The Pittsburgh Penguins are desperate for someone to break through in their bottom six. Who could be the catalyst that sparks that part of the lineup? PITTSBURGH - All season long, the Pittsburgh Penguins have seen a number of players struggle to remain productive or reach their expectations. Despite residing on the Penguins’ first line with Sidney Crosby fairly often, Bryan Rust hasn’t been the same player everyone is used to. In a career-high 74 games played, Rust has managed 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points. While 41 points is good for sixth on the team in scoring, it’s well below where he should be considering his position in the lineup and the amount of ice time he gets. Especially as of late, Rust has been too unproductive to still hold a spot on the first line. In his last 14 games played, Rust has only scored one goal (on an empty net) and three assists. Rust would, and has said himself [https://triblive.com/sports/bryan-rust-takes-blame-for-penguins-loss-ive-got-to-got-that-puck-out-of-the-zone/] that he hasn't been playing well enough this year and needs to find his finish. You could make the argument that Rust is holding his linemates back, as well; Crosby hasn’t recorded a point in three games. It’s the lack of production both from Rust and Crosby that should force Mike Sullivan to make a demotion. And not just pushing Rust to the second line; Sullivan has already shown his willingness to moving an underperforming Mikael Granlund up a line, so why not try again? Put Granlund back on the second line with Evgeni Malkin former Minnesota Wild linemate Jason Zucker, and slot Rickard Rakell back on the top line, where he’s been most productive. This would push Rust to the third line, not only to add a scoring threat to the bottom six, but also cut back on his ice time. Rust is one of the few Penguins that Sullivan trusts in every aspect of the game; 5-on-5, power play, and penalty kill. Thanks to the deployment, Rust averages almost 18 minutes of ice each game, and the production hasn’t followed. It's also not ideal for the player that just signed a six-year contract extension [https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-agree-to-terms-with-bryan-rust-on-a-six-year-contract-extension/c-334235324] to be lacking this much. Rust has a future with this organization and is a vitally important piece, but he just needs to find that extra level. The Penguins bottom-six also still needs a spark and Rust might be able to bring that if given the opportunity. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! Penguins Win Provides Blueprint for Postseason Success [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-win-provides-blueprint-for-postseason-success] Kris Letang Set To Make Penguins History [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/kris-letang-make-pittsburgh-penguins-history] Penguins Get Confidence Boost from Tristan Jarry's Shutout [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-confidence-boost-tristan-jarry-shutout] Penguins Maintain Playoff Position With Shutout Victory [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-maintain-playoff-shutout-victory] It's Now or Never for Tristan Jarry With the Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/now-or-never-tristan-jarry-pittsburgh-penguins] * undefined * undefined
