Penguins Practice: Bunting Ill; Imama Participates

With three straight losses in four days coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break, including a potentially demoralizing 6-1 loss Tuesday at Philadelphia, the Pittsburgh Penguins held their first full (non-game-day skate) practice since before the break Wednesday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

With a rematch against the Flyers looming Thursday at home, the Penguins had nearly a full contingent of players. Only forward Michael Bunting was missing. Coach Mike Sullivan said Bunting wasn’t feeling well.

Forward Boko Imama, who is on IR because of an unspecified injury, joined the team for practice and, according to Sullivan, was a full participant and cleared for contact. It’s believed that Imama, a gritty forward, could come off IR at any time. He could be someone the Penguins want to dress Thursday against the Flyers if he is able to play.

Lines and pairings

Rickard Rakell-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust

Anthony Beauvillier-Evgeni Malkin-Cody Glass

Danton Heinen-Kevin Hayes-Phillip Tomasino

Matt Nieto-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari/Boko Imama

P.O Joseph-Kris Letang

Matt Grzelcyk-Erik Karlsson

Ryan Shea-Vincent Deshairnais

Ryan Graves-Vladislav Kolyachonok