NHL insider believes Penguins have found an unexpected trio worth keeping intact
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
NHL insider Dave Molinari believes the Penguins have found an unexpected new trio dubbed the "Kid Line", and they are playing so well that they must remain intact.
The Penguins may have found something with the Rutger McGroarty-Ben Kindel-Ville Koivunen line, according to NHL insider Dave Molinari.
The trio logged its first game together in the 5-1 win over Philadelphia and didn't hit the scoresheet, but they made an impression that earned another look against Tampa.
What the new "Kid Line" produced last game
Kindel's line produced five of Pittsburgh's 27 shots. McGroarty tied for the team lead in hits, while Kindel led the group with two blocked shots.
"The Rutger McGroarty-Ben Kindel-Ville Koivunen line showed real promise during its first game together, and deserves to remain intact unless that changes."
- Dave Molinari
- Dave Molinari
Despite it being their first game as a unit, they showed early chemistry at five-on-five, and all three handled special-teams minutes. Kindel and McGroarty worked the penalty kill, while Kindel and Koivunen took shifts on the power play.
Their future together is less clear. The Penguins are missing Rickard Rakell, Justin Brazeau, Noel Acciari and Filip Hallander, but none of those returns directly threaten this line's spot.
Why the "Kid Line" has a chance of not remaining intact
Kevin Hayes and Tommy Novak, however, could push Koivunen or McGroarty down when Rakell and Brazeau rejoin the top six.
Kindel is the least likely to move since he would have to be returned to junior if removed from the roster. Koivunen and McGroarty can be sent to Wilkes-Barre without waivers, which keeps their situations more fluid.
Still, the early signs suggest this combination may offer real long-term value. One game is a small sample, but the McGroarty-Kindel-Koivunen line showed enough promise to justify keeping it together and seeing where it can go.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
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