Penguins: Jeff Carter Taking New Role Well

A few days ago, before the Pens took the ice in San Jose, the Penguins seemed like they were going to make some lineup changes. One of the most notable lineup changes was the absence of Jeff Carter, who didn’t have a single point in the first nine games of the season. Carter’s replacement, Vinnie Hinostroza, came in and scored a goal and an assist in the Pens’ 10-2 thumping of the San Jose Sharks.

While talking to the media in Anaheim yesterday, Jeff Carter and Mike Sullivan were asked about Carter’s first time ever being scratched, and for the most part, it seems like Jeff Carter is taking things well.

Carter has obviously not been up to par so far this season, and having him scratched has seemed like a long time coming, but it’s been a very successful career for the 463-goal scorer.

Carter is 38, and Sullivan, speaking to the media yesterday in Anaheim, definitely made something seem clear without saying it.

Sullivan showed that he cares personally about Carter and has great respect for all that he has done so far in the league. It made that evident yesterday, not giving his basic answers but rather a more personable and caring approach.

Carter also didn’t have much on when he will return to the lineup, or speak much about his future, or even his play this season. Showing some signs that he may not be in a rush to get back to the lineup at all.

Sullivan did, however, give props to the fourth line for a solid game against San Jose, but did also talk about the respect for Carter as well. Carter also talked about how well he thought the fourth line was in his first game in the press box.

Now for the bigger picture here. Judging from Sullivan and Carter’s tones, it seems like they had a very in-depth conversation about Carter’s career, let alone being scratched.

Carter may be in his final year.

Sully isn’t a man to share info about any private conversations he has with players, but he did say that he and Carter had an in-depth conversation, and it sounds like there is a chance Jeff Carter may not play again.

One of the big things that was taken away in Sully’s comments was that he mentioned that Carter was a future Hall-of-Famer and a mentor to the younger players on the team.

It seems weird to think that Carter has been so fine with all of this. He may know that he hasn’t played up to par at all and that he isn’t the same player he used to be. He has seemingly kept his spirits high and was seen congratulating the players after their win on Saturday.

Now, turning the tables to Carter’s replacement, Vinnie Hinostroza, who has 361 NHL games played and as previously mentioned, scored two points on Saturday. He helped boost the fourth line to its first two goals on the season and helped the line play what was its best game all season.

However, that was against the Sharks. The line will be officially tested against the Anaheim Ducks tonight and the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.

Either way, the lineup will likely not have Jeff Carter on it for the next little while.