WASHINGTON, D.C. – The chess match is underway, and they haven’t even dropped the puck yet.
Heading into Game 1 of Thursday’s second-round playoff series versus the Washington Capitals, the Pittsburgh Penguins hinted at a change to Sidney Crosby’s highly productive top line.
Crosby and young wings Jake Guentzel and Conor Sheary put up a combined 17 points in their 4-1 series victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in Round 1, but Sheary has been practising with centre Nick Bonino and left wing Scott Wilson on the third line, while veteran crease-banger Patric Hornqvist has been elevated to Crosby’s right side.
Sheary enjoyed a 23-goal, 53-point breakout season as fixture on Crosby’s right side. His experience with Bonino has mostly been limited to the power play.
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Following Thursday’s optional morning skate at Verizon Center, Sheary said the big difference is that Crosby’s line always draws the opponent’s toughest defence pairing.
“We’ll get a little more freedom,” Sheary said of the new look. “Hopefully we’ll be that new HBK line and give a boost to our team.”
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan would not commit to the line juggle, which would better balance quickness throughout his top nine.
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“If we choose to go with that line, it has the potential to score goals,” Sullivan said. “We think that line has the ability to make a difference.
“Conor adds an element of speed and hockey sense and offensive instincts to that group. I think Bones is a solid two-way centre-ice man. We use him in so many key situations. We’ve played him with so many wings this year, he has the ability to adapt. Willie brings speed, grit and tenacity.”
Injured Penguins forwards Carl Hagelin (lower body) and Chris Kunitz (game-time decision) both skated again Thursday and are listed as day-to-day.
Sullivan said Hagelin, who took limited contact, is “close” to a return but the next step is full contact.
