The NHL season can be a slog and a grind, a battle of attrition. The Penguins know this well. Early in the season as many as four of their top defensemen were all hurt at the same time in early February. That tide has receded, and Pittsburgh’s defensemen are all healthy and available, save a depth piece and recent addition in Mark Friedman.
The problem now is the injury bug just shifted over a position. First it was Jason Zucker, and Jared McCann. Then, worse of all it targeted centers this week as Teddy Blueger is now out “longer term” and Evgeni Malkin has been placed on IR and will miss at least a week following his injury Tuesday.