Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek suffers broken finger, out for 4-6 weeks -NHL update
Pittsburgh Penguins faced another loss on their line-up after their 28-year-old defender, Zbynek Michalek, broke a finger in his right hand during their matchup against New Jersey Devils on Saturday. Coach Dan Bylsma made the announcement that he will be
missing at least 4-6 weeks before he can play but fortunately, does not need surgery on the affected part.
"We definitely could use a little luck in the injury department", said defenseman Matt Niskanen.
The Penguins are already missing a number of players like their top forwards, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, who are out with lower body injuries and a severe concussion respectively.
Along with Malkin, Crosby and now Michalek, Pittsburgh is also missing their 25-year-old forward, Tyler Kennedy, who is out with concussion related issues and Brian Strait, out with an elbow injury.
Currently, Michalek is signed on to the Penguins roster for five years, worth an estimated $20 million, which both stakeholders agreed to before the 2010-2011 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season kicked off.
Up until now, the veteran defenseman might not be having the performance he had hoped for, but it certainly is not worthless according to coach Bylsma.
"I'm pretty sure his minus isn't where he wants it to be, but he has had a pretty heavy load of [being on the ice with] the other teams' best players and a lot of minutes doing so", Bylsma said. "That maybe hasn't worked out for him, but he's done a pretty
good job for us, and the penalty kill has been exceptional".
Before joining the Penguins last season after becoming an unrestricted free agent, Michalek had spent five straight seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes, a team which he joined after his opening career season with Minnesota Wild.
Last season, Michalek potted 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) in 73 matchups and hopes to improve his overall record this time around.
Pittsburgh and their fans can expect Zbynek Michalek to make a comeback sometime next month if all goes well and according to plan, otherwise it could take even longer, something which the Penguins are not prepared for at all.
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