New Face Changes Penguins Lineup

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PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are ready to celebrate a franchise icon in Jaromir Jagr, but an important game is still taking place. As the Penguins fight to climb back into the playoff race, they will take on a rebounding Los Angeles Kings team looking for some rhythm of their own.

It won’t be an easy task for the Penguins, either, as they are set to play their second contest without top-line winger Jake Guentzel.

With no Guentzel, plus the addition of Matthew Phillips and the possible return of Jansen Harkins, the Penguins lineup may have a completely new look against the Kings.

Projected Forward Lines

Rickard Rakell – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

The Penguins needed to find a first-line replacement with Guentzel on long-term injured reserve for at least four weeks. Rickard Rakell has struggled this year but always plays well when given the opportunity to skate with Sidney Crosby. Rakell looked comfortable in his first game back on the top line, which should continue against the Kings.

Reilly Smith – Evgeni Malkin – Drew O’Connor

Losing Guentzel forced head coach Mike Sullivan to toss the lines into a blender, and that shakeup moved Drew O’Connor back to the second line with Evgeni Malkin and Reilly Smith. O’Connor hasn’t been outstanding lately, but perhaps the small promotion can reignite the fire.

Matthew Phillips – Lars Eller – Valtteri Puustinen

The bottom-six forward group is where things will get interesting for the Penguins. Phillips joined the team and was slated on the third line and second power play in his first practice. Valtteri Puustinen and Jesse Puljujarvi swapped time during that practice, as well.

In a battle for position between Puustinen and Puljujarvi, the edge might go to Puustinen for now. The Penguins need a punch of offense, and Puustinen is getting another opportunity to show his firepower.

Jansen Harkins – Jeff Carter – Colin White

Sullivan listed Harkins as a game-time decision against the Kings, meaning he’ll likely slot back in over recalled forward Jonathan Gruden. If Harkins is set to return, it’s also safe to expect Gruden or Vinnie Hinostroza to be re-assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Projected Defensive Pairs

Marcus Pettersson – Kris Letang

Ryan Graves – Erik Karlsson

John Ludvig – Chad Ruhwedel

No changes are expected to the Penguins defensive corps. John Ludvig will likely remain with P.O. Joseph, continuing to sit in the press box as a healthy scratch.

Projected Starting Goalie

Tristan Jarry

No morning skate means this can’t be a decisive answer, but the nod will likely go to Tristan Jarry. He is the Penguins’ top goalie and will be tasked with shutting down a deep Kings lineup.

The Penguins might see significant changes to their lineup, but the mission remains unchanged. Every game is turning into a must-win as they fight for positioning in the playoff race.

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