Nine Penguins were on the sidelines for the first day of summer camp yesterday because of second-hand exposure to a person who had been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The nine players weren’t identified by the team, but winger Patrik Hornqvist was notable by his absence. The team said the move was made out of an abundance of caution.
Captain Sidney Crosby said the absences did not make him think less of the league’s ability to return, saying it’s important to make sure players do their best to stay out of trouble.
On the ice, Jake Guentzel was installed in his familiar spot on the Sidney Crosby line, with Conor Sheary on the other wing. The Evgeni Malkin line had Jason Zucker and Bryan Rust on the wings. The third line featured Jared McCann at center, working with wingers Patrick Marleau and Sam Lafferty alternating with Evan Rodrigues. And the fourth line had Teddy Blueger centering Zach Aston-Reese and Brandon Tanev.
On the blue line, Coach Mike Sullivan paired Brian Dumoulin and Kris Letang, John Marino and Marcus Petterson, and Jack Johnson with Justin Schultz.
Sullivan said the players are fit and ready to go, but there is one aspect of their conditioning they will have to work on.
Sidney Crosby says the players are geared up for a run at another Stanley Cup.
Crosby says Jake Guentzel seemed like he’s ready to get back to action.
Patrick Marleau was acquired from San Jose at the trade deadline. The future Hall of Famer has never won the Stanley Cup in 22 seasons in the NHL, but says the Penguins could do it.
Winger Jason Zucker has played 15 games since his trade from Minnesota, scoring six goals and six assists. He says he likes playing Mike Sullivan’s system.
The Penguins are scheduled to play Montreal in a five-game play-in series starting August 1st.
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