3 least impressive Pittsburgh Penguins players from 4-2 loss to Detroit Red Wings

The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped a close 4-2 decision to the Detroit Red Wings on New Year’s Eve. The Penguins got a goal from Drew O’Connor, his second of the game, early in the third to tie it at two. However, the Detroit Red Wings got a crucial power-play goal from J.T. Compher to snatch the two points.

While the game was mostly even throughout the night, three players stood out for the Pittsburgh Penguins as largely disappointing. So, here’s a look at the three least impressive players from the Pittsburgh Penguins' 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on New Year’s Eve at the Little Caesars Arena.

3 least impressive Pittsburgh Penguins players from loss to Detroit Red Wings

#3 Michael Bunting

Michael Bunting had been on a bit of a tear of late. Bunting registered five points (4G, 1A) in his last three games. However, he failed to get anything going on Tuesday night against the Red Wings. He was held off the scoresheet, failing to register a shot on goal.

Despite spending 3:17 on the power play with Sidney Crosby, Bunting could not capitalize on any chances coming his way. Bunting ended the night a minus-2 in 16:55.

#2 Bryan Rust

Bryan Rust is another player who’d been on a hot streak lately. Rust had registered six points (3G, 3A) in his last five games heading into Tuesday night’s contest. However, Rust failed to register on the scoresheet against the Red Wings.

Despite spending 3:20 on the power play, Rust finished the contest a minus-1, while getting four shots on goal. He played a total of 18:52 over 24 shifts but could not become a difference-maker. The Pittsburgh Penguins missed his offensive contributions, especially considering how close the game was throughout the night.

#1 Evgeni Malkin

Evgeni Malkin failed to get on the scoresheet in 18:17 of total ice time. He spent 2:29 on the power play, managing just one shot on goal. While he managed to generate plays on the ice, he was unable to create significant scoring chances. Ultimately, Malkin finished the game a minus-2, while racking up two PIM.

Rickard Rakell gets a dishonorable mention as he also failed to register on the scoresheet, finishing the game as a minus-1. While he got four shots on goal, Rakell could not find the back of the net.

The Penguins will have a chance to turn things around on Friday night as they visit the Florida Panthers. The Penguins will look to continue their resurgence. They’re 5-4-1 in their last 10 and have climbed out of the Metro Division cellar.