The Pittsburgh Penguins have swapped a pair of struggling forwards in the lineup.
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins are not yet mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but a miraculous run to reach the postseason would be necessary. With their chances still above 0%, the Penguins will keep fighting for every inch they can get.
That never-say-die mentality means the Penguins are still looking to build the best possible lineup to give them a chance to win. Heading into their contest against the San Jose Sharks, the Penguins should only have one move to be made.
A full-team morning skate has shed some light on what the Penguins’ lines may look like against the Sharks.
Projected Forward Lines
Michael Bunting – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust
Michael Bunting is a new face to the Penguins’ organization, but it shouldn’t take long for him to become a fan favorite. He said he likes to score goals from around the crease and is at his best in those dirty areas.
Sidney Crosby has struggled these last few weeks, but he should break from his slump soon, and Bunting might be a pivotal face to help reclaim that dominance.
Drew O’Connor – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell
Rickard Rakell has been promoted from the third line to the second to join Evgeni Malkin again. Rakell only has a goal and an assist in the last eight games, but he might add a bit more punch to the lineup than those who stood in this position before.
Reilly Smith – Lars Eller – Valtteri Puustinen
As Rakell moves up, Reilly Smith sinks back down to the third line. This trio might be a bit of a new look for the Penguins, but it might also finally spark some offense from the depth. Smith has struggled but is getting looks and Valtteri Puustinen is due to string together a few goals.
Emil Bemstrom – Noel Acciari – Jeff Carter
As usual, the Penguins’ fourth line will go untouched. Jansen Harkins will likely be out for the foreseeable future after hand surgery, but Emil Bemstrom is a quality piece to slide right into that spot.
Projected Defensive Pairs
Marcus Pettersson – Kris Letang
Ryan Graves – Erik Karlsson
John Ludvig – P.O. Joseph
Despite their poor performance all season, the Penguins will likely not see any changes to their defensive pairings. John Ludvig will remain a physical presence while Erik Karlsson spoke about some trade rumors that surfaced about him and a former team.
Starting Goalie
Tristan Jarry
Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that Tristan Jarry will start in goal against the Sharks. This will be Jarry’s third straight start.
The Penguins will also be without their promotional giveaway item, as the shipment of Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads was stolen on its way to Pittsburgh. While the Penguins teased some extra promo for the bobblehead night, multiple sources confirmed to Inside the Penguins that the shipment has, in fact, been stolen.
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