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Penguins’ Guentzel to miss 4-6 months after shoulder surgery

Senators Penguins Hockey

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Jake Guentzel (59) rolls on the ice after being injured after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, in Pittsburgh. Guentzel left the ice and did not return to the game. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

AP

A brutal year for injuries just got worse for the Penguins.

One day after he crashed into the end boards following a goal, the Penguins announced that Jake Guentzel underwent shoulder surgery and will miss the next 4-6 months.

Guentzel had a goal and three points in the 5-2 win over Ottawa on Monday. The goal, which was his 20th of the season, was also the 200th point of his NHL career. He currently leads the team in goals and points (43).

“It was really scary,” Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said afterward. “Those are always dangerous when you fall that distance from the boards.”

Already without Sidney Crosby, Justin Schultz, Nick Bjugstad, and Brian Dumoulin, this is just another missing body on a Penguins team that’s still played well (24-11-4--52) despite missing over 150 man games to injury.

“I hope the injured guys are back soon and I hope he’s not out so long,” said Evgeni Malkin. “It didn’t look good. But everyone understands it’s hockey. It’s tough. Sometimes we have a couple injuries. But I need to play better next game if Jake does not play.”

Guentzel’s injury also means he’ll miss out on his first NHL All-Star Game after being named to the Metropolitan Division team. Teammate Kris Letang, who is part of the Last Men In vote, could be a potential replacement to represent the Penguins or the league could keep it a forward for forward swap and invite Malkin or Bryan Rust to St. Louis next month.

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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.