The long, slow road back to the lineup for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz looks to be nearing its conclusion.
The Penguins activated Schultz from the injured list on Friday afternoon. Earlier in the day, at practice in Cranberry, he skated on a regular defense pair with Jack Johnson and participated in drills with the second power-play unit. Previously, he had been practicing only on the periphery of the lineup.
Coach Mike Sullivan said Schultz would be a game-time decision when the Penguins host the Calgary Flames on Saturday afternoon.
“With every practice, he feels a little bit more comfortable,” Sullivan said. “He’s getting stronger out there. His conditioning is improving, his timing. Just getting him in more practices, more contact drills, should help him.”
Schultz has been out since breaking his leg Oct. 13. He has been participating in full-contact practices with the team since Feb. 4.
“I want to get in as quick as I can,” Schultz said. “It’s been a long time. The quicker I can get back in and get in the swing of things and get back up to speed will be good for us.”
