Penguins/NHL
Tuesday Practice Report
The Pittsburgh Penguins went through their first on-ice preparations this morning as the team prepares for the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the quarterfinals.
Head coach Dan Bylsma appeared optimistic on Monday that winger Chris Kunitz will be available to play in game 1 but Kunitz is doubtful for Wednesday night.
Kunitz was the extra forward in today’s skate, taking line rushes with Eric Godard on the 5th line. A sign that Kunitz may not be cleared to play in game 1. Kunitz has a lingering shoulder injury that has caused him to miss 4 straight games.
Today’s Lines
Dupuis – Crosby – Guerin
Ponikarovsky – Malkin – Fedotenko
Cooke – Staal – Kennedy
Rupp – Adams – Talbot
Kunitz – Godard
The Penguins spent significant time working on their 1st and 2nd power play units and altered their D-pairs for the first 15-20 minutes of practice.
1st Power Play Unit
Guerin – Crosby – Malkin
Goligoski – Gonchar
5-on-3 1st power play unit
Guerin – Staal – Crosby
Gonchar – Malkin
2nd Power Play Unit
Ponikarovsky – Staal – Fedotenko
Letang – Leopold
***Chris Kunitz took a few reps with the 2nd unit, replacing Fedotenko.
Notes: Pittsburgh altered their D-pairs during the first 15-20 minutes of practice.
Brooks Orpik and Sergei Gonchar opened up practice together, with Mark Eaton and Kris Letang working as a pair.
However, It is not clear if those pairings will stick together for tomorrow’s game.
