Kapanen looks set to return to lineup

Third line could get dose of offense

It looks like Kasperi Kapanen will suit up for the first time since Nov. 12 when the Penguins host the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday.

The winger, a healthy scratch for seven consecutive games, skated on the third line at Monday’s practice at the Hunt Armory in Shadyside.

He replaced Danton Heinen, who will be the odd man out up front Tuesday if Monday’s lineup holds.

Coach Mike Sullivan declined to say whether Kapanen would return to the lineup against the Hurricanes. But he spoke as if Kapanen was getting the nod.

“We don’t want any of our players sitting on the sidelines for any length of time. It’s not good for the player. It’s not good for the team,” Sullivan said. “We’re trying to make the best decisions we can game to game that help our team, but also we’ve got a responsibility to each player ... to help them grow and develop.”

Kapanen had a productive start, with a goal in the opener and five points and a plus-4 rating through five games.

He has since gone eight games without a point, posting a minus-7 rating during that span. He has not played since Teddy Blueger was cleared Nov. 15, giving Sullivan his full complement of forwards.

Needless to say, Kapanen’s lack of impact was disappointing to the Penguins, who signed him to a twoyear, $6.4 million deal after his down 2021-22 season.

That came after they opted to give him a qualifying offer, and not one to Heinen.

It’s been disappointing for Kapanen, too. But he has not sulked, Sullivan said.

“He’s been terrific. He’s a great pro. He’s a really good person,” the coach said. “As difficult as it is for him — and I know it is — he’s been a

great teammate.”

So what does Sullivan hope to see from Kapanen? The refrain was familiar.

He wants Kapanen to round out his offensive game and be more of a threat below the dots. And when Kapanen does get opportunities to attack off the rush, Sullivan wants him to drive to the net instead of slamming the brakes when he first meets resistance. If he doesn’t get a good look, maybe he draws a penalty.

“He’s a big, strong guy. He can get involved in the grind game down low, in the cycle game,” Sullivan said. “You have to be able to create offense in different ways. It can’t just be off the rush. There has to be a grind game down low. And that’s an area where he’s very capable. We’re trying to help him in that regard.”

Heinen’s season has unfolded similarly to Kapanen’s. Heinen had three goals and three assists in his first six games. But he has only three assists in the past 17 games with a minus-7 rating. He had one shot on goal or fewer in all but four of those games and hasn’t helped the Penguins enough in other areas.

The third line, with Brock McGinn at left wing and Jeff Carter at center, has been the team’s least effective the past three weeks. Pittsburgh is getting production from the top six and the fourth line has been excellent since Blueger returned.

The Penguins hope Kapanen, who has been the subject of trade speculation over the past week, can get his game in gear and help the third line get going.

Based on the lineup at practice, there will be no other personnel changes Tuesday when the Penguins take on the Hurricanes for the first time this season.