CRANBERRY, Pa. -- Kasperi Kapanen's play through the first two-thirds of the Penguins' season has gotten mixed reviews.
Some people, citing a conspicuous lack of production and, at times, passion, believe it has been an abject disappointment.
Others aren't nearly as charitable.
Last fall, Kapanen was a popular choice to be an "X-factor" for this team, one of the guys whose individual performance could have a profound impact on how the club's season played out.
Uh, no.
Turns out the Penguins have had a pretty solid season -- they're second in the Metropolitan Division and fifth in the overall standings -- despite getting only nine goals and 17 assists in 56 games from Kapanen.