Penguins forward Drew O’Connor contributing more offense
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Drew O’Connor didn’t mince words.
His play had dropped off. And he knew it.
In the midst of a seven-game slump without a point, he offered a blunt critique of himself Feb. 13.
“I need to find ways to contribute more,” O’Connor said after a practice in Cranberry that day. “Just haven’t contributed enough, haven’t helped the team in enough ways. Just have to keep fighting, battling through it a little bit. Hopefully, it starts to come.”
Consider those hopes realized.
Since that harsh self-audit, O’Connor has recorded five points (two goals, three assists).
And even beyond the base offensive figures, he has found ways to be a factor in every corner of the ice.
Be it a defensive zone steal, a screen on a teammate’s goal or a stiff check in the corner to force a turnover, O’Connor has been one of the team’s more complete players as of late.
“He’s been playing phenomenal,” Penguins forward Bryan Rust said. “He’s been skating really, really well. He’s in on the forecheck, causing turnovers.
“He’s playing with a lot of confidence. We’re going to need more of that out of him. He’s been fantastic.”
Thursday’s 4-1 home win against the Montreal Canadiens might have been O’Connor’s best game of the season. In addition to scoring a goal and recording an assist, he helped create a turnover by the Canadiens in their own zone, then set up a screen leading to the Penguins’ opening goal by defenseman Kris Letang.
A TALLY ON HIS BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT! ????
Kris Letang evens the score at 1-1. pic.twitter.com/Iv0PAFItjt
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 23, 2024
As for his goal, it was a dart from above the left circle that singed the blocker of goaltender Cayden Primeau on the near side.
THAT'S GOALS IN CONSECUTIVE GAMES FOR DREW O'CONNOR!
(And a 3-1 lead for the Penguins) pic.twitter.com/vuGKAMGWp3
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 23, 2024
With the Penguins struggling to stay in playoff contention, O’Connor has been doing what he can to bail water out of the team’s sinking boat.
“We needed more guys to step up and start contributing offensively,” he said after Thursday’s game. “We didn’t have that for a little stretch there, so whenever that is going, it’s good. But I think it doesn’t necessarily speak of (my) overall game.”
His overall contributions were limited, even beyond recordable offense in his estimation before this five-game spurt.
“I can do everything a little better,” O’Connor said Feb. 13. “Offense comes from doing those things. Playing strong defensively, breaking up plays, forechecking hard, playing physical, all of that leads to offense. … Those are things I know I can do well.”
That was evident during a 4-1 road win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 15, when he generated the winning goal by forward Reilly Smith.
Stealing a pass in the defensive zone by Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard, O’Connor immediately transitioned to the attack and dished a pass that Smith converted into a snazzy backhanded goal.
Oh Reilly, you make us so smiley ????
Smith has 11 goals and 18 points in 24 career games against the Chicago Blackhawks. pic.twitter.com/Iu88cTqtuf
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 16, 2024
A handful of video sessions helped identify areas he could spruce up and get past a slow start to February.
“Just looking at some of the clips from (previous) games, I think I definitely saw some things that I could do better,” O’Connor said. “Specifically, holding onto pucks in the offensive zone and not throwing it away. Just having the confidence to make plays with it. Those conversations help with your confidence.”
That boost of self-esteem has led to him being one of the team’s more potent offensive threats as of late.
“Not playing afraid to make mistakes,” O’Connor said. “I think I was just trying to make plays when they’re there. I can do that without being a high-risk player.
“If I can help to contribute offensively, I’ll look to do that.”
Note: The Penguins had a scheduled day off Friday.