Penguins Can’t Change Lineup Now
Even when players are ready to return, the Pittsburgh Penguins should change their lineup.
PITTSBURGH – Seemingly out of nowhere, the Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference wild card race and are in prime position to return to the playoffs. While the Penguins are on a roll with a 6-0-2 record in their last eight games, they’ve been doing so without a few notable names.
The most conspicuous absence from the lineup during this stretch has been goalie Tristan Jarry. Alex Nedeljkovic has made eight straight starts and will go for nine against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Aside from the goalies, the Penguins are missing a pair of defenders and a few forwards due to injury. Most of them will likely be ready before the end of the season, but there is no real reason for them to return, even when healthy.
Blueliner Ryan Graves is currently dealing with a concussion and has yet to be removed from the active roster. Even if he returns to health, the Penguins have gone 4-0-1 without him. Ryan Shea has looked much better than his first stint in the NHL and is once again earning the right to stick.
Shea is also likely to stay in the lineup over defenseman John Ludvig, who missed time with illness but has now been labeled day-to-day. Ludvig is skating with the team and might be worth putting back in once he’s ready, but Shea just has the momentum right now.
When it comes to the blue line, there is just no reason to make changes. The same goes for the forwards. If the success is rolling in, don’t touch anything.
That might be tough for a guy like Sam Poulin, who is currently healthy scratched, but it’s the right way to play things. Barring any injuries, the Penguins lineup as it’s currently constructed is how it should look moving forward.
The Penguins are fighting for a playoff spot, and their current formation has proven successful. Now isn’t the time to start forcing change.
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