Because Alexander Ovechkin's kneeing of Sergi Gonchar and the fact that Gonchar is questionable for tonight's game the Penguins have called up former Gopher Alex Goligoski as an insurance policy in case Gonchar can't go tonight.
Pens' Gonchar possibly out for tonight's game, Goligoski called up
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Penguins have recalled defenseman Alex Goligoski from their farm team in Wilkes-Barre, and he is expected to be in the lineup for Game 5 of their second-round playoff series against Washington tonight at 7:08 at the Verizon Center.
He would replace defenseman Sergei Gonchar, whose right knee was injured on a hit by Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin during the first period of the Penguins' 5-3 victory in Game 4 at Mellon Arena last night.
Coach Dan Bylsma said this afternoon that Gonchar has not been ruled out of tonight's game, and that Goligoski was recalled as "insurance."
Ovechkin was assessed only a two-minute tripping minor for the hit on Gonchar, and Washington officials said that as of late this morning he had not had a hearing with league officials.
The extent of Gonchar's injury has not been announced, but he accompanied the team here last night. He was wearing a large black support on his right knee at the team hotel today.
Gonchar has not spoken with reporters since he was injured.
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