Since landing in Pittsburgh on November 25th, in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators, from Penguins GM and President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas, the puck has simply gone in for Philip Tomasino.
In Nashville, Philip Tomasino only had one point in 11 games, and the move to Pittsburgh seems to have revitalized his season.
Tomasino had three goals and four points in six games with the Penguins, who were 5-2 since his arrival.
It's been quite the resurgence up front for Pittsburgh, which has scored five or more goals in four of those contests, after failing to do so very often in the early parts of this season.
He's been playing among the Penguins' top six forwards alongside Evgeni Malkin and instantly fit in regardless of which person completed the trio on the left-wing side, be it Drew O'Connor, Michael Bunting, or Cody Glass.
Once more, his skill as a playmaker is bound to come through. Tomasino had the primary assist on the latest Evgeni Malkin goal versus Florida that ended the 10-game drought of the Penguins superstar.
This new dynamic has revitalized Malkin's production besides giving the Penguins some much-needed depth up front.
Mix in other bottom-six forwards like Michael Bunting, Anthony Beauvillier, and Blake Lizotte, who have combined for 20 goals and 32 points this year, and all of a sudden, the Pittsburgh offense doesn't seem as one-dimensional or top-heavy.
The bold move by Kyle Dubas to acquire Tomasino could be only just the beginning. To even have a shred of legitimacy in the playoff hopes of the Penguins, probably one more key deal will be needed to create that vital link.
Under the guiding hand of Dubas, the process is far from finished as they begin to get down to work in order to truly bolster themselves for a playoff run.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 12 | 115 ANSWERS Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas' Trade Finally Paying Off Will the Pittsburgh Penguins make the playoffs this season? | ||
yes | 24 | 20.9 % |
No | 91 | 79.1 % |
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