The Penguins may be without both Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson tonight in Calgary, which makes yesterday’s acquisition of defenseman Ilya Solovyov from Colorado especially timely. The Pens swapped forward Valtteri Puustinen and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the Avalanche for the 25-year-old Solovyov who has shuffled back and forth between the NHL and AHL so far this season, with a goal and two assists in 16 games with the Avs.
Letang missed practice with an undisclosed upper body injury, apparently suffered against Seattle on Monday. Karlsson has missed the last four games after being placed on injured reserve on January 13th with a lower body injury.
Coach Dan Muse says the Penguins have confidence in their remaining blue-liners.
Muse has been playing all four lines on regular shifts in most games this season, which is unusual. He says it’s important that all of the lines get their work in to stay sharp and keep their energy up.
Erik Karlsson is itching to get back into action, but he says he can be patient.
Karlsson is happy that the Penguins have gotten at least one point in each of the four games he has missed (two wins and two shootout losses). He says his absence has given opportunities for other defensemen to play, and they’ve done well.
We will join the Penguins/Flames game tonight right after the IUP doubleheader concludes on 92.5 FM U92. Faceoff is scheduled for shortly after 9:30. After tonight, the Penguins will make the 183-mile trip north to Edmonton to play Connor McDavid and the Oilers.
