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Pittsburgh Penguins: The Fourth Line Factor

By Samual Campbell

May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Carter Rowney (37) moves the puck along with center Scott Wilson (23) against the Washington Capitals during the first period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Carter Rowney (37) moves the puck along with center Scott Wilson (23) against the Washington Capitals during the first period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Let’s talk Pittsburgh Penguins Conn Smythe candidates. You got Carter Rowney or Scotty Wilson?

Ok, suggesting Pittsburgh Penguins’ 4th liners deserve the MVP honors for the post season might be overkill. However, we shouldn’t discount how effective the grinders have been for this team in the post season. These forwards use their physical play and exciting shifts to pump up the team and fans.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

Heavy Hitters

The bottom six have really been throwing their weight around. Carter Rowney leads all Pittsburgh Penguins with 42 hits this postseason, while only suiting up for 11 games. The Penguins are 8-3 in those 11 games, mind you.

Scott Wilson is another grinder who has been playing his role efficiently. He flies up and down the ice, all the while producing some highligh-reel hits. In Game 2 against the Sens, he collected 10 alone.

The Penguins have been out-hit in many games this postseason, which makes sense. Taking the body of the opponent has never been a staple of the ‘Mike Sullivan Penguins’. His style is built on speed and skill, but it’s nice to see these guys make use of their shifts and wear down the opposition.

Plug and Play

The gritty guys proved they weren’t exclusive in their 4th line duties. In an effort to build some momentum, the Pens shook up the lines for Game 4.

The physical presence was sprinkled around the lineup. Every line had at least one guy who could throw the body around. Wilson slotted himself on Evgeni Malkin’s left wing, while Rowney was promoted to 3rd line duty. Carl Hagelin shifted down, but he still played a strong defensive game.

Spreading out the grinders created a little chaos and opened up the ice for the Penguins’ skilled forwards. Due to the hits and fast pace allowed the Pens to overcome that pesky Ottawa trap.

Matt ‘Dad’ Cullen

While some players have seen their fair share of movement through the lineup, one man has been an anchor on the 4th line. He has carved a space in Penguin lore, and will forever be remembered as ‘Dad’ to some. Matt Cullen‘s combination of skill and experience make him an excellent 4th line centerpiece, and his numbers back it up.

Next: Penguins Running on Empty

While his game is not one of point production, Cullen represents a reliable presence in the room and on the ice. Cullen has played in every game this post season, and leads the team with a 56.3 win percentage in the faceoff dot.

Cullen proves that even though he may be over the hill, he is still able to deliver in all scenarios. He ranks second among Penguin forwards with an average of 2:11 in short-handed time on ice.

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With the series against Ottawa being tied 2-2, the Penguins return to Pittsburgh for Game 5 on Sunday. Hopefully the grinders keep grinding, and the Pens keep winning.

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