Predicting Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen's output in their end-of-year stint

Later today when the Penguins take on the Senators, we're going to see the return of Rutger McGroarty and the NHL debut of Ville Koivunen. I can say that with utmost confidence because of these.

Talk about being whisked into the fray. This is about as big-time as it gets for the two young Penguins.

The Scoop on Rutger

Rutger McGroarty being on Sidney Crosby's line is a big deal. McGroarty's personality is very big, and the circumstances in which he came to Pittsburgh are very pressure-filled, as he was traded one-for-one for Brayden Yager, who was projecting to be Pittsburgh's best prospect at the time.

But this quote from him yesterday is a good indicator on where his head is when it comes to his return to the NHL:

If you watched the interview - which you can find HERE if you haven't - the way he delivered this line shows not only his enthusiasm to grow, but a genuineness that some Penguins fans might have been on the fence about.

McGroarty turns 21 years old today, and being on Sid's line, I'm predicting his first NHL goal later today against Ottawa. He's going to learn very quickly how Sid is the all-time greatest goal creator, and hopefully McGroarty will begin to adapt that to his own game.

Koivunen's NHL Debut

Ville Koivunen is set to make his NHL debut after being one of the most impressive players in all of the AHL this season as well as one of the most productive Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in history.

Koivunen will flank Rickard Rakell, who looks to be moving to second line center. This is an interesting way to split the talent on the roster, and truly, I'm all here for it.

Crosby still has Rust with him, and now Rakell gets to be a quarterback with the promising, young Koivunen as well as Connor Dewar, who started hot but cooled down a bit recently.

Keep in mind that these lines are devoid of Evgeni Malkin, so his return to health will shift things around substantially. In WBS, McGroarty and Koivunen were split up on their line rush assignments, so putting them together at the NHL level isn't necessarily an easy fix once Geno returns.

Once the youth movement truly arrives and Vasily Ponomarev rejoins the NHL Penguins, he can function as a centerman to bridge the gap with one of, if not both McGroarty and Koivunen.

For one, I'm incredibly excited to see Rakell and Koivunen on a line together. I think both of them are elite goal creators who are going to feed off each other incredibly well.

How the Baby Pens will fare

I have high hopes for the two young callups, but I won't hold them to ridiculous standards in what's looking to be just a temporary stay at the NHL level.

I love projecting a Happy Birthday McGroarty goal tonight like I said earlier. I wouldn't be surprised if Koivunen finds one of his own within these first few games as well.

Personally, I don't think McGroarty and Koivunen will finish the Penguins' regular season on the squad. Once forward health is restored (if it is), then I could see them being sent back down to WBS to rejoin the Calder Cup push.

They are owed to be playing in meaningful games, especially when the Penguins are trying to reverse course and sink to the bottom of the league standings - which they're doing effectively right now.

I'm giving Koivunen six games in Pittsburgh and a pair of goals and assists (four points total) in his abbreviated stay.

If returns to health for current Penguins forwards are staggered, I think McGroarty sticks around a little longer than Koivunen, and I'm predicting a goal tonight and three assists in eight games.

Here's hoping the Baby Penguins stake their claim on the NHL in their late-season stint and can make the team out of camp next season to propel Pittsburgh back to relevance.

Puck drop for tonight's bout against the Senators is scheduled for 5pm EST.