Lineup Notes
Dan Muse confirmed that Stuart Skinner will start in goal. All other lineup changes will be confirmed closer to game time, but the Penguins did do some shuffling to their forward trios at morning skate.
Rickard Rakell reunited with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust after centering the second line.
“Raks is such a good player,” Rust said. “He can score goals, he can find guys, he can play in tight spaces for that little give and go game. And I just think the way he thinks the game is so elite that obviously, he just helps any line that he’s on.”
Anthony Mantha skated with Tommy Novak and Evgeni Malkin. And Justin Brazeau, who was a healthy scratch for Games 1 and 2, slotted in for Elmer Soderblom.
“(Being scratched), obviously it’s not what you’re looking for,” Brazeau said. “But it’s a good spot to be when we have that many guys are able to kind of go in the lineup and make an impact. So, just waited my time. … Just excited to play my game. I think this time of year is the best time of year to play hockey. So, I’ve missed the last couple games, but excited to get in.
Brazeau has skated with Ben Kindel before, but having Egor Chinakhov.with them is a new look.
“I think all three of us kind of bring a different element,” Brazeau said. “Obviously, in the offensive zone, I want those guys skating around with the puck. And I know where I have to go, so it makes it easier for me to kind of read off them. Two guys with a lot of skill, able to shoot the puck. So, I’m just gonna try and make it as easy as I can for them.”
Here is the Penguins workflow…
Rakell-Crosby-Rust
Mantha-Novak-Malkin
Chinakhov-Kindel-Brazeau
Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari
Wotherspoon-Karlsson
Girard-Letang
Shea-Clifton
