Molinari's Talking Point: What would you change for Game 2? taken at PPG Paints Arena (Penguins)

PENGUINS

Evgeni Malkin.

The outlook would be different, of course, it if had been Jake Guentzel or Jared McCann or Jeff Carter who scored the overtime goal in Game 1, instead of Kyle Palmieri.

If the Penguins had seized a 1-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the New York Islanders, rather than facing a 1-0 deficit as they prepare for Game 2 Tuesday evening at PPG Paints Arena.

But the reality is that while Game 2 might not be an absolute must-win for the Penguins -- Philadelphia proved that in 2000, by losing the first two games at home against the Penguins, then running off four consecutive victories -- expecting any team to win four of five against the Islanders might be a bit much.

Especially when three of those would be at Nassau Coliseum.

So, considering the stakes, winning Tuesday night is of paramount importance for the Penguins.

While the importance of the game is clear, the lineup Mike Sullivan will deploy is not.

If, for example, Evgeni Malkin is deemed ready to play, he presumably would be moved into his usual spot on the No. 2 line, Jeff Carter would drop down to the middle of the third unit, Frederick Gaudreau would move from center to right wing there and Evan Rodrigues would spend the evening in street clothes.

It also is possible, although it does not seem likely, that Sullivan will make a change or two that isn't related to medical issues, perhaps inserting someone who was a healthy scratch for the opener into the Game 2 lineup, or maybe reconfiguring his forward combinations or defense pairings.

Odds are that any moves Sullivan makes will be based on player availability, but it's not out of the question that he and his staff have a switch or two in mind they believe will catch the Islanders off-guard Tuesday.

YOUR TURN: What personnel changes, if any, would you make for the Penguins going into Game 2?

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