Team: 2020-21 Pittsburgh Penguins

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 14, 2021

Published: Apr. 14, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

We all know Sullivan likes to find pairs of players that work well together then try to fill the third spot on the line with a complementary piece that doesn't disrupt the chemistry. We've seen it with Jake and Sid then adding Rust, then Geno and Kappy with McCann as the third piece. Even the third line is a good pairing with Blueger and Tanev then adding a piece that works well in ZAR. If Zucker and Carter can find some chemistry and be the pens fourth really solid pairing on a line, then add Rodrigues who is flexible enough to fill that third guy type of role, this lineup could be very strong come playoff time barring injuries. Gaudreau has shown he can fill Tanev's or another bottom six spot well if the pens are still hurt.

These are the lines I would expect when everyone is healthy.

Will be interesting to see what the pens do with the powerplay when Geno comes back since it's been so lights out with McCann on there. Really tough decision for Sully, my guess is he goes with Malkin, because well he kind of has to out of respect for the greatness of the player and to keep everyone happy. A demotion is something McCann will accept much better than Malkin. Maybe Rust gets put onto the second unit instead to see if McCann can keep up his hot streak. Either way the second unit will get a boost.