Penguins Emergency Recall Blandisi

So, who is hurt or sick, now? Thursday morning, the Pittsburgh Penguins recalled forward Joseph Blandisi on an emergency recall basis, according to Penguins General Manager Jim Rutherford.

In order for a team to use an emergency recall, they must have less than 12 forwards or six defensemen available. Since the Penguins have 12 forwards, that begs the question, “who is sick or hurt?”

UPDATE 5:00 p.m.: Evgeni Malkin is sick and will not play.

An illness has swept through the Penguins locker room. Jack Johnson and Zach Aston-Reese recently missed a game because of it. Chad Ruhwedel missed practice earlier this week. Yesterday in the Penguins locker room, wingers Brandon Tanev and Alex Galchenyuk both showed signs of coming down with it, and Tanev joked with PHN to stay clear.

Blandisi, 25, has three points (1g, 2a) in 11 NHL games this season. Blandisi has 29 points in 91 career games with the New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

In 12 AHL games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Blandisi has seven points (3g, 4a). He has had three points in his last three games.

The Penguins have won three of their last four games but were soundly beaten Tuesday night by the Montreal Canadiens, 4-1 at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins are home Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.