"We all recognized his skill level and talent the first week we worked with Dominik and he had huge upside," Sullivan said. "He got better and better in the short time I coached him (with WBS). I always felt Dominik was a guy with NHL-caliber talent, and it was just a matter of time before he adjusted to the North American game and the pro game."
He's certainly gotten a lot more comfortable, and it shows, as Simon had the first multi-goal performance of his NHL career in Thursday's 6-3 win over Minnesota, tallying twice.
The 23-year-old rookie forward now has now scored three times in his last two games heading into the All-Star break and has found the back of the net in three straight home games.
"You're trying to get better every day," Simon said. "I feel like I improved a lot in these two years in this organization. Everybody is helping me. Everyone around and all the players. The more time you spend here it gives you so much. It's the best practice ever for a guy. So I'm really glad for that."
What stood out the most about tonight's performance is how Simon just ripped the puck. On his first goal, linemate Sidney Crosby slid a pass over to Simon at the faceoff dot. He opened up and just blasted it past Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk.
The assist was Crosby's 1,080th point, which surpassed Simon's countryman Jaromir Jagr for second place on the Penguins' all-time scoring list.
"It feels great that I could help at least a little bit," Simon grinned.
On his second goal, Simon carried into the slot and lifted the puck over the shoulder of Alex Stalock, who had entered the game in relief.
"After you score a couple you feel better on the shot," Simon said. "I'm just trying to find more spots for the shot, you're going into the soft spots more because you have more confidence in there. I hope it'll keep going in and I'll do my best."
Playing with Crosby, there can be a tendency to try and force the puck to him all the time, especially with young guys like Simon. But Sullivan feels like he's been doing a better job of just playing his game and letting Crosby adapt to him.
"We try to encourage them to listen to their hockey sense. If their hockey sense is telling them to shoot the puck, they should shoot the puck, not try to get it to Sid," Sullivan said.
Simon took that message to heart.
"Sometimes you feel better with the shot, sometimes you feel worse," Simon said. "It's about the opportunities that come in the game. You can't let it affect you too much. It was (a couple) nice plays from the boys."
And a couple of nice finishes from Simon.
"I'm just trying to play my best," he said. "Over time it feels better when you're with a team longer. You're more confident. I hope it will keep going."
