Winning goal offers relief, vindication for Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen

After Pittsburgh Penguins winger Kasperi Kapanen scored the winning goal in the third period Thursday night against Vegas, the celebration displayed a month’s worth of emotions.

With the score tied 3-3 and under 11 minutes to play in regulation, Kapanen buried a short-range wrister from just outside the crease on a feed by Brock McGinn from behind the net.

Kapanen dropped to his right knee to fire the shot and collapsed to the ice as it beat Vegas goalie Logan Thompson.

HEY YAAAAA THAT'S A GOAL FROM KASPERI KAPANEN! pic.twitter.com/lt9Ytad7pr

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 2, 2022

As the crowd at PPG Paints Arena went wild, celebrating the decisive goal in the Penguins’ 4-3 victory over the Western Conference-leading Golden Knights, Kapanen was embraced by teammates.

Relief. Release. Jubilation. Vindication.

All of the above probably are relevant words that encapsulated how Kapanen felt, having come through in the clutch after a rocky stretch during November in which he was a healthy scratch in nine of 10 games. He hadn’t scored since the season opener Oct. 13.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been on the scoresheet,” Kapanen said after the game. “I feel like I’ve been playing some bad games and playing some good games, too, and (the puck) just hasn’t been going in. Obviously, it always feels good to score in this league.”

Kapanen made his return to the Penguins lineup Tuesday in a 2-1 overtime loss to Carolina, playing 12 minutes, 55 seconds and skating on the third line with Jeff Carter and McGinn.

On Thursday, Kapanen logged 11:13 of ice time, earning an assist on McGinn’s second-period goal in addition to his goal.

With Kapanen back in the picture, Danton Heinen was a healthy scratch for the last two games.

Granted, one goal does not warrant over-celebration.

With a cap hit of $3.2 million — which ranks seventh among Penguins forwards — Kapanen faces valid criticism for his lack of production.

For coach Mike Sullivan and the front office, there is frustration in a player being paid as much as Kapanen being a healthy scratch.

Not to mention the frustration Kapanen himself has navigated through.

While it was just one goal, it was a big one, elevating the Penguins (12-8-4) over elite competition and possibly supplying a spark for Kapanen.

“He’s trying to play the game the right way,” Sullivan said. “He’s trying to leverage his speed as best he can. He was winning puck battles, (and) I thought his wall play was pretty good. A lot of those things add up to winning hockey. (Kapanen) is so good in all those aspects, and, obviously, we’re thrilled for him that he got rewarded (Thursday) on the scoresheet.”

The speed and physicality of Kapanen were on display Thursday. His five hits tied Jason Zucker for most among Penguins forwards.

Kapanen’s work on the forecheck also contributed to his go-ahead goal.

Battling Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb along the boards, Kapanen got control of the puck and found Chad Ruhwedel near the blue line.

Ruhwedel passed across the ice to Brian Dumoulin, who fired it on net, with McGinn collecting the rebound.

Kapanen managed to creep down just outside the crease and was in solid position for a quick shot off McGinn’s pass.

“I thought he played a solid game,” Sullivan said. “It wasn’t just the fact that he scored. His speed was noticeable. It was noticeable off the rush. It was noticeable on the forecheck, and that’s what he’s capable of.”

After Thursday’s game, Kapanen didn’t appear to be suffering from any delusions about the reality of his situation moving forward.

Kapanen seems to understand that every game he plays will continue to serve as an ongoing job interview, which will help determine his role as the season continues.

“I always want to compete with the guys and be battling out there,” he said. “… I’m just trying to do what I can to stay in the lineup.”