Penguins season preview: Murray's return to form key to success

The 2018-19 NHL season begins Wednesday. NHL.com is taking a look at the five keys, the inside scoop on roster questions, and the projected lines for all 31 teams. Today, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Coach:Mike Sullivan (fourth season)
Last season: 47-29-6; second place Metropolitan Division, lost to Washington Capitals in Eastern Conference Second Round
RELATED: [Complete Season Preview coverage]

5 KEYS

1. Murray returning to form

After winning the Stanley Cup in each of his first two NHL seasons, Matt Murray took a step back last season, when he was 27-16-3 with a 2.92 goals-against average and .907 save percentage after he had a 2.41 GAA and .923 save percentage in 2016-17. This season, the 24-year-old has made it a point to provide more of a veteran presence in the crease.
"Just trying to be more of a leader," Murray said. "The more I play in this league, the more I hope to help be a leader and to inspire others."

2. Stars must shine

The Penguins' longtime core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang will dictate how far they can go in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Crosby had 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 12 playoff games last season, and Malkin had 98 points (42 goals, 56 assists) in 78 games, his highest total since he had 109 in 2011-12. Letang's 51 points (nine goals, 42 assists) led Penguins defensemen, but his game never seemed to return to where it was before he had neck surgery April 13, 2017. While Crosby and Malkin are poised for another impressive season, Letang has said he feels more like himself after having a full offseason to train.

3. Depth

As much as the Penguins depend on their core three, they need some support from role players. Forward Bryan Rust scored three goals against the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference First Round but was held without a point in six games against the Capitals. In 69 regular-season games, he had 38 points (13 goals, 25 assists). Forwards Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan, who were acquired in trades from the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings, respectively, during the regular season, also struggled in the postseason. Brassard had four points (one goal, three assists) and Sheahan had three (one goal, two assists) in 12 playoff games.

4. Kessel building on last season

Phil Kessel had an NHL career-high 92 points (34 goals, 58 assists) in 82 games last season but scored one goal in 12 playoff games. In the previous two postseasons, he scored 18 goals in 49 games. According to general manager Jim Rutherford, Kessel has said he's 100 percent healthy after playing through a few injuries last season. If that's the case, he could have another 90-point season.
"I always play," Kessel said. "Whenever I can play, I'm going to be out there."

5. Rest

The Penguins, who were eliminated from the playoffs by the Capitals on May 7, had an extra month to recover this offseason after playing into June the previous two seasons. Several players, including Letang and forward Patric Hornqvist, said they feel rejuvenated following the longer offseason. As a result, Pittsburgh could look more like the up-tempo team that won the Stanley Cup when Sullivan took over in 2016.

ROSTER RUNDOWN

Making the cut

The only true battle during training camp is between Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry to be the backup goalie. DeSmith, who was 6-4-1 with a 2.40 GAA and .921 save percentage as a rookie last season, is a slight favorite to win the job over Jarry, who was 14-6-2 with a 2.77 GAA and .908 save percentage. Juuso Riikola could also make the opening night roster as the seventh or eighth defenseman.

Most intriguing addition

Defenseman Jack Johnson has a chance to bolster a group that seemed shallow toward the end of last season. With Johnson, who signed a five-year contract as a free agent July 1, defenseman Chad Ruhwedel likely will be bumped from the everyday lineup despite playing over Matt Hunwick in the playoffs. Johnson had 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 77 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season but said he expects to rebound in a new environment.

Biggest potential surprise

Forward Zach Aston-Reese will return after breaking his jaw and sustaining a concussion against the Capitals on May 1. Aston-Reese, who had six points (four goals, two assists) in 16 games as a rookie last season, started training camp on a line with Malkin and Kessel before moving to the third, with Brassard and Rust. The 24-year-old could see his numbers improve if he sticks on either line.

Ready to break through

Forward Daniel Sprong could earn a spot at right wing on the first line, where has skated with Crosby and left wing Jake Guentzel throughout camp. His offensive skills have been talked about since the Penguins selected him in the second round (No. 46) in the 2015 NHL Draft, but his lack of defensive awareness has held him back during two short NHL stints (18 games in 2015-16; eight games last season).

PROJECTED LINEUP

Jake Guentzel -- Sidney Crosby -- Daniel Sprong
Carl Hagelin -- Evgeni Malkin -- Phil Kessel
Zach Aston-Reese -- Derick Brassard -- Bryan Rust
Matt Cullen -- Riley Sheahan -- Patric Hornqvist
Brian Dumoulin -- Kris Letang
Olli Maatta -- Jack Johnson
Jamie Oleksiak -- Justin Schultz
Matt Murray
Casey DeSmith