Dec 31, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman
Brett Bellemore(right) knocks Pittsburgh Penguins right wing
Bryan Rust(36) off of the puck during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Fourth Line: Rust-Sundqvist-Bennett
The most debated line for the Pittsburgh Penguins is the fourth line. Many young players are waiting for the opportunity to step in and prove that they’re NHL ready. I chose Bryan Rust over guys like Wilson because of his grit and his ability to not shy away from being physical. Of course many guys can step into this role, especially Bobby Farnham who can spark a team with just one big hit or some trash talk.
Oskar Sundqvist might finally get his chance to play in the NHL this year, at least for the start of the season. Eric Fehr who was recently signed by the Penguins, will be out until some time in November, which is the reasoning for an opening at the fourth line center position. Sundqvist is a very responsible two-way player who is known for his size and grit. Not only will he be able to add toughness to the lineup, but he also has good hands that will help him light the lamp a few times.
If all goes as planned, Sundqvist will get some NHL games under his belt, then be sent down to the AHL when Fehr is ready to play. This way, Sundqvist can get better acclimated to hockey in North America and be ready for an increased role down the road.
Beau Bennett is an interesting player. Fans have a love-hate relationship with him. When he is producing numbers, we love him. When he’s hurt 50% of the season and a ghost the other 50% on the ice, we’d rather have him out of Pittsburgh. The Penguins made a mistake in not sending Bennett down to the minors last year to get playing time rather than sitting in the press box. The organization knows they messed up, but they want to fix it. Getting Bennett in the lineup is the only way for him to produce like he was supposed to. If he continues to struggle, there are plenty of other players waiting in Wilkes-Barre that want his spot.
Players who could also see time:
Scott Wilson, Connor Sheary, Bobby Farnham, Ty Loney, Adam Clendening
As always, feel free to leave your comments if you agree or disagree and be sure to follow me on Twitter, @TylerDunton.
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