Carter helps Kapanen out of his slump
Coach says pair have chemistry on and off ice
Since getting back into the Penguins lineup two weeks ago, Kasperi Kapanen has displayed an on-ice connection with Jeff Carter. The veteran center set up both of his recent goals, and together they generated a slew of scoring chances.
“I think one of the reasons why they have foucnd a little bit of chemistry on the ice is because they have it off the ice,” coach Mike Sullivan said Tuesday.
Kapanen was admittedly down throughout that slump that saw him go more than two months without a goal. After Kapanen finally scored again in Arizona, it looked like Carter might have been even more excited. And that’s saying a lot because Kapanen planted a celebratory smooch on his stick.
After that cathartic goal, Kapanen praised Carter, 37, for his mentorship.
“He’s always taking care of me. When I’m down, he picks me up,” Kapanen said March 19. “He’s gone through it. He’s a veteran guy. I’m just lucky to have him on the team and on my line right now. So we’re meshing well together.”
Kapanen was expected to remain on Carter’s line in Tuesday’s game against the New York Rangers. In the previous six games, those two have been quite effective. In transition, Carter is getting Kapanen the puck as he flies down the right wing. Inside the zone, he is hitting Kapanen in the high slot.
Kapanen had a point in four of those six games. And their line had 11 high-danger scoring chances over that span with just six against, per Natural Stat Trick.
Between shifts, Carter and Kapanen are often spotted talking about what they see out there. Sullivan said the same thing goes on inside the dressing room.
“Carts is just a great leader in that regard. He’s a good mentor. He’s a positive guy. He offers words of encouragement. [ That was beneficial] for a guy like Kappy, who was going through a bit of a struggle,” Sullivan said. “And I think their relationship has grown because of it. [Carter is] just a real good leader.”
Big Ben honored
Ben Roethlisberger has apparently spent his retirement learning how to skate.
Not really. But that’s how it looked for a second Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena.
The Penguins honored the former Steelers quarterback prior to playing the New York Rangers. Not only did Roethlisberger do the ceremonial puck drop, but Penguins players also wore No. 7 Roethlisberger jerseys while warming up.
After the national anthem, Roethlisberger walked across a black carpet to center ice. Many fans twirled Terrible Towels while giving him a standing ovation.
Roethlisberger was met by Penguins star Sidney Crosby and Rangers center Barclay Goodrow. When Crosby handed him the puck, Roethlisberger cocked his arm as if he was about to go deep, playfully giving Pittsburghers a pump fake.
Roethlisberger’s wife, Ashley, and their three kids watched from a corner.
As the quarterback left the ice, he patted his heart and waved to the crowd again. Meanwhile, public address announcer Ryan Mill bellowed, “We’ll see you in Canton.” Roethlisberger will be eligible to be on the ballot for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.
Roethlisberger, who led the Steelers to two Lombardi Trophies, announced his retirement from the NFL in January.
Full contact for Zucker
Jason Zucker has been cleared for full contact, the final step in his recovery from a core muscle injury that required surgery Jan. 25. He took part in Tuesday’s morning skate without any restrictions. The veteran winger could rejoin the lineup in the next week.
The Penguins play Zucker’s former team, the Wild, Thursday in Minnesota. He has yet to play in Minnesota since he was traded here in February 2020.
Meanwhile, Brock McGinn has begun to use both hands on his stick while skating on an individual basis. However, his return to the lineup is not imminent.
Rust ‘stabilizing factor’
Bryan Rust remained on Evgeni Malkin’s right wing during the morning skate. Evan Rodrigues was on the top line alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel.
Sullivan recently explained his rationale for sticking Rust on the second line.
He noted that Rust’s speed allows him to create loose pucks and scoring chances on the forecheck or to race back to erase would-be odd-man rushes. And Rust can finish now. But he is also smart and responsible in the defensive end.
“He has great awareness in the defensive zone. So the reads that he makes, the decisions that he makes with his linemates, I think stabilize the line that he’s been on,” Sullivan said. “He’s just a really good player on both sides of the puck. And I think when he plays with Geno, he’s a stabilizing factor because of that.”
Angello promoted
The Penguins on Tuesday promoted Anthony Angello from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. He did not play against the Rangers.
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound forward has played one game for the Penguins after skating in 19 last season.
Ceiling to rise
The NHL informed general managers that next season the salary cap ceiling will rise $1 million to a total of $82.5 million, according to multiple reports. The Penguins currently have a projected cap hit of $53.4 million for 2022-23, per Capfriendly.com. Their many free agents include Malkin,
Rust and Kris Letang.