Penguins/NHL
Game Day Buzz
No Sidney Crosby and No Jordan Staal tonight for a Penguins team that has lost two straight are struggling to score goals, with just three tallies in their last two games.
Staal is the latest Penguins to come down with an injury, leaving today’s morning skate about 10 minutes in and has been ruled out of tonight’s game due to a lower body injury.
Head coach Dan Bylsma said during his media session that veteran forward Jason Williams will be recalled and take Staal’s spot in the lineup.
Williams has had a strong season with Wilkes Barre, collecting 17 points in 20 games and a +7 rating.
He was a prime candidate to be recalled last month but the Penguins opted to recall Eric Tangradi for a short stint.
Williams who the Penguins value as a pointman on the power play, could see time at the point on the man advantage, despite getting no practice time with the team.
The Penguins are 2-for-21 on the power play in their last six games.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Richard Park remains hindered with a leg injury and remains out. Sidney Crosby (headaches), Kris Letang (IR, concussion), Zbynek Michalek (IR, concussion) did not travel with the team and remain sidelined. Robert Bortuzzo is also out due to a concussion.
Deryk Engelland though will return to the lineup for the first time in three games.
Pens Lineup (to be determined)
Sullivan – Malkin – Neal
Kunitz – Williams – Kennedy
Cooke – Vitale – Dupuis
MacIntyre – Adams – Asham
DEFENSEMEN
Orpik – Niskanen
Despres – Martin
Picard – Engelland
