Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar is participating in the morning skate and I’m told from sources on the scene that Gonchar’s skating is “much improved” from yesterday and all signs point towards Gonchar playing tonight.
12:15 p.m. – Gonchar skated for the entire morning skate and

worked with the Penguins 1st power play. He was also paired with Brooks Orpik for the majority of the reps and I’m told that by the way he skated today, he should be able to take normal shifts tonight.
It is still likely that the Penguins will dress seven defensemen.
Dan Bylsma said following the pregame skate, that Gonchar will be a game time decision following warmups but based on everything I saw from Gonchar in practice yesterday and what I’ve been told today, Gonchar will be in the lineup tonight.
There is no long-term damage that Gonchar can suffer as he only has an upper right leg contusion not a MCL injury.

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