Therrien Changing His Tune On Orpik

Justin Maffei | Pittsburgh Penguins

Mar 19, 04:53 PM | Hype this story!

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Michel Therrien has been happy with defenseman Brooks Orpik’s play since the injury of Rob Scuderi. As Therrien says, Orpik has been doing a “really good job.”

For most of the season, Orpik looked as though he was likely to move on to another team this summer. Though, GM Ray Shero has been pleased with the hard-hitting defenseman, coach Michel Therrien has not seemed to share those feelings. Orpik has had to deal with healthy scratches and a move to left wing (due to injuries). Through all these trials and tribulations, Orpik has remained confident in his abilities.

The fact that Therrien turned to Orpik when Scuderi was injured shows a good deal of faith. Therrien could have easily turned to newly acquired defenseman Hal Gill. Gill is a veteran, defensive defenseman with a physical edge. Giving Orpik the role of Gonchar’s partner has shown faith in the wiry defenseman, and he has responded well.

If Therrien has indeed changed his mind about Brooks Orpik, look for him to be re-signed in the off-season. This should please many fans who have been wondering why Therrien could dislike a hard-hitting defenseman when it seemed to be one of the Penguins’ biggest needs.

Comments

  1. Dave W

    Mar 19, 11:24 PM

    maybe the pressure of being on the top pairing has motivated him a little bit…plus, with Gonchar as his partner, no doubt Orpik’s role is much more defined as the stay at home d-man

  2. Justin Maffei

    Mar 20, 12:44 AM

    That is a very good point Dave. Perhaps he relishes in the spotlight. I did like him and Letang together, however. They were great at knowing when to pinch down to keep a puck in the zone.

    However, it is difficult to put anyone except Letang with Gill for the speed factor.

  3. Dave W

    Mar 20, 04:17 PM

    going into the season I really thought Orpik had to “outperform” Mark Eaton to stay on this team long term. I guess that’s not an issue any longer. I can’t see the Pens spending money on Eaton this offseason unless it is a reduction from what he made the last two years.

  4. Justin Maffei

    Mar 20, 05:09 PM

    I agree with most of your statement. However, my hope and belief is that the Penguins will not even try to re-sign Eaton; not even at a reduced price. The fact that he has had season-ending injuries in two consecutive seasons does not bode well for him. I hope that he does return to the ice and his old self, but it is going to be an uphill battle. That battle should occur outside of Pittsburgh.

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