Penguins/NHL
— Pre-Game Buzz: Audio from Bylsma, Tangradi and Staal; Injury updates on Asham and Letestu; Malkin’s status; Johnson starting in goal; Scouts watch as Senators, Blackhawks and Sharks among 7 teams in attendance —
Pre-Game Notes From Consol
TANGRADI A MORE CONFIDENT PLAYER
Eric Tangradi just wrapped up a media session and the 21 year old forward is extremely excited about being back up with the big club.
Tangradi was in Penn State visiting his girlfriend when he got the callup and said from an excitement level this feels like his first NHL game.
Tangradi admitted to losing confidence during his first stint with the big club and claimed that is no longer the case.
Tangradi had done the things that the staff has asked him to work on and Tangradi said one area he has improved is his ability in around the net.
Dan Bylsma called Tangradi a man among boys in Wilkes Barre at certain points over the past 10 games and indicated that Tangradi will skate on the 4th line with Craig Adams and Eric Godard.
One member of the organization who has played a big role in Tangradi’s development is Tom Fitzgerald.
MALKIN PROGRESSING TOWARDS LIKELY RETURN FRIDAY
Evgeni Malkin went through a full on-ice workout this morning and is progressing towards a return at somepoint this week, Dan Bylsma said in his media session. Friday is believed to be the target date.
Malkin will not play tonight.
INJURY UPDATE
Winger Arron Asham will not play tonight and is day-to-day according to Dan Bylsma.
Meanwhile, Mark Letestu’s knee injury is somewhat serious and the Penguins center underwent an MRI today.
The Penguins expect to know the extent of the injury by tomorrow.
JOHNSON STARTING IN GOAL
Brent Johnson as expected will get the start in goal tonight. Marc Andre Fleury is scheduled to start Friday and Sunday night.
TONIGHT”S LINEUP
Cooke – Staal – Kennedy
Kunitz – Jeffrey – Dupuis
Conner – Talbot – Rupp
Tangradi – Adams – Godard
Defensemen
Orpik – Letang
Martin – Michalek
Goligoski – Engelland
Brent Johnson in goal
SCOUTS WATCH
Tampa Bay, Minnesota (2), Montreal, Chicago, Ottawa, Toronto and San Jose are among seven teams with scouts in attendance tonight. Of the seven, Tampa Bay and Minnesota are regulars with Pittsburgh being Greg Malone’s (TB) and Michel Therrien’s (MIN) base.
The two notable teams are Ottawa and San Jose.
PRE-GAME AUDIO
Here are some audio links from Bylsma, Tangradi and Staal.
