Penguins Fourth Line Deserves More Time Together
In just one game without Jeff Carter, the Pittsburgh Penguins have already gotten more production from their fourth line.
It took just one game with Jeff Carter out of the lineup for the Pittsburgh Penguins to finally see some production from their fourth line.
Sure, the fourth line’s pair of goals came in a 10-2 routing of the Sharks, but the Penguins should keep the trio together to see if the momentum continues.
The only real change that took place was Vinnie Hinostroza stepping into the lineup for Carter, but that was enough to wake up the offense.
Hinostroza picked up a goal and an assist in his Penguins debut, while Matt Nieto scored his first goal with his new team, which was assisted by Noel Acciari.
“This is where you want to be,” Hinostroza said. “You want to be helping the team win. It feels great to contribute but it’s only one game.”
In just that one game without Carter, the fourth line found a way to produce offensively.
Not to say Carter was the only reason for the line’s inability to capitalize on opportunities, but this small move woke something up.
They played well together and looked like a more complete trio as to what they were getting from Carter.
It’s tough to say how the Penguins actually played considering just how bad the Sharks are this year, but the net positive production from that depth line earns them another chance.
The Penguins’ next contest is against the Anaheim Ducks, which shouldn’t be a difficult task, but the Ducks came out on top in their previous meeting.
The Ducks could definitely supply more of a challenge than the Sharks, and a fresh look at the line.
When things are going well, head coach Mike Sullivan usually doesn’t like to change the mojo, so it would make sense for the lineup to look the same in Anaheim.
And the line of Hinostroza, Nieto, and Acciari deserve another look as a group.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
- Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins