PROJECTIONS
THE LINES AND PAIRINGS MIKE SULLIVAN CAN BE EXPECTED TO ROLL OUT ON OPENING NIGHT
A look at the Penguins’ projected lineup for the Oct. 12 season opener in Tampa Bay. Note that as of press time, the opening night statuses for Jake Guentzel and Zach Aston-Reese, who were recently placed on the NHL’s COVID protocol list, were unclear.
Forward line No. 1
Jake Guentzel – Jeff Carter – Bryan Rust
With captain Sidney Crosby sidelined, Jeff Carter takes his spot on the top line. The 36-yearold scored 13 goals in 20 games with the Penguins last season, including the playoffs. He had a good camp, displaying chemistry with Guentzel in particular. This line should do just fine until Crosby returns, likely by October’s end.
Forward line No. 2
Jason Zucker – Evan Rodrigues – Kasperi Kapanen
Rodrigues most recently was the one skating between Zucker and Kapanen, but that seems subject to change. Teddy Blueger and Radim Zohorna are alternatives. Once Crosby is back, Carter figures to be between Zucker and Kapanen. The Penguins have high hopes for Kapanen and pray that Zucker finally finds his stride.
Forward line No. 3
Zach Aston-Reese – Teddy Blueger – Brock McGinn
The Penguins typically list Blueger’s line fourth on official depth charts. But this trio will often play more than the third line — and sometimes the second. Brock McGinn, a fan favorite in Carolina, replaces Brandon Tanev on the right. Tanev’s intangibles will be tough to replace, but McGinn should chip in a few more goals.
Forward line No. 4
Drew O’Connor – Brian Boyle – Danton Heinen
Heinen will be a guy who gets moved around the lineup. For now, he lands here. Boyle, another newcomer, is good at draws and a load to handle below the dots. Looks like he will make the team. Who is the third guy on this line? O’Connor and Zohorna are the leading candidates. Don’t forget Dominik Simon.
Defensive pair No. 1 Brian Dumoulin and Kris Letang
Both players are getting up there in age but otherwise no worries about these two. Letang is coming off a strong season that saw him finish ninth in Norris Trophy voting. He’s a dark-horse candidate to lead the team in points. Dumoulin, Letang’s perfect foil, appears to have put his previous injury woes behind him.
Defensive pair No. 2 Mike Matheson and John Marino
This partnership is a critical one. Matheson had a fine debut season in Pittsburgh, showcasing his skating and offensive assertiveness. And Marino is looking to take a step forward after an uneven second NHL season. They have the potential to be a dynamic duo. But they really struggled when paired up last season.
Defensive pair No. 3 Marcus Pettersson and Mark Friedman
The assumption here is that Friedman gets the early nod over Chad Ruhwedel. The Penguins know what they have in Ruhwedel and must figure out if Friedman, still an unknown, can be a lineup regular. Pettersson is admittedly coming off a down season. He will need to anchor this pair, whoever he is playing with.
Starting goalie Tristan Jarry
The Penguins brought back Jarry (and backup Casey DeSmith) after goaltending doomed them last postseason. Jarry will be in net against the two-time defending champs. Game No. 1 of 82 will be an excellent early measuring stick. But we might not know if he’s gotten past his playoff meltdown until spring arrives.