Penguins defenseman Jan Rutta expected to return against Wild
Penguins defenseman Jan Rutta has been labeled as a “game-time decision” for Thursday’s home game against the Minnesota Wild at PPG Paints Arena.
Coach Mike Sullivan announced the right-hander’s status following an optional morning skate. Such a designation is typically a strong indicator that a player will be in the lineup.
Rutta has missed the past 10 games due to a suspected left knee injury.
In 53 games this season, Rutta has nine points (three goals, six assists) while averaging 17:14 of ice time per contest, including an ample 2:34 in short-handed situations.
His potential return would presumably provide a considerable boost to the Penguins’ overall defensive game.
“He’s steady back there,” Penguins forward Danton Heinen said. “Got a great stick. Makes a good first pass. Defends well. His stick is underrated. It kills plays. Solid. … Closes quick. He’s always in the right spots where he kills plays.”
Notes:
• The Penguins are expected to start goaltender Tristan Jarry against the Wild.
In 43 games this season, Jarry has a 22-12-6 record, a 2.99 goals against average, a .908 save percentage and two shutouts.
Jarry directed the Penguins to a 6-4 road win against the Wild on Nov. 17 by making 19 saves on 23 shots.
• The Penguins’ optional skate involved mostly defensemen. Those in attendance:
Forwards – Nick Bonino, Danton Heinen, Drew O’Connor
Defensemen – Mark Friedman, P.O Joseph, Dmitry Kulikov, Kris Letang, Jeff Petry, Marcus Pettersson, Chad Ruhwedel, Jan Rutta
Goaltenders – Casey DeSmith, Tristan Jarry
• Bonino (lacerated kidney), Kulikov (suspected left foot) and Pettersson (undisclosed injury) all participated in non-contact capacities. All three players are currently designated to long-term injured reserve.
• The Wild remain one of three active NHL franchises the Penguins have never recorded a shutout against. The others are the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights.
• Former Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to be in net for the Wild. This season, Fleury has appeared in 44 games and has a 24-14-4 record, a 2.82 goals against average, a .910 save percentage and two shutouts.
In seven career games against the Penguins, Fleury has a 4-3-0 record, a 3.06 goals against average, a .905 save percentage and one shutout.
Seth Rorabaugh is a TribLive reporter covering the Pittsburgh Penguins. A North Huntingdon native, he joined the Trib in 2019 and has covered the Penguins since 2007. He can be reached at srorabaugh@triblive.com.
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