Sam Poulin & The Mission (+)

CRANBERRY — More than six years from his draft day, in which the Pittsburgh Penguins made him a first-round pick, 19th overall, Sam Poulin is ready for his next and perhaps last chance in the NHL.

To date, Poulin has played just 13 NHL games, and still classifies as a rookie because he has played more than six games in a season just once. With an injury to Ville Koivunen and Philip Tomasino’s ineffectiveness, it is Poulin’s turn.

“His overall game on both sides of the puck has been really good,” said Penguins coach Dan Muse. “And that’s what we’re looking for him to continue to do–he’s a guy able to protect pucks down low. He can make plays. He’s also shown to be somebody who is responsible on the defensive side.”

It is not often that we get to speak to athletes who exhibit a genuine sense of gratitude and exhale with a smile.

Despite being waived after preseason, he made an impression. And, he’s earned the chance.

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Categorized: PHN+