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WILKES-BARRE — David Warsofsky has established himself as an offensive defenseman during his seven-year pro career.
He’s also proven to be reliable in his own end, as well.
During Saturday’s season opener, Warsofsky played both elements to perfection.
The 26-year-old finished the night with a goal and an assist and a plus-3 rating. It wasn’t a bad start to kick off Warsofsky’s second stint with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
“It went well,” Warsofsky said after Monday’s practice at the Toyota Sportsplex. “I was fortunate enough to get a couple of points, but you move on from it and look forward to this weekend.”
Warsofsky’s performance contributed to a strong performance by the revamped defense corps in their first game together. Combined, the Penguins blueliners registered a goal and four points and were plus-3 on the night.
Head coach Clark Donatelli was pleased with Warsofsky’s performance, especially on both special teams, and the play of the entire defense that limited Hartford to one goal for most of the night before allowing a second tally at the end of the 6-2 win.
“It was good overall. We had that mix-up to make it 6-2, but other than that they were pretty solid,” Donatelli said.
Warsofsky heaps the praise even higher.
“I think it’s probably the best (defense corps) I ever played with,” he said. “Last year I came in here thinking we had the best D corps, but this year is right up there.”
What makes the group of nine blueliners so good?
Warsofsky said it starts with a balance of skills that address every element of the game.
“All nine of us can move the puck. That helps a lot,” he said. “You have some offensive guys, stay-at-home guys and some that can do everything. It’s a balanced group and every night we know we have six reliable guys in the ice.
“Hopefully we have something special here.”
Injury updates
F Oskar Sundqvist missed most of the third period on Saturday after a collision along the boards and he didn’t practice on Monday. Donatelli said he’s day-to-day but could be ready for this weekend. G Sean Maguire and D Lukas Bengtsson are week-to-week, with the latter battling an illness, Donatelli said.
What’s on the tape?
Donatelli said the hit on Sundqvist won’t be sent to the league for review. After watching a taped replay, Donatelli said Hartford forward Tanner Glass didn’t hit Sundqvist’s knee but rather his quad as he dove out of the way.
“It wasn’t as bad as it looked live,” he said.
F Patrick McGrath earned two fighting majors on Saturday, but the first scrap against Chris Brown may not have constituted a major. Players who earn 10 fighting majors this season face suspension, and Donatelli said the team is considering asking the league to review McGrath’s first fight and overturn the issuance of a fighting major.