Previewing the Penguins’ top-four defense combinations

Jun 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma (second from right) talks to left wing Jussi Jokinen (36) and defenseman Paul Martin (7) and defenseman Brooks Orpik (44) during a time-out against the Boston Bruins during the second period in game one of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Pittsburgh Penguins have gotten Rob Scuderi back, they now have four great defensemen on their team. I will explore what I think the top two lines will look like.

The top defensive combination should be Scuderi and Kris Letang. Letang needs a partner that can help him not turn the puck over too much. He also just needs a partner that can just balance Letang out and help him defensively. Scuderi and Letang should work very well together this coming season.

The second combination will most likely be Brooks Orpik and Paul Martin. Paul Martin is also one of the best defensemen the Penguins have and a lot of people said he was at his best during the 2013 playoffs. Brooks Orpik is another solid blueliner. He is very physical and still throws hard body checks. He doesn’t score much or dish out assists but he doesn’t need to for the Penguins. I also look forward to watching these guys play, too.