NHL: Engelland to play bigger role in second round series vs Senators?

MORE CHANGES ON D-PAIRS COMING?

Going into the post-season, when healthy, the Penguins coaching staff envisioned the top-3 Defensive Pairs being Paul Martin – Brooks Orpik, Mark Eaton – Kris Letang and Douglas Murray – Matt Niskanen.

Now going into the today’s second round series vs the Ottawa Senators we could see at least three players coming in and out of the lineup for that final d-man spot in Deryk Engelland, Mark Eaton and Simon Despres as the Penguins defensive pairs are in flux..

Eaton’s struggles in the Penguins first round series has opened the door for others and the Penguins looking to combat the Senators physical style of play could enter Deryk Engelland into the lineup for Game 1.

During Monday’s practice, there were signs of Engelland getting the first look as the Penguins top-3 defensive pairs were Orpik – Martin, Niskanen – Letang and Murray – Engelland.

Niskanen and Letang opened the season paired together as a No. 2 pairing.