Penguins notebook: Defenseman Mike Matheson out several weeks

Penguins defenseman Mike Matheson will be sidelined on a week-to-week basis with a suspected face injury.

His status was announced by coach Mike Sullivan via video conference Monday afternoon.

Matheson was injured during the second period of Saturday’s 3-0 road win against the Washington Capitals when Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry inadvertently lifted a clearing attempt into the left side of Matheson’s face.

Matheson has 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 44 games this season.

During Monday’s road game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Matheson was replaced by defenseman Mark Friedman, who manned the left side of the second pairing with right-handed Cody Ceci.

It was Friedman’s first game in nearly two months. His most recent game was a 4-3 home loss to the Flyers on March 4. Friedman left that contest during the second period with a suspected head injury.

Before Monday, Friedman, whom the Penguins acquired through waivers Feb. 24, had played in six games this season and had two points (one goal, one assist).

Front and center

With forward Evgeni Malkin returning to the lineup after being sidelined for 23 games with a suspected right knee injury, the Penguins deployed an embarrassment of riches at their center position Monday.

With Sidney Crosby and Malkin assuming the first- and second-line center roles, Jeff Carter, a two-time All-Star, opened centering the third line. Teddy Blueger manned the fourth-line center slot.

“From a forward position, we’re as close to healthy to as we’ve been since Day 1 of training camp. We’re still not there yet but we’re inching closer, and that’s encouraging from our standpoint. It gives us the balance that I think we need to have success when the stakes are high. We’re excited about the group that’s assembled here. We think we have the makings of a pretty good hockey team. Now, we’ve got to go out and put it together. We’ve got to earn it on the ice.”

Familiar foe

Carter played his first game as a member of the Penguins in Philadelphia since he was acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Kings on April 12.

A member of the Flyers for the first six seasons of his 16-year career, Carter said there was no significance in a return to Wells Fargo Center as a member of the Penguins.

“I’ve been gone for 10 years,” Carter said. “To be honest with you, it doesn’t feel any different. Just another game for me at this point.”

Injury updates

The Penguins are still missing forwards Evan Rodrigues and Brandon Tanev.

Rodrigues remains sidelined on a day-to-day basis because of a suspected left ankle injury. During the second period of Thursday’s 5-4 overtime win against the Washington Capitals, Rodrigues was struck on the left ankle by a one-timer from Matheson.

Absent for two consecutive games, Rodrigues, who can play all three forward positions, has appeared in 35 games this season and has 14 points (seven goals, seven assists).

Tanev missed his 15th consecutive game because of an undisclosed injury. Sullivan said Tanev was given clearance for contact in practices and morning skates. Tanev, on long-term injured reserve, participated in Monday’s morning skate without any limitations.