The conspicuous absence of defenseman Mike Matheson in the Pittsburgh Pegnuins lineup on Sunday raised some eyebrows, but that fire was quicky by Pens head coach Mike Sullivan who identified Matheson's absence as injury-related and not a healthy scratch.
"Mike was not a healthy scratch," Sullivan told the media following the Pens' 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals on Sunday. "He was injured in the last game. Right now, his status is longer-term with an upper-body injury. I don't have a time frame for you at this point," he continued.
Matheson, 26, was acquired during the offseason in a deal with the Florida Panthers in exchange for winger Patric Hornqvist.
Matheson recorded 8 goals and 20 points in 59 appearances for the Panthers last season, with a -1 rating and 14 penalty minutes.
The hard-hitting blueliner was expected to play a large role for the Penguins this season, following the departure of Jack Johnson, after being bought out by the Pens in October.
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