When the Penguins decided to move forward last Friday in acquiring Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann from Florida, Penguin management made the deal with the intentions that Blugstad will play on Sidney Crosby’s right wing and Jared McCann would be the third line center. The Malkin injury put that plan on stand-by but Bjugstad moving up to the top-line right wing is a direction the staff is leaning towards Thursday night vs the Florida Panthers.

Blugstad has 1 assist, 9 shots on goal in three games with Pittsburgh.

LINE COMBOS
Guentzel – Crosby – Blugstad
Rust – Cullen – Kessel
Simon – McCann – Hornqvist
Pearson – Blueger – Wilson