Before they had the meltdown of the season, the Penguins had quite a bit to like from the first period.
Ultimately losing, 5-4, in overtime here at PPG Paints Arena on Wednesday night, the Penguins did get a glimpse in that first period of what makes Drew O'Connor an intriguing depth option at forward.
The Penguins are the oldest team in the NHL and sorely lack fresh legs at times. O'Connor, only 24, isn't the most prolific skater, but he skates hard. More of a straight-ahead skater than a shifty one, O'Connor's powerful strides are that of a youngster ferociously trying to carve out a big-league career for himself.