Michael Bunting made his debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins, impressing with his speed and puck pursuit. He skated on the top line with Crosby and Rakell, creating scoring opportunities. Bunting had a breakaway chance but was denied by Ullmark. Crosby praised Bunting's performance, noting his strong play and offensive contributions. Despite missing a scoring chance, Bunting was overall pleased with his debut.
Sidney Crosby, on Michael Bunting: "I thought he played really well. He was strong on pucks and made some plays, had a great chance there on the breakaway early. I think as a line, we gotta find ways to create offense, whether that's off the rush or in the zone. Hopefully with…
Mike Sullivan: "Bunts gets a breakaway early in the game, we score there, that probably gives us some juice. They get a good save. That's hockey." Bunting said after missing that chance "is gonna probably haunt me for a little bit." But overall, he was pleased with his debut.
Unlike the other evening, the Penguins are actually playing hard today. Quite a start. But still scoreless. Bunting is everywhere in the early going. Tons of jump.
Michael Bunting with a breakaway! He tries snapping a shot glove side, but Linus Ullmark makes a tremendous save. What a look for the new Penguins forward.
Michael Bunting playing on the captain's left wing in his Penguins debut. https://t.co/S6wqqMphKh
Bunting is on the top line in his Penguins debut. Ludvig plays his first game since Feb. 18. Ned is in net here in Boston. https://t.co/UWQwdzAxpx
Penguins got Bunting on Crosby's LW here at TD Garden
Based on warmups here in Boston, Bunting will skate on the top line with Crosby and Rakell.
Mike Sullivan, on Michael Bunting: "He's a real good puck pursuit guy, brings some speed, he's good at the net front. He's a bit of a pest out there. Just from playing against him over the years, he's one of those guys that has the ability to drag us into the fight, so to speak."