Penguins This ‘n’ ‘At: They’re Baaaack

Just a few odds and ends to report.

Following a lengthy break, the Penguins regathered for practice yesterday in Cranberry. Assistant coach Mike Vellucci ran the practice in Mike Sullivan’s absence.

In the (very) good news department, previously injured forwards Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust were full participants. Defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok, claimed on waivers from Utah just prior to the 4 Nations break, was also an enthusiastic participant.

Team Sweden members Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson were given the day off. According to the rumor mill, Rakell is drawing interest from a number of other clubs.

In corresponding roster moves, forward Emil Bemström (20 goals and 44 points with the Baby Pens) and goalie Joel Blomqvist were recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In what largely amounted to a paper transaction, Tristan Jarry was sent down.

I’ll be interested to see how Sullivan divvies up the netminding chores when play resumes. Prior to the break, Alex Nedeljkovic received the lion’s share of starts and deservedly so based on his performance. But frankly, it doesn’t make much sense to have Blomqvist serving as a seldom-used backup.

If Sully plans to ride Ned, it might make a lot more sense to have Filip Larsson serve as No. 2 netminder. Or dare I say, Jarry, if it wouldn’t create too much of a distraction.

I’ll also be curious to see if our focus shifts from win-now, chase-a-playoff-spot mode to a more developmental mind set. For us to have any realistic shot at a wild-card spot, we’d conservatively need to garner something like 35 points in our last 25 games, which would translate into a record roughly akin to 15-5-5 or 16-6-3.

Not to be negative, but given our track record and talent level that’s just not gonna happen. Especially if POHO/GM Kyle Dubas plans to sell at the trade deadline.

It’ll be interesting to see who might be called up in the wake of the anticipated trades. Kid forwards Ville Koivunen, Vasily Ponomarev, Avery Hayes, Tristan Broz and, recently, Rutger McGroarty, are lighting it up at Wilkes. So is eternal prospect Sam Poulin.

It could make for a fascinating wrap-up to the season.