Penguins forward Evan Rodrigues appears to have escaped serious injury.
At 9:30 of the first period during a 5-4 overtime road win Thursday against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena, Rodrigues left the game after he was struck in the left ankle by a shot from Penguins defenseman Mike Matheson.
Rodrigues fell to the ice immediately and required assistance in leaving the rink.
On Friday, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan labeled Rodrigues as “day to day.”
In 35 game this season, Rodrigues has 14 points (seven goals, seven assists).
Given Rodrigues’ ability to play all three forward positions, his malleability has been very useful this season in light of the Penguins’ other injuries to their forward ranks.
“He’s been huge,” goaltender Tristan Jarry said via video conference. “He’s been putting up points for us and he’s been putting up some big goals. The timely goals that he’s got and just being able to plug in and out of the lineup playing center or wing, he’s done a great job. And then whether it’s been on the power play or the penalty kill, he’s been a game-change for us. He’s done a great job up to this point.”
Note:
• Injured Penguins forwards Evgeni Malkin and Brandon Tanev skated at Capital One Arena, according to Sullivan.
Both players remain on long-term injured reserve. Malkin has missed the past 22 games due to a suspected right knee injury. Tanev has been sidelined for the past 13 games due to an undisclosed ailment.
