Kasperi Kapanen Claps Back at Critics after Hot December
The 2022-23 season hasn't had an easy start for Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen. The former first-round pick has managed 15 points (5g-10a) in 27 games this season, including 10 points during a 12 game stretch in December.
Before that, however, he was struggling mightily with inconsistent play and poor results. His ice time has been limited at times, and he's been benched altogether more than once. In fact, he was a healthy scratch in November when he had just one goal through the first month of the season.
Critics and fans alike have piled on Kapanen since. After all, he is an easy target. With his recent spike in production, he has quietly shut those pundits up.
Kapanen was asked about his response to critiques of his play, and he responded in kind. He broke down what he believed contributed to his 'poor play,' saying that lots of defensive zone starts equal fewer scoring chances. The Finn also believes his spot in the lineup has something to do with it, as he spends most of his playing time with the third and fourth forward units.
Kapanen and the Penguins are facing off against the Boston Bruins in the 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park, looking to carry his quality play into the new year. Heading into 2023, the Pens sit in the second Wild Card spot with a 19-11-6 record, tied with the New York Islanders.
The playoffs are a must for the Penguins, as long as Sidney Crosby is still skating. But will they be able to make it?
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 2 | 113 ANSWERS Kasperi Kapanen Claps Back at Critics after Hot December Will the Pittsburgh Penguins make the playoffs in 2022-23? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 39.8 % |
| No | 35 | 31 % |
| See results | 33 | 29.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Zachary Werenski | 2 | 3 | 5 | |
| Sean Monahan | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Jesper Bratt | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Frederick Gaudreau | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Jack Hughes | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Nikita Kucherov | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Mackenzie Weegar | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Kent Johnson | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Alexander Wennberg | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Mitchell Chaffee | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Anthony Cirelli | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Matthew Coronato | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Marcus Foligno | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Nick Foligno | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Conor Geekie | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brandon Hagel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Stefan Noesen | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Corey Perry | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Igor Sharangovich | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Dmitry Voronkov | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 19 | 16 | 3 | - | 32 | |
Wild | 19 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 29 | |
Hurricanes | 19 | 14 | 5 | - | 28 | |
Devils | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 19 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 27 | |
Golden Knights | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 25 | |
Flames | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 25 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||