The Pittsburgh Penguins finished their contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets down a key forward.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins took a tough loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in overtime but were forced to finish the contest without a critical piece of their lineup. Forward Michael Bunting only played one shift of the third period before departing as an early exit from the contest.

Following the loss, Penguins’ head coach Mike Sullivan stated that Bunting left early due to illness. Bunting only played 15 shifts for 9:54 in total ice time.

This was only Bunting’s 12^th game with the Penguins, but he has already proven to be a difference-maker for the team. Sullivan has compared his play style to Patric Hornqvist's as a gritty net-front presence.

The Penguins have desperately missed that style of play since Hornqvist’s departure, and Bunting will bring that same energy while he is in Pittsburgh.

Since it’s just an illness and not a physical injury, Bunting will likely not miss more than just the ending of the loss to the Blue Jackets.

The Penguins will have a day off on Easter Sunday, then return to the ice against the New York Ranger on the opening half of games on back-to-back nights. If things go well, Bunting should be right back in the lineup without missing any more time.

In his 12 games with the Penguins, Bunting has scored three goals and four assists for seven total points.

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