PITTSBURGH – The season might be over for the Pittsburgh Penguins as reports indicate they are ready for a fire sale. Anyone not named Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, or Kris Letang could find themselves in a new uniform before the trade deadline.
However, one face that might be worth keeping in Pittsburgh is young forward Valtteri Puustinen, who flexed his offensive skill once again. Despite a brutal loss to the New York Islanders, Puustinen had an impressive game and was a big reason the Penguins could force overtime.
Puustinen was doing plenty of the little things right, making smart passes, and utilizing his skillset to set himself apart all game. Head coach Mike Sullivan noticed the extra effort and spoke highly of the 24-year-old.
“I thought he was forechecking well,” Sullivan said. “I think he has good poise with the puck. He has good offensive instincts.”
In his first recall to the NHL this season, Puustinen started exceptionally well, notching six points in eight games. Things took a dip from there, but this recent contest could be the start of something fresh for him.
“I think there’s an element of offense there that is untapped,” Sullivan said. “He’s got a real good shot… I think he’s getting better with every game that he plays.”
On the year, Puustinen appeared in 23 games and scored two goals and nine total points Ironically, both goals have come against the Islanders.
Puustinen may improve with each game, but he’s still fighting for a regular role in the Penguins lineup. He feels good about himself and his game and wants to stick with the NHL group.
“I have a good feeling they saw me play a good game,” Puustinen said. “Of course, we aren’t feeling our best because we lose.”
The opportunity is there for Puustinen to find regular playing time again, and he’s been working for a spot. He’s excited about his chance and knows his goal should help his case.
“I work hard,” Puustinen said. “I want to score. I’m happy I score today.”
Thanks to a momentum-shifting goal and a visible extra step in speed, Puustinen is likely sticking in the Penguins lineup for a few more games. If he can keep up this pace, he shouldn’t see the American Hockey League again for quite some time.
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