Penguins' Kunitz a late scratch, Bennett returns after 17-game absence

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Chris Kunitz was a late scratch prior to Saturday's game against the Vancouver Canucks.

Kunitz was replaced by Conor Sheary. Penguins forward Beau Bennett returned to action Saturday against the Canucks after missing 17 games with an upper-body injury.

Analysis:

Bennett has missed the Penguins last 17 games with an upper-body injury he suffered on Dec. 14 against Washington, and will likely have a fair amount of rust to shake off in the early goings of Saturday's contest. The 24-year-old winger will slot into the lineup as a bottom-six forward Saturday against Vancouver.