‘Not Fun’: Penguins Finding Sandpaper 4th Line with Ill Intent (+)

CRANBERRY, Twp — The LA Kings coldly declined to tender a qualifying offer to Blake Lizotte, who became an unrestricted free agent a day later. The Pittsburgh Penguins then snapped him up with a two-year $3.7 million contract.

For the first two weeks of training camp and two games in the preseason, Lizotte has been the center of what looks like will become the Penguins’ fourth line. No, Lizotte’s skill set isn’t nuanced, nor is it quiet. He’s a fast and tough player who smirked when Pittsburgh Hockey Now asked about being physical on the forecheck.

His presumed linemate, Noel Acciari, had a similar crooked smile when asked the same question. Lizotte, 26, promises the result will give the Penguins at least one line that makes opponents’ lives just a bit miserable.

“With a depth role, what you want is two guys who work hard and play competitively. And are tenacious. And I think “Cookie” brings a lot of that, as does myself,” Lizotte told PHN. “So whether it’s Hayes or whoever they’ve got with us, I think we can be a real tough line to play against and not very fun for opposing teams playing defense. Yeah, it’s been a really good fit so far.”

Make no mistake, the heavy 5-foot-9 (or 10) forwards both play with a bit of abandon and angry intent.