Equilibrium was restored to the Penguins Monday, when Pascal Dupuis returned to Sidney Crosby’s left wing at practice.
Dupuis, who characterized his trip to the hospital in Edmonton as precautionary, was cleared to practice after having additional testing earlier Monday and anticipates rejoining the lineup Wednesday against Montreal.
He said he understands people are sincerely worried about his well-being after a blood clot traveled from his leg to his lungs a year ago, threatening his career and life.
“That’s why we went through all that process in the last three days here, to make sure,” Dupuis said. “I remember what I did last year. I remember not speaking up for what happened and how I felt. It’s something I promised my wife and kids that I will never do again. Something didn’t add up. Spoke out and that’s why I didn’t play the last two games. Wanted to be safe than sorry.”
Dupuis had revealed over the course of his comeback that he initially kept quiet about symptoms last year that eventually turned out to be warning signs of the blood clot.
He went on blood thinners, missed the bulk of the 2014-15 season and vowed to never enter that kind of denial again.
Dupuis did not share the specific symptoms that prompted a trip to the hospital Friday, but said something happened regarding his leg that warranted further evaluation.
He made clear the symptoms were not like what he felt last year.
“No, it was nothing [like] the way I felt [before]. … Something I saw, that, on my leg that didn’t seem right,” Dupuis said. “Obviously, we play a contact sport. I blocked a shot or I got slashed or [something]. Everything happened so fast out there that I probably don’t even remember how it happened. But just had to make sure.”
Coach Mike Johnston indicated the team will always err on the side of caution with Dupuis and will withstand a short absence again if necessary to rule out any serious problems.
Dupuis has to go through one more medical hurdle today to be officially cleared to play Wednesday. No details of the specific tests were shared.
“I think through the year they’re always going to be cautious whenever anything arises,” Johnston said. “The doctors just felt they needed to be precautionary as far as symptoms that he had. That’s the way it’s going to be with his situation. He’s cleared to practice right now. We expect he’ll be cleared to play.”
Crosby said it’s tough not to worry about his longtime linemate.
“Yeah, I mean definitely. Knowing his situation and things he’s had to go through it’s always in the back of your mind,” Crosby said. “At the same time, as long as he’s here, has a smile on his face, everything is good.”
His teammates were grateful for his return.
“It is scary, he’s such a fun guy to have around. He’s got a good personality and is a big part of our team on and off the ice,” goalie Marc-Andre Fleury said. “He wants to play hockey and have some fun, win some games. It’s scary when something happens. It happens again, maybe that will be it for him? I’m not sure about that. But it is scary.”
His smile only gets old every now and again, joked Fleury: “Sometimes when you see him 10 days in a row it might be a little much. But for most of the time he’s good.”
Dupuis, who battled back from the blood clot, then suffered an undisclosed injury before opening night has played in just six games this season. Rather than fall to a third- or fourth-line role, he has been slotted back with Crosby and plays an integral role on the penalty-kill.
Jenn Menendez: jmenendez@post-gazette.com and Twitter @JennMenendez
First Published: November 9, 2015, 4:12 p.m.
Updated: November 9, 2015, 9:35 p.m.
