Daley returns, but Rust, Schultz, Hornqvist out

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Penguins got a significant piece of their blue line back Wednesday night as defenseman Trevor Daley rejoined the lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final.

Daley was a game-time decision, but coach Mike Sullivan returned the veteran to his spot alongside regular partner Olli Maatta.

Daley missed the past four games with a lower-body injury. “I’m excited,” he said. “When I went down, it was frustrating. I missed a lot of time last year, so not where I wanted to be, but I’m excited with the progress that we’ve made in the last week.”

Daley said he had been skating on his own for three or four days since being injured in Game 5 against Washington. His plan Wednesday night was to take pregame warm-ups with the team and “go from there.”

“I feel like I can skate well, so that was the battle,” Daley said. “I feel like I’m back to skating well, so it’s good.”

Daley played in 56 games for the Penguins this season, with five goals and 14 assists.

“He’s a great hockey player, he’s a great defenseman,” defenseman Ian Cole said.

“He can run power plays, he’s a very skilled guy, he can skate well. These are all things that we value as a team.”

While he hasn’t necessarily enjoyed watching games from the press box, Daley said the view from above gave him an appreciation for Ottawa’s 1-3-1 zone.

“When you get to see it out there, obviously it gives you a little more perspective on it,” he said.

“When you see it from up top, it looks real easy. When you get out there, it’s going to be tough to get through.” Trevor Daley went through the regular morning skate, then was in the lineup Wednesday.

All three skated on their own before the team’s morning skate Wednesday in Ottawa. Rust and Hornqvist worked out early with no pads on. Schultz took the ice about 20 minutes before the practice in full gear, but left the ice before the rest of the team started.

“We’re hopeful that they’re making progress, but they will not play tonight,” Sullivan said.

Hornqvist did not play in Game 2 Monday night, while Rust and Schultz both left the game early with injuries.

“We’ve had our fair share of [injuries], maybe a little bit more than most, but what I love about this group of players is no one’s looking for excuses,” Sullivan said.

“Everybody’s looking for answers.

“The guys that get opportunities to go back into the lineup, they go in with the mindset that they want to make a difference, and that’s just a credit to the character of the players that we have.” Sullivan said. “He’s got great vision. He’s a veteran guy who has played a lot of games. He’s got a wealth of experience. We think he can help us in a lot of ways.”

Matt Cullen and Carter Rowney served as the team’s “fourth line.”

Tom Kuhnhackl was once again a healthy scratch.