Noel Acciari explains the changes he made this summer and why he's itching to return
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey Writers
Penguins' Noel Acciari is itching to get back in the lineup after he's been sidelined for a month, and he revealed what he did in the offseason to get in top shape.
The Penguins received encouraging news in practice on Monday as Noel Acciari and Justin Brazeau were able to fully participate in Cranberry Township.
This marked the first time both of the forwards were able to participate in practice in full capacity after being put on injured reserve since Nov. 4.
What both players are planning to do going forward
Both players are going with the team on the upcoming two-game road trip, although they are not slated to play on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, there are indications that both are nearing a return.
The last time Acciari saw action was November 3 in a game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he has been missed on the fourth line and penalty kill units.
He registered three assists in 13 games and has been averaging over 13 minutes per match.
"I'm itching to get back, whenever that may be, get back after it and pick up where we left off."
- Noel Acciari
- Noel Acciari
He has not seen action in the lineup in over a month now and cannot wait to return, and has worked over the offseason to reduce his weight and increase his explosiveness.
"You try to work on some stuff in the summer, whether it's losing some weight and maybe getting a little faster and quicker."
- Noel Acciari
- Noel Acciari
Why Justin Brazeau's absence has really hurt the Penguins
Brazeau has been sidelined since Oct. 30 versus the Minnesota Wild, but remains one of the scoring leaders on the team with 12 points in 12 games.
He quickly adapted to the lineup on the second line and the second power-play unit before the injury.
The fact that both are able to get through a full-contact practice is a positive sign in a Penguins club that has been dealing with injuries lately. The return of both of these linemates could be just what this team needs.
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