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X-Terminator
10-24-2013, 08:54 AM
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin could use some help.

While the Penguins (http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/) generally have been impressive in beginning their season with a 7-2 record, a lack of scoring depth — something that was a concern entering the season — is becoming evident.

On the rare night when Crosby and Malkin are silent offensively, as happened Monday against Colorado, the Penguins' lack of significant scoring depth is clear.
“It would be nice to get a goal from every line,” said coach Dan Bylsma, who did not note any dissatisfaction with his bottom six forwards.

In terms of physical play and puck possession, the bottom six have been playing well. There have been standouts, such as Tanner Glass (second in the NHL with 39 hits) and Craig Adams (three goals in the season's first four games).

However, seven players who have received ice time at forward this month have not scored a goal.

While Crosby (17 points) has been in otherworldly form through nine games and Malkin (nine points) has been productive, the other two regular centers — Brandon Sutter and Joe Vitale — are without a goal.

Although Bylsma would like to see more of his role players producing, he didn't seem upset with their performance against Colorado. The Penguins, after all, went 0 for 7 on the power play.

When including Colorado's three power plays, one-third of the game was spent on special teams, making it difficult for the Penguins' bottom-six players to establish anything. Plus, with the Penguins trailing in the final period, Crosby and Malkin double-shifted with regularity, as Bylsma pushed to even the score.


Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/4927527-74/games-goals-penguins#ixzz2ieCW0F5U
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