Pittsburgh Penguins deadline acquisition Mikael Granlund brought a spark to the third line.

The news of the Pittsburgh Penguins acquiring Mikael Granlund on Wednesday night was met with negative reactions from the team's already agitated fanbase. The negativity was warranted, considering the rumors of the team unloading cap space to bring in a major player at the deadline.

Granlund comes to the Penguins carrying a $5 Million salary cap hit with two more years attached to it. 

Fortunately for everyone, Granlund took the ice on Thursday night in Tampa Bay and provided a spark to what was a lifeless third line for the better part of the season. While he didn't attempt a shot during the game, his playmaking ability was on full display, setting up linemates Danton Heinen and Jeff Carter for multiple scoring chances. 

Beyond that, Granlund was thrust into the forefront of the Penguins penalty kill and led all forwards in shorthanded time on ice with 3:50. 

His lone mistake came from a trial by fire as the Penguins were down two men after back-to-back delay of game penalties. Granlund was left on an island against Steven Stamkos in the offensive zone and hesitated too long to disrupt Stamkos' shot that beat Tristan Jarry and tied the game at three.

Granlund won't be a game-breaker for the Penguins, but he proved last night that he is an improvement for the bottom six.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeH8jsfVJh4[/embed]

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