Penguins Make Significant Lineup Changes
The Pittsburgh Penguins made changes to a couple of key areas of the lineup.
PITTBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are still fighting their way up the Metropolitan Division rankings, but continue to sit outside of a playoff spot. Following an overtime loss to Metro Division rival Carolina Hurricanes, the Penguins made a couple of lineup changes that hopefully spur some progress.
Ryan Graves started the season on the first defensive pairing alongside Kris Letang, but recently slipped all the way to the third line. While on the third pairing with Chad Ruhwedel, he’s found a new footing and improvements to his game that may have earned him a promotion.
During the Penguins’ most recent skate, Graves was pushed back up to the second line with Erik Karlsson. P.O. Joseph was demoted to the third pairing and his poor play may have been a bigger reason for the swap.
Joseph has struggled this season and is quickly tanking his trade stock if the Penguins planned on putting him up for sale.
Head coach Mike Sullivan praised Graves’ play as of late noting that he also played a role in the change.
“We think Gravy’s played pretty well as of late, and that's part of the reason why we made that adjustment.”
Another notable change to a struggling area of the lineup was Bryan Rust returning to the top power play unit. The Penguins power play has been nearly useless all season and is still in need of huge changes but adding Rust is another new angle.
Rust has had a great season, even while battling injuries; in 28 games played he has scored 24 total points (11G-13A) including some timely tallies. Rust capped off a two-point night against the Hurricanes with a game-tying goal in the final minute.
Rickard Rakell was moved from the first to the second power play unit.
After missing the game as a late scratch, Noel Acciari returned to practice as a full participant centering the fourth line.
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