All-Star weekend now complete, the Penguins held their first workout in a week yesterday in preparation for tomorrow night’s game against defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado.
On the ice in Cranberry as full practice participants were forwards Kasperi Kapanen and Josh Archibald and coach Mike Sullivan said they would both be game-time decisions tomorrow. Archibald has missed 19 games with an undisclosed injury he’d been nursing for several games before being sidelined. Kapanen has been out five games, also with an undisclosed injury. Goaltender Tristan Jarry and defenseman Jan Rutta skated before the practice. Jarry is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. He’s missed the Pens’ last three games. Rutta has been out seven games and is on the long term injured reserve list. He’s not eligible to return until February 14th.
The Penguins are 24-16-9 this season. Their 57 points place them fifth in the Metro Division and eighth in the Eastern Conference, giving them a shaky grip on the second and final wilc card spot in the playoff chase. The Pens’ position in the East has General Manager Ron Hextall pondering his roster options.
Hextall is wondering whether or not he should make a trade or two, looking to bolster his bottom six forwards, who have not met expectations.
Hextall says one thing he is certain of: Mike Sullivan is the right man to coach the Penguins.
Hextall said that trading a future first round draft pick for an impact player is “not on the table” for the Penguins.
Coach Mike Sullivan says the “art of coaching” is as much about forming relationships with players as it is strategy, and he hopes those relationships can help the team find its way.
Sullivan says the Penguins know there’s only one way to find the consistency they are looking for.
The coach says the Penguins have control of their own destiny and Sunday’s practice was a good first step.
The Penguins have the NHL’s longest streak of consecutive playoff appearances, at seventeen. The trade deadline is March 3rd.
Comments