Thursday’s Practice Buzz: Kunitz – Crosby – Dupuis to remain together for Game 2?

Thursday’s Practice Buzz

The Penguins are expected to go with the same lineup for Game 2 Friday night but we could see a shake up on the top 2 lines.

In the third period of Game 1, head coach Dan Bylsma went back to the Kunitz – Crosby – Dupuis line, citing after Game 1 that he didn’t like the Penguins puck possession game in the second period which prompted Kunitz being moved up with Crosby and Dupuis, and Iginla going back with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal.

Today in a 60+minute practice, Kunitz – Crosby – Dupuis remained together, while on the second line James Neal was on left wing with Evgeni Malkin and Jarome Iginla.

Prior to Game 5 of the Islanders series, Neal informed the coaching staff that he was willing to play left wing.

The extra’s in today’s skate remained the same with Tanner Glass – Jussi Jokinen – Beau Bennett working as the 5th line. All three are expected to remain healthy scratches for Game 2. Simon Despres, Mark Eaton and Robert Bortuzzo were the extra’s on the blue line as the Penguins used the same three defensive pairs, Orpik – Martin, Niskanen – Letang and Murray – Engelland, as Game 1.