The Penguins’ place in the standings, perhaps unfortunately, dictates that a tightrope be walked between developmental (the primary goal) and contending for a playoff spot (the showbiz goal).
But some decisions serve both masters.
When Rickard Rakell returns from hand surgery in 3-4 weeks, he can’t resume his old spot on the top power play. Rookie Ben Kindel must retain that position.
The “Kid Line” of Kindel, Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty should stay intact. It’s a perfect third line as long as it isn’t coached to play like a typical third line: Chip and chase, etc.
The power play leads the NHL with a 34.4 conversion percentage. Kindel has more man-advantage acumen than the rest of the group and, as much as anybody, serves as the unit’s fulcrum. It’s in Kindel’s DNA. He lets space clear, directs traffic, resets, rotates, shoots, can play the bumper, he does everything.
It’s odd that Kindel is better at the specifics of the power play than accomplished vets like Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson and Evgeni Malkin. But he is.
The “Kid Line” is a work in progress, albeit with encouraging early returns. Like Koivunen’s first NHL goal, scored in Thursday’s 4-3 win at Tampa Bay.
Kids get better.
There’s no good beyond minimal and momentary to be had by scratching, say, Koivunen in favor of recycled mediocrity like Connor Dewar, Kevin Hayes or Tommy Novak. Which will be the decision at hand when the roster gets healthy.
Right now, it’s no problem. Kindel looks great. McGroarty has been a dynamo in his two games since being summoned from the Penguins’ Wilkes-Barre/Scranton farm club. Koivunen seems energized by his line and by his role.
Kids change things. Old men don’t. Ask the Steelers.
The Penguins want to make the playoffs. But not at the expense of development.
Splitting that difference will be the hardest job faced by coach Dan Muse and president of hockey ops/GM Kyle Dubas.
What to do with goalie Tristan Jarry if he keeps playing brilliantly will become part of that discussion. To trade or not to trade? Jarry has two seasons left after this one on a contract paying $5.375 million annually. Even if he’s performing well now, you won’t want him then. That will be Sergei Murashov’s time.