Brassard, Rust, Simon interesting third-line mix

But it’s hardly just Brassard. This trio clicking could help Simon find a home, too.

You saw last season Simon get chance after chance to play with Crosby.

Some of that might have been warranted, too, as Simon produced 2.0 points per 60 minutes of five-on-five ice time during the postseason, which was the fourth-best figure among Penguins forwards behind Jake Guentzel (5.31), Crosby (4.88) and Patric Hornqvist (3.42).

But the eye test would tell you that it was downright maddening at times to see the length of Simon’s leash. Why did he stay on the top line for so long?

But there’s more to Simon’s game than meets the eye, Sullivan would likely tell you.

“I think Dom brings a lot of subtleties to the table,” Sullivan said. “He’s a very good playmaker. He’s good in traffic. He’s a pretty sound player at both ends of the rink.”

He also needs to shoot and finish more.

That much is obvious from talking to Simon and hearing Sullivan speak about what the 24-year-old Czech native needs to do to get and keep a regular spot in the lineup.

Sullivan doesn’t want Simon, now on a one-way contract, to “exhale.” Both coach and player agree that Simon needs to produce more than his 3.3 shots per 60 in the postseason, which was better than only Carter Rowney (2.68).

“The next step for Dominik is more finish to his game,” Sullivan said. “He does so many of the little things and the subtle things that I think help lines be effective. He’s got a sneaky release. He’s got a very good shot. He does have the ability to finish. I don’t think he’s shown it at this level like he’s capable. And I think that’s the next step for him.”

Rust is a 26-year-old, doeverything wing who is coming off a career-high in points (38) and games played (69), although he, too, stands to benefit from this trio.

If there’s a knock on Rust from 2017-18, it’s that he disappeared sometimes for long stretches. In 15 games from Oct. 24 to Nov. 24, Rust had one goal and three points and was a minus-5. Production lacked in his final 17 regular-season games, too, with just three goals and five points during that stretch.

“I’ve been a little streaky,” Rust said. “I want to try and keep it consistent.”

Different ingredients on any line are important, and it’s no different here. Rust adds a speed element, can create turnovers and does some solid corner work. He’s not afraid to go to the net. Brassard has historically been a No. 2 center and thinks the game like a scorer, with the offensive talent to match.

Although he hasn’t used it enough, Simon has the shot to be a bit of a sniper.

“I’m trying to focus on it,” Simon said of his shot, “trying to get better in all areas of the game.

“That’s definitely one of them.”

With the Wednesday night preseason game serving as a bit of a dress rehearsal — Sullivan admitted as much — the top two lines appear fairly set.

The fourth of Matt Cullen, Riley Sheahan and Daniel Sprong also offers a solid mix of skill sets, and it remains to be seen how comfortable the Penguins would be giving Cullen or Sheahan (just now back from a lowerbody injury) third-line duty.

“I’ve tried to adjust to the two guys,” Brassard said.

“They try to have some offense in them. We’re going to try and make it work. We only played one game. We’re going to try and play these games and get some chemistry.”