Pittsburgh Penguins’ third line faces uncertainty in 2013-14

May 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Brandon Sutter (16) and Ottawa Senators center Zack Smith (15) battle for position during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins third line was mixed up a lot, expect for Brandon Sutter who was always the center. Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy both were wingers on that line for a bit and so was Brenden Morrow. Now that those players are gone, the Penguins have some serious work to do to replace those forwards.

One of the wingers that hopefully will be on that line is newly acquired Matt D’Agostini. He played for the Blues for most of his career, then played for the Devils last season. His best season just came a few years back where he had career high 21 goals. If he can get to that level for the Penguins this year, part of the third line is going to be deadly for the Penguins.

The other winger that will probably be on the Penguins’ third line this season is Jussi Jokinen. The Penguins got Jokinen at the trade deadline just in case Sidney Crosby would not be available for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Jokinen has played for the Hurricanes for most of his career. He is most known for his most in the shootout where he scored the winner in his first game with the Penguins. I believe Jokinen is going to be a solid forward this year for the Penguins; he can play both center and wing.

I look forward to this trio being hopefully used in the regular season and maybe being one of the best third lines in the NHL.