The Penguins’ Young Defensemen; How They’re Facing Big Games

It will be the biggest game in Jack St. Ivany and Ryan Shea’s young careers. The inexperienced defensemen have played a combined 37 NHL games, but they’ve already passed their first crucibles.

Now comes the biggest test and a potential make-or-break moment for the Penguins’ revived playoff hopes. They trail Washington by one point for the wild card and the New York Islanders by three points for third place and essentially must beat the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night.

The team has been living on the edge for the last three weeks. Any loss could have sunk their playoff hopes. Instead, the team has rallied for points in nine straight, including six wins.

Shea and St. Ivany have been significant cogs in the machine. St. Ivany has played 10 NHL games; perhaps not entirely coincidental, the Penguins turnaround began in his second NHL game.

Shea, 27, was on the long road to the NHL after three full years in the AHL with the Dallas Stars organization. He’s been a steady force on the third pair since his recall five games ago, and even he notices the difference between his first stint at the beginning of the season and now.

“I’m not really overthinking things like I was in my first go-around up here,” said Shea. So now I’m just playing free, trying to play my game. Ivy (St. Ivany) and I played together down (in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) as well, so having that familiarity is definitely good. And, yeah, I think we’re just getting (more) confident every game.”

Shea freely admitted that he drew confidence from the Penguins’ 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals last week.

His defensive partner both at the NHL and AHL levels, St. Ivany, cracked a smile when he heard Shea felt buoyed by the game.

“Yeah. He scored on the first shift, like a minute in,” St. Ivany joked.

The Penguins young defensemen have played 53 minutes together over the last five games. They did not allow a goal until the Penguins’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. They have been on the ice for three goals-for.

Consider that a learning experience, too.

“I feel like each game, (we’re) a little bit more comfortable. For the Toronto game, we could have been a little bit better. You don’t want to be out there for any goals against,” St. Ivany said. “But, just continue to build and learn each game, each shift. I mean, there are so many good players in this league and so many good players in this locker room. So I feel like (the mindset) is just have an open mind and be a sponge.”

There are tradeoffs to everything. In exchange for youth and a little more vitality in their lineup, the Penguins give up experience.

“I thought the Capitals game was a huge game. And this is just another one of those games,” Shea said. “Our team responded, well. (St. Ivany) had a pretty good pretty good start and finished that game, so I think (we) just stay in the moment. I mean, (We’ve) got guys that have been in huge games their whole career, so just, leaning on them for help … So the Capitals game, (we’re) drawing confidence from it.”

While Ryan Graves recovers from a concussion, Shea has nicely complemented St. Ivany’s physical game.

“I think he brings an element that I don’t necessarily bring, like he’s a big physical D-man. He’s very, very good defensively,” Shea said. “And I think we just complement each other because I think we both move pucks well. And we’re similar players in some aspects. He’s better at some things. And I think maybe on the offense, I probably have a little bit more on that, but I think it all balances out when we’re playing together.”

The pair’s advanced analytics don’t leap off the page but are indicative of stay-home defensemen. For example, they have just a 34% Corsi, but 47% of the shots on goal and 51% of the scoring chances.

The pair have also been on the ice for more goals-for (3-1) and have an expected goals-for ratio of 60%. All stats are according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

The short analysis of their analytics matches the eye test. They block shots, keep opponents to the perimeter, and allow the forwards to transition to offense.

The speedy Detroit Red Wings like transition, but they can also be kept to the perimeter. A pair of stay-home defensemen pushing them out will go a long way toward winning.

Even if it is the biggest game of their career.