Rust scored a goal on five shots in the season opener against the Blackhawks on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Rust has hit the 20-goal threshold in four consecutive seasons and has already opened his account for the 2023-24 campaign. With the addition of Reilly Smith, the 31-year-old Rust is set to begin the year on the top line with Sidney Crosby, but Rust could easily shift down to the second line with Evgeni Malkin or even try to carry the offense for the third line. Regardless, Rust should be able to extend his streak of 20-goal seasons this year.

Rust suffered a hand injury in Thursday's season finale versus Columbus, Seth Rorabaugh of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The injury occurred in the second period and Rust was unable to return. He finished the season with 20 goals and 26 assists in 81 contests.

Rust (undisclosed) didn't play in the third period or overtime of Thursday's game versus the Blue Jackets, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust will close out the campaign with 20 goals and 46 points in 81 appearances. There was no update on Rust's status after the game, but head coach Mike Sullivan may be able to provide an update during exit interviews in the coming days.

Rust scored a goal on three shots versus New Jersey on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Rust scored just one time in the month of March but has rediscovered his offense with goals in three straight games to kick off April. Despite the Michigan native finding the back of the night, the Penguins lost 5-1 to the Devils and seem in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005-06. Still, if Rust can keep tickling the twine, he should at least give Pittsburgh a chance.

Rust scored a goal on three shots in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Rust scored the eventual game-winning goal in the second period, grabbing a feed from Sidney Crosby before beating Samuel Ersson with a backhander. Rust now has three goals and four points in his last two games after scoring twice Saturday. The 30-year-old winger is up to 19 goals and 45 points through 76 games this season.

Rust scored two goals and added an assist in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old carried the load for the Penguins, finding the back of the net in the first and third periods before helping to set up Jake Guentzel midway through the third to tie the score at 3-3. Rust has emerged from a slump that saw him pocket only one assist through the first nine games in March, racking up three goals and six points over the last six contests, but his turnaround may not have come soon enough to save Pittsburgh's playoff chances, as the Penguins dropped to ninth in the Eastern Conference with Saturday's loss and Florida's win over the Blue Jackets.

Rust scored an empty-net goal on three shots, added a power-play assist and logged two PIM in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

The empty-netter snapped a nine-game goal drought for Rust, who had just one assist in that quiet span. The 30-year-old reached the 40-point mark for the fourth straight season, but it's been a down year for him. Rust has 16 goals, 24 helpers, 181 shots on net, 87 hits and a minus-9 rating through 70 contests overall.

Rust put six shots on goal versus Ottawa on Monday but remains mired in a nine-game goal drought.

EDGE Analysis

Rust has just 12 games left in the season to ensure a fourth consecutive 20-goal campaign. There's been little doubt it's been a down year for the 30-year-old winger, as he is sporting a negative plus/minus rating for the first time since his rookie campaign in which he played in just 14 contests and has managed just nine power-play points. Despite his slump, Rust won't face much in the way of a challenge for a top-six role and continues to be a fixture with the No. 2 power-play unit.

Rust (personal) was back on the ice for Wednesday's practice session, Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust is back with the team after missing Tuesday's tilt versus Columbus for the birth of his child. With the veteran winger on the ice, he retook his place on the second line, which will see Danton Heinen dropped back into a bottom-six role. For Rust's part, he has generated four points and 14 shots in his last six contests and will look to continue his pursuit of the 50-point threshold against the Islanders on Thursday.

Rust (personal) won't play Tuesday versus the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Rust and his wife are awaiting the birth of their second child. Alexander Nylander and Pierre-Olivier Joseph will draw into the lineup for Tuesday's game.