Ruhwedel to step in for injured Schultz
Defenseman Justin Schultz will miss several weeks with a lower-body injury.
What does that mean for the Penguins?
For one, talk of an Ian Cole trade has cooled considerably, a source confirmed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday night. With Schultz hurt, there’s no way the Penguins can afford to move Cole in an effort to improve their third line.
It also means that Chad Ruhwedel will become a regular member of their top-six. Ruhwedel was slotted into Schultz’s spot, to the right of Cole, Thursday against the Islanders.
Losing Schultz also means that the Penguins don’t have a 1A/1B setup anymore on the No. 1 power play.
Kris Letang is the guy, and on the surface, that’s mostly a good thing; the power play has remained productive with Letang on it.
Letang’s assist on Jake Guentzel’s early man-advantage goal Thursday was No. 21 on the season, the most among all NHL defensemen.
But not having Schultz also makes it difficult to keep Letang’s minutes reasonable. Earlier this season, general manager Jim Rutherford told the Post-Gazette he thought the Penguins were playing Letang too much.
And while Letang’s game has improved, he’s still a minus-14, second-worst in the league. If the Penguins had any thoughts about playing Letang less to try and control results … well, that’s going to be tough.
Another ramification of losing Schultz is what it does to the defensive depth. Having Ruhwedel as a No. 7 was a luxury. Frank Corrado? Not so much.
If someone else gets hurt, that could force Rutherford to go shopping for a more proven option on defense.
Schultz was injured in the first period of Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers. He returned briefly in the second before adjourning to the dressing room for good. The injury occurred when Cole tripped Rangers forward Rick Nash into Schultz, and Schultz’s knee bent awkwardly.
In 23 games, Schultz produced two goals and 10 assists, logging 18:40 a night overall and 2:29 on the power play.
Consistent Hornqvist
Patric Hornqvist entered Thursday’s game riding a six-game point streak and with goals in four in a row.
If he records a point against the Islanders, Hornqvist will match his careerhigh for points in consecutive games, achieved from March 21, 2014-April 5, 2014, with Nashville.
“Just the way he plays,” Jake Guentzel responded when asked about Hornqvist’s consistency. “He brings it every night, and you know what kind of guy you’re getting.”
McKegg clears
Center Greg McKegg cleared waivers on Thursday and can be sent to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at any time.
Goalie talk
Tristan Jarry started in goal against the Islanders.
Before the morning skate, Matt Murray had a second consecutive workout in full equipment. Murray skated for at least 45 minutes, doing everything from stopping shots to playing the puck.
It was announced last Monday that Murray would be week to week with a lower-body injury.
Based on what Murray did Thursday, a return to practice in some capacity does not look to be far off.
Basket auction starting
The Pittsburgh Penguins Wives Association will have its 12th annual holiday basket online auction, which began Thursday and will continue through Dec. 19.
The baskets are decorated and filled with items unique to a Penguins player, showing items relative to his hobbies, interests or hometown, with at least one autographed item in the lot.
Fans can bid on the baskets at http://pensbasket.gesture.com or by texting PENSBASKET to 52182.
Proceeds will benefit the “Blessings in a Backpack” program at Trinity North Elementary School in Washington, Pa., which provides nutritious food items for underprivileged children on days when school meals are not available.
Morehouse feted
Duquesne University will present Penguins president/CEO David Morehouse with an honorary doctorate of business leadership degree during its winter commencement Dec. 15.