Toward the end of the Penguins' training camp this past fall, it was fair to wonder if P.O Joseph had a solid enough foundation to be an everyday NHLer. His career had reached a chokepoint, and it was time for the cards to fall one way or the other. Several months later, Joseph has established that he belongs.
To what extent remains to be seen, but make no mistake: Joseph's floor is comfortably that of a No. 6 defenseman.
As Joseph was emerging earlier in the season, Mike Sullivan made note of Joseph's willingness to take what the game gives him rather than trying to do too much as a big factor.