In what figures to be the first of a spate of moves to maximize assets and reshape our roster, the Penguins placed recently claimed forward Matthew Phillips on waivers yesterday. If he passes through unclaimed, he’ll likely be assigned to the Baby Pens.
Claimed on waivers from the Capitals back on February 16, the diminutive (5’8” 160) winger skated in three non-descript games for the black-and-gold, including a brief cameo on Evgeni Malkin’s line. Phillips’ advanced stats were, to be kind, atrocious. A 5v5 Corsi of 29.41 and an xGF% of 19.77 despite highly favorable deployment (80 percent offensive zone starts).
I feel for the kid. He was given little-to-no time to adapt to a new team and system. It was like, “Here kid, step in and score a bunch of goals, but no pressure. And if you don’t, you’re gone.” But it is what it is. The latest in a growing list of Kyle Dubas darts to miss the board.
So You Wanna Tear it All Down?
In the wake of our sorry showing on the crucial western road trip, it would appear Dubas at last has a clear-cut direction heading into Friday’s trade deadline.
