Multiple injuries have forced the Pittsburgh Penguins to change their setup.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins will kick off the first half of another back-to-back situation with a different look than in previous games. Thanks to concussion diagnoses of Jansen Harkins and Noel Acciari, the Penguins will take on one of the deepest teams in the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers, with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed the adjustment following the morning skate and noted that it shouldn’t bring too many new issues.
“We are going to go with 11 and seven,” Sullivan said. “We’ve done it in the past… There aren’t really challenges; it’s just a different setup.”
Nothing more was confirmed regarding where guys will be playing, but there likely won’t be much change from their last contest against the Winnipeg Jets.
Projected Forward Lines
Jake Guentzel – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust
When this line is on, it’s nearly unstoppable. With a wonky lineup and the opportunity for many swaps, these three will likely stay put no matter what.
Reilly Smith – Evgeni Malkin – Jesse Puljujarvi
Before puck drop against the Jets, the Penguins announced that Jesse Puljujarvi was moving up to the second forward line. Puljujarvi is yet to score a point in three games with the Penguins, but he is being given a great chance to prove his worth alongside Evgeni Malkin.
Drew O’Connor – Lars Eller – Rickard Rakell
With Puljujarvi moving up, Drew O’Connor saw the slight demotion. O’Connor is still held in high regard by the Penguins.
“He’s made some huge strides in a positive direction,” Sullivan said. “He brings value.”
Colin White – Jeff Carter
This is where things will get weird for the Penguins and their 11-7 setup. Colin White and Jeff Carter could play center but also do well on the wing. Expect to see numerous names join White and Carter throughout the night.
Projected Defensive Pairs
Marcus Pettersson – Kris Letang
Ryan Graves – Erik Karlsson
John Ludvig – Chad Ruhwedel
P.O. Joseph
The defensive pairings themselves will likely remain the same on paper, but P.O. Joseph will draw back in to fill gaps. Defenders have preached before that their system is built so anyone can play anywhere, which will be tested against the Panthers.
Starting Goalie
Tristan Jarry
It was confirmed that Tristan Jarry will start in goal against the Panthers, giving Alex Nedeljkovic the likely start tomorrow in Chicago.
Sullivan says the Penguins have game planned for this situation and are ready to execute this style as necessary.
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