Schultz likely will face Flyers next time
PHILADELPHIA — There’s still a decent chance that injured Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz will return in time to play against the Philadelphia Flyers — just not the game Tuesday night.
Schultz, who rejoined his teammates for practice Monday for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury Dec. 17, was ruled out for the game Tuesday night by Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. Their next game is not until Jan. 31 … against the Flyers.
The decision means that Schultz will get, at a minimum, at least 10 additional days of rest, a full All-Star break and an off week before a possible return when the Penguins play host to the Flyers, the second consecutive meeting between the two teams. The Penguins will then go on a three-game road trip to Washington (Feb. 2), Tampa Bay (Feb. 6) and Florida (Feb. 8).
When the team evaluated when the best time would be to bring Schultz off injured reserve, Sullivan said the break was “one of the factors that weighed into it for sure.”
“The safety of the player is the priority first and foremost,” Sullivan said. “I think our medical staff does a real good job of advising the player and us about when that opportune time is. Based on where Justin is at, we think this is in the best interest of him and the team.”
Meanwhile, at least based on the original time line the team provided, Nick Bjugstad should be nearing a return as well.
The Penguins announced Nov. 21 that Bjugstad would miss a minimum of eight weeks after undergoing core-muscle surgery. Jan. 16 marked exactly eight weeks since the announcement. The Jan. 31 game will be just over 10 weeks from surgery.
Bjugstad has been skating since at least Dec. 27 with the team’s skills coach, Ty Hennes.
“Nick is making progress,” Sullivan said. “Both of them are skating back at home right now with Ty, our skills coach.
“Obviously, we’re hopeful that they’ll be making significant progress. After the break, we’re hoping we get them back in a fairly timely fashion.”
In other injury news, Dominik Simon, who suffered a hip pointer in the Penguins’ comeback win Sunday against Boston, suited up against the Flyers and played on Sidney Crosby’s left wing.
Dominik Kahun remains in concussion protocol.
Malkin in the circle
Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has enjoyed a bounce-back season in a number of different ways. He’s one of the league leaders in points-per-game. He’s showing a commitment to playing away from the puck. He has cut down on his giveaways.
And he’s doing much better in the faceoff circle.
Entering Tuesday night, Malkin had won 50.6% of his draws — the best percentage of his 14-year NHL career.
The significance of Malkin’s success in the circle was magnified over the past couple weeks when Sidney Crosby was injured. Crosby turned himself into one of the game’s best faceoff men.
In his absence, Malkin was asked to take more significant draws and largely helped to fill the void.
“When Sid was out, he was terrific in the faceoff circle,” Sullivan said. “I wish I knew the reason why. I think it’s because he started to value the importance of it. I think he realized the benefit of winning faceoffs and how it can help his overall game.
“Geno is so capable. He’s such a talented player. He’s capable in every aspect of the game. I give him a lot of credit.”
Jarry in goal again
Tristan Jarry got the nod in goal against the Flyers. The 24-year-old netminder carried a 2.16 goals-against average and .929 save percentage into the game. Both were among the league’s best for eligible goaltenders.
Recently, Matt Murray earned back-to-back starts for the first time since Nov. 19 and 21, adding just a little bit of intrigue to the decision Tuesday.
The goaltender usage will certainly be one of the hotbutton issues to monitor when the team returns from the All-Star break.