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Wednesday, 05 October 2011 12:01

Written by Seth Rorabaugh

Joe Vitale is certainly happy he made the Penguins' NHL roster out of training camp but he's hardly satisfied.

Yesterday, Vitale talked about starting the season in the NHL, his role and what he needs to to in order to stay at this level.

What does making the NHL roster mean to you?

"Obviously a good step in the right direction. I think last year, I was pretty nervous coming (into camp). In this camp, I felt more comfortable. I think in each preseason game – I got a good opportunity to play in five of the six which was great – I kind of felt more comfortable and confident in every game. I think those five games really helped me."

How do you approach things now that you've made the NHL roster out of training camp?

"My position, I’ve got to stay hungry. I’m not inked in here for the whole year. Obviously there’s a lot that can happen. I need to continue to be consistent and play well every single day. And practice, I got to come ready to go sharp. If you don’t do those things, a guy like me, it’s very easy to get sent down."

Do you have a specific goal in mind with regards to numbers? Games, points, etc.?

"So much of that is in your control but so much of it is out of your control. So I try not to focus on the amount of games. I just try to focus on the things I do well."

What duties have the coaches discussed with you?

"We’ve gone over it as far as foundations. I think the biggest thing is I’ve got to add speed and pace to the game. Push the pace north. Kind of create that energy, create that speed for the guys. That fourth-line role. Finishing hits. Killing penalties. Getting in strong on the forecheck and obviously being responsible defensively. Do those things and usually I’ll have success."

What did you do when you found out you made the roster?

"Called my wife. Talked to her and my little daughter. She’s five months old. I don’t think she understood but my wife said she was smiling when she heard my voice. It’s been a little while since I’ve seen them. They were proud of me. Called my parents and the calls started coming in. This is just a small step in the right direction. Obviously I’m not going to be content or satisfied with it. I still have a lot of work to do."

(Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Comments (2)

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written by newellcr, October 05, 2011 - 12:26 PM

Nice article. Good luck Joe!

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written by espo33, October 05, 2011 - 02:11 PM

Sounds like a good dude.

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