Penguins Rookie Ben Kindel Ends Drought with Goals in Consecutive Games
Ben Kindel, the 18-year-old rookie forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has made headlines by breaking a lengthy goalless streak. For over a month, Kindel struggled to find the net, going 19 games without scoring from December 16 to January 22. Despite this, he also recorded six assists during this dry spell, reflecting his overall contributions to the team.
Ben Kindel’s Scoring Resurgence
On January 30, during a match against the Chicago Blackhawks, Kindel ended his scoring drought with notable performances in back-to-back games. He netted a goal in the Penguins’ 6-2 victory, marking his third goal in as many games.
Coach Dan Muse Weighs In
Pens coach Dan Muse commented on Kindel’s recent success, stating, “It’s not a matter of not getting chances. Sometimes, it’s just about converting those opportunities.” His comments suggest that Kindel’s previous struggles were related to the mental aspect of the game rather than a lack of effort or skill.
Key Moments in the Game
In the second period, Kindel scored after receiving a pass from Anthony Mantha. The sequence began when Blackhawks defenseman Artyom Levshunov misplayed the puck. This created an opportunity for Kindel, who skillfully took a shot that passed through the legs of Chicago goalie Arvid Soderblom.
Later in the period, Kindel further contributed by assisting Mantha’s goal, which increased the Penguins’ lead. This two-point night elevated Kindel’s season totals to 11 goals and 13 assists over 49 games, placing him seventh among NHL rookies.
- Goals This Season: 11
- Assists This Season: 13
- Games Played: 49
Looking Ahead
Kindel remains optimistic regarding his performance. He emphasized the importance of maintaining his play style, saying, “There’s so much more to the game than scoring.” Whether or not he continues to find the net, his commitment to the game’s essential details remains steadfast.
As Kindel continues to develop, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he builds on this scoring momentum with the Pittsburgh Penguins throughout the remainder of the season.
