The morning skate was optional so we didn’t see any line combinations but there probably won’t be any line-up changes tonight when the Penguins play the first of two games in Buffalo. But one player could be on notice.
In fact, had Mark Friedman been healthy, defenseman Marcus Pettersson may have found himself out an odd-man out Tuesday night against the Rangers.
Pettersson had a dubious hat trick Saturday against Philadelphia – 3 minor penalties – then followed that up with a couple of ugly turnovers against New York Sunday night. Luckily for him, neither of those turnovers resulted in a goal-against and the Pens won both of those games.
With the left-handed shooting Jusso Rikola and Friedman (a right-handed shooter who can play the left side) unavailable, Pettersson stayed in the line-up Tuesday and had a much better game. He played nearly 16 minutes – all 5-on-5 – was on the ice for Jake Guentzel’s first period goal, was credited with 2 takeaways, 2 blocks and only one turnover that I can’t remember being that egregious.
But to Mike Sullivan, that inconsistency can be a problem. “I think Marcus has had moments when he’s been really good and had a strong game for us and other moments when we know he can get better.
“We’ve talked about consistency,” Sullivan continues, “consistency in execution, consistency in intensity, and when those are in place Marcus is a real good player for us.”
Pettersson had nice chemistry with John Marino last season so maybe he can recapture that – and they were paired together Tuesday. But if Pettersson continues to ride the roller coaster he should be on a shorter leash since Sullivan does have options.
Tristan Jarry, who save the game Tuesday when the Penguins were outshot, 15-1, in the third period and that only shot was into the empty net with 33 seconds left, will start in goal tonight in Buffalo. The pens looking for their 4th straight win.