2010-11 Season Review: Robert Bortuzzo

Player: Robert Bortuzzo

Role: Defensive defenseman

Contract Status: Signed through 2011-12

Notables: 22 years old, 6-4, 211 lbs, Right handed shot

Season Stats: 79 games played – 4G, 22A, +28, 111 PIM

Playoff Stats: 12 games played - 0G, 1A, +1, 6 PIM

In just his 2^nd year of pro hockey, Robert Bortuzzo is already making a name for himself at the AHL level. He was on the WBS Penguins top defensive pairing with Brian Strait and was responsible for being the shut down defender in this year’s playoffs. He doubled his offensive production from last year (2G, 10A) while also improving in his own zone. Bortuzzo also represented the WBS Penguins at the AHL All Star Game this year and posted two goals in that game.

Bortuzzo is more of a stay at home defenseman and comparable to the NHL Penguins Brooks Orpik. Bortuzzo is physical in his own zone and is great at blocking shots with his big 6-4 frame. He’s sometimes prone to being over aggressive and taking a silly penalty here and there but was one of the team’s best defensemen this season. He will be entering the third and final year of his entry-level contract with the Penguins and while all 7 defensemen in Pittsburgh will be returning, Bortuzzo will look to impress the folks in Pittsburgh with the hopes that he will be the first one called up in the event of an injury/suspension to one of the NHL blue liners.

Take the time to comment on his season and assign him a rating on his performance this season on a scale of 1-10 with one being terrible and really bad season and a 10 being an impeccable season.