{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/l4ivpHke.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to struggle on the man advantage, dropping to 25th in the NHL.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/l4ivpHke-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/l4ivpHke.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/l4ivpHke.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/l4ivpHke-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 180, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 346478, "filesize": 7795777, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/l4ivpHke-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 270, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 468256, "filesize": 10535762, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/l4ivpHke-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 720, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1454597, "filesize": 32728445, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/l4ivpHke-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113884, "filesize": 2562394 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/l4ivpHke-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 360, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 516810, "filesize": 11628234, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/l4ivpHke-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 540, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 885066, "filesize": 19913994, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Penguins are the oldest team in the NHL and their age has had a tendency to show at times over the last couple of seasons." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The core group of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are a huge reason why the Penguins are the only team with an average age over 30, but that doesn’t mean they are holding the team back." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "As a matter of fact, Crosby, Malkin, and Letang are still the best on the roster and compete with some of the best players in the NHL." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "With their age, however, does come a sense of leadership and knowing when things need to change for the betterment of the team overall." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The power play has been a main are of focus in seeing members of the core take a lesser role to propel the team forward." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Heading into the season, it seemed like Letang would remain on the top power play unit with an incoming Erik Karlsson on the same unit." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Letang had been quarterbacking the Penguins power play for quite a few years and found success, but was forced to relinquish his duties." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "When the season began, Letang was moved to the second unit while Karlsson took over as the top quarterback." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Now seeing less time on the power play, Letang has shifted his game to become a useful penalty killer." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "It’s not the same style of game Letang has been known for, but he’s been fantastic of the defensive side of the puck." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Malkin was also recently stripped of his spot on the first power play unit, as well." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins have struggled on the power play and while sitting a few spots behind a playoff spot, a change needed to be made." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The shuffle button was hit on the power play units, separating Crosby and Malkin as the latter was put on the second line." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "It’s yet to be seen if these combinations stay for a game, but Malkin being accepting of the move would be another example of the core showing they can be selfless for the team." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "At 5-on-5, the Penguins are still a fantastic team, and Karlsson isn’t holding the power play back, he’s realistically been outstanding since finding a rhythm with his new team." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Sullivan says the guys still work each and every day to make themselves better and be as successful as possible." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins core group knows how to lead by example and are willing to take steps back in order to help the team win." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins' Bryan Rust To Miss Second Straight Game" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Multiple Penguins Stars Lead Even Strength Production" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins vs. Sabres: Holiday Frenzy Begins" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "THN Archive: Penguins Defy Logic; They Take Flight" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Separate Stars on Power Play" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Penguins Core Takes Different Roles To Help Find Success