Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Ben Kindel is currently facing a significant challenge in his first NHL season, marked by a 14-game goal drought. Additionally, he has scored just one goal in his last 19 games since early December.
Understanding Goal Droughts in Young Players
Goal scoring inconsistencies are a common experience for young athletes in the NHL. Despite producing good overall play, Kindel’s current struggle with scoring highlights the unpredictable nature of player performance. This situation invites a broader discussion on the myth of consistency in hockey.
The Myth of Consistency
- Consistency in effort and play exists, but goal production varies.
- Players might experience peaks and valleys in scoring throughout an 82-game season.
- Even top goal scorers don’t score at a uniform rate; they often go through scoring slumps.
New players like Kindel may hit what is often referred to as a “rookie wall.” The adjustment to the NHL’s competitive style can lead to significant fluctuations in performance. Historical data shows that young players often face similar challenges during their first seasons.
Statistical Insights on Young Goal Scorers
Across NHL history, 89 forwards have participated in at least 14 games in their age 18 year. The stats reveal:
- 70 of these players appeared in a minimum of 40 games.
- 48 instances of 14-game goal droughts occurred among these young forwards.
- 75 of the 89 players experienced at least one goal drought of 10 games or more that season.
Iconic players like Scott Hartnell, who had the longest 14-game drought at age 18 with 57 games without scoring, are part of this narrative. Other notable young players, such as Joe Thornton, Gordie Howe, and Jack Hughes, faced similar scoring issues early in their careers.
The Future for Ben Kindel
Current projections suggest Kindel could finish the season with between 15 and 20 goals, a promising outcome for a rookie. The Penguins’ primary concern should remain his overall performance, rather than his goal count alone. Although there has been a slight decline in his underlying statistics, he is still contributing positively to the team.
As the Penguins continue to rotate wingers and adapt their lineup, these changes may influence Kindel’s performance. Such growing pains are a natural part of a young player’s development, making it essential to maintain perspective on their progress and potential.
Ultimately, Ben Kindel’s current slump is a typical experience for many young players navigating the complexities of the NHL. The journey involves learning, adapting, and overcoming obstacles, all of which are key to a successful hockey career.
