{ "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": "Things are not going well for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they sit well out of the playoff race and need to find consistency in multiple areas to find wins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "While many of the same problems from last season continue to plague the Penguins, there is a new point of concern in the lineup." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The second line of Evgeni Malkin, Reilly Smith, and normally Rickard Rakell has fallen extremely flat." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Rakell is currently on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body injury, but was yet to record a goal before hitting the shelf." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "As for Malkin and Smith, their early chemistry has lost its touch; there is still an obvious connection, but they’ve lost their ability to finish." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Malkin’s only point in the last five games was an empty net goal against the Vegas Golden Knights; that game was also the Penguins only win since their five-game winning streak." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Smith has struggled a bit more with no goals in nine games and no points in his last six." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "This line showed immediate chemistry when the puck dropped on the season, but things haven’t been the same as of late." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Alex Nylander has been filling in for Rakell, and he definitely has NHL talent, but not a ton of finishing ability, which is exactly what that line is missing." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins don’t have a strong enough depth for both Malkin and Sidney Crosby to be off their game." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Crosby is holding up his end of the bargain and hovering right around the leaders in the NHL in goal scoring." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Malkin had a hot start, but has simmered off substantially; if the Penguins want their chance at the playoffs, they’ll need him and his line to wake up in a big way." } }, { "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": "Sidney Crosby Part of Group that 'Saved the NHL'" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Former Penguins Goalie Wears Special Mask Despite NHL Policy" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Exploring Who Could Be on Penguins Trade Block" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins vs. Maple Leafs: Need To Steal Wins" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Sidney Crosby on Career Best Goal Scoring Pace" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Penguins Need Second Line to Find New Level