Kunitz will take a seat along with a handful of other Penguins. Linemate Sidney Crosby will also not be in the lineup tonight vs. the Avalanche. None of the injuries are believed to be serious, and could just be rest as the Penguins gear up for the playoffs.
This is a good sign that he will be in the lineup tonight. If he was not cleared by doctors he likely would not be on the ice. We won't know for certain if he is in until right before puck-drop so make you have to make the call, but all signs pointing towards him being in.
"Things are progressing," Kunitz said after the morning skate. "Hopefully [it will] react well later today. Still have to talk with the trainers and doctors and see what they think." He was skating on his regular line and participated in power-play drills this morning. Both are signs that he will return, but he has to cleared first. Kunitz missed both games over the weekend, and is hoping to be back in the lineup tonight, but we likely won't hear about his status until around 5 p.m ET when the Penguins arrive at the rink.
Kunitz took part in warmups on Saturday, but was a late scratch and will not play this afternoon either. The Penguins lead the league in man-games missed due to injury this season, so just add Kunitz to a large list of banged-up Pens. With he and James Neal both out, we could see Evgeni Malkin playing with Sidney Crosby more often.
Kunitz took warmups, but was a late scratch for the Penguins. This is a tough break for the Pens who will be without Kunitz and James Neal vs. the Flyers. He is listed as day-to-day.
Kunitz status for this weekend is still unknown. He crashed hard into the net on Tuesday but stayed in the game. Coach Dan Bylsma said that he is dealing with some bumps and bruises, so he will likely be in the lineup during the home-and-home vs. the Flyers.
Kunitz did not skate this morning because of an undisclosed injury and may not play tonight. Monitor his status closer to game-time.
Kunitz now has 10 goals and six assists in his last eight games. He posted a career high 61 points in 82 games last season and is on pace for 66 points in 48 games this season. As long as he is playing with Crosby he is an elite fantasy option.
Kunitz moves up to the top line with injuries to both Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal. This promotion could give him a boost in fantasy hockey.
Both players are banged up but they still will play today. If you own either player, keep them in your lineup.
Kunitz moves off the top PP unit in favor of Crosby. He could get some minutes on the second PP unit but don't expect that line to play all that much.
Kunitz's contract is affordable and extends a solid scoring winger for a team heavy on centers (when healthy). Look for his usual 20-25 goals and for the veteran to miss a few games due to various injuries.
At 3 games played and no points on any of the 9 Pens' goals, Kunitz is opening the season a little slower than we would prefer.
Lines updated.
