Penguins Forward May Be Running Out of Time to Prove Himself in Pittsburgh

Nothing has come easy this season for Philip Tomasino with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Early in the second period on Monday in Toronto, Tomasino streaked down the left wing on a 2-on-1 and decided to shoot instead of passing over to Anthony Mantha, missing the net entirely. That perfectly encapsulated his year so far.

The 24-year-old winger has had a tough time establishing himself with new head coach Dan Muse behind the bench.

With Kevin Hayes closing in on a return to play from his respective injury and young forwards shining in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Tomasino's place in the lineup is looking more tenuous than ever.

Muse clearly wants and needs more consistency and purpose in a regular role from Tomasino.

He did record his first point of the season Monday, a secondary assist on Erik Karlsson's goal, after creating space for Sidney Crosby with a strong net drive. Still, his overall production and impact remain limited.

Once a promising trade acquisition from Nashville, who started hot last year, Tomasino has since seen his ice time shrink and his confidence waver.

Despite averaging similar offensive-zone possession to Mantha and Blake Lizotte, Tomasino has managed just three slot passes this season and has hit the net on only five of 15 shots.

The Penguins are generating just 43% of expected goals with him on the ice, the lowest mark on the roster. If anything, the Noel Acciari injury is buying Tomasino some time. It's rather evident that he's living on borrowed time.

Tomasino will need to find that playmaking touch that has often been present in his game if he wants to remain in the Penguins' lineup, or else ultimately face being the odd man out once again.