Penguins Return Kuzmenko to Lineup Against Blackhawks

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Andrei Kuzmenko returned to the active lineup Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks after missing games following a family tragedy. Coach Dan Muse confirmed the forward's return as the team began a four-game road trip, with Kuzmenko coming back after conditioning work.

The Penguins had designated Kuzmenko as non-roster after he took time away following the death of his father, Alexander, on Sept. 22. According to TribLIVE, the offseason free-agent addition had played two games this season without a point before his return.

Kuzmenko practiced fully Monday in Cranberry and worked on the third line with Ben Kindel and Ville Koivunen while also joining the second power-play unit. The Penguins also placed defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk on injured reserve because of an undisclosed injury, according to team updates.

Dan Muse explained Kuzmenko's progress after practice before the Blackhawks game.

"Looked good," said Dan Muse, Penguins head coach.

Muse said the team would evaluate the roster decision before Kuzmenko's activation became official. The coach later confirmed the forward was ready to return after gaining practice time.

"We'll have some conversations and figure out some things for tomorrow," said Dan Muse, Penguins head coach.

Koivunen discussed the developing line combination with Kuzmenko and Kindel during practice.

"Everyone is good (offensively)," said Ville Koivunen, Penguins forward.

"And works hard. Just try to get to play with the puck and make plays. Try to get some chances," said Ville Koivunen, Penguins forward.

The Penguins continued adjusting their crowded lineup as players returned from absences. Muse said competition for spots would require difficult decisions.

"When guys come back in, decisions have to be made. I mean, someone has to come out from game to game. For the guys that have come in and out a little bit, it's also something where it's 'take it.' I want those guys to make my job even harder," said Dan Muse, Penguins head coach.

"And I think there's always going to be conversations after every game, after a win, after a loss, in terms of what the lineup's going to be; if you're sticking with lines, if you're sticking with pairs, if you're making changes," said Dan Muse, Penguins head coach.

Muse said players can influence lineup choices through their performances. The Penguins had several forwards competing for available positions before the road trip.

"And if you're in the conversation, my message to those guys is always to work to remove yourself from the conversation," said Dan Muse, Penguins head coach.

"So within the minutes that are played, you do it. Then there are also some games, and this has come up this year where they've done all the right things, (but) we have other guys that are coming back, and so we have to make some really hard decisions there. But I would prefer hard decisions," said Dan Muse, Penguins head coach.

Defenseman Spencer Stastney was also expected to remain in the lineup after joining Pittsburgh in a trade with Edmonton. He prepared to face Chicago, the team he followed while growing up in Woodridge, Illinois.

"We had our captains (planned) as flag bearers," said Spencer Stastney, Penguins defenseman.

"But we played the night before, and I think guys (said), 'It's pretty early, I don't really want to do it,'" said Spencer Stastney, Penguins defenseman.

"So, I volunteered. I was leading the 'Hawks out. It was pretty cool," said Spencer Stastney, Penguins defenseman.

Muse also described the process of getting Kuzmenko back into game action after his extended absence.

"It was a long stretch off," said Dan Muse, Penguins head coach.

"He's had some really good practices," said Dan Muse, Penguins head coach.