Penguins Practice: Odd Spot for Kindel

October 2, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

CRANBERRY TWP., Pa. — Ben Kindel and Andrei Kuzmenko were part of the high-intensity Pittsburgh Penguins practice Friday, and both had different spots in the Penguins lineup.

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It was Kuzmenko’s first time back with the team since he left for Russia to take care of his family following the untimely death of his father due to a bear attack nearly two weeks ago.

Also Read:Penguins Andrei Kuzmenko Returns to Team, Makes Statement

With a lot of 5v5 work, including what resembled a short scrimmage, Penguins coach Dan Muse appeared to be easing Kindel and Kuzmenko back into the lineup. Both skated on what would be the fourth line with Connor Dewar.

Kindel also practiced Thursday, but Muse still hedged on confirming Kindel’s availability for Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens.

“He’s looked good in practice, but we still have to have those conversations with medical,” Muse said. “This is the way it’s going to be when guys are coming back in. I don’t want to say anything until I’ve had those conversations that I need to have. So, we’ll see tomorrow.”

However, Muse did confirm center Blake Lizotte is out day-to-day and will not play Saturday. Lizotte’s absence opened the spot for Kindel, and Kuzmenko skated in place of Elmer Soderblom, who served as an extra forward.

With Kindel on the fourth line, Muse was able to keep his third line together. Ville Koivunen, Hendrix Lapierre, and Filip Hallander were a force against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first game of the season. Each scored a goal, and Hallander had three points. The hodgepodge line that spent no time together in training camp immediately clicked.

Bryan Rust did not participate in practice, but skated on “injured ice” before practice.

Penguins Lines

Nick Robertson-Sidney Crosby-Rickard Rakell

Egor Chinkahov-Tommy Novak-Evgeni Malkin

Ville Koivunen-Hendrix Lapierre-Filip Hallander

Connor Dewar-Ben Kindel-Andrei Kuzmenko

Defense

Declan Carlile-Erik Karlsson

Sam Girard-Kaedan Korczak

Trevor van Riemsdyk-Kris Letang

Goalies: Arturs Silovs, Sergei Murashov

The Penguins officially activated Kuzmenko Friday afternoon. The team had an open roster spot after demoting Rutger McGroarty to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Thursday afternoon. The team roster is at 22 players and will be at 23 when Kindel is activated.

Rust and Justin Brazeau remain on injured reserve.

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