BOSTON — The Pittsburgh Penguins defense looked askew to close out 2022.

And it likely will appear the same as they ring in 2023.

Their blue line listed a bit to the port side during a 4-2 home loss to the New Jersey Devils on Friday as they were forced to dress four left-handed defensemen and only two right-handers because of an outbreak of injuries to their starboarders.

That imbalance looks as if it will remain in place for their meeting with the Boston Bruins on Monday at Fenway Park in the Winter Classic.

During Sunday’s practice session at Fenway Park, the Penguins’ pairings were status quo. Their top two pairs (Marcus Pettersson and Jan Rutta as well as P.O Joseph and Mark Friedman) each had the preferred dynamic of a lefty with a righty.

But their third pairing of Brian Dumoulin and Ty Smith featured an awkward fit with two southpaws.

Franchise defenseman Kris Letang, a right-hander, remains sidelined on a day-to-day basis because of an undisclosed injury that sidelined him Friday.

Letang traveled with the team to Boston but did not participate in Sunday’s practice or even pose for a team photo.

Fellow right-handed defenseman Chad Ruhwedel was present for practice, though he participated mainly as a reserve. He has missed the past two games because of an undisclosed injury.

Ruhwedel was injured during a 5-1 road loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday when he was rocked by a big hit by Islanders forward Oliver Wahlstrom in the early stages of that game.

Following Sunday’s practice, he reported traction in his recovery.

“Feeling better,” Ruhwedel said. “It was rough there for a day or two. But stuff started to feel a lot more normal. Been progressing well.”

As for the Penguins’ remaining able-bodied defenseman, they profess a level of comfort under less-than-ideal circumstances with regard to dressing an imbalanced lineup on the backend.

“It’s definitely something that’s going to happen in hockey,” Joseph said. “It’s good that you create chemistry with different players, maybe players that you haven’t played with in a while. (All the left-handers have) the ability to play right. Once you get on the ice, it’s still a hockey game. Everyone has been pretty good playing both sides.”

Carter feels right

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Another change that took place in Friday’s game and figures to carry on into Monday’s contest is the deployment of Jeff Carter on the right wing of the third line.

Primarily utilized as the center of that line, Carter was replaced in that capacity by Teddy Blueger, who was promoted from the fourth line. Brock McGinn manned the left wing.

That trio remained intact for Sunday’s practice.

Carter has played on the right wing sparingly since joining the Penguins via a trade with the Los Angeles Kings in April 2021, but he played that position predominantly during his final seasons with the Kings.

The right-handed Blueger alternated with the left-handed Carter on faceoffs throughout Friday’s contest.

“Pretty much my whole career I’ve been flipping back and forth,” Carter said. “The way our system plays out, you play all three positions basically. Not much of a change for me.”

“The way our team plays, you’re low, you’re left, you’re right (as a forward). Wherever you are, you play. It doesn’t really change a whole lot. The only thing is Teddy and I were taking draws on our strong side.”

Carter acknowledges his line needs to offer more in terms of generating offense.

“We get a lot of (defensive) zone draws,” So we’ve got to win our draws in the (defensive) zone wanting to get out. Then just try to sustain some (offensive zone) pressure. We’re getting down there and getting a chance or two but we’re not getting pucks back. If we can get the back a little better, that will help us for sure.”

No changes for Archibald

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Injured Penguins forward Josh Archibald did not participate in Sunday’s practice. He remains “status quo” said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, because of an undisclosed injury that has sidelined him for the past six games and landed him on injured reserve.

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