Penguins Defenseman Justin Schultz Full Participant In Practice, Eyeing Return
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It looks as though injured Penguins defensman Justin Schultz could be making his return to the ice soon.
Multiple reports say Schultz participated fully in practice on Monday.
"Justin Schultz on the ice for practice. Wearing a non-contact sweater, too."
Justin Schultz on the ice for practice. Wearing a non-contact sweater, too.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 4, 2019
Schultz has played in four total games this season after suffering a lower leg fracture against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 13.
Last week, Schultz was a limited participant in practice, donning the non-contact jersey.
Schultz did rule out a return Tuesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.
"Justin Schultz pleased with first "real" practice but will not play Tue night #Pens"
Justin Schultz pleased with first "real" practice but will not play Tue night #Pens
— Jim Colony (@JColony13) February 4, 2019
The Post-Gazette's Jason Mackey tweeted the lines and pairings during the skate. Schultz practiced with Chad Ruhwedel in the practice "4th pairing."
Penguins lines/pairs:
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 4, 2019
Guentzel-Crosby-Rust
Pearson-Bjugstad-Kessel
Simon-McCann-Hornqvist
Blueger-Cullen-Wilson
Dumoulin-Letang
Maatta-Riikola
Pettersson-Johnson
Schultz-Ruhwedel
Meanwhile, forwards Evgeni Malkin and Zach Aston-Reese skated individually before practice in Cranberry Monday morning.
"No ZAR, either. Don't know if that was assumed."
No ZAR, either. Don't know if that was assumed. https://t.co/RBX2bTtezt
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 4, 2019
Malkin has missed the past couple of games with an upper-body injury. He is still considered day-to-day.
Aston-Reese has been on injured/reserve since Jan. 8 after hurting himself in a fight with the Florida Panther's Colton Sceviour.