The Pittsburgh Penguins are adjusting their lineup with a key return from injury.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to find their way back to the win column as they visit the Ottawa Senators on a three-game losing streak. A few lineup changes are expected following a re-assignment and a return from injury.

Jonathan Gruden was re-assigned to the American Hockey League and defenseman Ryan Shea was recalled in his place. Following the morning skate, the Penguins’ head coach listed Drew O’Connor as a game-time decision. The official lineup announcement confirmed that O’Connor will return to the lineup after three games away with a concussion.

Forward Lines

Michael Bunting – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

Sidney Crosby has been nearly invisible these last few games, but he gave a message to his team as the final stretch arrives. While the Penguins are likely missing the postseason for the second straight season, but Crosby is urging his teammates to stick to it and keep their foot on the pedal.

Reilly Smith – Evgeni Malkin – Drew O’Connor

Not only is O’Connor returning to the lineup, but he’s suiting up on the second line with Evgeni Malkin and Reilly Smith. O’Connor has spent a fair bit of this season in the top six, and that will continue into the final stretch.

Rickard Rakell – Lars Eller – Valtteri Puustinen

With O’Connor back in the fold, Valtteri Puustinen moves from the second line to the third. In 33 games played this season and has only scored two goals. Everyone knows his ceiling is far beyond what we’ve seen, he just needs to find his rhythm.

Emil Bemstrom – Noel Acciari – Jeff Carter

For the first time since joining the Penguins, Emil Bemstrom will line up on the Penguins’ fourth line. Gruden cleared waivers and was sent to the AHL, forcing Bemstrom to drop down a line and take the open space.

Defensive Pairs

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

Ryan Shea was recalled to the NHL roster, but he will not suit up with the Penguins. The defensive pairs will remain the same for the Penguins with John Ludvig back to getting regular ice time.

Starting Goalie

Tristan Jarry

The Penguins don’t have much to fight for, but they will continue to roll with Tristan Jarry as their starter between the pipes.

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