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After daughter's birth, Egor Chinakhov returns, available vs New Jersey Devils
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Egor Chinakhov is available Thursday, and the Pittsburgh Penguins needed that shot of life before puck drop vs the New Jersey Devils.
He missed Wednesday's practice for the best reason on earth, his wife gave birth to their first child, a daughter. The club says he's back in the mix tonight.
That matters because the Penguins are walking into a heavy stretch with no room for dead legs. They're 29-15-12 right now, sitting second in the Metro.
Chinakhov hasn't had a quiet season, either. He's sitting on 11-7-18 in 47 games split between Columbus and Pittsburgh in 2025-26.
That's not superstar heat, but it's real middle-six offense, and it helps the man advantage breathe.
Here's the original post that kicked this update around.
"Egor Chinakhov is available tonight. He did not practice yesterday as he attended to his wife, who gave birth to a daughter."
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
Also, yes, Arturs Silovs is on the hill tonight. Dan Muse confirmed it as the Pens come out of the Olympic break.
Silovs starting is fine news, but the Chinakhov part hits different. A player leaving for family, then sprinting right back, always lands in the room.
Egor Chinakhov gives the Pittsburgh Penguins needed swagger
Fans can be cynical, but this is the kind of human moment that pulls a team together fast.
On the ice, Chinakhov slots into a spot that can drive play, not just survive shifts.
The Penguins' top-six needs that shot threat, especially with the schedule about to get ugly.
If Chinakhov feels even half a step lighter from the life win, that can turn into a goal in a hurry.
This one is simple, enjoy the win at home, all while earning two points.
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Sidney Crosby Olympic push altered rehab routine, clouds Pittsburgh Penguins return date
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 26|111 ANSWERS After daughter's birth, Egor Chinakhov returns, available vs New Jersey Devils Should Egor Chinakhov stay locked into the Penguins top-six now? | ||
| Yes | 108 | 97.3 % |
| No | 3 | 2.7 % |
| List of polls | ||