Penguins/NHL
After a much needed rest on Monday, the Penguins returned to the ice this morning as they prepare to face-off against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.
Everyone on the roster was accounted for this morning. The Penguins did some tinkering with their lineup throughout a few drills.
For the most part the lines were the same
Kunitz – Crosby – Guerin
Fedotenko – Malkin – Sykora
Cooke – Staal – Kennedy
Dupuis – Talbot – Adams/Godard
Bylsma did switch up the second line during a few 3-on-2 rushes. Maxime Talbot moved up to the second line with Sykora and Malkin. The fourth line was Dupuis – Adams – Fedotenko for a few instances. Bylsma was non-committal following practice whether there will be any definite changes upfront but it is clear the Penguins are looking to jumpstart Ruslan Fedotenko by skating him on the fourth line for a few shifts.
The team worked on the power play for about 15 minutes. Basically the same set up while Evgeni Malkin did lot of moving around from the top right boards and the middle of the slot. A lot of shots were coming from the point as the coaching staff wants more traffic in front.
Kunitz, Guerin alternated up front
Craig Adams got a lot of work in on the penalty kill, so he may be back in the lineup on Wednesday.
Philippe Boucher worked with the second power play which could be another sign that we will see him in the lineup tomorrow. During the 3-on-2’s, all of the defensemen alternated, with Boucher getting the most reps with Hal Gill. Still, it won’t be clear until tomorrow’s morning skate.
Jordan Staal continues to have a great jump in his game. His confidence level is very high right now.
