The Penguins were lifeless over the weekend and I’m told the Penguins coaching staff has been very disturbed at the Penguins lack of a response when hit with adversity. Guess they’re starting to see what this core group is about.
Johnston looking for more jam and energy in the lineup, pushed for the recall of agitator Bobby Farnham and got his wish as Farnham has been recalled and will dress tonight on the 4th line with Zach Sill and Craig Adams.
Farnham won’t address the Penguins lack of secondary scoring by any means, as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby have been in on (Goals/Assists) 20 of the Penguins last 23 games, but the Penguins have lacked the energy and grit of late since the Farnham’s and others were sent down.
With Farnham back the lineup, don’t expect Zach Sill to be coming out. Johnston is also a big fan of what Sill brings to the table, despite his limited offensive ability.

One surprise scratch tonight is expected to be Marcel Goc tonight who stayed on with the scratches (Andrew Ebbett) according to reporters on the scene. While his most common linemates have been Sill, Craig Adams, the Penguins coaching staff has been very disappointed in the lack of offense Goc is creating and lack of jam in his game.
Scott Harrington returns to the lineup as Simon Despres is out due an illness.
Thomas Greiss will start in goal.
PENGUINS PROJECTED LINEUP
Chris Kunitz – Sidney Crosby – David Perron
Nick Spaling – Evgeni Malkin – Beau Bennett
Steve Downie – Brandon Sutter – Mark Arcobello
Bobby Farnham – Zach Sill – Craig Adams
DEFENSEMEN
Paul Martin – Kris Letang
Christian Ehrhoff – Rob Scuderi
Scott Harrington – Robert Bortuzzo