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Having a plan: Pens’ Lafferty looking for consistency this year

Courtesy photo Hollidaysburg native Sam Lafferty is in the final year of his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

From Mirror reports

Sam Lafferty’s production might have taken a dip in his second season with the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, but he appears to be carving out a role that could help establish himself as a longtime NHL player.

The 26-year-old Hollidaysburg native began the 2021-22 season — the final one of his current contract — with Monday night’s preseason 3-0 loss to Columbus.

“The big thing for me this year is a little bit more consistency and to establish myself as a penalty killer,” Lafferty said recently. “Those are good ways for me to get more ice time.”

Lafferty didn’t see the ice as much last year as he did during the 2019-20 season, when he played in 50 games, scored six goals and assisted on seven others.

Last year, he played in just 34 games with no goals and six assists. In addition, his plus-minus went from a plus-5 to a minus-6.

He also didn’t see any action in the playoffs, when the Pens lost to the New York Islanders in six games.

“I thought (last season) was a little bit up and down, but overall it was a good learning experience,” Lafferty said. “I learned a lot, and got I better as the season went along. It was a good year as far as development, and I hope to continue that this year.”

One area where Lafferty appeared to stand out was in his physicality. His hit total dropped from 95 to 89, but that was playing 149 less minutes.

“I want to bring a lot of energy,” Lafferty said. “That’s my job here — be an energy guy and establish myself as a penalty killer. Those two things I want to bring to the team and establish my role.”

In the preseason opener on Monday, Lafferty played 14 minutes, had a shot on goal, delivered two hits and was whistled for slashing and tripping.

He’s hoping to show his value to the team in the preseason with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin currently injured and Brandon Tanev playing for the expansion Seattle Kraken.

“With more experience, you understand the game better and understand what your strengths are and how to play to those strengths to give yourself success,” Lafferty said. “The last two years have been great learning experiences, and I expect this year to be the same — continue to learn and to continue to get better.”

Lafferty spent some of the offseason working on his golf game as he returned home to play at Scotch Valley Country Club in Hollidaysburg in June and placed third in the West Penn Amateur qualifier.

He finished tied for 30th in the West Penn Amateur Championship in mid-July in Indiana, Pa., and he also shot a two-day total of 152 and finished 43rd in U.S. Amateur qualifier at Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown in early July.

“(The U.S. Amateur qualifier) was a great experience,” said Lafferty, who played hockey and golf in high school and in college at Brown University. “It was fun, just for two days this summer. It was fun to get competitive in a different environment.”

The majority of his offseason, though, was getting ready for his third NHL season.

“I pretty much did the same workouts as always,” he said. “I wanted to make sure all areas are sharp and kind of work on everything.”

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