POINT SHOTS

Sitting Kasperi Kapanen, which Sullivan finally did Friday against Vegas, was the right call. Not being able to score is an issue for a few Penguins right now, Kapanen being at the top of that list. But the other guys still find other ways to impact the game positively. That just hasn’t been the case for Kapanen. The winger simply does not use his wheels often enough to forecheck or threaten opponents in the offensive zone. Maybe watching Bryan Rust, Jake Guentzel and even Valtteri Puustinen from up above made the light bulb flicker on.

Valtteri Puustinen impressed in his NHL debut, picking up an assist and displaying quick feet and a quick mind. The fast-rising prospect is on the smaller side but he’s lit it up in the American Hockey League in his first season in North America. If any prospect can provide a Guentzel-esque spark this spring, it’s him.

Mike Sullivan said a few days back that he had considered breaking up the Crosby line, which you’ll see if you keep reading just how crucial those three have been. But Friday’s all-around effort buys Sullivan time before pulling that lever.

When the Penguins are healthy on D, who should be the odd man out? Mark Friedman has certainly made a case to keep his sweater. While he is prone to defensive lapses, he’s brought a needed edge to this blue line. Mike Matheson, meanwhile, was playing some pretty good hockey next to Chad Ruhwedel prior to his injury and made an immediate impact in his first game back. Playing Matheson and Friedman together might make Mike Sullivan jump off the Jumbotron. So it looks like Friedman or Markcus Pettersson will end up be- ing the extra in the short term.

Losing

Brock McGinn, pictured at right, in Friday’s loss is the latest blow to the Penguins, who still have not been able to deploy their full lineup in a game. He is a solid two-way player who is a key cog on the penalty kill. But they will be able to get by without him while he works his way back from what is an injury to his right hand or wrist.