O'Connor's assertiveness, Hinostroza looks the part, more from camp
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Drew O’Connor heads into the new NHL season as a lock to make the Penguins’ roster, unlike last year when he was forced down to the AHL from the outset due to Ron Hextall’s management of the salary cap.
That isn’t the only thing that’s different for O’Connor now.
I ventured up to the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on Saturday morning for the third day of Penguins training camp. Although it was merely an intrasquad scrimmage following an hour of practice, O’Connor shined.
No, that’s not the new difference. He stood out in camp last year, too. He has a very strong work ethic, and players like that tend to garner a bit of attention in camp settings because of it.
What’s different is that he appears to be much, much more assertive with the puck on his stick — in all areas of the ice.
