Aston-Reese in different spot
In college, he often filled role Crosby plays for him now
Zach Aston-Reese knows what it’s like to be in Sidney Crosby’s shoes. Sort of, anyway. Over the past few years, Crosby often has played with some of the Penguins’ younger, inexperienced wingers. Conor Sheary two years ago and Jake Guentzel last season. This year, it has been a couple of guys, including Dominik Simon and, now Aston-Reese.
Aston-Reese finished the Penguins’ 6-3 win Tuesday against Ottawa on Crosby’s top line and was there again against Los Angeles Thursday night.
But a year ago, AstonReese was in Crosby’s position.
“At Northeastern, my senior year, I was the top guy, and we had some injuries,” Aston-Reese said. “So some guys from the fourth line had to come up, and they were gripping their stick a little too tight at that level. You think about that and you try to get rid of that mindset as soon as possible, that negative energy. Go out, make plays and play hard.”
That’s exactly what Aston-Reese did Tuesday night, scoring his first NHL goal in the second period of the win against the Senators.
He admitted he doesn’t quite remember if Crosby said anything to him afterward, completely caught up in the moment.
“Those are fun,” Crosby said. “It’s great to see guys score their first, and there’s no reaction like it. It’s fun to be a part of that, and it’s fun to see the expression on their face, how proud they are. We’re always happy to see that.”
Back with Crosby Thursday against the Kings, Aston-Reese tries hard not to overthink things. He realizes he’s playing with one of the best players in the world, but, much like Sheary, Guentzel and Simon before him, he’s just trying to play his game.
“I’m not trying to be on the perimeter, trying to dangle between two guys’ skate and sticks,” Aston-Reese said. “I think what happened last game was just moving my feet and competing, battling and finding open spots. I think I can’t deviate from that.”
When he looks at the bigger picture, though, he can also take a second to appreciate the situation he’s in.
“It’s hard to name other players that are up in his class, there’s only a handful,” Aston-Reese said. “Thinking back to a year ago, playing at Northeastern, it’s hard to imagine yourself there. But it’s all part of the job. It’s pretty special.”
One pretty goal
Carl Hagelin noticed several Senators drifting toward the right post, which is why he figured Evgeni Malkin would be open in the left circle in the second period Tuesday against Ottawa.
The backhand pass Hagelin delivered was a thing of beauty, nearly as pretty as Malkin’s spinning, backhand finish.
“I looked back quick, and I knew [Malkin] was on that side,” Hagelin said Thursday, discussing one of the prettiest Penguins goals this season for the first time. “The way the play kind of developed, I saw a lot of their guys going to the right side of the post. I threw it to the other side where I knew Geno was.
“It’s a big goal for us, an important goal.”
The play made highlights shows everywhere. It also continued Hagelin’s recent run of strong play alongside Malkin.
Asked whether he would’ve had the confidence to make such a play earlier this season, Hagelin flashed his sneaky-good sense of humor.
“I don’t know, maybe,” Hagelin said. “But I would’ve missed it.”
Murray on a roll
Going into the game Thursday night against the Kings, Matt Murray was 5-01 in his six starts since returning to the Penguins after the death of his father last month.
In those six games, he has posted a .916 save percentage and a .924 even-strength save percentage. Over Murray’s first 31 games this season, he had a .903 save percentage, and .905 at even strength.
His recent numbers are more in line with his career averages (.925 overall and .932 even strength coming into this season) and the Penguins are hoping that trend continues.
“I think he’s tracking the puck extremely well,” Sullivan said. “When he tracks the puck the way he does, he’s such an intelligent goalie, he reads plays as well as any goalie I’ve been around. He tends to make the saves look easy because he’s always square with it. The puck just seems to hit him, and I think that’s an indication of when Matt’s really on the top of his game.”
Honoring O’Ree
The Penguins met with Willie O’Ree, the first black player in NHL history, after their morning skate Thursday, as part of “Hockey Is For Everyone” month across the league.
“He was a guy that paved the way for me to be here, honestly,” said Ryan Reaves, the only black player on the Penguins’ roster. “A pioneer of sorts. Obviously, an honor. I’m going to go out there, shake his hand, thank him and, hopefully, put on a good show for him today.”
Hornqvist making progress
Patric Hornqvist skated with skills coach Ty Hennes before the Penguins’ morning skate Thursday. He had skated on his own Wednesday for the first time since a lower-body injury Feb. 2 against Washington.
“Obviously, the next step would be to join the team,” Sullivan said. “The fact that he’s back on the ice is a big step for him.”