The Penguins had a full complement of players for the first time in memory as practices began for the first round of the NHL East playoffs against the New York Islanders.
Among the returnees who were full-go for practice were goaltender Tristan Jarry, forwards Evgeni Malkin, Brandon Tanev, and Evan Rodrigues, and defenseman Mike Matheson. Each of them has missed time recently. Tanev has missed the last 18 games with an upper body injury, but was back on his normal line with Teddy Blueger and Zach Aston-Reese. The NHL still has not announced the date for the series to start, but it’s looking like Saturday or Sunday.
Governor Tom Wolf said yesterday that starting Monday, attendance restrictions would ease and the Penguins announced that they will be permitted to increase to 50 percent, or about 9,000 fans.
Coach Mike Sullivan says his veterans will have no problem forgetting being swept out of the playoffs by the Islanders two years ago.
Sullivan says you always know the challenge when coaching against a Barry Trotz team.
Sullivan says the Penguins will need to be creative to generate offense against the Islanders.
Winger Bryan Rust says the Pens know that New York will grind it out during this series.
Rust gives the scouting report on the Islanders.
Kasperi Kapanen says the Penguins have to play smart against the Islanders.
Kapanen says it’s nice to see healthy bodies on the ice at Penguins’ practice.
The Washington Capitals beat the Boston Bruins last night, 2-1, to complete the regular season. The Caps and Bruins will start the NHL East playoffs against each other on Saturday.
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