Post-Morning Skate Buzz
PITTSBURGH — The good news for the Penguins is that their top line of Chris Kunitz – Evgeni Malkin and James Neal will be intact tonight vs the Philadelphia Flyers
Winger Chris Kunitz dealing with an illness,
is fine and was a full participant in today’s skate. Kunitz centerman Evgeni Malkin did not participate in the skate but Malkin didn’t sleep in this time around and his availability is not in question tonight. The Penguins winners of four straight were rewarded with an optional skate this morning
Meanwhile, veteran forward Richard Park is inching closer to returning to the lineup after being sidelined for almost 4 weeks with a fracture in his foot. Park participated fully in today’s skate
On the blueline, no changes are expected for the Penguins. Defenseman Paul Martin went through individual drills again this morning but Martin has yet to participate in a full practice. Earlier in the week, Saturday had been considered a possible and likely target date
The Penguins are expecting a lot of energy in the building tonight and the focus from the coaching staff tonight is for the Penguins to stay discipline. Head coach Dan Bylsma in his media session minutes ago, tabbed special team’s as likely being a big factor in tonights game. Bylsma believes that the addition of Jagr to the Flyers power play has been significant.
