The Penguins started training camp yesterday without star defenseman Erik Karlsson, who watched the action in street clothes. The team says he has an upper body injury and they did not reveal how or when he got it. He’s termed day-to-day.
On the ice, the Pens had announced that they would split the roster into three groups, but they actually had four yesterday. The fourth team was players without NHL contracts, except for forward Noel Acciari.
Coach Mike Sullivan reacted to Sidney Crosby’s signing a two-year contract extension for millions of dollars less than he could have demanded, saying that’s typical Crosby.
Sullivan has a larger roster of NHL-caliber players than he has ever had in training camp. He’s looking for players who can separate themselves from the pack.
Crosby was focused on getting the Penguins back into the playoff chase. He says they bring some momentum into this season after finishing last year on an 8-1 streak and just missing the tournament.
Defenseman Kris Letang says the 37-year-old Crosby is in tremendous shape, and he could play many more seasons, perhaps until he’s 50! (Crosby, by the way, says Letang has always said he will be the last of the Big Three to retire, after Geno Malkin and Crosby.)
Forward Matt Nieto, who missed most of last season with knee injuries, skated before the practice, surprising some of his teammates. Nieto had reconstructive knee surgery to repair his MCL in May.
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