Too Early for Changes to Penguins Lineup
The Pittsburgh Penguins haven't seen production from the bottom six, but they are being patient with the new group.
Considering how the 2022-23 season went for the Pittsburgh Penguins, it’s understandable that fans might be impatient about a new year.
The Penguins overhauled the bottom six forward group and added elite talent to their blue line, yet it’s the top two lines who have carried just about all of the early load.
It’s been three games, but the third and fourth lines are yet to contribute offensively; Lars Eller is the only player in the group to record a point with a single assist.
Early returns haven’t looked great offensively, but they’re succeeding in what they were brought here to do: keep the puck out of their own net.
Even with the line of Jeff Carter, Matt Nieto, and Noel Acciari getting hemmed in their own zone for multiple minutes two games in a row, they are yet to be scored against.
The Penguins have bounced back from a poor start to the season to notch back-to-back wins, and it would be hasty to start making changes to the bottom six this early in the season.
Sure, there are plenty of options within the minor league system, but the leash is a little longer for the names already in the NHL roster.
Head coach Mike Sullivan is confident the scoring will come around for the bottom six, and they’ve had a few good chances.
It’s a matter capitalizing, and if the chances keep coming, they’ll find some success.
The Penguins bottom six is almost a completely new group of faces and the chemistry isn't going to form overnight.
Give the players some time to mesh together and find their scoring chances and things will feel much better.
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