The Pittsburgh Penguins are still looking for the perfect formula on defense.

The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t been pleased with the start Ryan Graves has had as he suddenly finds himself filtering around on the third pairing.

Graves entered the year on the Penguins’ first line alongside Kris Letang, but things just haven’t been working.

The coaching staff tried moving Graves to the second pairing with Erik Karlsson, but then Karlsson saw a major dip in production.

In that role on the second pairing, however, has now gone P.O. Joseph, who has had his own struggles this season.

This kind of small move might be the perfect solution to wake up the game of both Graves and Joseph.

“I think everyone can play with everyone,” Karlsson said when talking about his possible new linemate. “We move the puck well. Obviously, it’s a different type of game. We’ll see how it translates.”

Joseph’s season hasn’t gone as planned, but he is hopeful this new opportunity sets him up for regular playing time again.

“He’s a remarkable player,” Joseph said. “Just trying to be here for him and bring my game as well.”

The Penguins loss to the Washington Capitals was Joseph first game back in the lineup after some healthy scratches and an illness, but head coach Mike Sullivan liked the way he played in his return.

Sullivan also expects there to be a good boost from his new look second pairing.

“When P.O.’s at his best, his biggest asset is his mobility,” Sullivan said. “His skating ability and his ability to move the puck.”

Those are the exact things that make Karlsson’s game so explosive and if those two are sticking together and playing at the top of their game, that could be a dangerous duo.

Graves was relegated to the third pairing and rotated with Chad Ruhwedel and Ryan Shea in drills.

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