Some of the underrated power forwards in the NHL – part 4
Mike Knuble, Washington Capitals
One of the oldest players in the National Hockey League is Mike Knuble who currently plays for the Washington Capitals.
Knuble with his talent and productivity has spent over 15 years in the NHL now since 1996 when he was drafted by Detroit.
He has been admired by everyone around the NHL world and the consistent performances that he bagged on a regular basis saw him catching eyes of some of the big teams in the league.
Mike Knuble has played for New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers. During his stay with each of the teams, Knuble has without any doubts been one of the productive and game changing performers.
Though he is veteran in the league but there are still no signs of him slowing down. Though the level of productivity isn’t the same that was during his peak time but still, he comes up with the regular goals and assists which have enabled the Washington
Capitals to be in the strong position they are in currently.
At the end of the last season, some of the NHL experts said the he might retire but Washington Capitals drafted him keeping in mind the fact that he has a very diverse knowledge about the game which is essential of a team if they are to win the league and
Stanley Cup in the end. Playing a very important pivotal role in the Washington Capitals at times, Knuble has been on the score sheet several times during the course of the current season.
Another one of his excellent abilities is to absorb the pressure in tight matches. In one of the winter classic matches against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Knuble scored the opening goal of the match. During the entire sixty minutes of play he was seen guiding
young players. His quality of taking players alongside has resulted in him earning the respect of many young players he has played along with during his career in the NHL.
Dustin Penner, Edmonton Oilers
Dustin Penner is one of the unique players in the league who in the very first season in the NHL had a very big impact. Not only did he prove his worth while playing for the Anaheim Ducks in his rookie season but won the Stanley Cup for the Ducks. The beginning
was perfect for him and he kept on getting better and better with each passing game.
Though he later moved to the Edmonton Oilers and playing in a team which is struggling, he has been able to perform and come across a lot of success. Though the level of success isn’t as much as he enjoyed with the Ducks but he enjoys this as he works hard
and struggles which is what he likes according to himself.
Edmonton Oilers haven’t seen the best of Dustin Penner this season but everybody knows that once he gets going he can demolish any defence. Experts of the game are speculating that he might be traded at the end of this season since he is underachieving with
the Edmonton Oilers and deserves more. Coupled with this is the fact that some of the teams in the NHL are looking for a strong power forward and Dustin Penner might just be the right choice for teams who are looking for a Stanley Cup in the coming few seasons.
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