Penguins Injury Updates on Karlsson, Lizotte

CRANBERRY, Twp — The Pittsburgh Penguins have a rough week ahead. After their sunny victory over the Ottawa Senators Sunday, they’ll play four games in the next five days, but the Penguins’ injury list might be a little longer today.

Penguins forward Blake Lizotte was struck in the head by a puck while he sat on the Penguins bench during the first shift of the game Sunday at the Sudbury Community Arena. The small-town arena placed the Penguins’ bench on the opposite side of the ice, and Lizotte didn’t see the puck coming.

Coach Mike Sullivan said Monday morning that Lizotte had a doctor’s appointment later Monday, and the Penguins would update his status after the appointment. Lizotte did not take part in the Penguins’ morning skate at the UPMC Lemieux Complex.

The Penguins’ other notable injured player is defenseman Erik Karlsson, who was injured in the days leading to training camp. Karlsson has not skated since last week. According to Sullivan, he was not scheduled to be on the ice Monday, and his rehab will involve on and off-ice activities.

Karlsson is still listed as day-to-day.

The Penguins face the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night at Little Caesar’s Arena–it is the makeup game that was postponed due to aircraft mechanical issues on Saturday.