Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz closing in on return
Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz appears to be on the verge of returning to the Penguins’ lineup for Friday’s game against the rival Philadelphia Flyers at PPG Paints Arena.
Schultz, who was activated from injured reserve last week, was a full participant in practice in Cranberry on Thursday.
Sidelined since suffering an undisclosed injury on Dec. 17, Schultz didn’t shed much light on his status for Friday’s contest. He labeled himself as a “game-time” decision and said his status “hasn’t changed.”
Injuries have limited Schultz to 27 games and eight points (two goals, eight assists) this season.
Schultz appeared close to returning to the lineup for the Penguins’ last game on Jan.. 21. With the team enjoying a nine-day respite due to the combination of the league’s break for the All-Star Game event as well as the Penguins’ own bye in the schedule, Schultz saw benefit in the extra down time.
“No point in rushing it obviously,” Schultz said. “Still early enough where you want to make sure you’re 100 percent healthy and ready to go when I go in.”
Where Schultz slots into the lineup remains to be seen as all of the Penguins’ able-bodied defensemen rotated in pairings during practice.
“We thought he had a strong practice today,” Sullivan said. “He obviously skated in a full capacity. We’ll see how he responds. We’ll make a decision on the lineup tomorrow but it certainly looked encouraging based on what we saw out there today. When Justin does go back in the lineup, we’ll try to put him positions to be successful.”
Notes:
• Injured forwards Nick Bjugstad (core muscle), Dominik Kahun (concussion) and defenseman Brian Dumoulin (left ankle) did not participate in practice.
Kahun has missed one game after being injured Jan. 19.
“They’re all making progress,” Sullivan said. “Dom Kahun skated with (skills coach Ty Hennes) this afternoon at 1 o’clock. He’s still going through the concussion protocol but that’s part of it. We’ll see how he responds. But the fact that he’s back on the ice suggests progress.”
Bjugstad has missed the past 31 games as a result of the injury he suffered on Nov. 15 while Dumoulin, sidelined for 23 games, has not played since Nov. 30.
“Nick did not skate today,” Sullivan said. “Nor did (Dumoulin). Those guys are still participating in the off-ice aspect of their rehab. … I can’t be real specific. Other than that, they’re making progress.”
• Earlier in the day, the team recalled forwards Andrew Agozzino and Anthony Angello from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.
Angello, 23, has 25 points in 45 AHL Games this season, including a team-leading 16 goals. A fifth-round pick of the Penguins in 2014, Angello (6-foot-5, 210 pounds) is in his third professional season. This is his first recall to the NHL level.
He’s enjoyed something of a breakout this season by tying his career-high in goals he established in 65 games during 2018-19.
“I just played simple hockey,” Angello said. “I moved my feet, I was hard on pucks, I played a physical game, I was hard to play against. That’s the recipe that got me here and that’s the recipe I need to play here. I’m going to come out here, I’m not going to (overthink), I’m going to play my game and let the rest take care of itself.
“I’ve just been shooting the puck. I’ve been playing free. I haven’t been overthinking it. Just been playing hockey. As simple as that sounds, that’s the style that I need to play and it’s been working out.”
• The Penguins’ lines during practice were:
Jared McCann – Sidney Crosby – Dominik Simon
Bryan Rust – Evgeni Malkin – Patric Hornqvist
Zach Aston-Reese – Teddy Blueger – Brandon Tanev
Alex Galchenyuk – Andrew Agozzino – Anthony Angello
• The top power-play unit included Crosby, Hornqvist, Letang, Malkin and Rust. The second power-play squad was composed of Galchenyuk, Marino, McCann, Schultz and Simon.
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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