Beau Bennett #19 of the Pittsburgh Penguins handles the puck in front of Brandon Saad #20 and Marian Hossa #81 of the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period during the game at Consol Energy Center on January 21, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ( Justin K. Aller, Getty Images)
Spotlight on… Beau Bennett, right wing, Penguins
When: The Avalanche hosts Pittsburgh on Wednesday, the second consecutive 8 p.m. start time at the Pepsi Center.
What’s up: Bennett, a California-born forward from the University of Denver, via the British Columbia Junior Hockey League, had the mumps and missed the first game against the Avs on Dec. 18 in Pittsburgh, a 1-0 overtime victory for the Penguins. Bennett has overcome illness and injury this season and is working his way back to a top-six forward for one of the NHL’s best teams.
Background: Bennett, 23, was drafted 20th by Pittsburgh in 2010 and signed with the Penguins after his sophomore year at DU in 2012. He had a fine 25-point freshman season but was limited to only 10 games as a sophomore because of a wrist injury. Denver hockey fans never got a long look at one of the most glorified DU players of all time.
Chambers’ take: With one hand, Bennett can shoot the puck harder than some with two hands on the stick. Late in his brief career at DU, Bennett would practice with the Pioneers but couldn’t use his surgically repaired right hand. The strength and accuracy of his one-handed, leg-whip shot was extraordinary. For old time’s sake, maybe he will use that move in warm-ups Wednesday.
