Penguins Injury Updates; New Confidence on Karlsson

CRANBERRY, Twp — Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan artfully sidestepped a question about defenseman Erik Karlsson’s return last week. On Tuesday, he offered some confidence that Karlsson will be ready by the Penguin’s season opener against the New York Rangers on Oct. 9 without committing to a firm timeline.

Karlsson skated Tuesday morning after at least a few days off the ice.

“I’m confident. Today was really encouraging–I think that’s a big step forward,” Sullivan said. “The players of Erik’s status, in my experience, don’t tend to need as many repetitions. Even if they’re not as strong or not on top of their game, they’re still pretty good.”

However, Sullivan didn’t have any updates on injured forward Blake Lizotte, who was struck by a puck while sitting on the Penguins bench during Sunday’s game against the Ottawa Senators at the Sudbury Community Center. Sullivan also did not have an update on goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, who was injured in the first period of Monday night’s Penguins game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Read more: (UPDATED) Nedeljkovic Leaves Game with Injury

Nedeljkovic left the game at 13:04 of the first period after visibly clutching his midsection. Doctors were to evaluate him today.