Key Penguins forward may return for round 2

The second round matchups are set and wouldn’t you know it…the Pittsburgh Penguins will faceoff against the rival Washington Capitals. The Penguins have owned the Capitals in recent playoff history and with the pending return of a key player, the odds may be stacked even more heavily in their favor.

Penguins reporter for NHL.com Wes Crosby reported this morning that an injured Chris Kunitz had shed his injury-jersey and took part in a regular practice with the team. This may be the final step in his return to the lineup from a lower body injury that the veteran sustained in late March. He’s been skating with injured defenseman Chad Ruhwedel, who also joined full practice, since then while rehabbing his injury.

Whether or not Kunitz and Ruhwedel make their way into the Penguins lineup for game 1 against the Capitals, Pens fans should be happy at the team’s increased depth. While the Penguins have looked good and have history on their side, the President’s Trophy winning Caps will provide perhaps the ultimate test.