Have the Penguins Finally Got It? Maximizing the Potential of Lars Eller Reilly SmithÂ
The Pittsburgh Penguins have established an effective third line and are making the most of Reilly Smith, even though it took sixty games to accomplish it.
The new Penguins lines revolve around Lars Eller, who is the pinwheel that finally gets everything going.
When Smith and Eller were first teamed by coach Mike Sullivan a few weeks ago on the northwest trip via Vancouver and Seattle, Pittsburgh Hockey Now spoke with Smith. Apart from refuting the “baseless opinions” that said he wasn’t content in Pittsburgh, Smith also discussed the reason behind his instant chemistry with Eller.
It’s easy. in the true sense. However, the responses also provide a comparison and maybe even an indication as to why things between Reilly Smith and Evgeni Malkin weren’t working.
Smith stated on March 1 that “I think Lars is an easy player to play with because he’s very predictable and a straight line player, so I’ve enjoyed playing with him.” “It’s nice that he’s very predictable, but he also sees the ice well and looks to create plays.”
After switching to a third line consisting of Eller, Smith, and Puustinen fifteen games prior, Sullivan returned to Smith on Evgeni Malkin’s flank, where Smith had spent the most of the first fifty games, because of injuries and lineup inefficiencies. Alongside Malkin in the line was Puustinen.
An important point of reference is also provided by Sullivan’s winger swap.
The wingers with Eller had impressive stats over the last three games, according to NaturalStattrick.com. Above all, the line owns 72% of the scoring opportunities on the ice and a 3-1 goal differential. The fact that the line has only won four of the 23 faceoffs it has taken has to be even more astounding.
Leave a Reply