Schultz proving he can be a No.1 defenseman in Pittsburgh
It's no secret that Pittsburgh Penguins defender Justin Schultz has vastly improved since moving to the Steel City. But the 26-year-old's recent play has proved he's far more than a much-improved gamble.
With Kris Letang sidelined and the rest of Pittsburgh's blue line consisting of trade deadline patchwork, Schultz has emerged as a bona fide No.1 option.
He proved that again Sunday night as the Penguins fought back from a 3-0 first-period deficit to eventually top the Buffalo Sabres 4-3. Schultz was the catalyst for his club's resurgence on the evening, posting a team-leading three points (one goal, two assists).
The former Edmonton Oiler started things off with a goal midway through the second, getting Pittsburgh on the board and giving the struggling team life. Schultz then fed Evgeni Malkin for a one-timer a few minutes later to make things interesting.
Finally, after his mates helped out with the tying goal, the rearguard stumped the Sabres with three minutes left in the tilt, faking a slap shot and dishing to Conor Sheary for the game-winner.
With three more points in the bag, Schultz's season total now stands at 44 - fifth-most among NHL blue-liners - leaving him level with Dustin Byfuglien and just one below Duncan Keith.
It's impressive company to keep, and even more so considering Schultz has played fewer games than both veterans.
Of course, his success can be largely attributed to Pittsburgh's dominant offense, but that crutch doesn't seem quite as convincing when comparing Schultz to names like Keith, who also have plenty to work with up front (teammates Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have combined for 41 points during the Chicago Blackhawks' recent 13-game stretch of dominance).
Overall, many believe the Penguins' hopes for a second straight championship hinge on how Letang fares in his return from injury, as he's widely considered the only defender capable of filling Pittsburgh's No. 1 role.
However, that may not be the case.
Heading into the home stretch of the season, Schultz has proven to be one of the most consistent offensive defensemen in the league. And at this point, he might just be the most important piece of Pittsburgh's blue line.