Carl Hagelin: 'We've Played 60 Minutes Instead Of 40'
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – The Pittsburgh Penguins have been on a roll lately.
Today, winger Carl Hagelin joined "The Fan Morning Show" to talk about the team's recent resurgence, as they seem to be rounding into shape just in time for the playoffs.
Hagelin said that the Pens' success has been a matter of refining their game and playing it more consistently.
"We haven't changed too much," Hagelin said. "I would say maybe we've been a little more consistent in our game. I think we've played a little bit smarter. We haven't given up any unnecessary goals early in the games other than that Carolina game, (and) we found a way to climb back into that one. I think it's just we've been more consistent and we've played for 60 minutes instead of 40."
It's a bit surprising to see the Penguins playing their best hockey now given that Evgeni Malkin was recently sidelined, leaving Nick Bonino as the center on the second line alongside Hagelin and Phil Kessel. The strong performance of that second line has been a major reason for the Pens' surge, and Hagelin attributes that to their tenacity in the offensive zone.
"First of all, we've been good on the forecheck," Hagelin said. "We've been getting the pucks and creative turnovers, and off of that, we've got our goals, it feels like. And once we get the cycle in the offensive zone, we've been pretty good. So, we've just got to keep pushing. We can do better. We've only played six games together, and the chemistry is coming more and more - you can feel it - and it's a fun line to play on."
Hagelin thinks it's crucial for a team to have both speed and physicality, but he knows that the Pens' biggest strength is the former.
"I think you need a mix of both," Hagelin said. "It's important. You just play to your strengths, and our team is a team that's packed with, full of speed. So, we've got to use our speed to be successful. It starts now, these last 10 games, and if you're in the playoffs, you're going to have to keep doing what your team is good at."
The Pens are on a roll, but Hagelin knows they can't be content.
"We're in the hunt here, and climbing in the standings," Hagelin said. "So, we can't be satisfied. There's still 10 more games to go. A lot can happen. So, we just take the next game as an opportunity for us to climb in the standings, and that's what we all want to do."
The interview can be heard here:
