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Mike Sullivan trying to spread the wealth with the new combos |
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The Penguins will be debuting some new look forward lines against the Rangers as they look to secure their fourth victory in a row
So this is certainly one way to do it.
The thought process here is to try and spread the wealth. They are hoping to get by as long as possible with Rodrigues on the top line. They are keeping the Malkin-Rust duo together while using Jared McCann in a top six role. McCann has had flashes of success in the top six with Sidney Crosby. He hasn’t been that effective 5v5 so far this year so they may be giving him a last chance to get going. With Pettersson injured he may just find himself as the one Rutherford uses for a trade.
The third line has two potential top six wingers and a center who has an opportunity to show they are more than a fourth line player. It can’t hurt to try and see if it works I guess. It is now or never if Blueger wants an elevated role.
The fourth line looks like a fourth line. An overpriced fourth line, but given the role they will have they should be able to handle it.
I saw a tweet yesterday and I think it applies to the reasoning for these lines
I generally agree with this. However, the Penguins are teetering on the brink of being able to successfully pull it off or leaving players on an island. I think the first part is important if Sullivan wants to spread the talent. He absolutely has to be willing to load up two lines if they are trailing a game in the third period and he has to be willing to double shift, use tv timeouts and other whistles to make it happen. You can’t pour the lines out before the game like they are concrete and just let it sit.
Thanks for reading!
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