Facing an uncertain season, the Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their roster by signing forward Blake Lizotte to a two-year contract. The Penguins signing Lizotte was a strategic move to enhance the bottom-six forward depth. The 26-year-old forward is known for his high-energy play and versatility. He joins the Penguins with the expectations of being a tenacious two-way player. This article will delve into the potential impact Lizotte will have on the team, as well as how his addition aligns with the Penguins strategy moving forward.
Versatility and Role in the Lineup
Blake Lizotte brings a unique combination of speed and tenacity to the Penguins roster. Standing at just 5’9”, Lizotte compensates for his smaller frame with relentless forechecking. Additionally, his ability to play both centre and wing will provide head coach Mike Sullivan with flexibility in Lizotte’s role. Lizotte’s role with the Penguins will be multifaceted. He can be used in various situations. He will likely start the season centring or on the wing of the fourth line. Given he will likely play with forwards like Noel Acciari, the fourth line will focus on a two-way game this season. The versatility offered by Lizotte is crucial for the Penguins. Injury bugs are common so having a forward like Lizotte that can play higher in the lineup is essential.
Offensive and Defensive Contributions
One of Lizotte’s biggest strengths is his defensive play. During his time with the Los Angeles Kings, Lizotte gained a reputation for effective penalty killing and reliability. Lizotte has averaged a 50.4 % faceoff percentage over his career. His ability to play centre and disrupt opposing power plays make him a valuable penalty-killing asset. Lizotte’s defensive stats over his career further highlight his defensive play. His 103 takeaways to 66 giveaways and 123 blocks over his career demonstrate his defensive acumen. Even more importantly, his 67.05 xGF% at 5v5 play shows his effectiveness. His ability to effectively position himself in defensive situations ensures he is reliable in defensive situations.
While Lizotte’s defensive play is his biggest strength, his scoring ability adds another dimension to his game. Although he only recorded 15 points in 62 games last season, Lizotte has averaged 0.33 points per game over his career. His contributions add another element to the bottom six’s ability to pitch in offensively. Lizotte’s offensive play is marked by quick transitions and speed. His speed allows him to force opposing players to make errors while he is on the forecheck. Lizotte’s ability to create scoring opportunities off the rush will be useful to Mike Sullivan’s style of coaching with an emphasis on speed and transition.
Looking Ahead: Cost of Signing Forward Lizotte and Role With the Penguins
As the Penguins prepare for the upcoming season, forward signing Blake Lizotte will play a pivotal role in their bottom-six forward group. His versatility, defensive reliability, and ability to contribute offensively make him an integral part of the team’s strategy. Lizotte will likely see time as both a centre and winger, depending on the team’s needs and injury situations.
Lizotte’s addition to the Penguins reflects General Manager Kyle Dubas’ commitment to enhancing the team’s depth and competitiveness without committing much term. Lizotte is making just $1.85 million against the cap for the next two seasons. His deal provides the Penguins with a flexible contract that is easy to move to a contender. As the organization is at a cross-roads, unsure if they are playoff contenders or pretenders, a contract like Lizotte’s offers the Penguins the chance to recoup assets should they fail to find much success. Lizotte’s presence will provide the Penguins with a valuable forward option as they aim to secure a playoff spot. Blake Lizotte’s first year with the Penguins will be a pivotal one in his career, his skillset has made him a valuable forward for the team hoping to secure a playoff spot.
Main Photo Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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