The combination of Michael Bunting, Blake Lizotte, and Anthony Beauvillier has been paying dividends for the Penguins so far - and they may be the third line the Penguins have been looking for. The Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/] may have finally found a legitimate third line. During their 2-1 against the Boston Bruins on Friday [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/defense-goaltending-come-up-big-penguins-stave-off-bruins-win-2-1], the trio of Michael Bunting, Blake Lizotte, and Anthony Beauvillier was united. And, since then, Bunting, Lizotte, and "Tito" - BLT - have been a force on both sides of the puck. "They're three guys that bring speed, tenacity, a north-south game," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "I think they have the ability to help us generate momentum, they're pretty good on the forecheck because of their speed and their tenacious play... So, I think, without a doubt, they create energy and momentum for us. But I think there's more to that line than just that." And, although it's a small sample size, the data so far suggests that, too. In terms of defensive metrics, they are first in expected goals against at 0.7 and expected goals against per 60 at 1.61 among forward lines that have played 25-plus minutes. And through two and a half games, they have combined for three goals and eight points. On the defensive side of the puck, they're not giving up much. And on the offensive side of it, they are able to sustain puck possession in the offensive zone and cycle on the forecheck. Two good shifts from them led to two goals - one from Owen Pickering and the other from Kris Letang - on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/penguins-outlast-panthers-prevail-in-overtime-to-earn-their-fourth-straight-win]. "We just work hard," Beauvillier said. "We try to get in on the forecheck and try to win pucks for each other. Obviously, it's very predictable with Lizzo down the middle and how we can make plays. I feel like we've played some good games, we've had some chemistry, and I think part of our success is to just keep it simple and try to get in on the forecheck." The combination of toolsets for each respective player on that line seem to be gelling really well, as Beauvillier and Lizotte have the ability to beat opponents to pucks with their speed and are both defensively sound, while Bunting plays a good north-south game and gets to the dirty areas down low to make things happen. Lizotte mentioned that the three of them are reading well off of each other and know what the expectation is every time they step onto the ice. "I think all three of us are just on the same page in terms of what it takes to create chances in this league every night," Lizotte said. "It takes work, and we're good on the forecheck. And, positionally, we're all in the right spots more times than not. We create a lot of turnovers, whether it's on the forecheck or even in the d-zone. Bunts and Beau are great skaters, and they've been able to stretch the ice really well for us so far. So, they're a joy to play with, and I hope we keep it going."
