For Ludvig, Those are the Breaks … and the Bumps … and the Bruises (+)

CRANBERRY — The Pittsburgh Penguins understand — and appreciate — what John Ludvig adds to their defense corps.

That the physicality he brings to their blue line is unmatched by any of his teammates.

They also recognize that, while Ludvig’s style of play comes with some obvious risks to his well-being — he has missed 21 of their first 46 games because of a pair of significant injuries — he can’t stray from it if he hopes to secure a steady spot in the lineup.

Ludvig, who was claimed off waivers from Florida Oct. 9, suffered a concussion in his Pittsburgh Penguins debut on Oct. 24, when he knocked himself out delivering a big hit to Radek Faksa of Dallas. That injury caused him to miss 10 games.