Pens get extra boost to face Kessel and the Yotes

The Pittsburgh Penguins are getting ready for tonight’s game against the visiting Arizona Coyotes and there seems to be a great sense of optimism in the air. 

Head coach Mike Sullivan revealed after practice yesterday that the Penguins could be getting an extra boost tonight, both up front and on the back end, as Bryan Rust and Justin Schultz will be game-time decisions. 

While there is still a lot of players on the sidelines, notably captain Sidney Crosby (core muscle surgery), Nick Bjugstad (core muscle surgery), Brian Dumoulin (ankle surgery), Patric Hornqvist (lower body), good news are finally coming to Pittsburgh. 

The spotlight will also be on former Penguins Phil Kessel, who is back in the Burgh for the first time since he was traded to Arizona this past summer. Kessel spent four seasons with the Penguins, winning two Stanley Cups, racking up 110 goals and 303 points, and becoming something of a quirky fan favorite. 

We bet he will receive a nice ovation by the Pittsburgh crowd. 

Here is your Penguins projected lineup for tonight: 

 Jake Guentzel — Evgeni Malkin — Bryan Rust 
 Dominik Kahun — Jared McCann — Stefan Noesen 
 Zach Aston-Reese — Teddy Blueger — Brandon Tanev 
 Alex Galchenyuk — Sam Lafferty — Dominik Simon 

 Jack Johnson — Kris Letang 
 John Marino — Justin Schultz 
 Marcus Pettersson — Chad Ruhwedel 

 Tristan Jarry