Pittsburgh Penguins appear to have found an above average third-line

It took the Pittsburgh Penguins some time, but they’ve finally found a third line that works.

Aside from the lightning in a bottle that was the Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino, and Phil Kessel “third-line” during the Pittsburgh Penguins 2016 playoff run, the Penguins generally have not had a consistent and reliable trio of forwards to trot out when Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are not on the ice.

For the majority of this season and the Derick Brassard era, that same problem remained. When Crosby and Malkin were not on the ice, the Penguins bottom six forwards were getting pinned in their own defensive zone far too frequently.

More from Puck Prose

• Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
• This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
• 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
• 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
• This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings

In the last couple of weeks, that has changed. Mike Sullivan has been rolling with Dominik Simon, Nick Bjugstad, and Patric Hornqvist as Pittsburgh’s third forward unit. The results speak for themselves.

It is a small sample size, but in the eight games (and 65 total even-strength minutes) that this unit has been on the ice together, the Penguins have controlled territory at an elite rate. Per Natural Stat Trick, the Pens have generated 59% of the even-strength shot attempts and 62% of the even-strength scoring chances with this trio on the ice. In terms of actual shots on goal with this line on the ice, they are registering 57% of the shots.

Simon, Bjugstad, and Hornqvist have tallied three even-strength goals in 8 games. This line has dominated in recent games against playoff teams such as the Blue Jackets, Bruins, and Blues. They were very good in Sunday’s loss to the Flyers as well.

It is also important to note that while this line is on the ice, the Penguins have not been scored against. Their goalies have stopped all 29 of the shots they have faced. This is not a sustainable rate, but considering how frequently this line has had the puck so far, Pittsburgh is usually creating offensive opportunities with their new-look third line on the ice.

The Penguins are often creating with this line on the ice because each player brings a unique individual element to the line. Simon is a very alert and cerebral player. He makes sneaky and complementary plays that often lead to the Penguins getting or keeping possession of the puck.

At 6’6”, Bjugstad has a very powerful wrist shot, has helped the second power-play unit, and has been substantially better than Brassard. As you know, Hornqvist is a pest around the net and has been an above-average possession player who whacks away at a lot of high-danger offensive scoring chances.

Injuries to Evgeni Malkin and Zach-Aston Reese may force the Penguins coaching staff to creative with some new line combinations. However, if (and when) Pittsburgh’s forwards do get healthy, this third-line needs to remain intact.

Considering the washed-up Matt Cullen has now gone 31 games (!!!) without an even-strength goal, the Penguins will likely need a dominant third-line if they want to get past Washington or Tampa Bay this spring.

Thanks for reading!