Dan Muse's choices in Penguins-Predators game draw fan pushback

Bryan Rust is one of the exemplars of the current generation of Pittsburgh Penguins players.

He's never been considered a possession-level player such as the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, but he's always been a step right below them, a key cog in the lineup who, through his skating and scoring abilities, brought the Pens the Stanley Cups of 2016 and 2017.

Looking at Rust's numbers for the year, it's the same story of excellence. He's been right at the forefront of the Penguins' success and very much a force that continues to prove age is but a number among the NHL's stars.

Yet the difference between numbers and eye tests has widened. He lacks pace in his play. His puck possession has not been consistent. The plays are happening around him at a rate that Rust cannot yet keep up with.

And then, of course, there's the defense, where the issues are even more profound, not only for Rust but also for the top line.

At 5 vs. 5, Crosby and Rust are being scored against and out-chanced when paired together, and when they are on the ice, the Penguins' defense sinks to a lower level of performance.

Compared to other team data, the two are ranked among the lowest defenders. Adding to that, not all fans are pleased with the lineup choices that Dan Muse has decided to go with for today's match against the Predators, notably the decision to play Rust and put the young Ben Kindel on the wing.

Fans expected that Sweden would have given Kindel the opportunity to play at center, his natural position.

The offense that Rust and the first line bring is important, but the Penguins need more defensive consistency there. With the level of play escalating, the trip abroad is a critical juncture for changes and accountability.