Time to let the Jussi Loose

Should the Pens put Jussi Jokinen back in the lineup?

For me personally, this is an easy yes. Why, you ask? Really, why not? Jussi has been a strong, intense player. He fits in well for the Pens and was, quite frankly, a steal from Carolina. 

The Penguins have a lot of strengths but left circle face-offs have been a weakness. Insert Jussin Jokinen, who has been fantastic on face-offs, going 24-13 in the first four play-off games and holds the team high with a 64.9 % face-off success rate during the post season.That is a key element the Pens need to look to improve on going into Game Four tonight, and one that would have a boost if Jussi was available and played.

 Jokinen adds a lot more than that though, and has been known to be a strong two-way forward. He tends to be very responsible on both ends of the ice, and is a gritty player who is not afraid to defend his teammates or get feisty with an opposing player.

He is a guy that has not missed a lot of games, and has never been sat out because he is so dependable. I am quite frankly hoping that the only reason he has been taken out is because of an undisclosed injury. 

More importantly, Jussi picked up 11 points in 10 regular season games after be traded to the Pens, had 3 game winning goals during that span, and had 2 points in 4 games during the first round of the playoffs. That is production, and that is earning a spot on the team.He was practicing on the second line of the power play yesterday, the same power play that failed to produce on six attempts last game. 

 I like what Jussi brings to the table and if the coaching staff was intelligent, and he is available, they would play him.  

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