from Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,

They were the first words out of general manager Jim Rutherford’s mouth back in May when he was asked about his offseason priorities.

“I think we will probably look at getting a little more balance throughout the whole lineup,” Rutherford said. “We want to make sure we have the four lines that can produce.”

Well, here we are, a week until the start of the 2018-19 season, and Rutherford again has proved prophetic. The strikingly honest GM called it: The Penguins do indeed have more balance throughout their lineup.

Four lines that can produce. Defensemen who can chip in and play either side. Nary a Carter Rowney- or Ryan Reaves-sized offensive hole to be found.

continued