Dom D-Dom Dom: Simon OK, But Kahun Has Concussion

It was a tale of two Doms at Pittsburgh Penguins practice Monday – Dominik Simon participated and is hopeful he won’t miss any time, while Dominik Kahun has a concussion.

Coach Mike Sullivan announced Kahun’s status following the workout at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Kahun is in concussion protocol, which means there is no timetable for his return, but he has the advantage of the Penguins’ All-Star break and bye week approaching.

Both wingers left Sunday’s 4-3 win against the Boston Bruins.

Kahun and Simon have been playing top-six forward roles. With Jake Guentzel out for the season, Kahun was playing left wing on Evgeni Malkin’s line, and Simon has been playing right wing on Sidney Crosby’s line.

“We’ll move guys around as best we can with what we have,” Sullivan said. “That’s what we’ve done to this point, and that’s what we’ll continue to do. With Dom Kahun out of the lineup, someone else is going to get an opportunity to step in and make a difference.”

The Penguins didn’t offer a template for what the lines might look like Tuesday against Philadelphia.

Kahun ranks sixth on the team with 27 points, including 10 goals. Simon, whose strength lies more with playmaking than finishing, ranks 10^th with 20 points, including six goals.

Simon stands a good chance of being able to play at Philadelphia, the team’s final game before the break.

“I feel way better,” Simon said. “Unfortunately, I had to leave the game. I tried to go back (in the third period), but it wasn’t good.

“It’s going to depend on how it feels (Tuesday), but it feels good right now. I’m hoping to play.”

Sullivan concurred that signs are good for Simon to play.

With the Penguins over 200 man-games lost this season, Simon feels fortunate he didn’t fall into the category of so many of his teammates who have missed significant time because of injury.

“There’s no (broken) bone or anything,” said Simon, whose injury was described by Sullivan as a lower-body ailment. “I was worried for a little bit, but I wasn’t thinking ahead. I was just hoping it was going to go well. It’s nothing too bad, so I’m happy about that.”