Injured Penguins Close to Making Returns

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a multitude of injuries down the stretch of the season; at one point they were without four of their top six defensemen.

With a pair of games remaining, it seems pretty likely that the Penguins will at least finish the regular season with a fully healthy lineup.

Head coach Mike Sullivan said before that he expects every injured player to return before the start of the postseason, and slowly, players have been returning.

Forward Nick Bonino and defensemen Dmitry Kulikov and Marcus Pettersson are all currently listed on long-term injured reserve, but have returned to practice in a full capacity.

“I feel great,” Bonino said. “I feel really good fitness wise. Just waiting for things internally to patch up.

Bonino has missed the last month with a lacerated kidney, after playing only three games with the Penguins following the trade deadline.

This was the first time Bonino took the ice with his Penguins teamamtes since the injury, and he said that he’s waiting for full approval to be cleared for game play.

During the practice, Bonino skated on the fourth line with Jeff Carter and Josh Archibald.

Kulikov says he feels ready to go and has been working his way back into game shape; he skated with Jan Rutta on the third pairing during skate.

Pettersson is not able to be lifted from long-term injured reserve until the final game of the regular season, but also skated in a full capacity.

“We’ll see where these guys are tomorrow,” Sullivan said. “We’ll make decisions accordingly with the help of out medical staff. I think we’re getting close.”

The Penguins desperately need to win their final two contests if they have any plans of reaching the postseason.

While they also need some outside help, the Penguins are focused on the games they have in front of them.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!

The Games That May Have Cost the Penguins Their Season

Penguins Need the Playoffs to Answer Goaltending Questions

Kris Letang Chosen as Penguins' Masterton Trophy Nominee

Penguins Playoff Odds Take Minor Hit After Day Off

Penguins Would Be Lost Without Jason Zucker