Could the Penguins’ Fourth Line Tip the Series?
Over the past couple of days, I’ve expressed my concerns about the Penguins’ upcoming first-round matchup with the Flyers. Specifically, our goaltending, which has taken a tumble over the past month.
Well, today I thought I’d flip the script and share why I think the Pens might prevail. A special shoutout to PP reader and commenter, Keeger, for planting the seed.
The Pens couldn’t have received better news when injured foot soldiers Connor Dewar and Blake Lizotte were full participants in Thursday’s practice. Although no announcement was forthcoming from official channels, both pronounced themselves good to go for Saturday night’s series opener against Philly.
Along with sidekick Noel Acciari, Dewar and Lizotte formed arguably the best fourth line in hockey this season. Certainly the best in these parts since the back-to-back Cup winners of a decade ago.
The scrappy trio clicked from the moment they were united. Perhaps due in no small part to their overlapping common traits (sled-dog tenacity, diligence, sand in abundance), they displayed an innate feel for each other, not to mention loads of chemistry.
Their collective effectiveness not only met the eye test in a plethora of greasy goals, puck battles won, opposing scorers frustrated and shots blocked, but it registered statistically as well.