McCann adapts to new systems and new expectations

The Penguins have conceded an NHL-high 12 short-handed goals, a disappointing stat. But since Dec. 14, the Penguins have netted nine shorties of their own.
Center Jared McCann figures turnabout is fair play.
"When other teams are on the power play, they can get caught off-guard," McCann said. "They get used to the [opposition] throwing the puck down to the other end, and then breaking out again.

"We have the speed and mentality to know when to attack and when not to. I feel like we catch other teams off-guard."
McCann caught his old Florida teammates off-guard Feb. 7, victimizing the host Panthers for a short-handed goal in the Penguins' 3-2 overtime loss.

McCann says penalty-killing is about "the details. We do a lot of video before the games. Every power play is different. We try to focus on what makes their power play good, and how we can disrupt it."
The Penguins acquired McCann and center Nick Bjugstad from Florida Feb. 1. McCann, 22, was chosen by Vancouver (24th overall) in the first round of the 2014 draft.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder had three goals in his first 10 games as a Penguin, giving him a career high of 11 goals on the season to go with 10 assists.
"I don't think there's a reason [I'm scoring more goals]," McCann said. "I'm just trying to get the puck off a little bit quicker, and just focused on hitting the net a lot."
Those around the Penguins say McCann's enthusiasm upon joining the team was quite palpable.
"I look at this roster and you've got guys like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, two centers who have been elite in the league for a long time," McCann said. "I'm really excited to learn from them, to see how they handle things. Obviously, they've won Stanley Cups. So I'm trying to learn as much as I possibly can from them.
"I had three great years in Florida. That organization did a lot for me. But the atmosphere here…when I first walked into the practice rink, they had the Stanley Cup banners here. This team wins, and there are obviously a lot of expectations that come with that, and definitely a lot of pressure.
"But I feel like pressure makes players play better. That's going to be a good fit for me."
Switching teams in mid-season requires a lot of catching up for the players involved. McCann has been doing extra work with assistant coach Mark Recchi.
"Mostly defensive-zone work," McCann said. "Focusing on the little areas and the corners. Trying to be in the right position at all times, to support the defense. It's a different system than in Florida. But I'm getting hold of it pretty quickly."
The Penguins play fast. That's OK by McCann.
"I've always been a player who likes to play fast, whether it was in junior, or moving to the NHL," said the Ontario native. "Here, there are a lot of players that can skate really well. We've got a lot of defensemen that can jump up in the play.
"Defensively, we need to focus on getting the puck out of our zone and the offense will take over, with our skill."
Mark Madden hosts a radio show 3-6 p.m. weekdays on WXDX-FM (105.9).