Another devastating blow
On day of his 1st All-Star selection, Guentzel injured shoulder and likely will miss rest of season
The first All-Star season of Jake Guentzel’s career is likely over.
After a violent collision with the boards Monday night, Guentzel underwent successful shoulder surgery at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, performed by the team physician, Dr. Dharmesh Vyas, and Dr. Ivan Tarkin of UPMC Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery.
Doctors estimate he’ll be sidelined four to six months.
On the most optimistic end, four months would mean Guentzel would be out until at least the second round of the postseason. Six months would be July 1, after the Stanley Cup is already raised, which would effectively end his regular season and postseason.
“It’s tough,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said. “To see him playing as well as he has been and just taking his game to another level, you want to see your teammates succeed, especially a guy like that, who found every way to contribute. To see that happen, it’s just an unlucky thing. But he’s as tough as they come and I’m sure he’ll make sure he’s back as soon as possible.”
The injury occurred midway through the third period of the Penguins’ 5-2 win against the Ottawa Senators. Bryan Rust zipped a pass
to Evgeni Malkin on the left side of the goal mouth. Malkin creatively fed the puck across the crease. Racing at full speed, Guentzel tipped the puck in with the skill of a 40-goal scorer. But as he extended his stick, Guentzel tripped over Thomas Chabot and flew into the wall.
The goal marked his 20th of the season and the 200th point of his career. But as the public address announcer called out the milestone, Guentzel had already gone down the tunnel to the dressing room.
“The overall play in general was a fluky one,” Rust said. “Just skates collided at probably the worst possible time at the worst possible distance from the boards. It was kind of a brutal collision. I had front-row seats to it and I was definitely worried when it happened.”
This season has been marred by injury for the Penguins. The list of players who have been placed on injured reserve is significant.
But even in a season when Malkin and Crosby missed numerous weeks each, the latest blow is arguably the most significant based on the fact that such a key player is going to miss such a huge chunk of the second half — if not all of it.
Guentzel was one of just six Penguins who played in all 39 games this year. He had been the Penguins’ most consistent offensive weapon and a steadying force keeping a constantly changing team photo in focus. Including his three-point night Monday, the 25-year-old leads the team in points (43) and goals (20).
“He’s quietly become one of the elite players in the league,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “I know his teammates, his coaching staff, his management team all appreciate what he brings to this team.”
When Malkin was out with an injury, Guentzel helped to elevate the top line while playing alongside Crosby. Then, when Crosby went out, Guentzel joined the Malkin-Rust tandem and, somehow, was even more productive.
In the 21 games without Crosby, Guentzel has scored 12 goals and 17 assists to lead the Penguins to a 14-5-3 record.
As well as Guentzel played with Malkin, there were questions about which center would get the opportunity to play with the All-Star winger. Now, there’s a new question.
How do they play without him?
Well, after Guentzel left the ice Monday, Alex Galchenyuk was promoted to the top line. Initially, the Penguins envisioned that Galchenyuk and Malkin would play together in a tandem in much of the same way Crosby and Guentzel have been paired together. At least until Crosby returns from injury, the Penguins could see if there’s better chemistry there now between the two forwards with Russian roots.
Dominik Kahun has emerged to become the Penguins’ most productive winger behind Rust and Guentzel. He has the versatility to play on both sides and would be another option. Veteran Patric Hornqvist also has the pedigree to play top-six minutes.
When Crosby does return, all of the aforementioned wingers could technically be options. Jared McCann, who is currently settled into a center role, has also played with Crosby previously and found some chemistry. There was some speculation that McCann would remain at center when Nick Bjugstad returned. Now, perhaps that thinking changes with Guentzel out.
But that’s a discussion for another day.