It's been just under a month since Radim Zohorna joined the Pittsburgh Penguins' third line after their slow start through the team's first four games. Zohorna breathed new life into that line, and it has become an asset for Mike Sullivan's squad for the better part of their previous ten games.
Lars Eller sets the pace for that line with seven points (2G-5A) in 14 games, but Zohorna is on his tail with five points (3G-2A) in just ten games. Meanwhile, Drew O'Connor got himself off the hook with his first goal of the season last Saturday against Buffalo.
Their scoring contributions are one factor, but the consistency they've found every time they jump over the boards makes them stand out. That line finds a way to either swing momentum back in the Penguins' favor or push it forward, building off the work of the top forward lines.
Through ten games together, the Penguins' third line has outshot opponents 61-37 at even strength and has generated 30 high-danger scoring chances while only allowing 14. That trio has also accounted for 60% of the expected goals when on the ice at 5v5, which ranks ninth among forward lines who have played at least 80 minutes together.
The success of That line is predicated on its players fitting their roles and executing every night. O'Connor is the speed and lead forechecking forward. He's the first one into the offensive zone and has created havoc for opposing defensemen trying to set up the breakout.
Meanwhile, his linemates patrol the neutral zone, with Eller using his hockey sense and positioning to take away passing lanes and Zohorna using his frame and wingspan to do the same.
In the offensive zone, they've quickly built up their chemistry and created opportunities for each other, with no single player being the preferred triggerman. On the surface, none of these players were considered among the best at their position coming into the season, but together, they have formed the best third line the Penguins have had in quite some time.
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