Penguins Line Combos and Roster News; vs. Caps

The Pittsburgh Penguins one-day removed from the non-political, political controversy of visiting the White House look to take out some pent up frustration against their longtime rivals, the Washington Capitals. The Penguins shuffled their lines, this morning, seemingly in an attempt to create more offense in the bottom-six forward group. The group has accounted for just one goal in the first three games.

#Pens lines:
Guentzel-Crosby-Rust
Hagelin-Malkin-Kessel
Sheary-McKegg-Hornqvist
Kuhnhackl-Rowney-Reaves
-SK

— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) October 11, 2017

Scott Wilson is the odd-man out, as Tom Kuhnhackl kept the spot on the fourth line, likely for penalty killing duties. Patric Hornqvist is a game-time decision but is a good bet to play against the Capitals.

Sullivan on Hornqvist: “He brings energy and grit to our lineup. He’s passionate and a great two-way player. He’s a high-stakes player.”

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 11, 2017

Hornqvist with a big smile: “This is a big rivalry. We know WSH really well… If I’m going out there, I’m going to make sure I’m 100%.” pic.twitter.com/nd88x4Vold

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 11, 2017

Last season, the Penguins were 2-2 against the Capitals, with 14 goals for, and 21 goals against. The Penguins did win the second round series in seven games.

The Capitals lost Justin Williams (free agency, Carolina) and Nate Schmidt (expansion draft).

Christian Djoos (@Djorre00) is set to make his NHL debut tonight in DC. #CapsPens #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/YzIDXfybCF

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 11, 2017

Capitals rookie defenseman, Christian Djoos (pronounced YEW-uhs) will make his NHL debut. Djoos, 23, was a 7th round selection in 2012. He is slight, 6′-0″ and 169lbs, but the Capitals have high hopes for the young puck mover.

Faceoff is 7:30, at the Verizon Center. It will be televised on NBCSN. You know–Rivalry night. Check out PHN’s dissection, IF the game means anything to the Penguins. Quotes from Scotty Bowman, included…