So just how good has Jeff Carter been since Penguins GM Ron Hextall stole him from the L.A. Kings for two draft picks? I'd say you can look it up but you don't have to because we have Bob Grove:
I'm not sure which set of numbers is more impressive, although it's obvious that Carter's offense has had a direct impact on the Pens' success. Yet Mike Sullivan knows that Carter's value goes beyond his prolific goal-scoring.
"He wins face offs, his size and his strength helps us when we're playing down low in our end, he's good defensively, he leans on people, he's hard," Sullivan said. "I think it's just his experience and his ability to make plays under pressure; there's no panic in his game in any aspect, regardless of what the score is."
In fact, both of Carter's goals in Game 3 came shortly after the Islanders had tied the score – in the second period then this one in the third:
Kris Letang was suitably impressed. "You can't teach that," Letang admired, "that's like pure goal-scoring ability. It's been really good for us since he got with our team.
"Playing against him when he was with Philly I always thought he was a dangerous player," Letang continued, "A lot of speed and an unbelievable shot that we saw on display tonight. He's just a really tough player to play against. He's got the size, the skill and the speed. To have him on our side is a big boost and I think everybody knew that we were getting a really, really good player."
But this good? Since Carter has come to Pittsburgh, only Boston's Brad Marchand is the only NHL player who has scored more goals. Carter, himself, admits he wasn't sure what to expect after he agreed to be traded.
"To be honest I really didn't know where I was going to fit in, whether it was wing, center or whatnot," said Carter who has played exclusively at center with the Pens. "I've really enjoyed my role. For the most part I've been with Canner (Jared McCann) and Freddie (Gaudreau). I think we work well together and we can bring some complementary scoring to the top 2 lines. As far as going out winning faceoffs and penalty killing I've really enjoyed what we've been working with here."
Carter says any apprehension of joining a new team after 10 years quickly evaporated. "It's been a real easy group to come into. When you get traded, sometimes it takes guys a while to get comfortable. Sid's really the only guy I knew. I knew Tanger a little bit, but everybody was great and as a new guy coming in when you feel comfortable it accelerates the process."
Some had wondered how Carter would adapt to Sullivan's "speed game" after spending most of his career on the Kings, one of the NHL's "heavier" teams. Not only has that not been a problem, but the Penguins style seems to bring out the best in Carter.
"Hockey's hockey," he reasoned. "Every team plays a little bit differently but for the most part you go out and play on your instincts. It's been good; it's worked out well."
That may be the understatement of the season. Carter has been a nothing less than a Godsend, especially with the absence of Evgeni Malkin. Now that Malkin is back, Sullivan has the most strength he has had down the middle since the Cup-winning days of Nick Bonino.
"With Carts in the middle now we think we have a balanced attack," Sullivan said after Carter's 2-goal outburst. "On any given night, any line can score and we have lines that we can utilize in different situations. I think Carts' addition has been huge to our team."
If Carter doesn't watch out his success may cost the Pens a higher draft pick because that third round pick in 2022 will turn into a second rounder if the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Final.
My guess is all of Pittsburgh would be okay with that.
