On the fourth line for the bulk of this season, Penguins winger Eric Fehr’s average ice time is down roughly two minutes per game from the past two seasons with the Washington Capitals.
That means his scoring chances are down, too, which has, in turn, led to a drop in goal-production.
Fehr’s role is no less critical to the Penguins, though, said coach Mike Sullivan. He places a premium on the defensive responsibilities of his fourth line, all of whom also are key penalty-killers on a streak of 25 consecutive kills dating to Dec. 19 against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Penguins’ opponent tonight.