The 29-year-old scored one goal in his first 11 games this season. Rust hasn't been as consistent, this season or in his NHL career. So I think, for me, I just have to stick to what I've been doing.' It's been a good year so far, but there's a lot of hockey left. 'I think each year, you think of things you want to come back and get better at,' Guentzel said. This season, the 27-year-old is averaging 1.11 points per game and has gone consecutive games without a point twice, in two straight games on Oct. Guentzel's steadiness has been noticeable ever since he averaged 0.83 points per game as a rookie in 2016-17. But the Penguins (31-14-8) are 4-4-2 in those 10 games and have been outscored 14-5 in three straight losses. Crosby, Guentzel and Rust have scored 16 of Pittsburgh's 28 goals in its past 10 games. The value of the top line would be difficult to exaggerate. He plays the game with so much courage for a guy that's not the biggest guy (5-foot-11, 180 pounds), the strongest guy in the world.' He's really good in the battle areas and the traffic at the net front. 'Jake is just a guy with such a high hockey IQ and a nose for the net, and knack to finish. I think his playmaking ability has really evolved over the years.

I think he creates opportunities for his line by utilizing his speed and his relentless play. 'His relentless puck pursuit, he's just a dog on the bone on the puck. ' brings an element of speed,' Sullivan said.

Right wing Rust is fourth with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 31 games entering a matchup against the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday (3 p.m. Left wing Guentzel leads the Penguins with 52 points (25 goals, 27 assists) in 47 games this season. 'It's hard for us to put a compelling argument together to split them up.' 'That line has developed so much chemistry over the years,' coach Mike Sullivan said.

So in that way, Guentzel and Rust seem similar. Each has claimed a role on the top line with center Sidney Crosby. Each forward was a third-round pick, Rust in the 2010 NHL Draft and Guentzel in the 2013 NHL Draft.

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