Photo: Washington Capitals
With the second round of the 2017 NHL playoffs set to get started this Thursday, injuries are a concern for both teams, but more so for the Penguins. Here are the latest updates on the Penguins.
Kris Letang (Defenseman)
Defenseman Kris Letang will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs because of a herniated disk in his neck that required surgery. Letang, who has not played since Feb. 21, will need 4-6 months to recover which could take him into the start of training camp next season.
Carl Hagelin (Left-Wing)
Carl Hagelin had 3 goals and 7 points in last year’s 6-game series against the Capitals. Hagelin has been out since March 10th with a lower-body injury. He is officially listed as “day-to-day”.
Sullivan says the Penguins are “hopeful” Carl Hagelin will return some time during this series. “I can’t say for sure.” #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) April 24, 2017
Chris Kunitz (Left-Wing)
Kunitz’s “lower body injury” has cost him all of April thus far, but he appears to be making some progress toward rejoining the lineup. Kunitz told reporters he expects to be ready to go for Game 1 against the Capitals on Thursday.
Kunitz, Ruhwedel are game-time decisions going forward for Penguins.
— Bill West (@BWest_Trib) April 24, 2017
Matt Murray (Goalie)
Penguins goaltender Matt Murray was injured in warmups prior to Game 1 of the team’s Eastern Conference playoff series vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets and has not seen post-season action to date. Murray is officially listed as “day-to-day”.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE:
Carl Hagelin participated in the Penguins practice on Wednesday, but was wearing a non-contact jersey.
Carl Hagelin on the ice wearing a yellow, non-contact jersey.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) April 26, 2017
Sullivan says Hagelin “is a whole lot closer” to rejoining lineup, but gives no timeframe.
— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPG) April 26, 2017
THURSDAY UPDATE:
LATEST FORWARD LINES AND DEFENSIVE PAIRS:
The Penguins practice lines at practice on Wednesday:
Penguins forwards:
Guentzel-Crosby-Hornqvist
Rust-Malkin-Kessel
Wilson-Bonino-Sheary
Kunitz-Cullen-Kuhnhackl— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) April 26, 2017
Penguins defense:
Dumoulin-Hainsey
Maatta-Daley
Cole-Schultz
Streit-Ruhwedel— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) April 26, 2017
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @NoVa_Caps
