The Penguins open a two-game back-to-back home series against last-place Buffalo tonight, with the puck dropping an hour later than usual. Airtime on 92.5 FM U92 and the U92 Sportschannel is 7:00, with the faceoff shortly after 8.
At practice yesterday, coach Mike Sullivan shuffled the lines on his injury-ravaged team, moving Zach Aston-Reese up to the second line and Evan Rodrigues to the third line. With Geno Malkin injured, Sullivan wanted to see how the bigger, more physical Aston-Reese would fit in on the line with Jared McCann and Kasperi Kapanen.
The Penguins are coming off a brutal schedule of five games in seven days, and are facing four more games, all at home, in the next six days. Sullivan gave the team the day off on Monday but had them back on the ice yesterday, preparing for the Sabres, but also being mindful of the need to save their legs.
The injury list for the Penguins is almost as long as the roster of healthy players. Forward Brandon Tanev did not skate yesterday, with his upper body injury. Neither did Geno Malkin, with a lower body injury. Forward Jason Zucker increased his activity, skating prior to practice. He’s missed the last 15 games with a lower body injury. Defenseman Mark Friedman skated with the taxi squad because Sullivan suddenly has too many healthy defensemen. There was no update on the status of center Teddy Bleuger.
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