Penguins' Koivunen Nearing Return, Skates in Practice; Eyeing Wednesday Game

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ville Koivunen is nearing a return from a lower-body injury sustained 11 days ago during the NHL Global Series. Placed on injured reserve and designated "week-to-week," he returned to practice Tuesday, taking line rushes on the third line with Tristan Broz and Tommy Novak. He could be cleared to play Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres. Koivunen, still seeking his first NHL goal, aims to boost the Penguins, who have lost seven of their last nine games.