BREAKING: Struggling Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Two Massive Injury Updates
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Samer Dagher
Dec 17, 2023 (1:30 PM)
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Photo credit: Sportsnet
Pittsburgh Penguins Are Getting Two Key Players Back Into Their Lineup
The Pittsburgh Penguins have faced a challenging season and are currently near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. While not all struggles can be blamed to injuries, they have undeniably played a significant role. Despite a recent 2-game win streak, the Penguins suffered a setback against the Toronto Maple Leafs allowing 7 goals and getting shutout by their 3rd string goaltender Martin Jones.
However, there's a glimmer of hope as two key players, Noel Acciari and Rickard Rakell, returned to full-contact jerseys during Sunday's morning skate. Acciari participated fully for the first time since his injury, and Rakell joined his second full practice. Their return dates remain uncertain but the fact they are active in line rushes during Sunday's practice signals a positive turn for the Penguins.
Noel Acciari appears to have progressed to being a full participant at Penguins practice. He is wearing a regular jersey and so is Rickard Rakell, participating in his second full-contact session.
Here's what the line rushes look like.
The Penguins have adjusted their top-four defense pairings, and Rakell and Acciari did rushes.
Guentzel-Crosby-Rakell
Smith-Malkin-Puustinen
O'Connor-Eller-Zohorna
Harkins-Acciari-Carter
Johnstone-Gruden-Hinostroza
Pettersson-Letang
Graves-Karlsson
Ludvig-Ruhwedel
Joseph-Shea
Guentzel-Crosby-Rakell
Smith-Malkin-Puustinen
O'Connor-Eller-Zohorna
Harkins-Acciari-Carter
Johnstone-Gruden-Hinostroza
Pettersson-Letang
Graves-Karlsson
Ludvig-Ruhwedel
Joseph-Shea
We hope this will give the Penguins the boost they need to make a playoff push as time is running out with some of their star veterans who are on the verge of retirement.
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