The Penguins coach likes what the former Bruins defenseman brings to his team

BOSTON — It’s hard to praise anyone on the Penguins during Pittsburgh’s difficult season.

Despite having two of the best forwards in the league, the Penguins are 8-12-4 and struggle almost everywhere.

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But Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, who played and coached for the Bruins, praised former Boston defenseman Matt Grzelcyk before Friday’s game.

Grzelcyk spent the first eight seasons of his professional career with the Bruins before signing with the Penguins as a free agent this summer. His father, John, works at TD Garden.

“One of the things that intrigued us about Grz was his ability to move the puck. He passes the puck extremely well,” said Sullivan, who liked Grzelcyk, grew up in Massachusetts and played at Boston University. “He has the ability to get back to the puck and helps us break out.” He can change the point of attack on the offensive blue line.

“He’s playing in one of our power plays. Distributes it pretty well when he’s on the power play. I think that’s Grz’s greatest strength,” Sullivan added. “That was an area where we felt like we could get help. He definitely helped us.”