NHL analyst says it is time for Dan Muse to reunite a specific line

The Anthony Mantha-Evgeni Malkin-Justin Brazeau line was one of the NHL's most productive trios during the opening weeks of the 2025-26 season, providing the Pittsburgh Penguins with constant offense and solid structure.

With the Penguins now on a two-game losing streak, NHL analyst Dave Molinari believes the timing is right for head coach Dan Muse to reunite that trio and try to reignite a spark for the team. Pittsburgh's momentum was halted over the weekend.

After seeing a six-game winning streak end with a loss to the Calgary Flames two nights ago, the Penguins followed it up with a 1-0 shutout defeat against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Sunday.

Boston extended its own winning streak to three games by dictating the pace and limiting Pittsburgh's chances, while the Penguins struggled to generate any sustained pressure for the second straight outing, prompting Molinari to suggest changes.

Viktor Arvidsson scored the game's only goal midway through the first period, and Joonas Korpisalo turned aside all of the 27 shots he faced to secure his first shutout of the NHL season.

Despite several strong looks, the Penguins were unable to break through as Boston protected the lead by being disciplined and playing well defensively.

As the Penguins' offense cools, the recent skid has sharpened the focus on the mandatory lineup changes Muse must make.

Reuniting Mantha, Malkin, and Brazeau would offer Muse a familiar solution, one that previously sparked production and could help Pittsburgh regain its rhythm before the slide deepens too far that it pushes them out of the playoff race.

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