Penguins Welcome Lizotte and Dewar Back to Practice Ahead of Playoff Showdown

The Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off their pre-playoff preparations on Thursday with promising news as Blake Lizotte and Connor Dewar returned to full practice, participating in contact drills. Lizotte, who has been sidelined for a month due to a hand injury, and Dewar, out for the last four games with a lower-body injury, both looked ready to contribute as the team gears up for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

If they clear Friday’s practice without any setbacks, both players are expected to be in the lineup for Game 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Dewar and Lizotte were quickly integrated back into their usual fourth-line roles alongside Noel Acciari, showcasing the team’s depth as they aim for a strong playoff run.

The Penguins’ forward lines took shape during practice, featuring a mix of skill and experience. The lines included Chinakhov, Crosby, and Rust on the top unit; Novak, Rakell, and Malkin on the second; Soderblom, Kindel, and Mantha on the third; and the returning Dewar, Lizotte, and Acciari rounding out the fourth line.

On the blue line, the defensive pairings included Wotherspoon with Karlsson, Girard alongside Letang, and Shea paired with Clifton. Goalies Stuart Skinner and Arturs Silovs both received significant work during practice, although it would be surprising if Skinner, with his playoff experience, doesn’t get the nod as the starter for Game 1.

Lizotte expressed his excitement upon returning, stating, “I think it’s great to be playing the Flyers. They’ve been playing great hockey to make it into the playoffs, so it’s going to be a tough matchup. Both teams are really looking forward to this one.” His presence will be crucial for the Penguins’ penalty kill, which has seen a slight dip without him, despite remaining one of the best in the NHL. Lizotte’s ability to win puck battles, block shots, and make crucial clears will be vital as the playoffs unfold.

During practice, the penalty kill unit had the chance to face off against the power play, a necessary exercise as both components prepare for the intensity of playoff hockey. The atmosphere was lively, with players clearly enjoying the practice, signaling their readiness for the upcoming challenge.

The Penguins will hit the ice again for practice on Friday before they face the Flyers in Game 1 on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasted on SportsNet Pittsburgh and ESPN.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.