Looking back now those signings have been inspired by Rutherford and have ensured we have capable players to call on. All of them, including Di Pauli who was snagged from the Capitals, have been key to the Wilkes-Barre Penguins and in leading them to the second best defensive record in the league with just 62 goals conceded in 29 games.
Daley returned last night against the Carolina Hurricanes in the 3-2 win but since Letang has been injured the Penguins have gone 4-1-2 showing that they can win without him. However, the transition game has been harder to come by and that was evident in the two overtime losses to the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Luckily for the Penguins Justin Schultz has stepped up to the mark to cover for Letangs absence and so far he has 17 points in 10 games this month. That puts him third in points this month in the entire league behind only his teammates, Crosby and Malkin. Schultz biggest impact has been in the powerplay which has clicked at a rate of 32% since Letang has been injured, that is higher than the previous rate of 20.2% previously. This is obviously a small sample though so should be taken carefully.
As if the defensive injuries weren't enough for the Penguins emerging goaltender Matt Murray left last nights game against Carolina and was declared to be out with a lower body injury. He is week to week which has meant that Tristan Jarry has been called up. Jarry was called up earlier in the season but didn't play. It is probably he won't play this time either depending on how long Murray is out for. The Penguins don't play until 7th of January after tomorrows game.
Whilst most teams would struggle with these sort of injuries to their cores I think the Penguins are able to cope better mostly thanks to Mike Sullivan. He knows how the minor affiliate works and isn't afraid to work with them and this experience brings out the best in them. Here's hoping the Penguins end the year with a high.
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