One lineup decision could make or break the Penguins' playoff chances, per NHL insider
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
NHL insider Jason Mackey believes that the Penguins will need to properly balance their offensive lines, and in doing so, can lead them to a playoff spot.
Line balance in hockey is difficult to describe but easy to spot. Guys in the right positions, lines clicking, momentum changing when it should, which keeps errors to a minimum.
This has been the Penguins' storyline all season and may prove true this month as well. Early in the season, going 8-2-2 in 12 games and averaging 3.7 goals per game with most of the regulars in the lineup worked well.
What happened to the Penguins in November
However, this pattern was thrown out of whack in November with eight losses in 12 games and only 2.5 goals scored per contest. The ledger was no longer balanced.
Wednesday's practice session brought encouragement. Noel Acciari and Justin Brazeau both participated in Wednesday's practice after being out due to injuries, with Brazeau going out on Oct. 30 and Acciari going out on Nov. 3.
Coach Dan Muse indicated they do not expect either player to be ready for Thursday's game versus the Tampa Bay Lightning, but expect both back Sunday versus the Dallas Stars.
Why things are looking a lot better for the Penguins
This would return three out of four lines of the Penguins into well-balanced territory, with only one player in Rickard Rakell, out.
Brazeau, skating with Evgeni Malkin and Anthony Mantha, was excellent in the first part of the season. The trio was Pittsburgh's best line. Brazeau recorded six goals and 12 points in 12 games.
The third line became effective Monday in Philadelphia with Rutger McGroarty, Ben Kindel, and Ville Koivunen. The trio had opportunities and developed scoring chemistry.
For the Penguins to be in the mix of the playoffs, create scoring opportunities, and prevent scoring opportunities, there needs to be balance throughout the lineup, according to NHL insider Jason Mackey.
"It's offensive balance, and it could define the next few weeks."
- Jason Mackey
- Jason Mackey
With recent help starting to return, this should finally be possible in Pittsburgh.
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