Alex Nylander's spot in the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup isn't certain, but he's making the most of his chances.

PITTSBURGH - Fans have been begging for it over the last few months and now they’re getting their wish; Alex Nylander is getting regular time on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster.

Nylander has been called up twice on emergency basis and this time seems to be his biggest chance with the Penguins.

Nick Bonino is out week-to-week with a lacerated kidney and without him in the lineup, head coach Mike Sullivan dumped the forward lines into a blender.

The result of the changes saw Nylander placed on the second line with Evgeni Malkin and Jason Zucker.

In Nylander’ Penguins’ debut, he recorded an assist while on a line with Malkin and Zucker, so it was only appropriate to put him back there for his second game.

Nylander didn’t record a point this time, but it’s obvious he’s settling in nicely on the NHL roster.

“I think he has the ability to be good in the pursuit game,” Sullivan said. “We know he has real good play making ability. I think he’s very capable.”

Zucker has been on a torrid pace recently and implementing Nylander as a linemate hasn’t slowed him down.

As a leader, Zucker is doing what he can to help Nylander become acclimated with the team.

“I’ve been impressed with his game,” Zucker said. “Just trying to talk with him and keep it light on the bench.”

Zucker has liked what he’s seen from Nylander and the skill he is bringing to the Penguins lineup.

In 53 games played in the AHL this season, Nylader scored 50 points (25G-25A) good for the most on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Since Nylander is an emergency call up again, there will have to be some shuffling if the Penguins plan on keeping him at the NHL level.

It’s hard to pinpoint at this very moment where Nylander stands, but he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity he’s being given.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Sullivan said. “Any time you get a chance to play in the NHL as a young player it’s a great opportunity to establish yourself.”

The Penguins have looked like an improved team with Nylander in the lineup and he’s doing what he can to help the team win.

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