Imagine this. Some good injury-related news.
Injured Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar (above) and forward Maxime Talbot wil return to the lineup tonight when the Penguins play in Ottawa tonight.
But, it's two steps forwards, one step back. Defenseman Mark Eaton, is questionable due to back spasms. As a result, the team recalled defenseman Chris Lee from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL.
In nine games this season, Gonchar has recorded eight points (two goals, six assists). He has not played since Oct. 20 when he suffered a broken wrist.
Talbot has not played since Game 7 of last season's Stanley Cup final. Last season, he appeared in 75 games and recorded 22 points (12 goals, 10 assists). He has yet to play this season due to offseason shoulder surgery.
Eaton has appeared in all 21 of the team's games this season and has recorded five points (two goals, three assists). He is second on the team with 41 blocked shots.
Lee, 29, has played in 15 AHL games this season and has recorded seven points (one goal, six assists).
Dave Molinari has some information on what the team's re-configured power play looks like at PG+.
Note: Jonathan Bombulie of the Citizen's Voice points out some sobering numbers regarding the Penguins projected bottom four defensemen tonight.
EN Says: Tremendous news obviously. Gonchar brings so much stability to the blue line, especially on the dreadful power play. He's a very complete player.
And what doesn't Talbot bring to the rink? His versatility is well documented.
Hopefully, these two aren't fed too many minutes two soon.
Eaton would be a loss for sure, but at this point, we think everyone is kind of numb to the idea of an injured defenseman.
(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Posted
Nov 19 2009, 01:51 PM
by
Seth Rorabaugh