Penguins/NHL
The Penguins believe there’s a chance they will only play one or two more games with five defensemen.
The team has been encouraged with how Christian Ehrhoff is feeling the last couple days and Ehrhoff was cleared to skate on his own today and barring no setbacks, is expected to be cleared to practice for Thursday or Friday.
Rushing Ehrhoff back could be troublesome, but there was some chatter yesterday around the team that the front office felt Ehrhoff may return by the weekend, which might be too much of an optimistic view.
Ehrhoff has missed 20 of 28 games due to a concussion or concussion like symptoms. He has dealt with off and on headaches for almost two months now which has been a concern. The Penguins have not called Ehrhoff’s absence a concussion.
Once the Penguins get Ehrhoff back, he’s a huge unknown on what they’re going to get out of him and whether he can stay in the lineup for a lengthy time.
He will remain a player teams will target with physical play and Ehrhoff has had the look of a player who’s playing scared when he’s out there. That’s a bad combination.
— Defenseman Kris Letang remains in the evaluation process and is not exercising, Mike Johnston said.
— Tonight’s goaltending matchup will be Marc Andre Fleury vs Steve Mason. Mason has not been the issue for Philadelphia this season. He’s been very good with a 2.24 GAA and .927 save percentage. Excellent numbers, especially factoring in the group of defensemen he has in front of him.
