PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The undefeated Penguins could get one of their scoring wingers back Thursday night for game 2.
There is a chance Jake Guentzel returns from COVID-19 protocol after practicing with the team on Wednesday. Guentzel says he feels good, but wants to make sure he doesn’t come back too soon.
“It’s a big thing for me to make sure I’m ready when I’m back,” Guentzel said Wednesday. “Have to take advantage of practices.”
Guentzel was asymptomatic which allowed him to workout at home, something Zach Aston-Reese was unable to do because he had symptoms.
“You never know when something like this could happen,” Guentzel said. “I was fortunate that I was asymptomatic and got through it. Some people are going through some problems. I’m fortunate not to have any of that.”
Pens head coach Mike Sullivan would not tip his hand if his top line forward would return at Florida Thursday. He said he will talk to both Guentzel and Aston-Reese on Thursday before the game to make the final determination.
“It’s mentally tough,” Guentzel said. “You are isolated, away from everyone. Away from the wife and on your own. I’m just glad it’s over with and glad to be back here and around the guys again.”
Along with exercising, Guentzel said he worked on a thousand-piece puzzle and read a book about Tiger Woods.
Sullivan on Crosby
Penguins President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke told the Fan Morning Show Sidney Crosby would not return for the home opener on Saturday as some speculated. Crosby is with the team and Sullivan said he’s encouraged.
“I think his conditioning is terrific,” Sullivan said. “It seems like he can skate forever. We’re progressing him with the direction of our medical staff and the doctors in a controlled environment. He’s progressing really well. We are encouraged with the progress he’s made to this point. We will see where it goes, but everybody seems to be very pleased with how he is tracking.”
Hornqvist Hookup
Due to the change in the divisions last year because of coronavirus, the Pens didn’t face the Panthers and forward Patric Hornqvist. The 34-year-old winger traded to Florida for defenseman Mike Matheson and forward Colton Sceviour September 24 of last year.
“Patric was such a big part of the Stanley Cup teams here in Pittsburgh,” Sullivan said. “I hold him in such high regard. He’s a great person first-and-foremost. He’s the most positive guy I’ve ever been around. He’s never had a bad day in his life. That’s the type of guy that he is. He comes to the rink every day with so much energy and enthusiasm and it’s contagious.”
“He has such a positive influence on the people around him. He’s the ultimate competitor. He’s a warrior. That was a hard one for me because of everything that we’ve gone through together. He was just such a huge part of it.”
“I can’t say enough about him as a player or person.”
“He only knows how to play one way. He is going to be a pain-in-the-neck in front of our net. I know he is.”
“We are going to have the tiger by the tail. That’s Horny’s game.”
“That’s why we love him.”