Johnson starting; Jeffrey moved to top line - 01-20-11
Update: The Penguins will start Brent Johnson tonight in net. He has an 8-3-2 win this season with a 2.04 goals against average, .927 save percentage and one shutout this season. He last played in a 2-1 shootout loss at Montreal, Jan. 6.
Johnson recorded the team's first win of the season in a 3-1 victory at New Jersey, Oct. 11.
The Penguins' Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin-free lines at this morning's skate are as follows:
Chris Kunitz - Dustin Jeffrey - Pascal Dupuis
Matt Cooke - Jordan Staal -Tyler Kennedy
Mike Rupp - Maxime Talbot - Chris Conner
Craig Adams - Mark Letestu - Arron Asham
Correction: Dustin Jeffrey will center the first line instead of Mark Letestu according to the Penguins' Web site.
Note: With a win tonight, Dan Bylsma can tie Scotty Bowman for third place on the team's all-time coaching wins list at 95. Only Eddie Johnston (232) and Michel Therrien (135) have more.
EN Says: With the all-star break coming up, it's important to get Johnson some time in order to keep him fresh. Plus, if you're going to play your back up goaltender, why not do it against the team with the league's worst record?
Letestu's faceoff abilities demand he get time on the top line but we would like to see Dustin Jeffrey get an elevated role. He's the organization's leading scorer at the AHL level. He has top six skills and is more than competent in the faceoff circle. What's he going to prove on the fourth line?
Jeffrey is a player with a top-six skill set. Now is just as good of a time as ever to see if his skill can cut it at the NHL level. This is an audition for him and for his future with this organization. Hopefully for his sake, he brings something.
(Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)