Ian Cole would be first to admit the last month or so hasn’t been the easiest of his professional career.
But it would be tough to tell from his performance Thursday against the Wild.
Cole, a healthy scratch for seven consecutive games, returned to the lineup against Minnesota in the Penguins’ last game before the All-Star break. He didn’t look like he had missed a step, picking up an assist on Dominik Simon’s opening goal and playing 18:01.
Indications are pointing toward Cole sticking in the lineup for Tuesday night’s game against San Jose. He skated next to Jamie Oleksiak on the third pairing in practice Monday and was off the ice well before Matt Hunwick at Tuesday’s morning skate, usually a sign of inclusion in the lineup.