The other day Mike Sullivan was lamenting the loss of Patric Hornqvist and the energy the Swede brings to the Penguins' lineup. Well, now Sullivan might have a broader problem.
Tom Kuhnhackl and Carter Rowney, two players who bring plenty of energy, left Tuesday night's 5-4 win over the Golden Knights with lower-body injuries and did not return. Sullivan said both players were being evaluated and had no further information. He said he would provide an update Thursday when the Penguins reconvene for practice.
With Kuhnhackl and Rowney out, Sullivan was down to 10 forwards, but opted to only play nine as Dominik Simon played just one shift in the third period.
TAP ABOVE FOR BOXSCORE, STANDINGS, HIGHLIGHTSNormally a fourth-liner, Kuhnhackl took over Hornqvist's spot on the second line but lasted just five shifts and 1:48. It was not immediately clear how he was injured. Kuhnhackl has two goals and six assists in 50 games this season.
Rowney was injured when he blocked an Alex Tuch slap shot just 2:01 into the first period. Rowney was in obvious pain and had to be helped back to the locker room by trainers. He did return for one shift but was then shut down for the night.
Rowney's latest injury only continues his string of rotten luck this season. He was playing in just his third game after missing the previous 11 with an upper-body injury. Before that, he missed 13 games this fall with a fractured hand. He has two goals and two assists in 30 games this season.
MATT SUNDAY GALLERY
Penguins vs. Golden Knights, PPG Paints Arena, Feb. 6, 2018. - MATT SUNDAY / DKPS