Bold opening: Penguins face a upheaval in their lineup as Lizotte’s injury shakes up how Boston’s game could unfold. But here’s where it gets controversial: will shifting key pieces unlock the Penguins’ offense or disrupt their most reliable defensive unit? Here’s a fresh, clear rewrite that preserves every crucial detail while making the story accessible for beginners.
Penguins Shuffle Lines After Lizotte Injury
BOSTON — Ben Kindel will slide into the Penguins’ top-line center role. After Sidney Crosby’s injury during the Winter Olympics, Pittsburgh had updated its top trio to include Avery Hayes. Ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden, the team announced further line changes, prompted by Lizotte’s status.
Coach Dan Muse announced on Tuesday that center Blake Lizotte is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, believed to have resulted from a hit in the second period Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Lizotte will not be able to play on Tuesday.
To fill the gap, Muse moved Connor Dewar to the middle of the top line, with Hayes dropping from the top line to the left wing on the fourth line, joining Dewar and Noel Acciari.
The Penguins’ fourth line has been one of the league’s best. Among forward lines with at least 250 minutes together, Pittsburgh’s trio has allowed the fewest goals against at 5-on-5 (7 total).
Dewar has experience at center, having spent most of two seasons with the Minnesota Wild in that role, before playing wing with the Maple Leafs and later with Pittsburgh. If Dewar faces difficulties on faceoffs, he’ll have Companions in Noel Acciari, who also takes a center-eligible role and can help on draws.
Another immediate consequence of Lizotte’s absence is the return of Kevin Hayes to the lineup. Hayes has mostly functioned as the extra forward and has appeared in only three games since the holiday break. His last appearance was the Feb. 5 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
Hayes will center Pittsburgh’s third line, flanked by Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau.
The most notable change, and the one believed to have the biggest impact on Tuesday’s game, is the move of the rookie Ben Kindel to the top line. Kindel, 18, has logged 15 goals and 29 points in 56 games this season, primarily serving as a middle-six center for the Penguins.
Tags: ben kindel, blake lizotte, Pittsburgh Penguins
Categories: Penguins News, Pittsburgh Penguins
