Penguins Make Big Lineup Changes Against Jets

In just his third game with the Penguins, Puljujarvi is being promoted to the Penguins second line. Head coach Mike Sullivan spoke highly of Puljujarvi before the lineup was announced, pointing out the physical advantage his size brings him.

“He uses his size well,” Sullivan said. “He leans on people; he uses his reach. He can create opportunities for his linemates because of it.”

With Puljujarvi’s bump to the second line, Drew O’Connor was pushed to the third with Lars Eller and Rickard Rakell. This feels like a more appropriate spot for O’Connor, who has been playing well this year, but scoring has been a struggle for most of the lineup.

Sullivan also flipped the listed position of Jeff Carter and Colin White on the fourth line. Carter has been moved to center, with White on the right wing.

There wasn’t much change on defense, but John Ludvig is returning to the lineup after missing all of January and the start of February—Ludvig slots in to replace P.O. Joseph on the third pairing.