Pittsburgh Penguins’ James Neal out with concussion
By Matt Shetler
One thing the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t want to see this late in the season is the injuries to pile up.
Already without captain Sidney Crosby and defensemen Paul Martin and Kris Letang, the Pens can now add winger James Neal to the list off the walking wounded.
Penguins’ head coach Dan Bylsma announced on Monday that Neal has a concussion and will miss at least the Penguins next three games.
Bylsma: #Penguins winger Neal has a concussion
— Shelly Anderson (@_ShellyAnderson) April 8, 2013
March 30, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing James Neal (18) skates on the ice before playing the New York Islanders at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Neal will miss the Penguins three-game road trip that sees the Pens play at the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday and the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
The 25-year old winger left Friday’s game against the New York Rangers after taking a Michael Del Zotto elbow to the head.
Following the incident, the NHL announced that no disciplinary action would be taken against the Rangers defenseman.
Neal has 18 goals and 32 points in 39 games this season, although he’s been very quiet over the past three weeks with just one goal and two assists over a 12-game span.
Given the rash of moves that Penguins’ general manager Ray Shero made prior to last week’s trade deadline, there are no shortage of bodies that Bylsma could use in Neal’s absence.
One option could be recently recalled Beau Bennett, who is almost certain to be a regular part of the Penguins lineup over the course of the upcoming road trip.