Penguins Injuries: Update on Ludvig’s Condition, Nedeljkovic Suffers LBI

The Pittsburgh Penguins might have an interesting situation in goal Thursday when they host the unbeaten Colorado Avalanche at PPG Paints Arena.

Backup goalie Alex Nedeljkovic suffered a lower-body injury during the game. He attempted to practice Wednesday but left early. Coach Mike Sullivan did not have an answer if Nedeljkovic could dress as a backup behind Tristan Jarry Thursday.

The goalie stopped 30 of 34 against the Dallas Stars in his second start this season, His otherwise solid performance was somewhat marred by an ill-advised trip away from the net in the third period to knock a loose puck away toward his teammates. Nedeljkovic didn’t get to the puck in the slot in time, and Dallas scored a backbreaking goal.

Sullivan also updated the status of defenseman John Ludvig, who appeared to be knocked out, or close to it, after a fierce open ice hit on Dallas center Radek Faksa. Ludvig initiated the hit but took the brunt of the impact and fell face-first to the ice. He lay motionless for an extended period of time. Fortunately, his face landed on his outstretched arm.

It was Ludvig’s NHL debut. He had to be helped off the ice minutes later.

Ludvig has a concussion, according to Sullivan. No more information is yet available.

Without putting a player on waivers Wednesday, the Penguins will not have enough salary cap space to call-up a player without putting Ludvig on LTIR.