Name: Brooks Orpik
Position: D
Games Played: 63
The Highs: Blocked 94 shots and registered 194 hits. A great skating defenseman and knows his role, playing it perfectly both at even strength and on the penalty kill.
The Lows: Had his hand broken while blocking a shot against the Sharks 2/23/2011
Additional Comments: I may be in the minority in this opinion, but I believe that Brooksie is the Captain of this team. No disrespect to Sid intended, but because of Sid's image and endorsements he can't say certain things in the media. Orpik has never shied away from saying those things.
The Future: Orpik will be handing out "free candy" for the next 3 seasons. That should make teammates sleep well at night.
Name: Deryk Engelland
Position: D
Games Played: 63
The Highs: Literally fought his way on to the team, and with his stable defense earned a 3 year contract extension. Had some highlight reel knock-outs of opposing players in his fights.
The Lows: Did not see much time after the arrival of Matt Niskanen.
Additional Comments: Has become regarded as one of the new heavyweights of the NHL when it comes to fighting.
The Future: Should stick around with the team because of his defensive-mindedness. The team's depth at the lower levels is more of the puck moving defenseman types.
Name: Mark Letestu
Position: C
Games Played: 64
The Highs: Letestu had a great training camp and earned his way on to the team. Excelled at 3rd and 4th line duties, and also turned up on the score sheet most during those times.
The Lows: Did not have a strong showing late in the season with the skilled players left in the lineup, especially when serviing as the "#1" center. As he moved up the depth chart, he became the embodiment of "the Peter principle".
Additional Comments: Expect a bounce back type performance from him when he is back down to the 3rd and 4th lines.
The Future: Letestu has 2 more years on the extension he signed. I believe that he will be a solid contributor to the team in a proper role.
Name: Marc-Andre Fleury
Position: G
Games Played: 65
The Highs: Despite slow start, managed 36 wins. When he is "on", he is aggressive, plays angles well, and uses his poke check as an extra defender. Has a personality that allows for a bad game to be laughed off, which is crucial for a goalie.
The Lows: Fleury was awful to start the season, and for a time was benched in favor of Brent Johnson. Had a .900 save percentage in the playoffs. Being beaten for a second year in a row by a lesser goalie is a strong concern. When he is "off", he is down on the ice way too much. Is terrible at side to side puck recognition when the play originates behind the net.
Additional Comments: Is one of the most polarizing athletes in Pittsburgh. Perhaps only Ben Roethlisberger draws more scrutinity on his every play. It was suggested that management told him in no uncertain terms thathe must play better in the next season (this past one). He had a great bounce-back in the regular season, but at times in the playoffs just did not rise to the level of a dominant goaltender.
The Future: His contract has 4 more years at a $5m cap hit. Even if the team wanted to deal him, it would not be easy to find a partner with the league wide trend moving towards cheaper goalies. In all of my hockey experience, I've never witnessed a franchise goalie blossom from start to finish, so I will say that with the proper level of consistency, Fleury is still a valuable piece of this team and its plans for the future.
Name: Chris Kunitz
Position: LW
Games Played: 66
The Highs: Netted 23 goals.
The Lows: Had a difficult stretch run and playoffs.
Additional Comments: I spent most of this season thinking he was gonig to be UFA, when he actually has 1 more year left on his deal. Kunitz played well most of the time without a contract on the line. Hopefully he will do so next season with a potential big deal on the line.
The Future: Kunitz is a $3.75m cap hit in his final season. He plays well with Sidney Crosby. I'm not sure the Penguins are going to break the bank to sign Kunnie no matter he does next season. They will have a price in mind, as will he, and if they sides can't meet somewhere in between then they part company.
Name: Matt Cooke
Position: LW
Games Played: 67
The Highs: His value as a penalty killer was never more obvious than during his suspension at the end of the season.
The Lows: Multiple suspensions and the reputation as being the "dirtiest player in hockey".
Additional Comments: Sources indicate that Cooke sought "help" for some issues he was dealing with and that there may have been a situation with his family during the season.
The Future: Ray Shero seems committed to giving Cooke another chance here. If Cooke can remove the stupidness from his game, he is a valuable asset. If not, he is a liability of the worst kind.
Name: Zbynek Michalek
Position: D
Games Played: 73
The Highs:
The Lows:
Additional Comments:
The Future:
Name: Paul Martin
Position: D
Games Played: 77
The Highs:
The Lows:
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The Future:
Name: Tyler Kennedy
Position: LW
Games Played: 80
The Highs:
The Lows:
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The Future:
Name: Craig Adams
Position: RW
Games Played: 80
The Highs:
The Lows:
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The Future:
Name: Pascal Dupuis
Position: LW
Games Played: 81
The Highs:
The Lows:
Additional Comments:
The Future:
Name: Mike Rupp
Position: C
Games Played: 81
The Highs:
The Lows:
Additional Comments:
The Future:
Name: Kris Letang
Position: D
Games Played: 82
The Highs:
The Lows:
Additional Comments:
The Future:
Name: Max Talbot
Position: C
Games Played: 82
The Highs:
The Lows:
Additional Comments:
The Future:
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