Rust scored an empty-net goal on three shots and went plus-3 in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Blackhawks.

EDGE Analysis

Rust's tally came as the Penguins were killing a penalty late in the third period, giving him his first shorthanded point of the campaign. The winger has scored in three straight games and is up to 15 tallies and 31 points through 38 outings overall. The 31-year-old has added 116 shots on net, 36 hits, 30 blocked shots and a plus-17 rating. He'll likely be looked to for more offense while Jake Guentzel (upper body) is out for four weeks.

Rust found the back of the net in a 2-1 loss to Winnipeg on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

With Connor Hellebuyck producing another stellar game between the pipes, the Penguins kept coming at the tender, but Rust was the only one who solved him. He skated across the vision of Hellebuyck and tipped an Erik Karlsson shot from the point that ended up top shelf. Rust didn't stop there, blasting seven shots on net to lead all skaters while adding a hit in 18:30 TOI. The 31-year old winger now has three goals and six assists with 40 shots on goal since the start of January. The Penguins will be home against the Panthers on Wednesday.

Rust picked up two assists, including one on the power play, in Friday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran winger helped set up a Jake Guentzel tally early in the first period and Evgeni Malkin's tying goal inside the last minute of the third to at least earn the Penguins a point. Rust has been productive since returning from an upper-body injury at the beginning of January, delivering one goal and seven points in his past 10 outings. Friday's power-play point was his first of the season.

Rust scored a goal and added an assist in a 3-2 overtime loss to Carolina on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Rust tied the game 2-2 from a sharp angle off the rebound of Erik Karlsson's shot while playing 6-on-5 in the last minute of the third period. It was Rust's first goal in six games (one goal, three assists) since his return from injury. He had been a strong complementary fantasy play prior to his absence, and he now has 11 goals and 13 assists, all at even-strength, in 28 games. Rust is on pace for his fifth consecutive 20-plus goal season, and he could challenge his 27-goal career mark (2019-20).

Rust notched an assist in a 6-5 win over the Bruins on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Rust picked up his first point since returning from a long-term upper-body injury. The 31-year-old winger has managed 21 points in 24 games this season but has yet to register a tally with the man advantage. Still, Rust figures to remain locked into a top-six role alongside either Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby.

Rust (upper body) was activated from long-term injured reserve Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Rust, who was considered to be a game-time decision, appears to be good to go Tuesday against Washington. He is projected to play on the second line and second power-play unit following a 10-game absence. Rust has accounted for 10 goals, 20 points, 71 shots on net, 17 blocked shots and 15 hits over 22 outings this season.

Rust (upper body) will be a game-time decision Tuesday against Washington, per Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site.

EDGE Analysis

If Rust returns from a 10-game absence, he is slated to play on the second line and work on the second power-play unit. He has produced 10 goals, 10 assists, 71 shots on net, 17 blocked shots and 15 hits over 22 outings this season.

Rust (upper body) returned to practice in a regular jersey Friday, according to Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Rust was injured Dec. 6 against Tampa Bay and was subsequently placed on long-term injured reserve. He has already missed eight games and will be eligible to return to action Jan. 2 versus Washington. Rust had a great start to the season with 10 goals and 20 points in 22 games prior to his injury. Look for Rust to reunite with Sidney Crosby on the top line upon his return.

Rust (upper body) skated before morning practice Thursday, per Wes Crosby of NHL.com.

EDGE Analysis

Rust has been out of action since Dec. 6, missing the last five games. He's been excellent when healthy this year, racking up 10 goals, 10 assists, 71 shots on goal and a plus-13 rating through 22 games. He is eligible to return Jan. 2 from long-term injured reserve.

Rust (upper body) was moved to long-term injured reserve Monday, per CapFriendly.

EDGE Analysis

Pittsburgh had to shift Rust from regular IR to LTIR in order to activate Rickard Rakell (upper body) for Monday's contest against Minnesota. As a result, Rust won't be eligible to return until January. He has recorded 10 goals, 20 points, 71 shots on net, 17 blocked shots and 15 hits in 22 games this season.