The Pittsburgh Penguins lost a lot more than the game last night, a 5-4 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. They will be without the services of Rickard Rakell for 6-8 weeks after getting surgery on his left hand.
This is a bummer considering how the Penguins have started the season and Rakell’s big role playing on the top line and on the top powerplay. The injury obviously throws a wrench into any potential trade talks involving him. It also takes Rakell, a Swedish native, out of playing in Stockholm when the Penguins play the Predators on November 14th and 16th. An unfortunate situation all the way around.
Penguins roster moves
In response to the Rakell injury the Penguins have recalled Ville Koivunen from WB/S
Koivunen was sent down to WB/S after a couple of lackluster games on Sidney Crosby’s wing. The bigger factor was the fact he does not have to pass through waivers, so when the team elected to keep Ben Kindel up and Bryan Rust returned to the lineup someone had to go.
Instead of pouting and feeling bad for himself Koivunen took it upon himself to play terrific hockey. He is currently the #2 leading scorer in the AHL with four goals and 11 points in only six games. His final play with WB/S was scoring the game winning goal in overtime last night. He was always going to be called back up, but the way he responded to the disappointing demotion was the best way possible. It was a very professional response and he deserves to be promoted to the NHL.
New lines
Koivunen will not be returning to his former spot on the Crosby line. That privilege is going to go to Filip Hallander at the moment. For now, Koivunen will start on the third line with Ben Kindel
Kindel and Koivunen showed chemistry throughout rookie camp and training camp so I like this landing spot for both players. It makes watching the games a lot more interesting when you have three lines with interesting players on them. You get to watch Crosby do his thing, then Malkin, and now Kindel/Koivunen.
Here are the new look power plays
It should be really fun to see what Kindel can do on the top power play unit. I think he will fit right in and the power play shouldn’t miss a beat.
The Penguins will host the Blues tomorrow in their first game after the Rakell injury.
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