Without an injury update, it's unclear what the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup will look like.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into the second half of a back-to-back situation and coming out of an ugly defeat. Heading to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks, it’s nearly impossible to guess what the lineup will look like.

Against the Florida Panthers, the Penguins had no choice but to play with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Forward Jake Guentzel did not finish the contest and underwent evaluation for an upper-body injury.

There has yet to be any announcement or roster move, but the Penguins hope he can still perform. If Guentzel is good to play, this is how the Penguins’ lines will likely look in Chicago.

Projected Forward Lines

Jake Guentzel – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

The second half of a back-to-back and no morning skate means no official updates on Guentzel until much closer to puck drop. However, if he’s good to go, he’ll be sticking around on the Penguins’ top line.

Reilly Smith – Evgeni Malkin – Jesse Puljujarvi

Outside the first line, the Penguins need just about everyone in the forward corps to wake up. That includes future Hall of Famer Evgeni Malkin, who has struggled for the better part of the last 20 games.

Drew O’Connor – Lars Eller – Rickard Rakell

Rickard Rakell thought he scored a power-play goal against the Panthers, but it was called back for being hit with a Lars Eller high stick. This line will likely see movement with the final group if the 11-7 plan is deployed for the second consecutive night.

Colin White – Jeff Carter

These two shared the ice with just about every other forward in the lineup, thanks to being the bottom trio. With the alignment likely sticking, that trend will continue.

Projected Defensive Pairs

Marcus Pettersson – Kris Letang
Ryan Graves – Erik Karlsson
John Ludvig – Chad Ruhwedel
P.O. Joseph

It’s safe to assume that the defensive pairings will remain the same no matter what happens with the forward lines. John Ludvig scored his first career goal against the Panthers, further solidifying his spot in the line over P.O. Joseph.

Projected Starting Goalie

Alex Nedeljkoivc

On the second half of a back-to-back, assuming there will be a goalie change is always a good bet. After being shelled for five goals against the Panthers, Alex Nedeljkovic is likely stepping in against the Blackhawks.

If Guentzel is hurt and misses time, expect the Penguins’ lines to be thrown into a complete blender. But with no update from the coaching staff or changes on the NHL Media Site, there is no sure bet on how things will look.

The Blackhawks are getting star rookie Connor Bedard back from a broken jaw, which will only make life more difficult for the Penguins.

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