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Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Plays against Flames

Ruhwedel logged 16:26 of ice time, recording one hit, two blocked shots and a minus-1 rating in the 9-1 rout. The San Diego native replaced Juuso Riikola in the lineup versus the Flames and will likely have to split time with the youngster until Justin Schultz (lower leg) is cleared to return. At that point, both Ruhwedel and Riikola figure to spend a good chunk of time watching from the press box.

Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Riding bench

While it's only two games, Ruhwedel will face an uphill battle to break into the lineup -- especially after the strong training camp performance by Juuso Riikola. In order to avoid losing him on waivers, Pittsburgh is unlikely to send Ruhwedel down either, so the San Diego native seems poised to spend a lot of time in the press box this season.

Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Pointless during playoffs

While Ruhwedel's lack of offensive production may have been a concern for some, the coaching staff was likely content to continue utilizing him as a penalty-kill specialist. The blueliner averaged a mere 12:28 of ice time at even strength, but was fourth on the team in shorthanded ice time per game (2:08) -- behind only Kris Letang among defensemen. Although the 28-year-old did spend some time watching from the press box -- and may again periodically in 2018-19 -- he should be on the ice more often than not.

Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Filling in shorthanded

In six playoff contests, Ruhwedel is averaging a mere 14:40 of ice time, however, 2:33 of that is coming in shorthanded situations. As a result of his inclusion on the penalty kill, the winger has recorded a team-high 12 blocks. Offensively, the San Diego native won't offer much in terms of productivity (zero playoff points), but the coaching staff no doubt values his defensive contributions as the Pens look to three-peat as Stanley Cup champions.

Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Finally cracks lineup

Even following the departure of Ian Cole, Ruhwedel has been unable to break into coach Mike Sullivan's blue-line pairings, having been relegated to the press box for 27 straight games. In his return to the ice, the San Diego native logged 13:55 of ice time and compiled three hits, one shot and a plus-1 rating. Without a regular spot in the lineup, the 27-year-old won't offer much in terms of fantasy value -- even in deeper formats.