I talked with newcomer Bobby Farnham after practice today about his eye-opening performance in his first game as a Penguin on Wednesday.
What was eye-opening about it? For starters, he hit anything in a Binghamton jersey relentlessly. For a player with only six AHL games under his belt, suiting up for a new team for the first time, Farnham wasn't shy. He played the agitator role to perfection. Not only did he throw checks willingly, he did the little things like cross-check guys in the back during a faceoff, whacking opponents on the back of the leg behind the play and mouthing off at the visitor's bench. The biggest play by Farnham came in the third period when goalie Robin Lehner attempted to cover the puck at the corner of the crease with Farnham barreling down. The puck was there and the whistle didn't blow, so Farnham had a choice: let up so Lehner could cover or plow through anything to get the puck, including Lehner. He chose the latter and was quite candid about it today.
I nudged him in the head and he flopped, Farnham said, who added he was trying to stir the pot.
Good for him. A pest isn't supposed to take the high road. He's supposed to be a bit controversial. He's supposed to make the other team hate him so much that they forget that there's a game to play.
Farnham did that, and I an't wait to see what he does tonight against Hershey. With one game as a Penguin, Farnham is already putting the edge back into hockey. It's fun to watch and, like fighting, has a place in the game.