The Day Has Come: Goligoski Re-Assigned

Well, we knew it would happen sooner or later, but it seems to be sooner than we all expected.

The Penguins announced today that they've re-assigned Alex Goligoski to the WB / S Baby Pens which is probably one of the reasons why he's been a healthy scratch lately.

It has nothing to do with Goligoski's play and everything to do with eight healthy defensemen on the Penguins blueline.

“That’s the only reason, numbers,” head coach Michel Therrien said. “There’s no doubt that kid belongs in the NHL. Right now we have eight healthy bodies with our defense. (Sergei) Gonchar is going to come pretty soon. It’s just a matter of numbers. I talked to him yesterday. I don’t like to see young guys like that leave at this time of the year because he was part of the group that had the (second)-best start in franchise history. He was an important player but that’s the way it is.”

With Goligoski's re-assignment came speculation of Gonchar's return; however, he won't be back at least for the next two home games against the Red Wings (Sunday) and Sharks (Wednesday).

“No, I’m going to see the doctor on Wednesday,” Gonchar said. “We’re getting closer. I have to be in game shape. There’s no timeframe. We’ll talk to him and go from there.”