The Pittsburgh Penguins need a jump on their power play, and Bryan Rust should bring just what they need.

After only capitalizing on a pair of man advantage opportunities out of 13 to start the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are making a small adjustment to their power play.

It’s a simple maneuver for the Penguins but one that should prove useful as Bryan Rust sees a promotion to the top unit.

Rust has slotted in for Rickard Rakell on the top power play unit and should be seen as more than just riding the hot hand.

Through the early part of the season, Rust has already recorded four goals and should bring more of a well rounded game to the power play’s top unit.

“Work hard, get pucks back, and get to the net,” Rust said on his adjusted role. “Work for those guys out there. Those guys are world class talents.”

Rust is referring to the three Hall of Famers and elite level goal scorer that he will be sharing the extra ice with.

Erik Karlsson is still manning the point with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jake Guentzel filling out the rest of unit.

The second unit now reads Rakell, Kris Letang, Jeff Carter, Reilly Smith, Radim Zohorna.

Head coach Mike Sullivan noted that this move should bring a tougher element to the power play.

“I think the biggest thing is his puck retrieval,” Sullivan said. “He’s really good at tracking down loose pucks, rebounds, 50/50 pucks that are up for grabs. A big part of a successful power play is your ability to retrieve those.”

If Rust can maintain this compete level, it should equate to some added pressure and possessions for the Penguins with a man advantage.

“A lot of times you can create opportunity because teams are out of their structure,” Sullivan said. “Opportunity a lot of time can present itself.”

The Penguins need a jump to their power play, especially considering the hype the surrounds the names, and Rust could be a quiet key to a new found success.

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