The Pittsburgh Penguins bottom six has been better but needs more of a spark.

The Pittsburgh Penguins bottom six has performed better since the trade deadline. The restructured group hasn't done much to add in the way of goal-scoring, but they have held their own much better at even strength and have created opportunities on a more consistent basis. 

Some players have shown they may be pieces for the Penguins to build around next season. The play of Drew O'Connor and Ryan Poehling has improved significantly in recent weeks. Josh Archibald has continued to lead the way for the fourth line on the forecheck and in the defensive zone.

However, the Penguins have a pair of bottom six wingers that tend to disappear for stretches of games, Danton Heinen and Mikael Granlund. 

Too often, these two manage to make nearly no impact on the game in any way. It's not the worst trait to have as a hockey player, as it means that the opponent is likely not producing anything either, but with the Penguins hanging on to a playoff spot by a thread, they need difference makers more than they need a stalemate. 

Heinen and Granlund have combined for two goals in the 11 games since Granlund was acquired by the Penguins, including zero goals in the past seven games. 

Granlund's ability to play both center and wing, combined with his usage on the penalty kill, will keep him in the lineup through the remainder of the season. However, Heinen is strictly a 5v5 player, making him more easily replaced in the lineup.

With O'Connor and Archibald beginning to mesh well on the fourth line, the best way to spark more offense in the bottom six may be to scratch Heinen in favor of Alex Nylander. 

Nylander has played six games for the Penguins this season, and while he only produced one assist in that time, his offensive abilities shined through much more than Heinen's has through most of the season.

With ten games left in the season and a playoff spot on the line, the Penguins should favor to more potent offensive threat in Nylander over the more experienced Heinen.

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