Kyle Dubas Needs to Make Changes If the Penguins Hope to Make the Playoffs

Lineup Changes Are Not the Only Thing That the Penguins Need to Complete for the Playoffs, Step Up Dubas

So far, the action that has been taken is from head coach Mike Sullivan. He has made moves in the lineup, during the fly in game as well as setting up new lines for the upcoming game against the Florida Panthers.

We now see that Rust is reunited with Crosby and Guentzel on the top line. Colin White has also received a bump up to the second line with Malkin and Drew O'Conner. Struggling Rickard Rakell has moved down to the third line. I actually am curious to see how he will play with Lars Eller, and maybe that will spark something. Rust is also back to the top power play line the last few games.

#124: Bryan Rust (11) pic.twitter.com/MQT9GpgdHV— nhlpens (@nhlpens) January 14, 2024

The moves do create some interesting trios. The top line remains a consistent top-10 forward line in the NHL (with a scoring percentage change of 61.1%) Moving Rakell to play with Eller does create some good scoring changes without a sacrifice to the defensive play of the third line.

It is obvious that Sullivan is prepared to adjust both in game as well as setting up lineups that may work better together. He is doing his part. As for Kyle Dubas, he continues to push back a deadline to decide what to do with the team as they keep sinking further out of the playoffs.

The teams lack of success does not fall to one specific player or even the coach. They are just playing to the potential that they have. The only real changes that could help them would need to come from the general manager.

You can watch the full broadcast from the hockey news with analysis of the Penguins lineup changes below.


As Read On: The Hockey News - Penguins Need Trades to Fix Lineup