Pascal Dupuis to make return to Penguins lineup vs. Stars
It’s been a long road back, but Pascal Dupuis will return to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup for Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Stars.
Dupuis last played a regular season game on Nov. 15, 2014, a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers. Days later he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung and needed six months of treatment with blood thinners.
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In an article for The Players’ Tribune last February, Dupuis detailed his experience dealing with his second blood clot in as many seasons and how they nearly ended his career. But as he wrote, he was determined to get back on the ice.
“I’m 35. I know I don’t have much time left. But I’m getting out of that press box prison. I don’t care if it takes six months or a year or two years. I will get healthy. I will play in the National Hockey League again.”
Dupuis was on-schedule to start the season with the Penguins, but a lower-body injury unrelated to his blood clots days before opening night put im back out of the lineup.
The Penguins had an optional skate Thursday, but Dupuis practiced on a line Wednesday with Matt Cullen and Eric Fehr, who’s recovering from shoulder surgery. Head coach Mike Johnston said he would manage the 36-year old forward's minutes and likely move him around the lineup.
“Finally playing a meaningful game, the team’s on a [winning] streak. I don’t want this thing to end,” Dupuis said on Thursday morning. “Whatever they want me to do. Whatever line they want me to play on, I’ll try my best.”
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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