Penguins vs Oilers: Unacceptable Losses Force Change
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set for one of the biggest challenges of their season.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are now losers of two straight games where you could argue they were the better team for most of the contest. Entering the final matchup of a West Coast road trip, the Penguins have one of their toughest tests of the season.
Possibly with the entire season on the line, the Penguins are set to take on the Edmonton Oilers. The Penguins made some modifications ahead of their battle with the Calgary Flames, which will likely carry into Edmonton.
No new injuries have sprouted, but changes have been made to the Penguins lineup to find a new winning combination.
Projected Forward Lines
Drew O’Connor – Sidney Crosby – Rickard Rakell
With Reilly Smith’s struggles mounting, Drew O’Connor was bumped to the first line alongside Sidney Crosby. O’Connor succeeded alongside Evgeni Malkin, and with each passing game being a must-win, the Penguins are trying any combination that may work.
Reilly Smith – Evgeni Malkin – Valtteri Puustinen
The trade deadline is approaching, meaning Smith’s days in Pittsburgh may be numbered, but his struggles have forced him off the first line. Smith has scored just two goals in 22 games with only nine points in that time.
Jonathan Gruden – Lars Eller – Emil Bemstrom
The loss to the Flames wasn’t all bad; Jonathan Gruden scored his first career goal on his first career shot. Lars Eller also capitalized on the power play. Before the Flames came back, the Penguins were led by their depth forwards.
Jansen Harkins – Noel Acciari – Jeff Carter
Speaking of being led by their depth forwards, Jeff Carter got in on the action with his seventh goal on the season. Assisted by Ryan Graves and Noel Acciari, the Penguins saw production from the unlikeliest places.
Projected Defensive Pairs
P.O. Joseph – Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson – Erik Karlsson
Ryan Graves – Chad Ruhwedel
The Penguins are likely going to hold firm on their defensive pairings. Kris Letang’s mishap is arguably what cost the Penguins against the Flames, but he’ll look to bounce back in a vital game in Edmonton.
Projected Starting Goalie
Alex Nedeljkovic
It’s the second half of a back-to-back, meaning the Penguins are likely swapping goalies for the Oilers. Alex Nedeljkovic will be between the pipes for the first time since losing to the New York Islanders in overtime almost two weeks ago.
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