PITTSBURGH – For the second time this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins will soon see rookie defenseman John Ludvig return after a stint on long-term injured reserve. According to Ludvig, this new injury occurred during his fight against Matt Martin of the New York Islanders.
Prior to his fight, Ludvig knocked himself out of his NHL debut, trying to lay a huge hit. It’s that kind of physicality and approach to hockey that has earned him a regular role on the Penguins roster. Despite his placement on the depth chart, Ludvig’s style has gotten in the way of him sticking in the lineup on a consistent basis.
Ludvig has played 19 games this season but says he has no plans of changing what he does.
“The way I play, it happens,” Ludvig said. “Injuries are going to happen; I have to accept that. The goal is to try and stay healthy and win some games coming down the stretch.”
Ludvig isn’t a sizable threat, but he brings something the Penguins haven’t had in their lineup in a long time. Someone willing to mix it up in the dirty areas and make it a priority to get under an opponent’s skin is a useful piece on any team.
Head coach Mike Sullivan listed Ludvig as a game-time decision and also noted that he doesn’t need to change anything about his style to be successful with the Penguins.
“I think he’s got to play the game that sets himself up for success,” Sullivan said. “Physicality is a part of it. I don’t think he can get away from the game that brings him success. That’s an element that he excels at and that’s an area where he can help us.”
Ludvig played a couple of games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during the bye week to get himself up to speed and should be ready to go as soon as possible. His grit and physicality are likely entering the lineup over P.O. Joseph when the Penguins return to the ice.
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