Backchecking With Penguins' Defenseman Derrick Pouliot
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - Penguins defenseman Derrick Pouliot joined Trib Sports Columnist Rob Rossi and Joe Starkey, 93-7 The Fan co-host of the Starkey and Mueller Show, for the weekly "Backchecking with the Pens" program that airs every Monday night.
The three started off talking about what some of the biggest differences are between playing for the Portland Winterhawks, Pouliot's junior team, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"It's everything. Definitely speed and size, if a puck gets turned over, they're coming back at you right away and you have to be ready," Poliout said. "It's almost easier in some aspects, but it's definitely tough," he said.
He also went on to talk about some of the strengths he has at such a young age.
"I think my strong parts of the game are skating, vision, seeing the ice and helping create offense from the back end," he said.
He didn't hesitate to mention some of the things he'd like to improve on, however.
"Defending, being stronger, and being more intense," Pouliot added.
The three went on to discuss his NHL Draft experience. Pouliot was selected 8th overall by Pittsburgh in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Pouliot didn't have much to say, but he loved the experience.
"It's tough to describe. Got up and hugged my family right away and tried not to fall down the steps at Consol," Pouliot said. "It was awesome. Amazing day. (I was) very honored."
Rossi asked what the better experience was for Pouliot, getting drafted or scoring his first NHL goal.
"I was pretty excited when I scored. They were both awesome," he aid.
Pouliot scored his first NHL goal on his first shot in the league on Dec. 20 against Florida Panthers netminder Roberto Luongo. The Penguins won that game, 3-1.
If you want to hear this edition of "Backchecking with the Pens," you can listen to it here.
Finally, Rossi and Starkey asked Pouliot about how he dealt with his shoulder injury and surgery last spring.
"I told myself, I'm still young, and it's going to heal up fine. The big thing coming off an injury is having confidence. When I first got surgery, I thought I was never going to move my arm again," Pouliot said.
