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Penguins Need A Time Machine For The "New" Crosby Line To Work |
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have changed up their forward lines and with the changes returns a familiar trio
That's right the ol' KCD line is back. The problem is that two thirds of that line can't come close to playing the meaningful minutes that they used to play for the team.
I do not view Chris Kunitz as a liability on the ice. His possession numbers are still fine and in a bottom six role he can do some OK things. However, the hands that I thought he would find again over the summer were not found. He just can't make the clever plays with the puck that made him so good with Crosby for so many years. That said I have less of a problem with Chris Kunitz being promoted to the Crosby line because who the hell else can play left wing on this team? It is a position of weakness.
As for Pascal Dupuis his play should merit a trip to the press box. He has been pretty bad this year. To make matters worse the Penguins are taking one of the positions they are deep in (right wing) and placing an undeserving candidate in one of the prime roles.
I have my criticisms of Patric Hornqvist's play this year but he doesn't deserve 50% of the scorn that Dupuis does. Furthermore, you still have players like Beau Bennett and Daniel Sprong, who have played no worse than Dupuis, never being given an extended look on their natural wing in a top six role.
KCD is a feeble attempt at trying to recreate something that was once very good but will never be again.
If a spark is what you want try something completely out of the box:
Perron-Malkin-Kessel
Bonino-Crosby-Bennett
Kunitz-Fehr-Hornqvist
Plotnikov-Cullen-Sprong
Dupuis
Given the state of the team's left wingers I see no reason to not try Bonino in that role. He has poise with the puck, good hands, and is a very good passer. Things that Sid would benefit from. Sid needs a break from Hornqvist if Saturday night was any indication:
Say what you want about Bennett but he isn't 2015-16 Pascal Dupuis.
I'll be shocked if KCD makes it through the California road trip.
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