CRANBERRY TWP, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Jeff Carter got a second practice after what ended up being a point less, but not pointless debut Thursday night.
Carter didn't end up with a goal or an assist in the 2-1 loss, but said it was good to get that one out of the way with a pair of games in Buffalo Saturday and Sunday at 3p.
"I thought their line had a pretty good night," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "They had some really good scoring opportunities. I think their line moving forward that we should be able to rely on both sides of the puck."
Carter's line continued to be Jason Zucker on his off-hand and Jared McCann at practice on Friday. Carter was anxious for more time around the guys and thinks game 2 will be better.
"Always thought highly of Jeff," said defenseman Kris Letang. "He's a really good player on both sides of the puck. He fits in every aspect of the game, brings tons of speed, good around the net. I think with more practice and games he will get more chemistry with his teammates and get better."
As for the adjustments for Zucker and McCann?
"These guys are good players," Sullivan said. "I think it's an easy adjustment for them. I think Jeff's size and 200-foot game in the middle really helps us."
And that's where Sullivan will keep him, at least for the present. Injuries and returnees could affect that plan.
"Jeff's a guy who has a lot of versatility to his game," Sullivan said. "We know that he's played a fair amount on the wing this year, but we also that he's played most of his career in the center ice position. He's been really good there on both sides of the puck. He's a good defensive center every bit as much as he is a good offensive center. You could see some of the speed he created off the rush. He challenged their speed with wide speed. He got in alone one time. He had a number of scoring chances."
He also likes his hands and believes he still can shoot the puck really well. Carter also plays mostly a straight-ahead game. He will likely be a fan favorite if only for this. He likes to shoot the puck.
"It enhances our overall team game and our identity and how we are trying to play," Sullivan said. "When you have a guy that's as big and as strong as Jeff is, especially playing the center ice position where he is going to spend a fair amount of time playing down low in our end. Just leaning on people with his reach and his strength and his size just makes us harder to play against. I think he's really fit into our team in a positive way in so many different aspects on both sides of the puck."
"You could see how he will make us a better hockey team. I think the more familiar he gets with how we are trying to play. I think it's just going to help him even more going forward."
