As many as three Pittsburgh Penguins skaters could return to the lineup against the Minnesota Wild.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been struggling to maintain a consistent level of success through 29 games but have had a badly injured lineup for quite some time.

For the better part of a month, the Penguins have had multiple key names on long-term or regular injured reserve including Rickard Rakell and Noel Acciari.

Ahead of their contest against the Minnesota Wild, head coach Mike Sullivan stated that Rakell, Acciari, and defenseman Chad Ruhwedel are all game-time decisions.

For Rakell, he’s been dealing with an upper-body injury and is hoping for a fresh start upon his return, still hunting for his first goal of the season.

In 17 games, Rakell has only picked up four assists playing on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Reilly Smith.

Acciari has certainly been missed from the lineup while sitting out with a lower-body injury.

Sullivan spoke highly of Acciari’s game and seems excited to see the boost his return could provide for the Penguins.

“Love his game,” Sullivan said. “I think he brings us a lot of juice. He’s hard to play against. He’s a guy that really helps our penalty kill.”

The Penguins power play has been struggling without Acciari and Matt Nieto, but the return of Acciari should be a big help.

Ruhwedel was taken off of injured reserve before the contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs but did not play.

This time around, he may find his way back to the lineup alongside John Ludvig on the third pair.

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