Penguins' Mike Johnston Says He Is Used To So-Called Pressure
PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- New Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Johnston joined Bob Pompeani Saturday as training camp starts later in the month.
Pompeani asked Johnston if he acknowledges the pressure that comes with the Penguins' job.
"I think anyone that's been in the business as long as I have, whether you've been a player or you've been a coach, you're certainly used to so-called pressure. But really, for me, it's an exciting opportunity," Johnston said. "The team, the quality of the team, the style of the team, there's a lot to work with there for sure as everybody knows. And really in sports, most of the time, the pressure comes from within."
Pompeani asked Johnston about his travels to Nova Scotia and to Russia to meet face-to-face with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
"I just thought that the opportunity to know these guys face-to-face a little bit better I thought would be an advantage to start the season," Johnston said.
Pompeani and Johnston discussed what style fans can expect to see, and Johnston said that it's an up-tempo style that focuses on puck management.
"It's not just one direction, it's both ways, it's offensive and defensive. It's knowing your responsibilities. But really, overall, I think the biggest thing is how we manage the puck and how we make decisions with the puck and how we support it. So the options the puck carrier has and what he does with the puck is really important," Johnston said.
The Penguins have signed noted agitators Steve Downie and Daniel Carcillo during this off-season.
"The key thing I think with every team is you have to have balance in your group. Certainly, you have players that can create more on the offensive side, you have some defensive-type players, let's say defensive centermen or defensemen, you've got to have players with high-end compete, high-end edge in that compete to round out your team," Johnston said.
He added that the team is looking to have competition in training camp for roster spots.
Mike Johnston: Used To So-Called Pressure
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