The Penguins Defense is Different. Will it Be Better?
Thanks to the good work of GM Ron Hextall, who signed all of the Penguins’ high-profile free agents this summer, our favorite hockey team returns largely intact from the previous season. A season when we were perhaps a healthy goalie away from advancing to the second round…or farther.
The one area that saw significant change?
Defense.
With an eye toward giving us a bit more size and net-front presence, GMRH signed a key free agent and swung a pair of blockbuster deals. Making us nine-deep on the blue line.
Our defense sure looks different. But is it better?
First let’s look at who went out the door. Speedy Mike Matheson, who resurrected his career in the ‘Burgh, was arguably our second-best defenseman last season. He led all blueliners (including Kris Letang) with a career-high 11 goals and added 20 assists for 31 points, also career-bests. A striking individual talent, Matheson possesses the speed and a God-given gift to just take the puck and go, often skating through the opposition like so many orange construction pylons. A little iffy in his own zone at times but excellent on transitions due to his wheels.