Penguins' latest injury update per Dan Muse: Who's traveling and who's ready
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Penguins coach Dan Muse spoke to reporters today and provided some key updates regarding which of the injured players will travel with the team.
The Penguins received a boost at practice on Wednesday when forwards Justin Brazeau and Noel Acciari returned to full-contact work. Both had been taking part in drills in earlier sessions, but on Wednesday, both were fully cleared for contact.
Brazeau cycled through drills with Evgeni Malkin and Tommy Novak, while Acciari took part in the bottom-six rotations. They didn't run full line rushes, so the workloads remain light for now.
The injury that Justin Brazeau has been dealing with
Brazeau has been out since October 30 with an upper-body injury. Before getting hurt, he put up six goals and 12 points in 12 games. Acciari hasn't played since November 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, also dealing with an upper-body issue.
He has three points this season, all assists, in 13 games. It remains to be seen if either player will skate on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, though Sunday's game versus the Dallas Stars is the next likely date.
The players that will travel on the Penguins' upcoming road trip
Head coach Dan Muse said Brazeau, Acciari, Joona Koppanen (illness), and Anthony Mantha (maintenance) all will be traveling with the team on the upcoming road trip.
Though both Brazeau and Acciari moved to full contact today, neither is expected to play on Wednesday.
"Noel Acciari, Justin Brazeau, Joona Koppanen and Anthony Mantha will travel with the team for the upcoming road trip. Acciari and Brazeau were full contact today but not expected to play on Wednesday."
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
Mantha and Koppanen again did not take part in practice as both continued to remain out of game action.
The return of Brazeau and Acciari to full-contact work is a good omen for the Penguins, who will embark on a tough road trip, as it affords additional depth to the coaching staff to rotate these players in once everyone is ready to go.
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