Gonchar has broken bone in wrist

October 21, 1:47 PMPittsburgh Penguins ExaminerShawn McCullough

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Pittsburgh Penguins Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Sergei Gonchar (AP Photo)

For a second straight season, the Penguins will be without defenseman Sergei Gonchar for an extended period of time at the beginning of the season.

In last night's game against the St. Louis Blues, Gonchar broke a bone in his left wrist and will miss 4-6 weeks.

Fortunately, surgery was not required to fix the break and his hand has been set in a cast.

"Our team game, our execution and how we play is not predicated by one player or around one player," said head coach Dan Bylsma.  "Certainly Sergei Gonchar is a very good player, but I think the other defensemen add to how we play and how fast we play and the defensemen joining the rush."

Gonchar missed four and a half months last season after dislocating his shoulder in a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In Gonchar's absence, veteran defenseman Martin Skoula will be promoted to the starting roster and both Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski will be looked to for the power play.