Blog : Jim Rutherford Deserves a Round of Applause

When Jim Rutherford started in Pittsburgh, I think most people were disgusted by how he handled the first few weeks. But he has made some big changes, and some good ones at that.
One of the biggest problems the Penguins have had in the past few years is the bottom 6. They have not been the supporting cast that superstars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin deserve. Let it be known, I'm not letting Crosby off the hook for his sub-par playoff performances. However, it is clear that the bottom 6 was an issue. The reason why it was such a struggle was forward depth. In recent years, Ray Shero has done a fantastic job supplying the Penguins with the young defensive talent they need, through good drafts and good development. Guys like Olli Maatta, Robert Bortuzzo, and Simon Despres. But can we say the same about the forwards?
Beau Bennett is probably the best forward that has been home grown in the past 5 years. Beau Bennett is a good hockey player, but that's not enough. So when you look at the offseason, you see that the forwards have been the main difference from last years team to this years. We all had to face the departure of James Neal, but in return we got a very hardworking and skilled Patric Hornqvist. Add in players like Steve Downie, a player we all loved to hate, and Blake Comeau, I'd say Rutherford knows what he is doing. Not to mention first round draft pick Kasperi Kapanen. Many experts are saying that Kaspanen has a real shot at seeing playing time this season. That's the kind of production I love to see from Jim Rutherford. So I say, we give him a round of applause. For now.