CRANBERRY TWP (93.7 The Fan) – A rarity for the Pens recently to get back-to-back days of practice and had Teddy Blueger going through drills Tuesday.
Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan said his fourth line center took part because it wasn't a physical practice, the design of it was around more skill development. It allowed Blueger to take part full with his teammates. Inconsistent play has coincided with Blueger's absence from the lineup due to a broken jaw.
"He is a really important player for us," Sullivan said. "Teddy is a good player on both sides of the puck. We rely on him in so many situations. Whether it be defensively, five-on-five, D-zone starts, playing against other teams top players or on the penalty kill."
"He's really developed an offensive dimension to his game that he helps us in that capacity as well. He's not an easy player to replace."
"It was awesome to see him out there," said Pens forward Danton Heinen. "He works so hard at his craft. He's always staying out there longer after practice. I'm sure it was bugging him being out, so it's great to have him back with the squad."
Blueger broke his jaw January 23 against Winnipeg, it was expected he would miss 6-8 weeks. That's still the same timeframe the Pens are using.
New 2nd line
Nearly a week ago during a practice in Cranberry, the Pens switched up their second and third lines to try and get more offensively. Jeff Carter moved up as a winger with Evgeni Malkin and Danton Heinen on the second unit. Overall the team has lost both games, Malkin did have a goal against Toronto.
"Since we've made that change, that line has had more offensive zone time," Sullivan said. "They've been pretty good since we put them together, whether or not we stay with that moving forward. Time will tell."
"It's going alright," Heinen said. "I think we gotten a few looks, a few chances. It's a work in progress. I love playing with those guys. They are two unbelievable players. Evgeni sees the ice so well, he makes such high-end plays."
"I got to be ready to shoot and go to the net and get the puck in his hands. A work in progress, hopefully we can get it going."
What Sullivan really likes about the line is moving the 36-year-old Carter from third line center to second line wing.
"Carter is a stabilizing factor for that line for me," Sullivan said. "He's got a good overall two-way game. He can really shoot the puck, he can help them offensively. He's a very good defensive player with awareness away from the puck."
"They've shown an ability to be a really effective line."
Ruhwedel Reacts
Pens announced before the game Sunday with the Hurricanes they had signed defenseman Chad Ruhwedel to a two-year contract worth $800,000 per season.
"I want to be in Pittsburgh," Ruhwedel said. "I want to be a Penguin. That's where my heart is for sure. I'm glad we were able to get something done to stay."
"It's outstanding," said forward Jake Guentzel. "Just a guy who day-in and day-out works so hard, just an unbelievable guy. I've been lucky every year to have time with him. We are just so happy for a guy like that. This year he has gotten rewarded for playing well. It's been exciting to see and we are happy for him."
The 31-year-old Ruhwedel has played in a career-high 48 games this season with a goal and five assists and is a plus six committing just two penalties.
"From the start of the year, I've had a good opportunity to show why I'm a part of this team," Ruhwedel said. "Why I deserve to be in the lineup, been trying to do that on a nightly basis."
"They know what I bring to the table. I know what I got to bring to the table to fit in his lineup. That's something I try to do on a daily basis."
