Penguins/NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins blueline is starting to get crowded.
Defenseman Kris Letang recovering from a knee injury since late September, looks to be on track to make his season debut Friday night at home vs the New York Islanders, barring no setbacks.
Letang a full participant in today’s practice, worked with the No. 1 power play unit and was paired with Rob Scuderi as the Penguins No. 1 pairing for the first time since being injured.
The Penguins top power play unit included Kris Letang and Paul Martin at the points with Chris Kunitz, Sidney Crosby and James Neal.
Letang’s return would prompt Robert Bortuzzo to being the odd-man out for Friday’s game. Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma, though, would not confirm that Letang would play vs the Islanders, saying there remains no timetable.
Pittsburgh’s top-three pairs today included Scuderi – Letang, Brooks Orpik – Paul Martin and Olli Maatta – Matt Niskanen.
Bortuzzo and Deryk Engelland were the extra pair.
The Penguins play Friday at home vs the Islanders and Saturday in Toronto. Letang said he doesn’t anticipate back to back games being an issue.
At forward the Penguins used the same four lines as Beau Bennett and James Neal are still not practicing with the team. Neal is not close to returning.
Meanwhile, forward Matt D’Agostini is eligible to come off LTIR after Friday’s game as it will be the 10th game of the season for the Penguins.
Related posts:
Canes @ Pens Morning Skate Buzz; Letang timetable; Vitale back in lineup; Skinner to stay at center for Canes
Morning Skate Buzz: Neal on track to return; Zatkoff first goaltender off ice
Wednesday Practice Report: Orpik on track to return against St. Lous; Staal progressing
Post-Practice Buzz: Letang could return vs Senators; Niskanen more of a longshot?
