While coach Dan Muse wasn’t ready to say that any of his injured players would play tonight against Utah, defenseman Sam Girard practiced in a yellow full-contact jersey and indicated he would be back after a two-game absence.
Muse wanted to check with his medical staff before committing to any players for tonight, but if Girard is in the lineup, it will be a welcome return after he took an awkward fall into the boards on October 17th in Las Vegas.
Girard said he took advantage of the Penguins’ time off to heal up and get ready for tonight.
Egor Chinakhov is also on his way back and will likely take his spot on the second line. He may be joined there by Ben Kindel, who centered the second line for the second straight day. He hasn’t played since his medical emergency on the return flight to Pittsburgh from Utah last week.
Forward Elmer Soderblom was placed on injured reserve yesterday and continues to be listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
Forward Justin Brazeau was sent yesterday to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning assignment. He has not yet played this season after being injured in the first preseason game. Forward Avery Hayes and defenseman Chase Pietila were also sent to Wilkes.
Tonight’s game faces off shortly after seven o’clock. The pregame airs on 92.5 FM U92 at six.
