Even a full health, the Pittsburgh Penguins are bereft of a third line.
Tuesday provided the first look at a healthy Pittsburgh Penguins forward lineup for the first time since November. What became painfully clear is that this Penguins team doesn't have the talent to deploy an NHL-level third line.
The Penguins "third line" on paper consists of Brock McGinn, Jeff Carter, and Kasperi Kapanen. McGinn and Carter have combined for 0 points in the team's past 11 games, with McGinn's scoring streak extending back to the Christmas break 17 games ago.
Kapanen provides an interesting wrinkle. The 26-year-old winger returned on Tuesday from a lower-body injury and appeared to be the best player on that line throughout the game. His speed and forechecking ability make him a threat on the ice, but he often finds himself ahead of the play when deployed with Carter and McGinn.
This line finished the game against the Avalanche with 84% of the expected goals at 5v5 and a 4-0 lead in scoring chances when on the ice. What they lack in offensive play driving is made up for with their defensive play together.
Unfortunately, those are traits of an NHL fourth line which is what this trio has become. With the trade deadline under a month away, it remains the area the Penguins need to improve the most.
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