The Pittsburgh Penguins have been in sensational form this season. After missing the playoffs for the last three seasons, not many expected anything from the aging side. But Sidney Crosby and the rest of the team had other plans.
The Penguins played with more intent than seen in years, and after 25 games, they are still firmly in the playoff race. But when December 1 called for the famed “Battle of Pennsylvania,” most expected things to get intense.
But one man’s presence on the Pittsburgh bench made sure that the Flyers kept their mouths shut.
Bokondji Imama Made Sure That the Sparks Didn’t Flare Too Much for the Penguins
The Penguins have always had it rough when they came to Philadelphia. The decades-old rivalry with the Flyers has taken more from Crosby than any playoff run has. But on Monday, things were so quiet that Pittsburgh might not have even needed to wear helmets.
While the 5-1 scoreboard, courtesy of Crosby and Bryan Rust, was enough to shut up the Flyers, it was Bokondji Imama’s presence on the ice that made the real difference. The 6’1″, 221-pound enforcer has remained a regular fixture in the AHL for the past nine seasons.
But this season, he finally got the call-up to represent the Penguins in the NHL, something he took very seriously. The winger has been one of the most feared heavyweights on ice, and the Flyers didn’t take any chances with him around.
And while Imama just got 9-odd minutes of TOI, he was satisfied with the night. “I always think that having a so-called tough guy in the lineup can definitely help a hockey team,” Imama said. He understands that he is responsible for protecting Crosby and the rest of the Penguins’ stars.
Imama continued, “Part of my job is to hold people in check. Your teammates can play with more of an edge and with more confidence when they have a guy like that on their team, and I know that.” The Montreal native understands that there’s more to his role than simply the rough-handling, but he also knows it’s one of his main roles.
I don’t want to say I’m the only reason for that, of course, but it’s a part of what I bring. I think everyone in this organization knows that I’m very willing to do my job,” Imama concluded. But while he has a history of fights, the organization doesn’t see him as simply a goon.
That’s something the rest of the Penguins agree with. With one of his shots hitting the post on Monday, he has displayed one of the best plays from the fourth line seen in weeks.
Even veteran D-man and resident tough guy Connor Clifton agrees with this. “That guy can play,” Clifton said. “He played a really good game. Don’t leave that part out. He can play.”
While it is yet to be known where Imama goes from here, one thing’s for sure. There will be less chirping on the bench with him around the ice.
