Penguins Make Surprising Changes to Power Play Due to Recent Injuries

In the aftermath of the exciting game against the Philadelphia Flyers, where the Penguins came out on top 7-6, one Penguin may have been lost in the battle.

Bryan Rust is Being Evaluated and no Decision Has Been Made About Him Traveling with the Team

Bryan Rust suffered an upper body injury against the Flyers, and Coach Sullivan stated;
This is a blow to the Penguins, especially on the powerplay where Rust was a key factor in the win over the Flyers.

Penguins Practice with a New Look Power Play with the Possible Loss of Bryan Rust

Pens Inside Scoop reporter Michelle Crechiolo reported on X what the lines look like without Rust.

Today's power-play units with no Rust:

�Karlsson, Crosby, Rakell, Eller, Puustinen
�Letang, Malkin, Smith, Carter, Bemstrom� Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) February 26, 2024

With Lars Eller filling in on the top line, that was already down Jake Guentzel, the Penguins hope to continue success by sticking to what will work. A basic shoot the puck powerplay, keeping Evgeni Malkin on the second unit.

With Rust Out Reilly Smith Gets the Nod on the Top Line for the Penguins

In addition to the powerplay shift, Reilly Smith appears to be getting looks on the top line, similar to where he finished the game against the Flyers Sunday.

Bryan Rust is absent from Penguins practice at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Here are the #LetsGoPens lines in his absence:

Rakell-Crosby-Smith
O'Connor-Malkin-Puustinen
Bemstrom-Eller-Puljujarvi
Harkins-Acciari-Carter
Phillips is rotating on the extra D pair with Ludvig.� Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) February 26, 2024

We will have to see if these changes help to keep the Penguins winning as they head west and faceoff against the Vancouver Canucks Tuesday night.

As Seen On: X