Against the context of a season that has been remarkably — if unexpectedly — successful, an empty net goal isn’t anything to boast about.
But someone has to score them.
And someone has to be on the ice for what is typically a demanding defensive situation.
And in this scenario, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ coaches entrusted that assignment to Ben Kindel, an 18-year-old who is still learning all the intricacies of professional hockey, on Feb. 5.
Protecting a two-goal lead late in regulation on the road against an offensively talented Buffalo Sabres squad, Kindel blocked a pass attempt in the defensive zone and fed the rebound to teammate Connor Dewar, who had a fairly clean look at the vacant cage from the center red line but missed.
But Kindel scooted down the ice and alertly claimed the puck, burying it for an easy goal that secured a 5-2 win.
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Earlier in the contest, during the second period, Kindel forced a turnover that led to a two-on-one rush with linemate Justin Brazeau. Largely looking at Brazeau for the entire sequence and suggesting a pass, Kindel ripped a wrister from the left circle to score the eventual game-winning goal.
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So, which goal was more impressive? The slick no-look shot or the empty netter during a stout defensive assignment?
Kindel kind of “aw, shucks” when asked to gauge his offense that night.
“You always want to be in situations where you can help your team win,” Kindel said in Cranberry on Feb. 18. “I want to be on the ice in all situations. Anytime you can contribute to a win, I’m happy. Either one is good.”
Kindel has been nothing short of good in his first NHL season.
Through Sunday, he has played in 63 games and scored 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) while averaging 15:71 of ice time, primarily as the Penguins’ third line center.
His base offensive figures aren’t a threat to break any of the franchise’s rookie marks established by the likes of Sidney Crosby or Mario Lemieux. But Kindel has been a major part at restoring the franchise to the status of being a playoff contender.
“As an 18-year-old, if you’re able to be a difference maker on any given night, I think it’s a big factor,” Penguins forward Anthony Mantha said. “He’s shown that he’s able to do it and he’s been doing it. That’s probably the highest praise you can give someone, especially that young.”
Little of this was expected, externally, at least. Kindel was selected No. 11 overall by the Penguins in last year’s NHL draft. And most draft prognosticators suggested he would likely be drafted in the 20s.
Upon being asked about what most mock drafts had forecast for him, Kindel suggested he didn’t pay attention to those predictions.
But he didn’t completely ignore them either.
“Throughout my life, I’ve always kind of had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder,” Kindel said. “I think that’s a good thing.”
Five months into his NHL career, he doesn’t have to prove anything anymore. Sure, there’s definitely room for improvement, but he doesn’t need to further validate his credentials to be at this level.
Still, he admits to some motivation in trying to prove others have (had?) faulty forecasts for him.
“Having that and a bit of a swagger sometimes helps,” Kindel said. “But always being humble as well. It’s a fine line. It helps me be competitive.”
Plenty of help has come in the environment Kindel finds himself immersed in. Namely, he is surrounded by teammates who did what he did by breaking into the NHL as teenagers, albeit before he was born in 2007.
Greybeards Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang all debuted in the mid-2000s, well before they could legally rent cars.
“A guy like (Letang), who was here at a young age, he’s been through it all,” Kindel said. “Him, Sid, (Malkin), they’ve all been through it all. It helps to have guys like that know the situation that you’re in. And to be able to help you outside the rink as well.”
Another resource has been assistant coach Nick Bonino, who has invited Kindel to live in his home along with his family.
As a player who employed a technically proficient game to squeeze out a 15-year career, Bonino was also well-versed in the off-ice components of being a professional athlete and even served as the Penguins’ representative to the NHLPA during the mid-2010s.
Their conversations away from the rink deal with things … well … away from the rink
“We don’t try talking hockey much outside of the rink at all,” Kindel said of Bonino. “Just being a good person, working hard, being a good teammate, the intangibles like that.”
Kindel has plenty of places to turn for advice. Not that he seeks it necessarily.
It might be more accurate to suggest he absorbs it.
“He doesn’t really ask questions,” Mantha said. “I think he’s more of a quiet learner, observing. That’s more how I see him learning. Obviously, he’s doing it well and he’s doing it quick.
“He’s a fast learner. … He’s observing and he’s taking things in.”
Do any of these things still “wow” him? Like going to Madison Square Garden or stepping on the ice for a faceoff against Connor McDavid or eating at Michelin-rated restaurants on the road?
“Every once in a while, you take a second and look around,” Kindel said. “And see the people you’re with and the place you’re at and just take a second to reflect on that and be grateful for it. Every once in a while, I still do that.
“I know that I’m doing what I love.”