Post by Vegas Golden Knights GM on Dec 19, 2014 8:03:53 GMT -5
The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins have always been a defensive minded team. You'd never know that if you watched the team shoot out of the gate to start 2014. Under new head coach Tom Renney, the team has put up 43 goals in 11 games, including 16 goals in their last 2 games alone.
They're being led by a trio of rookies who are showing they're ready to make the NsHL jump—soon.
Evgeny Kuznetsov leads the way, fresh off a 6 point night. He now has 13 goals and 23 points to lead the AsHL after just 11 games. Matt Nieto, not known for his offensive ability, has broken out with 16 points. And on defense, 20 year old Seth Jones leads the AsHL in minutes played and has 12 points in 11 games.
Even the veterans are having career-best starts to their season. 27 year old Jack Skille didn't develop into the top 6 winger the Penguins had hoped, but perhaps he's just a late bloomer. Skille has 16 points in 11 games to start the year. "It was an offseason with a lot of changes," said Skille, "We brought in the most rookies ever this offseason. It's given the club a new identity. And coach Renney has brought in a system that we've all bought into."
Despite so many players leading the league in points, goaltending was an issue to start the year which is why the Pens are only 7-4. Christopher Nilstorp struggled mightily and was eventually replaced by 21 year old rookie Andrey Makarov. Makarov has responded. He's 4-0 with a 1.97 GAA and .926 save percentage.
"We plan on getting Nilstorp back in the net tomorrow. He's a veteran goalie who will get it together, and we don't want to rely too much on Makarov. He has a bright future in this league and is already showing signs of brilliance," said Tom Renney.
They're being led by a trio of rookies who are showing they're ready to make the NsHL jump—soon.
Evgeny Kuznetsov leads the way, fresh off a 6 point night. He now has 13 goals and 23 points to lead the AsHL after just 11 games. Matt Nieto, not known for his offensive ability, has broken out with 16 points. And on defense, 20 year old Seth Jones leads the AsHL in minutes played and has 12 points in 11 games.
Even the veterans are having career-best starts to their season. 27 year old Jack Skille didn't develop into the top 6 winger the Penguins had hoped, but perhaps he's just a late bloomer. Skille has 16 points in 11 games to start the year. "It was an offseason with a lot of changes," said Skille, "We brought in the most rookies ever this offseason. It's given the club a new identity. And coach Renney has brought in a system that we've all bought into."
Despite so many players leading the league in points, goaltending was an issue to start the year which is why the Pens are only 7-4. Christopher Nilstorp struggled mightily and was eventually replaced by 21 year old rookie Andrey Makarov. Makarov has responded. He's 4-0 with a 1.97 GAA and .926 save percentage.
"We plan on getting Nilstorp back in the net tomorrow. He's a veteran goalie who will get it together, and we don't want to rely too much on Makarov. He has a bright future in this league and is already showing signs of brilliance," said Tom Renney.