The game against Columbus was a low scoring one with Beau Bennett winning it in a shoot-out giving Jeff Zatkoff pitching a shut-out. The Penguins back-up position isn't one that has had much success recently with perhaps Tomas Vokoun being the only reliable player in recent years. Brent Johnson, Brad Thiessen, Thomas Greiss and even Zatkoff himself have come and gone without making much of an impact. After spending the year in the AHL he'll be hoping to make the most of this opportunity because it will be his last with Pittsburgh based on our prospect pool.
In the game against Carolina the main man was Phil Kessel due to it being his home debut, as mentioned above. Kessel clicked with Crosby with ease and also seemed to help bring Kunitz up to a more competitive and better level. If Kessel can contribute that in the season then he will be invaluable.
Elsewhere, Dupuis showed no signs of ageing and was as good as he has ever been despite missing most of last season due to blood clots. Olli Maatta was a joy to watch as ever and it is a massive shame he missed out last season. Sergei Gonchar was on a PTO but whilst he his hand-eye co-ordination was still there his speed was lacking and if we have Scuderi, I'm not sure I see a spot for him.
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