Is it Time for the Penguins to Promote Sam Poulin?

In many ways, Reilly Smith’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for our Penguins. Not only does Smith’s absence rob the black-and-gold of a skilled if slumping forward, it upsets the delicate balance among our lines that coach Mike Sullivan and his staff worked so hard to achieve.

However, as the old saying goes, one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity.

Who will Sullivan plug into the breach?

The logical answer is Radim Zohorna, who’s currently on the roster as a ready-made replacement. However, since starting his season on a comparative hot streak with three goals and five points in his first nine games, “Big Z’s” been colder than a North Atlantic mackerel with only two points (1+1) in his past 20 games. Worse yet, the hulking 6’6” Czechian has been playing a small man’s game in a big man’s body. In the process nullifying many of the positives he could potentially bring to the mix.

Zohorna might do in a pinch. But I no longer view him as a long-term option.

With four assists in his past seven games, hustling Jansen Harkins has played really well of late while skating on the fourth line.

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