Penguins defenseman P.O Joseph returns from injury
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Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman P.O Joseph returned to his team’s lineup Tuesday for a home game against the Arizona Coyotes at PPG Paints Arena.
Activated from injured reserve earlier in the day, Joseph had missed the previous 16 games because of an undisclosed ailment.
Limited to five games and an assist this season before Tuesday, the simple luxury of being in a game of consequence was appreciated by Joseph.
“I just want to be back (on the ice) with these guys,” Joseph said after Tuesday’s morning skate. “I’m just going to bring my game, the one that I know that I can bring on the ice. Whenever the time comes, I’m just going to be happy there, battling with these guys.”
Joseph opened the game on the third pairing alongside rookie John Ludvig.
“He’s been really good for us,” Joseph said of Ludvig. “He’s been solid defensively. He brings definitely a good physicality out there, makes the game easier for (teammates). It’s been great. It’s been fun to see him start in this league. … I’m just excited that he’s doing well.”
The prospect of being paired with the skilled Joseph, a first-round pick (No. 23) of the Coyotes in 2017, is enticing for the rough-and-tumble Ludvig.
“He, obviously, had a bit of injury troubles to start the year,” Ludvig said. “But he’s a high-skilled, good puck-moving defenseman. He’s a good hockey player, and I play hard. It’s going to be a good mix I think.”
The left-handed Ludvig has primarily skated on the right side the third pairing with fellow southpaw Ryan Shea this season. That arrangement remained in place with the left-handed Joseph to open Tuesday’s game.
“It’s definitely a bit of an adjustment,” said Ludvig, who primarily has been deployed on the left side throughout his professional and junior careers. “You have a little bit less time going back for pucks and making plays on your backhand. I’ve been getting used to it and playing it a lot this year. Just been getting comfortable as the year goes on.”
To make room for Joseph on the active roster, defenseman Dmitri Samorukov was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League after clearing waivers Tuesday.
Rakell closing in
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Penguins forward Rickard Rakell, sidelined for the past nine games because of an undisclosed injury, participated in the optional morning skate.
It marked the first time he had joined either a morning skate or practice since he was injured.
Coach Mike Sullivan was hesitant to offer much detail on Rakell’s recovery but provided some optimism he could be available in the near future.
“He has to get to the point where we get him some team practices where he gets full participation with body contact in a game-real environment,” Sullivan said. “That’s the final stage. But certainly, the fact that he joined the team in an optional skate today I think is real encouraging because it’s very suggestive of where he’s at in potentially nearing that final step.”
Rakell is currently designated to long-term injured reserve and is not eligible to rejoin the active roster until Saturday.
1,000-game mark
Congratulations to @penguins Assistant Equipment Manager and SPHEM Member, Danny Kroll, who will work his 1000th game tonight! ????#penguins #pittsburgh #nhl #letsgopens #hockey pic.twitter.com/WBYgdLuxyj
— PHATS/SPHEM (@PHATS_SPHEM) December 12, 2023
Penguins assistant equipment manager Danny Kroll worked the 1,000th game of his career Tuesday.
A native of Castle Shannon, Kroll has been with the team since 2006 and was part of the franchise’s three most recent Stanley Cup championships (2009, ’16 and ’17).
Nicknamed “Banker” by players, Kroll is a highly popular member of the organization.
“Danny is invaluable to the group,” Sullivan said. “His attitude, his level of enthusiasm with how he goes about his job every day, I think is contagious. That’s important for someone like me as the head coach. I know it’s important for (president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas) because we want to surround our players with the right attitudes when they come in so that we can set these guys up for success. Danny is one of those guys that brings it every day.”