Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen sidelined on 'week-to-week' basis
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen will be sidelined on a “week-to-week” basis because of an undisclosed injury, according to coach Mike Sullivan.
Kapanen was injured during the second period of Wednesday’s 5-2 home win against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. Early in the middle frame, Kapanen appeared to be injured when he intercepted a clearing attempt by Sabres defenseman Brandon Montour on the left half wall of Buffalo’s zone. Kapanen remained in the game for a handful of shifts afterward but left the contest at the 12:31 mark of the second.
Kapanen is the latest in a series of injuries for a lineup pockmarked by ailments.
Forwards Teddy Blueger, Evgeni Malkin, Brandon Tanev, Jason Zucker and defenseman Mark Friedman are all sidelined by various injuries.
Kapanen is the team’s sixth-leading scorer with 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 30 games this season.
Sullivan did not indicate who would replace Kapanen in the lineup, though rookie forward Radim Zohorna would appear to be a likely candidate as he is the only remaining healthy forward on the NHL roster. He was a healthy scratch during Wednesday’s game.
Notes:
• According to Sullivan, Tanev will remain sidelined for Thursday’s rematch against the Sabres at PPG Paints Arena. He has missed the previous three games because of an undisclosed injury. His status is “day to day.”
• The Penguins are scheduled to start goaltender Casey DeSmith. In 11 games this season, DeSmith has a 7-3-0 record along with a 2.11 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage and one shutout.
• Sabres interim coach Don Granato and assistant coach Matt Ellis are not available for Thursday’s game. According to a statement from the team, each are self-isolating at the team’s hotel “in accordance with the NHL’s covid-19 protocols.” General manager Kevyn Adams will serve as coach.
In a video conference with media, Adams indicated neither Granato nor Ellis have experienced symptoms.
• The Sabres are scheduled to start former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins goaltender Dustin Tokarski. During Wednesday’s game, Tokarski made 37 saves on 42 shots.
In two games this season, Tokarski has a 0-2-0 record along with a 4.64 goals-against average and a .886 save percentage.
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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