CRANBERRY TWP, PA (93.7 The Fan) – While not with the team during official practice, Pens forward Jason Zucker did return to the ice on Monday. It’s a sign he could be back soon.
“It’s real significant,” said Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan. “Yes, there is a chance his timetable could be accelerated. The fact that he’s back on the ice is a big step. We are certainly encouraged that he is back on the ice.”
Zucker listed as day-to-day but was expected to miss the first couple of games with a lower body injury. That now could change. The 30-year-old forward played in only half of the Pens’ games dealing with various injuries and a mid-season core muscle surgery.
Bring on the Boos
Goalie Casey DeSmith will play in his first NHL playoff game at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Their crowds can be as unforgiving on opponents as anywhere. DeSmith smiled saying he’s ready for it.
“I’m very excited,” DeSmith said. “MSG is a great place to play, obviously a ton of energy, a prestigious arena. Couldn’t ask for a better road venue to get into it. Obviously, there will be a lot of energy, hopefully that will help us come out with a lot of energy ourselves.”
His counterpart will get votes for the Hart Trophy. Igor Shesterkin led the NHL by a fairly wide margin with a 2.07 goals against average and .935 save percentage. Against the Pens, he allowed four goals on 101 shots. Does DeSmith feel like he has to try and outplay or at least keep up with Shesterkin?
“I don’t think so,” DeSmith said. “It doesn’t matter who the other goalie is, just another game. It’s a playoff game, but have to approach it like another game. Obviously, he’s a great goaltender and he’s had a lot of success this year, so it’s going to make our job difficult to score on him. Hopefully we are up to the task.”
Confident mood
Coming off struggles the last six weeks of the season, the Pens feel good about their game and chances heading into Game 1 on Tuesday.
“I feel like we have a really good vibe in the room right now,” said forward Jeff Carter. “Guys are excited, there’s energy. We had a couple of good days of practice here and I think everybody is ready to go.”
“We are confident,” said forward Jake Guentzel. “We know we have a good team. We know if we play the right way and just stick to what we do, we are confident we can make some noise.”
Line Combinations
Unsure if it will be an optional morning skate at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Here were the line combinations for a full practice on Monday.
Jake Guentzel-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust
Danton Heinen-Evgeni Malkin-Rickard Rakell
Brock McGinn-Jeff Carter-Kasperi Kapenen
Brian Boyle-Teddy Blueger-Evan Rodrigues
Brian Dumoulin-Kris Letang
Mike Matheson-Chad Ruhwedel