Pairing Crosby with Kunitz and Dupuis is not the answer

The Penguins have had scoring problems this season and it has been well documented by many, including myself. Lately the Penguins have been carried by Evgeni Malkin and they are also currently enjoying a 5 game point streak by Crosby. His longest of the season to date. Malkin has lived up to expectations so far this season and you cannot question his performances. You can with Crosby and the biggest issue relating to the lack of goals comes from the top line.

Under Bylsma the Penguins utilised Crosby with Kunitz and Dupuis as their first line on frequent occasions. At the time it was an effective line, one that challenged both in the blue paint and on the boards. Over time both players have regressed however to the point where neither is a first line player any more.

Despite the Penguins signing and trading for a number of top wingers over the years the KCD (Kunitz, Crosby, Dupuis) line has remained constant. Failure to fix it and address the issues are now affecting the team and being felt in a severe manner. The regression in both has been alarming. Obviously, Dupuis does have a bit more leeway due to his injuries.

So far this season through 23 games Kunitz has just 3 goals whilst Dupuis has 2 goals and 2 assists through 15 contests. The KCD line hasn't been used this year as Johnston had originally tried Crosby with Kessel. When that didn't work Kunitz and Dupuis were united on the third line with Bonino. Having both on the third line worked as it is where their skill level and position on the depth chart is.

Kunitz and Dupuis own problems scoring is also highlighted by their dwindling shooting percentage. Kunitz's has dropped from 16.1% in the 2013-14 season before Johnston joined to 7.3% this season. In the same time span Dupuis's has gone from 7.2% to 8% but this is using the shortened 13-14 injury ravaged season. His average at Pittsburgh before that season was 11% which shows that it has dropped.

This isn't exactly beneficial for Crosby if his linemates can't finish his passes. Looking at the previous 70 games with both Dupuis and Kunitz playing we can see that the last time both assisted on a Crosby goal was on the 22nd November 2013. Personally, I believe Kunitz is the biggest problem out of the two.

There are options for Crosby out there. He has been working well with Hornqvist on the right wing, so keep him there. The right wing isn't the problem. There are two options to try on the left wing. David Perron and Eric Fehr. I don't see Fehr being a long term solution but what is the harm in trying it? Perron has played on the top line before and has been performing better lately than at the start of the season. I'd like to see both options given a try before we revert to the failed test of KCD. But, this being Johnston I expect KCD will be here to stay.