Another injury
Speedy winger Kasperi Kapanen joins the dreaded ‘week-toweek’ list with an injury.
The Penguins’ forward corps was dealt another body blow this week.
Kasperi Kapanen will be out week-to-week with a lower-body injury he sustained Wednesday against Buffalo, coach Mike Sullivan said.
The speedy winger initially left in the second period shortly after he was struck by a puck in the ankle area. He collapsed in the tunnel leading to the dressing room but was able to return briefly. After a few shifts, he left for good.
Brandon Tanev also did not suit up against Sabres, marking the fourth consecutive game he has missed. His status remains day-to-day.
With Kapanen and Tanev out, the Penguins are missing five of their top eight forwards. Evgeni Malkin (week-to-week, lower-body) missed his fifth consecutive game. Teddy Blueger (longer-term, upper-body) was sidelined for his sixth consecutive. And Jason Zucker (longer-term, lower body) missed his 17th consecutive as he continues to make progress on the ice in his rehab.
Even once Tanev returns, the Penguins will be missing their entire second line and their third-line center.
“It’s going to provide opportunities for others to step up,” Sullivan said. “I think we’ve got to think in terms of playing a simplified game and making sure that we defend hard and that we play together as a group.”
The injuries opened the door for 6-foot-6 forward Radim Zohorna to make his NHL debut. He began Thursday’s game skating on the left wing of the third line.
Turning it around
Integrating the defensemen into the offense has been a point of emphasis for the Penguins. Wednesday’s game was a step in the right direction, as John Marino and Kris Letang both scored. It was the first time since March 7 that the Penguins got a goal from their blue line.
“When you look at how today’s game is being played, it’s hard to generate consistent offense in the absence of five-man involvement or five-man participation,” Sullivan said. “Our defensemen have to be involved off the rush. Even just presenting a fourth man in the attack, that allows our forwards to grab the blue line with passion.”
Entering Thursday, defensemen have netted 15 goals on the year. That’s tied for the eighth-most in the NHL.
“We’ve tried to instill some strategies and some tactics that help our guys be more predictable for one another,” Sullivan said. “I think we’re getting better at it.”
Penalty kill surges
While the penalty kill went through its growing pains to start the season, it’s begun to find some consistency of late. And it’s done so without two of the best killers.
Missing Tanev and Blueger means the Penguins are without two of the players who most often take the first short-handed shift. Yet, in the past three games prior to Thursday, the penalty kill was perfect, snuffing out all nine of the opponents’ chances.
The new-look penalty kill is supposed to be more aggressive at the blue line and also within the zone. Lately, players and coaches have talked about how they’re picking the right times to be selectively aggressive.
“Whenever we get the puck on the run, we’re being aggressive,” forward Zach Aston-Reese said. “I think we’re being a little bit smarter with our pressure up ice. Instead of going all the time, it’s more controlled.”
On the season, the Penguins’ penalty kill has squashed 76.5% of opposing power plays. That ranks 19th
in the NHL. Sabres in protocol
The struggling Sabres entered Thursday night winless in their previous 15 games. They were dealt even more adversity when interim coach Don Granato and assistant coach Matt Ellis entered the COVID-19 protocol. Neither coach is currently experiencing symptoms, per the Sabres.
General manager Kevyn Adams filled in as head coach.