CRANBERRY TWP, PA (93.7 The Fan) - When you look at who had success against the Islanders this year, the most goals come from one of the more underappreciated Pens players.
Forward Bryan Rust has five against New York this season, a hat trick on March 27, the second-to-last meeting of the season, helped the numbers.
Rust also has 6 game winning goals this year, that's second on the team trailing only line mate Jake Guentzel by one.
"His offensive game has evolved so much in his time here as a Pittsburgh Penguin," said Pens head coach Mike Sullivan. "He's always had that strong defensive game. That hasn't changed much, it's only gotten better with his experience in the league."
"His offensive game has really evolved to the point where he's an impact player on both sides of the puck."
Hence the move on January 24th by Sullivan to put Rust with Guentzel and Sidney Crosby on the top line.
"He's had real good chemistry with Sid and Jake," Sullivan said. "He's a big part of that line. He brings a speed element to that line that helps them force turnovers. He plays in so many key situations."
I'd say, the top three scoring forwards are all on that line. Crosby-62 points, Guentzel 57 points, Rust-42 points. That's 69 goals and 161 points combined. The goals breakdown is Crosby-24, Guentzel 23, Rust-22
"It's been something I've been trying to develop over the last few years," Rust said. "It's working on my consistency. Having a good mindset and a good effort every night. You've seen in my first few years where I would go through stretches where I would have great games and have lulls for a period of time. For me, over the past few years I've been focused on bringing that consistency."
He's also spending time learning from his line mates and others, not just Penguins.
"Obviously I've played with those guys quite a bit a lot of this year and years past," Rust said. "I watch what they do. Those two are two good offensive players."
"Not just those two guys, but other good offensive players. Take notes on those little things in their game that maybe gives them better body position or opportunity to get more offense or better release or things like that. Just trying to always take notes whether its guys on our team or guys on other teams."
Rust is one of a handful of Penguins with 7 points or more against the Islanders this season. He said the key is speed and making swift decisions against the Isles defense.
"Difference between playing fast and being fast," Rust said. "Playing fast you always are trying to move the puck quickly, trying to get up the ice as fast as you can, join the rush. Against a team like the Islanders who defend so well and who always have guys and numbers back. We have to use our speed to gain a little bit of space on guys when they are there."
Rust is one of the key elements to winning that first round series. His first two full seasons, the Pens won the Stanley Cup. Rust had 13 goals combined in those two years. In the following three playoff years, Rust has 4 goals.
He may not be as talked about as a key for the Pens in the postseason, but Bryan Rust does a lot for Mike Sullivan and not just with the improved offense.
"I think he's good defensively," Sullivan said. "He has good awareness away from the puck. He's positionally sound. There are so many ways Rusty helps this team have success."
