Pens host Senators tonight.

It appears that looking on the bright side is already paying off. What was being reported as a broken foot for James Neal appears to be a bruise that will not get any worse apparently with playing and will heal rather quickly. Here is what coach Bylsma had to say on the injury:

"The first preliminary tests after the game indicated a fracture in his navicular area, a tough bone and tough place to heal. Further tests, an MRI done yesterday showed that what he had was a pre-existing condition. Possibly having done it as a small kid. It showed up as a crack on the X-Ray, but the MRI showed it is not a break. He does have a bone bruise and it’s a play as pain permits injury for James. That’s why we saw James Neal on the ice today.
Over time it will get better. He’s fine and able to go. He was pretty relieved to find out the news. With just a bone bruise, he should be healing as days go by." - pittsburghpenguins.com



The good news doesn't stop there either. Craig Adams is expected to play tonight as well.

Paul Martin is a game time decision for tonight's game due to illness and as a precaution, the Pens have called up Simon Despres.


Even with the good news for the Pens, they still have a tough challenge tonight against the Ottawa Senators. The Senators are 5-0-1 in their last 6 games and have moved up in the standings to 5th place in the Eastern Conference. The Pens are on their 4 game losing skid and are looking to rebound to gain some points and some spots up the Eastern Conference ladder. Brent Johnson is in goal for the Pens tonight. He has struggled a bit this season and needs to get back to his form from last season where he was a splendid back-up goalie who sometimes stole the show when he was in net. The Pens know they have to play better in order to gain some points. I'll be happy with a good, full 60 minutes of play with some consistency and great goaltending. Also, Tangradi was called up and I would really like to see him step into the offense for the big club.

Our positive thinking has already given us some good news on the injury front, now, let's hope some more positive thinking will earn us the 2 points we desperately need.