Penguins forward Bryan Rust understands need to be leader

Bryan Rust is no stranger to adversity.

After all, he is a Detroit Lions fan.

That makes Thanksgiving something of a double-edged sword of emotions for him given that franchises futility its last championship came in 1957 during Rusts 32 years on earth.

Thanksgiving is awesome in the fact that the Lions are playing, the Bloomfield, Mich., native said.

The Lions dont win very often on Thanksgiving.

So, that might be the unfortunate part.

But its a fun tradition in our household to in years past, hope for a decent Lions performance but as of the last few years, hope for a win and build towards something great.

The Lions claimed a somewhat anxious 23-20 home win against the Chicago Bears on Thursday in their annual holiday game snapping a seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving and offered some cheer to Rust.

As for the team that employs him, Rust and the Pittsburgh Penguins have been limited in what they can feel good about so far this season.

A member of the franchises Stanley Cup championship teams in 2016 and 2017, Rust is in slightly uncharted waters as the Penguins have stumbled out of the gate with an 8-12-4 record and 20 points, figures that have them stationed in last place of the Metropolitan Division.

The Penguins never have been this bad at least by record to open a season during Rusts 11 seasons on the franchises NHL roster.

It is strange, Rust said following practice Thursday in Cranberry.

And it is frustrating.

Everybody in here knows weve got better.

We need to show it.

Its been an unfortunate first chunk of the season.

Lucky for us, if we make a big run and put together some really good hockey, we can still put ourselves in it.

You saw with (the Edmonton Oilers) last year.

They were in a very similar position.

Everybody counted them out and told them they (stunk), and they went to the (Stanley) Cup Final.

Our mindset is game-by-game get better, win games, learn from the wins but keep trying to keep getting better every day.

Now, were in a position where weve got to stack wins together.

Rust did his part in that pursuit during a 5-4 home win against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.

He scored two goals including the winner and recorded an assist.

Beyond helping generate offense, Rust might have offered a more profound contribution.

At least thats what one of his teammates suggested.

Hes a vocal leader, defenseman Marcus Pettersson said.

Hes a guy that gets us going if things arent going the right way, just with his play and with this voice.

Always encouraging.

Especially with some of the (challenging) moments that weve been through this season, its kind of easy to get quiet and Oh, here we go again.

But hes a guy that gets us right back on track with his play and his voice.

Rust is fairly modest when the subject of being a leader is brought up.

But he acknowledges the need for that attribute given the Penguins struggles.

Thats just the position that Im in being a long-tenured veteran on this team, Rust said.

Being around this room and this organization for as long as I have, knowing the expectations and the culture around here ...

regardless of whatever is going on, I take that upon myself to be more of an active leader.

How does leading manifest itself for Rust? Its kind of celebrating the little things, whether its blocked shots or good wall plays, good positioning, Rust said.

I like to be the first guy there to give them a tap or a fist bump when those plays are made.

I like to think I try to lead by example too with how hard I play, trying to play the right way.

The teams captain, who has been doing it the right way for two decades, suggests Rust is going about things correctly.

Hes pretty consistent as far as his work ethic, forward Sidney Crosby said.

As far as being vocal, he brings energy during the game.

Thats reflective of his play and just the way he is, game to game.

I dont think thats anything that has necessarily changed.

When youre in a tough stint, its important to have that and to continue that.

Hes done that for us.

Another thing Rust has done recently is serve as an alternate captain while defenseman Kris Letang was sidelined for three games by an illness.

Obviously, its an honor, Rust said.

Ive had it once when three or four guys were out.

...

Its cool.

Definitely an honor.

And I dont take responsibilities like that lightly.

Part of those responsibilities involves setting an example to the handful of younger players the Penguins have had in the lineup this season.

Once upon a time, Rust was one of those young guys looking to a veteran for such an example.

Its hard not to put the spotlight on (former forward) Matt Cullen there, Rust said.

A guy that had been around the block, knew how to win, knew how to play (in all) situations.

Knew how to play 20 minutes a night, knew how to play eight minutes a night.

Knew how to get it done on the power play, the penalty kill.

And he knew the nuances of being an NHLer, the good, the bad, the ugly.

The ups and downs of the roller coaster of a season.

If guys needed a talk, he gave them a talk.

If guys needed tap, he gave them a tap.

You can see how long he played.

Thats a testament to how well he understood all those things.

Rust seems to understand the need to be a leader, either through actions or words, given the adversity his team has faced.

Hes one of the guys thats more vocal, Pettersson said.

Theres different kind of leadership out there.

...

(Rust), on the bench, if we get stressed ...

he kind of settles us down.

He raises his voice and says, Were all right.

Just keep pushing.

Thats just so important..

This article has been shared from the original article on triblive, here is the link to the original article.