1 week Ago By Justin Guerriero
Sam Poulin’s ability to persevere through tough situations cannot be doubted. Off the ice, Poulin successfully navigated a multi-month period away from hockey, having taken an absence from the Penguins organization in 2022-23, prioritizing his mental health. At the end of this past preseason, Poulin, whom the Penguins chose 19th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, was waived by the club, having failed to crack the opening night roster.
Called up by the Penguins Monday from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, this current opportunity in front of Poulin might be the most promising yet to establish himself as an NHLer. “Sam has really evolved as a pro,” said coach Mike Sullivan. “He’s been a real impact player (with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton).
He has shown an ability to score goals at that level and produce offensively while still bringing a conscientious game away from the puck. Our expectation is that that game translates to the NHL level. “He’s a guy that’s a young player that we’re excited about and we’re looking forward to getting him in the lineup and seeing what kind of impact he can have with our group in helping this team move forward.
” After being waived, the 23-year-old Poulin got off to a hot start in the AHL, ranking second on Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in points (three goals, six assists) through 11 games before being recalled to Pittsburgh. Whereas in the past, injuries and roster logjams have conspired to prevent Poulin from getting an extended look in the NHL, limiting his participation to six games over the past two seasons, things could be different this time around. The nature of Poulin’s call-up surrounded wingers Kevin Hayes (unspecified ailment) and Cody Glass (concussion) landing on injured reserve.
Then, a day after Poulin arrived in Pittsburgh, the Penguins traded regular third-line center Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals. Poulin, a 6-foot-2 left-handed shot who was deployed at right wing with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this year, can play center and both forward spots. “I feel good, honestly,” Poulin said ahead of Wednesday’s puck drop against the Detroit Red Wings.
“I think I prepared the right way. I wanted to stay ready. That’s what I did, and I’m just happy to be in.
” Poulin made his 2024-25 debut Wednesday evening, factoring in as right wing on the club’s third line. In the Penguins’ 3-2 overtime defeat, Poulin skated 10 minutes, 4 seconds, including 57 seconds short-handed. Poulin did not record a shot but took a minor penalty about four minutes into the second period, tripping Detroit’s Michael Rasmussen.
The infraction was a costly one, as 51 seconds after Poulin got situated in the penalty box, Patrick Kane fired a snap shot past Alex Nedeljkovic to put Detroit up 2-1. Following the loss, Poulin reflected on his overall performance in career NHL game No. 7.
“All right,” Poulin said. “I think I expect a lot from myself, so, first game, I always expect to be the best and play my best. I think I’ve got to be patient with myself and know that it’s a process.
I’ll just keep working.” Poulin was also dealt a bit of a curveball early into the game, as his center, Blake Lizotte, left the contest at the 12:36 mark after taking a puck to the face in front of Detroit’s cage. Lizotte did not return, resulting in a shifting of the remaining 11 forwards that saw Poulin form a line with Drew O’Connor at center and Noel Acciari playing left wing.
Sullivan offered a brighter individual postgame assessment than Poulin did of himself. “I thought Sam was fine,” Sullivan said. “I thought he was strong on pucks, I thought he was strong in the offensive zone.
A penalty’s a penalty. I didn’t think it was a great call, quite honestly. But he was competing on pucks, I thought he was strong on pucks, he was pretty good on the wall coming out of our end, (and) we used him on the penalty kill a little bit when (O’Connor) got a penalty.
“I thought he had a pretty good game for his first game.” Minus Glass, Hayes and now potentially Lizotte, who was being evaluated by the Penguins’ medical staff, per Sullivan, Poulin could be entrusted to shoulder an even larger load when he’s in the lineup. “There’s going to be some opportunities for guys, and we need some guys to step up and make an impact,” Sullivan said.
“Our guys, out of necessity, are going to be put in positions to give themselves a chance to make an impact, help our team win and establish themselves as NHL players.” Note : The Penguins had a scheduled day off Thursday..
