Could the Penguins Be Harder to Play Against This Season?
There’s an old saying. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.
Well, for years I’ve been imploring the Penguins’ brass to add some functional grit. On the heels of the uber-inventive Rutger McGroarty-for-Brayden Yager deal, it looks as though I may have finally gotten my wish.
Suddenly…the Pens have “grind.”
In addition to McGroarty, a budding power forward, Michael Bunting plays with a sled-dog tenacity and drive, to say nothing of his penchant for irritating foes. Although he isn’t likely to crack our lineup this season, second-round pick Tanner Howe’s a spitfire.
Ditto free-agent pickup Blake Lizotte. If shifted to wing as planned, Noel Acciari could provide some added slam-bang as well, as his 244 hits in 2022-23 will attest.
Literally waiting in the wings? Brawny types like hulking Finn Jesse Puljujärvi and Sam Poulin. Their size alone makes them a handful for opposing d-men. Although he’s a long-shot to make the cut, Jonathan Gruden’s feisty.
Heck, even goalie Alex Nedeljkovic’s a battler.