Dupuis' production creates pleasant dilemma

Most NHL teams would be thrilled to boast a third-line winger who scores 20 goals during the regular season.

The Penguins might have such a player on their fourth line when the postseason begins.

Pascal Dupuis is having arguably the finest season of his career, already producing 16 goals while ranking among the team's finest defensive forwards. When everyone is healthy, though, his reward might be a spot on the fourth line.

"There are a lot of great forwards on this team right now," Dupuis said. "A lot."

Dupuis has scored three times in the four games since the Olympic break and is approaching his career-high of 20 tallies. The back injury to Bill Guerin has allowed Dupuis to play on the Penguins' top line, and it's no coincidence that he has thrived. Dupuis played well on Sidney Crosby's line two years ago, when he and Marian Hossa came here from Atlanta and immediately played on the top line.

"If we do end up having a competition for playing time at forward," Dupuis said, "we'll have some guys who know how to win. It's a good thing."

The dilemma for Dupuis to see more playing time is fairly simple. When healthy, Guerin will return to his spot on the top line with Crosby and Chris Kunitz.

Alexei Ponikarovsky was acquired specifically to play on the second line with Evgeni Malkin, and the coaching staff seems to prefer keeping Ruslan Fedotenko on that line.

The combination of Jordan Staal, Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy comprises arguably the NHL's finest third line and won't be altered.

Still, look for Penguins coach Dan Bylsma to make sure Dupuis sees his share of ice time. Although the top three lines would appear set, Bylsma does not hesitate to generate different lines throughout the course of every game.

"I like to change lines up and offer different looks," Bylsma said.

There is no question that incorporating Dupuis will be a priority. Already a terrific penalty killer, Dupuis has added more offense to his game this season. He once scored 20 goals while playing for Minnesota and has a history of playing well in the playoffs.

Dupuis acknowledged after Monday's practice that he might be playing the finest hockey of his career.

"Especially since the break, I feel like I'm on top of my game," Dupuis said. "I definitely feel great."

Bylsma likely won't be forced to decide on the regular 12 forwards until next week. It appears quite likely that Cooke will be suspended for multiple games following his controversial hit Sunday on Boston's Marc Savard.

With Cooke probably out for a few games, Bylsma indicated that Guerin will return to the top line and Dupuis will join the third line in Cooke's spot.

"That seems quite logical," Bylsma said.

Bylsma will have a decision to make when his entire roster is healthy and suspension-free. Competing for spots on the fourth line come playoff time will be Dupuis, Mike Rupp, Max Talbot, Craig Adams and Eric Godard.

There is little chance Godard will see action in the playoffs, but the other healthy scratch will be interesting. Dupuis and Rupp (12 goals) certainly won't be removed from the lineup, leaving the 12th spot in a competition between Adams and Talbot.

If Adams is left on the fourth line in the playoffs — and his penalty killing and ability to take faceoffs in the right circles makes this possible — the Penguins' depth will never be on greater display.

Dupuis, with perhaps more than 20 goals, would be on the fourth line, while Talbot, last year's Stanley Cup hero, could be in street clothes.

"Lots of good players," Dupuis said. "And we feel like, the way we're playing now, we're going to be tough to beat. We've got that swagger, that feeling. The switch has been turned on."