The Pittsburgh Penguins made multiple adjustments to their lineup against the Chicago Blackhawks.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins recently added Jake Guentzel to long-term injured reserve, forcing sweeping changes to the lineup. To go with the removal of Guentzel, the Penguins recalled three players from the American Hockey League.
With the official announcement of the Penguins' roster against the Chicago Blackhawks, Jonathan Gruden and Valtteri Puustinen have returned to the NHL lineup. Vinnie Hinostroza was also recalled by is taking a healthy scratch.
Rickard Rakell is being bumped to the Penguins' first line, with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust filling in for the absent Guentzel. Puustinen will file in on the third line with Lars Eller and Jesse Puljujarvi. Gruden takes over the left wing on the fourth line with Jeff Carter and Colin White.
Defenseman P.O. Joseph worked his way back into the lineup when the Penguins were forced to play with an 11-forward, seven-defensemen setup. Joseph is back to being a healthy scratch, with the lineup alignment back to normal against the Blackhawks.
Alex Nedeljkovic has been confirmed as the Penguins starter between the pipes.
The Penguins are dealing with multiple injuries at one of the most inopportune times as they continue to fight for playoff positioning.
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