Will Ben Will Lovejoy ever get more ice time?

Lori Pometo

I know that Monday's trade of Alex Goligoski brought defensemen, Matt Niskanen as well as forward James Neal, both from the Dallas Stars to Pittsburgh, but I would still love to see seventh defensemen, Ben Lovejoy given more opportunity to help fill in the gap. Lovejoy currently shares ice time with fellow D-man Deryk Engelland.

Each gets an average of 12-15 minutes of playing time whenever on the ice which happens to be way below the other defensemen who rack up, on average, anywhere between 20-24 minutes per game, every game. Even though Lovejoy and Engelland share time for the 6th defensive spot, Engelland participates in more games.




I think Lovejoy has real potential to make waves both defensively and offensively if given more ice time. He possesses some pretty great skills. He's a strong skater who brings a lot of finesse into his footwork and speed. I wouldn't peg him as the most physical player out there, although he does and will engage the opposition when need be, but he is always present in the action and ready to get his nose dirty. With 7 points, it's true that Lovejoy, who snagged his first NHL goal back in December against the Panthers, isn't among the leading goal scorers for the team, however, it's not for a lack of effort. He's always out there, every shift, hammering away at the puck, not only blocking shots but also taking them.



Lovejoy is exciting to watch because he has so much enthusiasm and hunger to really continue be an integral part of the team. He doesn't get nearly as much coverage, on or off the ice as some of his counterparts, but I believe, without a doubt that he could be a driving force for the Penguins. I'd love to see what he could accomplish if he's ever given equal ice time to Michalek and former teammate, Goligoski.



Now that defensemen Paul Martin has been out the past few games with an upper body injury, this would be a perfect time to give Lovejoy more clock time.



Not that the situation is the same here with Goligoski being traded or Martin being injured, at all, but Kris Letang didn't become Kris Letang and gain more minutes, responsibility and exposure until former Pen, Sergei Gonchar left the team for Ottawa.



I don't know if Lovejoy will have that kind of opportunity to step up and lead in his future, but it would seem like a shame if not.