PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Forgive us if early in the season, one of the Pens forwards appeared a bit rusty.
Bryan Rust was a minus two over the first two contests and admitted he wasn’t happy with his game. It started coming along with an assist in each of the next two in wins over Washington.
In the pair of wins over the Rangers, Rust took it to another level. After only seven shots in his first four games on Evgeni Malkin’s line, Rust banged 11 on net last Friday, scoring once and then was active again on Sunday adding his second goal.
“I think trying to move my feet a little bit more and simplify,” Rust said. “The first three or four games I may have been overthinking things. Going out there and trusting my instincts and just trying to use my feet to my advantage.”
Due to an in-game injury to Evan Rodrigues, the opportunity came for Rust to again join Sidney Crosby on the top line.
“We put Rusty up with Sid and Jake and they had instant success,” said head coach Mike Sullivan. “I think they scored on the very next shift.”
“Those guys are familiar with one another. Rusty has played with Sid and Jake for a long period of time. He’s played with Geno for a long period of time. There aren’t too many guys on our team that Rusty hasn’t played with.”
“He’s a pretty versatile guy that can play up and down the lineup. I thought his last two games have been his best two.”
Rust is coming off his best season, maybe forgotten because of the way the season ended and the craziness of the pandemic. The Michigan native had 56 points, 18 more than his career high in 14 fewer games. Rust also had 27 goals, 9 more than his career high in 17 fewer games.
“Rusty is just a really good player overall,” said forward Jake Guentzel. “A good 200 foot player. He plays with speed. The last couple of games he’s been really good. I think he showed 11 shots last game.”
“He’s just a really good player. We’re definitely lucky to have him. It’s been fun to watch him the last couple of games.”
Rust is back on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, not just because Rodrigues is out, but because he earned it.