Penguins vs Canadiens: Key Forward Returns to Lineup

The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to see a key forward return to the lineup against the Montreal Canadiens.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are halfway through a four-game home stand and need to kick things into gear quickly. Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas said the team needs to find footing, or a fire sale may be around the corner.

With the Montreal Canadiens in town, the Penguins will look to quickly get things back on track. Only a few changes are expected from the Penguins lineup, but a depth forward will likely set for a return.

Rickard Rakell – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

The Penguins finally saw some scoring from outside this line against the New York Islanders, but it wasn’t enough for a win. Regardless, Sidney Crosby will try to pull his team as far as possible.

Drew O’Connor – Evgeni Malkin – Matthew Phillips

Matthew Phillips was quickly put on the Penguins’ second line after being claimed off waivers, and he likely won’t be moving quite yet. Phillips has speed and is always around the puck, and things might be on the verge of clicking for him at the NHL level.

Reilly Smith – Lars Eller – Valtteri Puustinen

Head coach Mike Sullivan has spoken glowingly about Valtteri Puustinen these last few days, and it’s well deserved. In his most recent NHL stint, Puustinen has found an extra step of speed and made some brilliant plays against the Islanders. His efforts were rewarded with a huge momentum-swinging goal in the third period.

Jansen Harkins – Noel Acciari – Jeff Carter

Sullivan labeled Noel Acciari as a game-time decision against the Canadiens, making his return to the lineup likely. The NHL Media Site not longer lists Acciari on injured reserve. Meanwhile, Colin White was forced to go from the home dressing room to the visiting room as the Canadiens claimed him off waivers.

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

No changes are expected from the Penguins’ defensive pairings as P.O. Joseph prepares for his second straight game on the top line. John Ludvig will likely remain on the shelf as a healthy scratch.

Tristan Jarry

Alex Nedeljkovic was given the start in the loss to the Islanders and was honest about his game. This time, Tristan Jarry is heading back between the pipes as he looks to avenge his mistakes after dropping the ball against the Los Angeles Kings.

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