Egor Chinakhov has made an instant splash since joining the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 24-year old has been able to unlock his talents, which are readily apparent. Chinakhov has scored five goals and added one assist in his 12-game stint with the Penguins. On the surface that isn’t overwhelming. With more context, it stands out since all of his goals and points so far have come at even strength. It’s a small sample to date, though the data is encouraging; Chinakhov’s 2.17 goals/60 at even strength with the Pens is a massive number (tops in the NHL this season with a longer run of data is Brad Marchand with 1.89, Nathan MacKinnon is second at 1.70).
What makes the figure stand out even further is that is this isn’t a player going to the net and knocking in loose rebounds or deflecting pucks or even building his sample largely off of teammate’s passing plays that leave a goalie vulnerable for back-door tap ins. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with gaining results that way either, but Chinakhov is producing in a way that is more tantalizing and excites on a deeper level. Chinakhov is doing most of his work on the rush and using his overpowering shot and fast release to torch goalies. He’s shown a knack to pick corners and tendency to snipe on the shortside, hallmarks of a quality NHL goal scorer.
The full mastery of his ability was on display in this goal against Calgary, drawing the puck in prior to releasing it, changing the shooting angle in the type of advanced move that differentiates a normal shooter from an exceptional one in today’s NHL.
There’s no doubt Chinakhov has had a boost in the classic ‘change of scenery’ to enter a new situation by coming to the Penguins. Given normal stat rates, we can’t expect him to carry 2+ goals per 60 for the long haul, though the current production will undoubtedly open doors for more opportunity to increase actual totals despite the decline in the rate of time it takes to get there. Chinakhov has played with the second power play group, getting an average of 1:14 per game often coming from short shifts as the power play is expiring. The potential of an increased role and an eventual promotion to the top power play could be the next step to unlock even more total production. The most important thing for now is he has proved his shot can’t be denied, now it will be up to the coaches to figure out how they can maximize his abilities.
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The other absolutely apparent standout skill for Chinakhov is his skating ability. Per NHL Edge, his max skating speed is right up there with anyone in the league, his ability to have 20 or 22+ mph bursts are incredible. The only thing holding down his percentile ranking on 18-20 mph bursts has been a lack of playing time and opportunity relative to the other players in the league.
The raw tools of being a lightning fast skater with an absolute rocket of a shot are standing out with the Pens as the player gets a chance to show what he can do.
In a sense, the challenge of maximizing the abilities has been the ready made story of Chinakhov’s career. It was a frustrating one for both him and the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first chapter. He couldn’t find much in Columbus, being moved all over the place and given limited opportunities in a rapidly changing cast of linemates couldn’t have helped matters.
If a team wants a player to bring consistency, it stands to reason the team should return the favor. It’s not hard to see that the Blue Jackets failed in that regard, resulting in failing to unlock the player as a whole into his full potential.
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The Penguins have been able to provide more steadiness, since Evgeni Malkin returned from injury he’s been a constant with Chinakhov. Tommy Novak has been there all along. The results have followed as the trio continues to grow in chemistry with their complimentary offensive skills and proclivity to get on the rush fitting Chinakhov’s strengths of skating and shooting ability like a glove.
That’s made for a great first impression with his new team and shown an instant ability to impact games in special ways. The Penguins have a lot to be excited about in the coming days, weeks and months to see just how much more Chinakhov can add.
