4gp. 2-2-4 +2 since his return to the Oilers lineup in the injury absence of Fernando Pisani. Penner has displayed the skill that made him a coveted RFA by former Oilers GM Kevin Lowe. Soft hands, big body, and a knack of scoring around the net. Penner is a rare player that can help a team greatly offensively without registering a point. His size and strength makes him a formidable force in front of the net on the PP, when he combines that with taking the puck to the net, the guy is a dominant offensive force.
A favorite whipping boy of many because of his overweight appearance, Dustin Penner has no more of a motivation issue than most of the Oilers do. When he was called on his lapse play, he made it a point to come out and play hard and make things happen. While he maybe a little overweight, that is acceptable as long as he busts his tail on the ice. I don't ever see a 220lb. Dustin Penner out there on the ice for us. However if he will be a 240+ lb. guy for us he has to play like it and use that extra mass to his and the teams advantage. Right now he is doing just that.
It doesn't hurt that he's right back where he belongs, on the top line and in front of the net on the PP.
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