Penguins Need More From Returning Forward

PITTSBURGH – After a few weeks off with an upper-body injury, the Pittsburgh Penguins are expecting to see the return of forward Reilly Smith. At the time of Smith’s injury, he had struggled for the better part of a month posting just one goal and five total points in 11 games.

Smith was playing on the third line when his injury occurred but appears to be returning to the spot he started the season. Practicing on the second line next to Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins are hopeful Smith can bounce back and produce like he did at the start of the season.

“Reilly’s obviously a good player,” Sullivan said. “He had a real great start to the season, then had a stretch there where he wasn’t as productive. Hopefully this will give him an opportunity to come in with a refreshed mind and a refreshed level of energy.”

If Smith can return and produce at a much better level, it wouldn’t be the first time the Penguins saw something like this. Rickard Rakell went the first 17 games of the season without a goal, then missed a month due to an injury. Upon his return, Rakell notched 10 points over the next 10 games.

Rakell also returned to the lineup in a higher spot than when he left. When Rakell returned, he jumped from the second line with Malkin to the first alongside Sidney Crosby.

The parallels are there, and Smith will look to follow in similar footsteps as Rakell. In 40 total games played this year, Smith has notched eight goals and 12 assists for 20 total points. That’s not where he would like it, but his return from injury is a perfect opportunity to rebound nicely.

Sullivan listed Smith as against the Winnipeg Jets and he could be a huge help if he finds his game.