Pittsburgh Penguins Injury Struggles
The Pittsburgh Penguins have been plagued by injuries this season, forcing them to rely heavily on their roster depth. In a further blow to the team, they added several players to the injured reserve list on Tuesday. However, there’s a glimmer of hope with the potential return of one of their star forwards.
Rickard Rakell’s Recovery
Rickard Rakell, who has been sidelined following a broken hand sustained during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 25, took a significant step towards recovery by participating in Tuesday’s morning skate after being cleared for contact. Although he will not be joining the lineup for the game against the Anaheim Ducks, his return appears to be on the horizon, especially since he was initially projected to be out for eight weeks due to his injury.
As of now, six weeks have passed since Rakell’s injury, and his readiness could happen before the anticipated eight-week recovery period is up. The Penguins would greatly benefit from his return, as Rakell has made a notable impact this season with three goals and eight points across just nine games.
Additional Injuries and Roster Changes
Adding to the team’s woes, forwards Evgeni Malkin and Blake Lizotte were also placed on injured reserve on the same day due to undisclosed injuries, which have been classified as week-to-week. In light of these developments, the Penguins have opted to recall Danton Heinen and Sam Poulin from the AHL to fill the gaps in their roster.
Team Resilience and Future Prospects
As the Penguins navigate through this injury-riddled season, head coach Mike Sullivan emphasized the importance of the “next man up” mentality that all teams must adopt when faced with such challenges. He highlighted the team’s depth, noting that several players from their AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, have been performing admirably, creating opportunities for others.
The Penguins’ ability to adapt will be crucial, particularly with Rakell’s versatility to play center, which could alleviate some pressure off the team while Malkin is unavailable. While there is no set timeline for Rakell’s imminent return, the anticipation builds as fans remain hopeful for his swift recovery.
Looking Ahead
Meanwhile, in a positive note for Pittsburgh’s future, two of their prospects are in contention for a spot on Team Canada’s preliminary roster for the upcoming World Junior Championship. This development indicates the depth of talent within the organization and highlights the bright future ahead for the Penguins.
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