Fedotenko inching closer to return; Dubielewicz to start against Penguins

Forward Ruslan Fedotenko skated on Thursday and is inching closer to a return. Fedotenko has been ruled out for Friday’s game but could return on Sunday at the earliest. At the latest, Fedotenko is expected back by February 11th when the Penguins face-off against the the Sharks. Luca Caputi practiced today and it appears he will be in the lineup tomorrow against the Blue Jackets. Caputi saw limited ice time yesterday because the Penguins were playing back to back games and they don’t want to wear him out. He should see increased ice time against Columbus Only about a dozen players skated today. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are expected to be separated for tomorrow’s game. Both players did not

NHL: Letang due back by end of week

Sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports that defenseman Kris Letang will return by the end of the week with a likely target date of playing Saturday afternoon against the Florida Panthers. Letang could practice tomorrow before the Penguins depart for Boston. Letang has been out with a foot injury. How will this effect the Penguins blueline? Read more for the latest

The Latest Penguins Buzz

Alexei Kovalev’s numbers (8goals – 19 assists – 27 pts) are down a bit this season but he leads the Canadiens in scoring and indications are Kovalev believes he still has three more good years left in him. Kovalev 35, a unrestricted free agent at season’s end has an interest in resigning with the Canadiens but in all likely hood Kovalev will hit the open market. Sources tell me Kovalev would welcome a return to Pittsburgh with the chance to play with Evgeni Malkin. It remains to be seen how interested the Penguins front office will be in pursuing Kovalev this summer. Petr Sykora may have to settle for a two year deal if he wants to resign with Pittsburgh.