‘That’s a Question for Ron,’ THIS is Why Penguins Need Cap Space (+)

CRANBERRY — The bench door closed. The whistle blew. Pittsburgh Penguins practice began just before noon Friday at the UPMC Lemieux Complex. But there was no Jake Guentzel.

Guentzel, 28, the talented left-side companion to Sidney Crosby on the Penguins’ top line and genuine 40-goal threat, suffered a double whammy on Thursday night against the LA Kings.

Guentzel endured a late hit by LA pest Brendan Lemieux, then was felled by a shot from teammate Kris Letang in the third period. Letang’s shot appeared to hit Guentzel in the ear.

Guentzel left the game and did not return.