Through the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign our Penguins have been remarkably injury free. Especially in light of our collective age, checkered health history and the fact that other clubs such as Colorado, Washington and Philly have been decimated by ailments to key personnel.
Needless to say, avoiding the infirmary has been a huge contributing factor to our strong start and recent 11-1-1 hot streak.
Here’s hoping the hockey gods haven’t suddenly decided to redress the balance.
The Pens have placed defenseman Jeff Petry on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), retroactive to Sunday. The big blueliner was injured after being hammered into the end boards by Alex Tuch during the late stages of Saturday night’s victory over the Sabres. Jeff exited the ice in obvious pain while cradling his left wrist/forearm.
Petry’s loss is certainly a blow. Following a bit of an uneven start, I really like what he’s brought to the table. He’s smart, sees the ice well and, with three goals and 12 points to his credit, he’s solid offensively. The 6’3” 209-pounder’s also added a sorely needed “long pants” element to our blueline, as his 89 hits and 54 blocked shots will attest. Plus, he’s a minutes muncher (22:20 ATOI).
In short, just a solid all-around defenseman.
In corresponding roster moves, the Pens have summoned d-man (demon?) Mark Friedman and forward Drew O’Connor from their Wilkes-Barre/Scranton affiliate.
O’Connor leads the Baby Pens in assists (14) and points (22) while scoring at a better than point-per-game clip. He had no points in three games with the Pens during an early season cameo. While it isn’t clear how DOC fits into the current mix, he can play left wing or center.
Friedman registered a goal and five points in 19 games with Wilkes. He can play either side with equal ability, which provides some flexibility. The Toronto native can skate, and despite his paucity of production, has good offensive instincts and isn’t shy about jumping into the play. Of course, I love his rabid-dog style.
GM Ron Hextall and Co. elected not to recall off-season pickup Ty Smith, who leads the Baby Pens’ defensemen in scoring with four goals and 13 points in 22 games. It’s obvious the Pens want their prize acquisition to play instead of dining on press box nachos. Although he’s made strides, the ex-Devil’s still a work in progress in the defensive zone. Shades of Derrick Pouliot.
Petry must remain on LTIR for 10 games and 24 days on the NHL calendar. He’s eligible to rejoin the lineup for a road contest against Arizona on January 8.
In the meantime, he’ll be missed.
UPDATE: Zucker Out Too!
The Pens have announced that left wing Jason Zucker will be out week-to-week with a lower body injury.
Crap. No…make that CRAP. The timing couldn’t be worse, especially with match-ups against Metro rivals and league heavyweights looming on the horizon.
I just pray this isn’t related to the core muscle injuries that have plagued him the past couple of years.
For me, Zucker’s play has been one of the real bright spots this season. Healthy at last (at least until this most recent dose of misfortune) he’s been an electric buzz-saw night after night, fast and aggressive on the forecheck and a total nuisance to the opposition to the tune of 74 hits.
Better still, in a rather abrupt about-face he’s shown great chemistry with Evgeni Malkin while tallying six goals and 20 points in 27 games. I’ve really liked the look of the Zucker-Malkin-Bryan Rust combo in recent weeks.
For now, Zucker’s spot will be filled by Danton Heinen, a frequent healthy scratch of late.
Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery.
