Penguins Prospects Keep Wilkes-Barre Dominant & Future for Pittsburgh Bright

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Penguins are surprising contenders in the NHL, currently second in the Metropolitan Division. Their AHL team in Wilkes-Barre Scranton is also thriving, producing strong prospects that promise a bright future for the franchise.

Key points

Pittsburgh Penguins are second in the Metropolitan Division
Team is heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Wilkes-Barre Scranton AHL team is producing strong prospects
Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen are standout players
Farm system ensures a bright future for the Penguins

Pittsburgh PenguinsWilkes-Barre ScrantonRutger McGroartyVille Koivunen

The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are one of the biggest surprises in the NHL, turning around a team that was going nowhere into the second-best in the Metropolitan Division.

Their American Hockey League team in Wilkes-Barre Scranton isn’t far behind. They weren’t a surprise but their ability to churn out prospects has been, and it’s their farm system will keep the Penguins' contending window open for years to come.

Koivunen & McGroarty Are Borderline NHLers at This Point

Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen were on the same line in the Friday night game against the Bridgeport Islanders with Tristan Broz at center. The line was dominant, scoring twice in the 4-2 win, and at times, it felt like they were showing off with all the skill on that line. “We have good chemistry, and we can be a really good line for our team,” Broz noted after the game.

What makes the line stand out is that all three players are skilled but bring something else to the offense. “They all play well off each other. The good thing about them is they all bring a different element,” Penguins AHL head coach Kirk MacDonald noted in a conversation with The Hockey News. “Rutger is a guy who’s going to forecheck and play down low. Ville is a distributor in the offensive zone; he slows the game down and does a great job of working in space,” he added.

Koivunen is a fascinating player because he has the skill and the quick puck movement, allowing him to make plays out of nothing. His goal in the first period of the recent game showed his quick wrists, where he could turn a rush chance into a goal. It’s one of the many ways the young Finnish winger has improved from last season. “I think my skating has gotten a little bit better, all around, everything’s gotten a little bit better,” Koivunen mentioned after the game.

There’s a debate about whether McGroarty and Koivunen should have stayed in the AHL or even the NHL instead of going on the roller coaster, where they get called up and sent right back down. Koivunen admitted it’s been rough, although he’s used to it (even going back to his childhood, where he had to commute to the rink). While it’s probably not the best for their development, it shows how close they are to the NHL.

Q&A

How are the Pittsburgh Penguins performing in the NHL this season?

The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently one of the biggest surprises, ranking second in the Metropolitan Division and heading to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Who are the standout prospects for the Penguins in Wilkes-Barre?

Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen are notable prospects, showcasing strong chemistry and skill on the ice.

What is the significance of the Penguins' farm system in Wilkes-Barre?

The farm system is crucial for the Penguins as it continually produces prospects, ensuring the team's competitive window remains open for years.

What roles do McGroarty and Koivunen play on their line?

Rutger McGroarty excels in forechecking and playing down low, while Ville Koivunen acts as a distributor, effectively managing the offensive zone.