3. Rust keep shooting
Bryan Rust threw everything but the kitchen sink at Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin on Friday, firing a career-high 11 shots in the contest. And he was rewarded for his efforts with his first goal of the season.
Rust's 11 shots are the most by an NHL player in a single game this season, and are the most by a Penguin in a single game since Evgeni Malkin had 11 shots on goal on Nov. 28, 2015 versus Edmonton.
"The first few games, I wasn't really too happy with the way I was playing and the way I was able to create offense," Rust said. "So I think I was kind of just focused on moving my feet, and as a result, I had a whole ton of opportunities to shoot."
On the flip side, McCann didn't actually register a shot, but did score when his centering attempt from the goal line was swept into the net by Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren. It marked his first goal since Jan. 14, 2020, and McCann said it was good to get it off his back.
If McCann does end up playing with Rust and Malkin, Sullivan said they want him to bring his speed and shot to that line, along with the swagger he's been skating with since training camp.
"He was skating with a lot of confidence. He was shooting the puck, he was working hard, and those are good things to see," Rust said. "Obviously, if you do those things, you're going to get rewarded. And as far as him getting that goal, that's huge. I've been in a in similar circumstance and I know it can be tough on you and to see him get that I think it's just going to give him even more confidence. And he's just going to take it from there."