Penguins Forward Promoted to Top Line

usatsi_22908633_168388034_lowres

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are in for another tough test against the Boston Bruins as the Stanley Cup Playoffs are right around the corner. A loss wouldn’t completely sink the Penguins chances of returning to the postseason, but they would need some outside help to stay right where they are.

Heading into this matchup, the Penguins hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but three teams are just a point behind them.

The Penguins head into another crucial matchup and will likely see another small change to their forward groups.

Projected Forward Lines

Reilly Smith – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

About halfway through the matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, Drew O’Connor and Reilly Smith were swapped. Head coach Mike Sullivan liked what he saw from Smith on the first line, as he picked up a couple of assists in the second period. That move will likely stick into this crucial meeting.

Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell

Michael Bunting and Rickard Rakell were credited with assists on Kris Letang’s goal against the Red Wings, while Rakell went on to have the secondary assist on the overtime winner. The Penguins top six has been stepping up in a big way and they’ll look to remain productive when they’re needed most.

Drew O’Connor – Lars Eller – Valtteri Puustinen

With Smith bumped to the first line, O’Connor takes over as the third-line left winger. It doesn’t matter where O’Connor falls in the lineup, he’s been able to produce and help the Penguins in more ways than one.

Radim Zohorna – Jeff Carter – Emil Bemstrom

The Penguins returned Radim Zohorna to the NHL lineup against the Red Wings, but he didn’t get much action playing in just under five minutes. The top three lines have rolled for the Penguins, while the fourth line has usually only played a few minutes.

Projected Defensive Pairs

P.O. Joseph – Kris Letang

Marcus Pettersson – Erik Karlsson

Ryan Shea – Jack St. Ivany

The big story of the Penguins defense is Erik Karlsson appearing in his He’ll become the 398^th player ever to hit that mark, the 46^th active NHLer, and sixth on the current Penguins roster. It’s a big night for him after scoring that huge overtime goal against the Red Wings.

It will also be worth keeping an eye on the third pairing of Ryan Shea and Jack St. Ivany. The first-year youngsters have been trusted by the coaching staff and haven’t looked out of place one bit.

Starting Goalie

Alex Nedeljkovic

This will be Alex Nedeljkovic’s 11^th straight start between the pipes for the Penguins. He’s been solid in his last 10, and the Penguins don’t plan on changing anything until absolutely necessary.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Penguins Defenseman Helped Change Game of Hockey

Penguins Scoreboard Watching Ahead of Big Game

Penguins Stick With Hot Goalie in Critical Game

Penguins Star Defenseman Talks Milestone Game

Former Penguins Goalie Adds Rare Moment to Career