12/21/24
May 26, 2006
"You can wait for what seems like a lifetime for your dream and then, all of a sudden, it happens in a split second.": For Dustin "little-guy-turned-big-guy" Penner, there has been no preordained super stardom to dilute his work ethic, which has been key for him beginning to realize his dream of playing in the NHL, and playing well. At 6'4", 245lbs, with 10 points in 12 playoff games, and one of the few players I've ever seen able to box out Pronger with pure strength rather than leverage, he is well on his way. Poolies beware, Penner is on now officially on the radar.
He seems like he could be a very good player. He plays big, but small - is a good skater (great for a guy his size) and has some hands. Definitely an offensive guy though. Not yet a complete player, not yet a first line player, but he looks like he's here to stay. Whether that means Todd Bertuzzi-here-to-stay, or Brad Isbister-here-to-stay remains to be seen.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 09:28 AM on May 26, 2006
Agreed. He is still a bit raw. But I really like the fact that he got his size late in his development as a player. He scores the hard working goals and is a force along the wall. And I think he is a major reason the Ducks have won the last 5 periods 10-7. In game 3 Penner finally starting bucking Pronger off his back, and hasn't stopped since. During one shift in game 3 I couldn't believe my eyes. Up until that point Pronger owned his end. Pronger would simply close in on the forward, lay a check and either pin or move the puck. But something happened midway through game 3. Penner decided to stand up and fight back. And its working.
posted by garfield at 09:40 AM on May 26, 2006
Yeah - I saw that too. Pronger looks a bit tired, he needs a couple nights off. I like Penner (hell, I like a lot of the Ducks youngsters - what a loaded team. They should be good next year, too), but I don't think he could do that to Pronger ad nauseum. He's just fresh enough to get away with it and not find himself eating an elbow. Penner's big, but Pronger is meeeeeaaaannn.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 09:55 AM on May 26, 2006
I don't know, I think he is getting in Pronger's head a bit. For a rookie to get a veteran to lay out like he did on Penner's first at the side of the goal, and the rookie to walk around him and score is not a good sign. But Pronger is 1meanSOB, no doubt.
posted by garfield at 09:59 AM on May 26, 2006
By most reports, Pronger has that weird flu bug that seems to attack Edmonton whenever they make it to the playoffs. That could account for his recent drop-off...
posted by fabulon7 at 10:26 AM on May 26, 2006
Oh yeah, he played pretty well last night too.