Penguins Update: Good News…Petry, Poehling and Rutta Slated to Play

In an item first reported on Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the Penguins received good news…and dodged a potential injury bullet. Defensemen Jeff Petry and Jan Rutta, who exited the Canadiens’ debacle early on Tuesday night, will return to the lineup against the Rangers tonight apparently no worse for the wear.

WHEW.

In addition, speedy forward Ryan Poehling will suit up after missing the past 15 games with a nagging upper-body injury.

The bad news? It appears veteran forward Jeff Carter will continue to anchor (wholly appropriate descriptor) the fourth line.

Gretz gives a much more detailed and eloquent account of the 38-year-old center’s struggles on Pensburgh. At the risk of piling on, I’ll toss in my two cents as well.

Carter’s play sadly sank to a new low against the Habs the other night. In a little over eight minutes of ice time he was on the ice for four goals against. Over his last 40 games, Jeff’s tallied only five goals and eight points. While it isn’t the be-all-end-all stat, his minus-17 over that span speaks volumes of his effectiveness…or lack of.

Yet coach Mike Sullivan keeps chucking him out there.

I understand not wanting to demean a player of Carter’s considerable stature and achievements. Nor do I want to seem ungrateful. Given a new lease on life following his arrival in the ‘Burgh, the big guy was mostly terrific for us for through his first season and change. But he’s reached the end of the line. Simply put, he can’t get the job done any more. His wheels have totally abandoned him, along virtually every other aspect of his game, faceoff prowess aside.

Nor is Sullivan doing Carter any favors by repeatedly putting him a position to fail, in the process holding the 18-year NHL vet up to ridicule and scorn from the fan base and media.

Enough is enough. It’s time for Sully to do the right thing for both the player and team and sit Jeff.