The Penguins put in a full practice at PPG Paints Arena yesterday after returning from their three-game road trip, and it was the first full practice they’ve had since the trade deadline, so coach Mike Sullivan had a chance to work with newly-acquired forward Nick Bonino and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, along with forward Mikael Granlund. Also on the ice yesterday was forward Ryan Poehling, who has been in and out of the lineup – mostly out – since December with an upper body injury. Jake Guentzel was absent but Sullivan said it was a maintenance day for the top line forward.
The Penguins face off with the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight in the first of five straight games at home. After the Blue Jackets tonight, they will play the New York Islanders on Thursday, the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, the New York Rangers on Sunday, and the Montreal Canadiens a week from today.
With all of those games against Eastern Conference foes, Sullivan says the Penguins need to take advantage of the opportunity.
Sullivan says he is working on figuring out whether or not to play Nick Bonino at center or on the wing.
Kulikov only arrived in Pittsburgh on Sunday night after being acquired from Anaheim, so it was Sullivan’s first chance to get a look at him in a Penguins practice. He said the veteran will likely be in the lineup tonight and Kulikov worked on a defensive pairing with Jan Rutta yesterday. P.O. Joseph skated with Chad Ruhwedel on a fourth defensive set.
You’ll hear tonight’s game on 92.5 FM U92, with the pregame beginning at 6 PM.
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