Penguins forward Jake Guentzel expected to play in season opener
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Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel is expected to be in the lineup for his team’s season-opening contest against the Chicago Blackhawks at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday.
Coach Mike Sullivan announced Guentzel’s status following an optional morning skate.
Guentzel underwent surgery on his right ankle in early August and the initial forecast offered by Penguins management suggested Guentzel would miss at least the first five games of the season.
His rate of rapid recovery has surprised even him to some extent.
“It’s kind of remarkable what each day kind of does for an injury like this,” Guentzel said Monday. “Feeling really good.”
Guentzel admits there are some mental hurdles in fully recovering from his injury.
“That’s part of any injury you go through, you’re going to have those doubts a little bit,” Guentzel said. “That’s the biggest thing. You’ve got to make sure you’re 100% comfortable out there. I’ll just try to work through that.”
Presuming he is in the lineup, Guentzel figures to inhabit his regular role on the left wing of the top line next to franchise center Sidney Crosby as well as a net-front presence on the top power-play unit.
Guentzel did not appear in any games in the preseason. Last season, Guentzel appeared in 78 games and scored 73 points (36 goals, 37 assists) while averaging 20:07 of ice time per contest.
Notes:
• Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry is scheduled to get the start.
In 47 games last season, Jarry had a 24-13-7 record, a 2.90 goals against average, .909 save percentage and two shutouts.
Throughout his career, Jarry has played the Blackhawks in three games and has a 1-1-1 record, a 2.30 goals against average and a .909 save percentage.
• The Penguins had 11 players participate in the optional morning skate:
Forwards – Guentzel, Jansen Harkins, Evgeni Malkin, Drew O’Connor, Reilly Smith
Defensemen – Will Butcher, P.O Joseph, Kris Letang, John Ludvig, Ryan Shea
Goaltender – Alex Nedeljkovic
• Butcher has been injured since suffering an undisclosed injury during the offseason. This marked the first time he has participated in either a full practice session or a morning skate.
On Monday, the Penguins designated him as injured non-roster.
“He’s still in the rehab process,” Sullivan said. “It’s been a long, extensive process for Will. Joining the team for the first time today is just the next step in that process. I don’t have anything to add other than that. He still has some work ahead of him before he returns to play.”
• The Blackhawks are expected to start goaltender Petr Mrazek. Last season, Mrazek appeared in 39 games and posted a 10-22-3 record, a 3.66 goals against averaged and an .894 save percentage.