Jeff Carter is the best faceoff Option for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but that's all he's been good for.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have more struggles than just one player in particular and the entire lineup needs to take a step in the right direction, but there is one area that continues to be puzzling.

How does Jeff Carter continue to suit up for the Penguins every night despite visibly being one of the least productive forwards?

According to head coach Mike Sullivan, Carter wins a lot of faceoffs. And that’s about it.

When Sullivan was asked about why guys like Carter and Brian Dumouling keep finding their names in the lineup despite doing more bad than good, Sullivan stood up for his players.

Focusing on Carter in particular, Sullivan went into great detail about how dynamic Carter is at draws.

“Carts, going into tonight's game, is sixth in the league in faceoff percentage,” Sullivan said. “Sixth overall. In the whole league. He wins a lot of faceoffs.”

A 59.1% faceoff percentage is no joke, it’s tops on the team and can be a difference maker, but that’s all he’s been good for.

Take a look at every overtime period involving the Penguins; Carter is out there to win the opening faceoff, then immediately skates directly to the bench for an offensive threat.

It’s a gimmick. Sure, winning faceoffs is important for a team, but there isn’t anyone else who can win draws?

As a depth center in the NHL, another part of your job description is to have a good defensive mindset, as well as bring offensive threat.

Carter hasn’t been able to do either of those things, especially recently.

In 66 games played this season, Carter has nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points and is a team-low minus-17.

Sullivan recently moved Carter from third to fourth line center in an effort to shelter his minutes, but Carter has still gotten exposed defensively.

During the Penguins recent three-game losing streak, Carter has averaged 8:49 per-game (down from his normal 14:26), and has still returned a minus-six.

Sullivan has held on for too long and it’s hurting the team and their ability to win games.

Carter is a veteran in the NHL and heading into the year could have made a real case to be a possible Hall of Famer, but it’s past time to let go and find a new option.

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