Penguins Could Get Boost for Kings Game

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins have been forced to go a few games without multiple forwards due to concussion, but one may be back sooner than initially expected. Following their weekend practice, Penguins’ head coach Mike Sullivan stated that Jansen Harkins is a game-time decision against the Los Angeles Kings.

Harkins skated with his teammates for the first time since suffering a concussion against the Winnipeg Jets. He had previously been skating on his own, away from the team.

Harkins worked in his usual spot on the fourth line in his first skate back with his teammates while rotating with recalled forward Jonathan Gruden.

Since suffering his concussion, Harkins has missed two games, and the Penguins have gone 1-1 in that time.

In 34 games played, Harkins has yet to score a goal while tallying four total assists. For Harkins to return to the lineup, the Penguins must reinstate him off injured reserve and re-assign one of the recalled forwards. Gruden, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Valtteri Puustinen were all recently recalled and among the most likely to be sent back to the AHL.