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WILKES-BARRE — Reid Gardiner admits he struggled to adjust to pro hockey during his first two games.
But recently, as Gardiner remained in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins lineup and earned consistent ice time, the adjustment period has turned into one of development for the 20-year-old rookie forward.
And his numbers back it up.
During Gardiner’s first two games, he produced just one shot in each. For someone who registered 92 points in 71 games last season in juniors, one shot a game doesn’t cut it.
But as Gardiner became comfortable with the pace, he began to shoot the puck more and utilize the lightning-fast release that makes him an intriguing prospect.
“I’m learning every day how to become a pro,” Gardiner said after Wednesday’s practice at the Toyota Sportsplex. “I struggled in the first couple games, but the last few I’ve been making plays and trying to create offense.”
Penguins coach Clark Donatelli has given Gardiner plenty of time to adjust and become comfortable with the pro game. He made the Penguins roster out of training camp and was a healthy scratch for the first two contests before becoming a regular in the lineup for the last five games.
Donatelli is anxious to see what Gardiner can do as he continues to put the adjustment period behind him.
“He’s got an NHL shot and an NHL release. It doesn’t take him many chances to score, and that’s a big asset to have out there,” Donatelli said. “We like what we see and there’s a lot to work with.”
Gardiner admits that his strengths are his speed and shot, and he revolves his game around getting into areas to shoot the puck. But he is also cognizant not to neglect the defensive side of things, an aspect he was taught at a young age.
“I want to get as many points as I can, but it’s not my main focus right now,” Gardiner said. “Being a young guy, I want to be good defensively and take care of the little details. Play defense first, and the offense will come.”
And Gardiner will continue to develop into a pro hockey player with enormous offensive upside.
But for now, he’s still cherishing just how much he’s accomplished to get to this point.
“I’m one step away from the NHL. It’s a cool feeling to realize that,” Gardiner said. “There’s been a few moments where I say to myself this isn’t junior anymore. This isn’t just a hobby. It’s your job.”
Defense stands out
Through the first seven games, the Penguins have allowed just eight goals during regulation. That total is far superior to the goals allowed by past Penguins teams during the first seven games, including the ones coached by John Hynes that were annually tops in the AHL for defense.
The reason?
“It’s just solid team defense overall,” Donatelli said. “The forwards are coming back, our goaltending has made some big saves.
“It’s early. But right now we’re playing well.”
Injury news
Donatelli said D Tim Erixon is still considered day-to-day but should be ready for action this weekend. F Thomas Di Pauli, G Sean Maguire and D Lukas Bengtsson are participating in practice but aren’t quite ready to return, Donatelli said.