Mike Sullivan Reveals Interesting Lineup Decision Against Panthers

The Penguins Kick Off Another Round of Back-To-Back Games Starting Tonight Against Florida

With both Jansen Harkins and Noel Acciari out with diagnosed concussions, the Penguins look to take on one of the deepest teams in the East with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen tonight.

When Sullivan was asked about this line-up change, he had this time say;

Mike Sullivan said the Penguins are dressing 11 forwards and seven defensemen tonight against the Panthers.

"We don't do it a lot, but in certain circumstances, we go with it. There aren't really challenges, it's just a different setup. Gives us the opportunity to move� Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) February 14, 2024

Much of the Same with the First Two Lines and Opportunities for Forwards to Step Up and Perform

With today's practice not producing much in terms of the lines for tonight, here is a look at what the prospective lines could be for the game.

On the first line, expect to see business as usual, with Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust on either side of the Captain, Sidney Crosby. You don't mess with what works, so this remaining as the top line should be in place tonight.

With Malkin and Reilly Smith, expect to see Jesse Puljujarvi make another appearance on the second line. He has yet to have scored a point, but his strength and size could prove to be helpful on the Malkin line.

With Puljujarvi moving up, someone has to move down. So Drew O'Connor should suit up with Lars Eller and Rickard Rakell. This is nothing against O'Connor, he is still a guy Sullivan likes.

That will leave the remaining two forwards of Jeff Carter and Colin White possibly working on other lines, or as a fourth line with some help from O'Connor or even other forwards adding some minutes to their ice time. We will see how the game progresses.

With Seven Defensemen P.O. Joseph Could be the Odd Man Out as a Fill In When Needed

The prospective lines on defense could look something like this;
Marcus Pettersson � Kris Letang
Ryan Graves � Erik Karlsson
John Ludvig � Chad Ruhwedel

It is expected that P.O. Joseph fill in as needed. And who knows, Letang or Karlsson could jump into a forward position, leaving P.O. to fill in for them.

What was announced was tonight's goaltenders. We will see Bobrovsky vs Jarry between the pipes.

Tonight's goalie matchup is Tristan Jarry versus Sergei Bobrovsky.� Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) February 14, 2024

With this being as close to must win as you can get with the playoffs looming soon, we will see if the Pens came get some momentum before heading into Chicago tomorrow night.

As Read On: The Hockey News - Penguins vs Panthers: Adjustments Coming to Lineup