.