Rust notched two goals -- including the game winner -- on five shots and added a plus-2 rating during Thursday's 2-1 victory over Tampa Bay in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

EDGE Analysis

Rust sure found his groove to finish out the series, registering points in three straight to the tune of three tallies (with ten shots on goal) and an apple. While no rookie has ever notched a hat trick in Game 7, the 24-year-old was one breakaway finish from being the first. The inconsistencies are noted, but Rust is riding a hot streak heading into the Stanley Cup Finals against San Jose, and seems to have built a rapport with Evgeni Malkin (two helpers in Game 7).

Rust helped close out Game 6 against the Lightning on Tuesday with his third goal of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

Rust's speed has been his biggest contributing factor in the postseason and it was on full display Tuesday. The winger has notched a point in each of the last two games, but his productivity has been scarce overall which should give fantasy owners pause. It is important to note, however, that the 24-year-old has been playing along side Evgeni Malkin who will draw the attention of defenders and give Rust opportunities to get on the scoresheet.

Rust (lower body) took part in line rushes during pregame warmups, indicating he'll be in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 4 against Washington, NHL.com's Dan Rosen reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust will slide into Eric Fehr's (undisclosed) spot in Pittsburgh's lineup Wednesday, skating alongside Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz on the Penguins' third line. The speedy winger could make for an interesting play in daily contests Wednesday despite his bottom-six role in the lineup, as skating on a line with Malkin should dramatically improve his chances of contributing offensively against the Capitals.

Rust (lower body) is a game-time decision against Washington for Game 4 on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

While Rust's contributions have not shown up on the scoresheet during this series against the Capitals, his speed and determination will be missed by the Penguins. If the 23-year-old does not suit up, recently recalled Tom Sestito will skate in his place. In terms of fantasy value, neither player is likely to have a huge impact in your daily lineups as they have had minimal production for most of the season, although Rust definitely has more scoring potential.

Rust exited Monday's Game 3 against Washington with an undisclosed injury, Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rust attempted to block a shot when he suffered the injury, spending just 19 total seconds on the ice. Beau Bennett or Oskar Sundqvist are likely candidates to take over for Rust if he's unable to play in Game 4 on Wednesday.

Rust scored twice during a four-goal burst by the Penguins in the second period of Saturday's Game 5 series clincher over the Rangers. He also added an assist.

EDGE Analysis

Rust played so well he got some time alongside Evgeni Malkin. Rust has delivered a three-point game one other time in his career, but he'd never scored twice in a game in his young career.

Rust scored two goals and added an assist Saturday against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The team's rookie of the year registered a plus-3 rating, four shots on goal and three hits. Rust's second-period goals helped to chase Henrik Lundqvist from the net. He saw only 11:24 of action but made the most of his time.

Rust (lower body) will return to the lineup Saturday for Game 2 against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The fleet-footed Rust will be inserted on the second line opposite Conor Sheary, and Evgeni Malkin, who's making his highly anticipated return from an upper-body injury, will reclaim his spot down the middle.

Rust (lower body) practiced yesterday, but is likely to be scratched for Game 2 on Saturday, a href="http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/10308764-74/malkin-sullivan-game">Bill West of Triblive reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's never beneficial to have a player on injured reserve during the postseason. The Pens are anticipating Rust's return as he hasn't hit game ice since March 30. Despite his speed and physical style of play, the 23-year-old right winger has tallied just 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 41 appearances this season, giving him little fantasy value.

Rust (lower body) is unlikely to suit up against New York on Wednesday after missing the team's morning skate.

EDGE Analysis

Rust's absence from the depth chart could affect the outcome of the game given his speed and determination, but should have a minimal impact on your daily lineups as the winger has just four goals and seven assists in 41 contests. Even if the is healthy for Saturday, it remains to be seen if the 23-year-old will slot back in.