Sullivan Pushes Tomasino for More, Hayes Finds Spot; Penguins Speak (+)

LOS ANGELES — The Pittsburgh Penguins locker room is dotted with several new faces, some of whom began the season with the team, dumped upon them by their former teams with additional draft picks tucked in their luggage to offset onerous salaries. There is also Philip Tomasino, the first young player acquired by Dubas as a salvage operation.

The new blood played a significant part in the Penguins’ 5-1 win over the LA Kings Monday night. Tomasino had a pretty assist (and should have been awarded another on the Penguins’ first goal). Anthony Beauvilier had a goal and an assist. Kevin Hayes was a force driving to the net with a goal and an assist.

It was the type of game the team needed.

It was also a momentary showcase of the progression or skills of the newbies.

Throughout the preseason and early campaign, coach Mike Sullivan succinctly enumerated multiple skills or facets each player needed to improve to stick in the NHL lineup.

For most, there have been ups and downs, or, as Hayes put it, “more downs than ups.”

So, we asked the new players and Sullivan a simple question with an infinite number of potential answers, logical or emotional: How’s it going so far? Sullivan’s answer to Tomasino was eye-opening. Sullivan’s response was optimistic but also dripped in subtext and challenge. It was not rosy praise regarding the significant issues facing Tomasino’s long-term lineup inclusion. The coach has also learned something important about Hayes.