:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68735005/usa_today_15462912.0.jpg)
When you play for the Pittsburgh Penguins as a defenseman, bad things happen to you. That’s just a fact by now that cannot be disputed.
With the team dealing with injuries and roster shuffling, head coach Mike Sullivan held court Thursday afternoon to give an update on what all was going on.
Brian Dumoulin is out with a lower-body injury and is considered ‘week-to-week.’
Coach Sullivan on Dumoulin: "He's week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The message to the players is when someone goes down, we need to make sure that we pick each other up and play a diligent game. It will provide an opportunity for others."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 28, 2021
There was growing concern on Wednesday after John Marino missed practice, but Sullivan ruled out injury, saying that Marino is ‘fine’ and will be in the lineup on Thursday night.
The Penguins made a depth signing on Wednesday in the form of Yannick Weber, but he won't be available to the team Thursday night after being stuck in a snowstorm trying to get to Boston. He is expected to make it to New York for the Penguins’ game this weekend. See! Bad things.
Sullivan: Yannick Weber won't be available tonight because he got stuck in a snowstorm. He's expected to be available for the games against the Rangers. #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) January 28, 2021
In addition to discussing the injury front and Weber’s status, Sullivan did speak about Jim Rutherford’s resignation which took place on Wednesday, calling him the ‘best general manager in hockey.’
Mike Sullivan on Jim Rutherford: "I think he's the best general manager in hockey."
— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) January 28, 2021
With Weber unable to make it to Boston, Kevin Czuczman could be getting into the lineup tonight for the Penguins.
With Yannick Weber not available, #Pens could turn to taxi squad dman Kevin Czuczman tonight. If he gets the nod, Czuczman will be making his 1st NHL appearance since 4/13/2014, when he dressed for the #NYI in Buffalo against the #Sabres. 13 career NHL GP, all w/Isles in 13-14.
— Josh Getzoff (@PensJG) January 28, 2021
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m at TD Garden when the team will take on the Bruins.