Thaindian News

By Ranjan Bhaduri
Pittsburgh, July 2, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Zbynek Michalek has been signed by Pittsburgh Penguins for a total amount of $20 million for a five year contract. Reportedly, the decision to sign Zbynek Michalek came right after an hour when Penguin defense-man Sergei Gonchar sided away with the Ottawa Senators for a three year contract.

Zbynek Michalek who has spent five years of his career playing for Phoenix Coyotes has been called an “asset” for Pittsburgh Penguins. The 27-year-old defense-man shall replace Sergei Gonchar who is regarded to be one of the very best defense-man in NHL. Zbynek Michalek made his debut in NHL with Minnesota way back in the year of 2003.

Since then, the undrafted Czech defense-man moved ahead to pick up 115 points on total of 27 goals and 88 other assists in a total of 415 NHL games. When he played for the Phoenix Coyotes, he had appeared for 72 games in total where Zbynek Michalek picked up 17 points from three goals along with a total of 14 other assists.

He also pulled out a plus-five rating in the last season when he scored two assists in a total of seven playoff games for Phoenix Coyotes.

Zbynek Michalek is no way a replacement for Sergei Gonchar but in a scenario where it’s all “Good, Bad And Ugly” Zbynek Michalek could help Pittsburgh Penguins pull out a heavy defense when the players step on ice. Zbynek Michalek has the ability to play points and Pittsburgh Penguins should consider themselves lucky as Zbynek Michalek can act as the much needed right hand shot for the blue line.