Tommy Novak stands apart from every one of his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates in one notable regard.
He is the only player to have appeared in all 82 regular-season contests.
As the Penguins gear up for their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers, Novak could be in position to play a decisive role for his club, which hasn’t competed in the postseason since 2022.
Durability is part of reason why Novak, in his first full campaign in Pittsburgh, quietly emerged as one of the team’s more impactful players.
Production is another, as Novak, acquired last March from Nashville in exchange for fellow winger Michael Bunting, heads into the postseason with 16 goals and 26 assists.
Novak, who’s averaging just over 14 minutes per game, has provided consistent secondary scoring, important for any team during the playoffs.
Perhaps most importantly, Novak proved to be a versatile asset for first-year coach Dan Muse, flipping between center and wing and playing with a wide variety of teammates.
To start the season, Novak played wing alongside teenage rookie Ben Kindel.
When the Penguins were without franchise pillars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in February, Novak deputized as a top-six center.
Of late, he’s been serving as left wing on the Penguins’ second line, with Rickard Rakell at center and Malkin on the right.
Wherever Muse has opted to place Novak, the 28-year-old has fit in nicely.
Novak also has fared well against the Flyers this season.
In their four games, Novak had points in three, totaling two goals and two assists.